Lou Zen stepped out of the Ancestral Hall… map in hand, determination in his eyes.
The entrance to the forest appeared before him.
"This isn't just a forest... it's the first turn in my destiny," he thought.
He entered the dense forest. The chirping of birds, the soft breeze, and lush greenery surrounded him… it all seemed peaceful, but within him burned the fire of purpose.
After hours of walking, fatigue caught up with him. He spotted a large, ancient tree — and sat beneath its roots to rest.
"A little rest... then I'll search for food and water."
After a few minutes, he stood up and began moving again, deeper into the forest.
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As he walked, the scene around him began to change. There were vibrant flowers, glowing butterflies, and spiritual beasts — beautiful and gentle, neither hostile nor fearful. The entire forest felt like a hidden sacred realm.
Lou Zen whispered to himself,
"This place... feels like a lost divine land."
Suddenly, a faint cry echoed in his ears:
"Help… someone help me!"
He immediately froze. His eyes darted around — but saw no one. Then, straight ahead…
🌸 A beautiful girl — almost fairy-like — dressed in a white spiritual robe, stood trembling. Her eyes held fear, but her face glowed with a strange, divine light.
Three men were chasing her — they looked like bandits from the outer region.
---
Without thinking, Lou Zen sprinted towards them. One man turned to look, but before he could react —
💥 Lou Zen's powerful kick slammed into his stomach!
The man flew back and crashed into a tree, instantly knocked out.
The second man barely had time to move. Lou Zen leapt and struck him with a crushing punch — sending him tumbling across the ground.
---
The third man stared in shock. Rage twisted his face as he pulled out his weapon — a massive hammer.
💢 "Who the hell are you to play hero?!"
He roared, charging at Lou Zen with fury.
Lou Zen dodged backward — fell to the ground, dust swirling — but quickly rose to his feet.
🌀 With one spinning motion, he delivered a sharp kick straight to the man's neck!
💀 "Crack!"
The sound of breaking bone filled the air. The third man collapsed — motionless.
---
Silence returned to the forest.
The girl had collapsed to the ground in fear. Lou Zen approached her and gently asked:
"Are you okay?"
She looked up at him… eyes brimming with tears, but a faint smile touched her lips.
"What's… your name?"
Lou Zen hesitated for a moment, then answered:
"Lou Zen."
The girl whispered softly:
"I'm Mei Ling… and you… you appeared like an angel."
A fain
t smile crept onto Lou Zen's face — for the first time in a long while.
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