Qing Feng drifted off to sleep beneath the Willow Tree's canopy after their long conversation. Unbeknownst to him, leaves were falling, some even finding their way into his open mouth.
The next morning, Qing Feng awoke with a strange sensation in his mouth. He felt the texture of leaves and accidentally swallowed them. "Help..." he croaked, his voice strained.
The Willow Tree, feeling a tug at its roots, stirred from its meditation. It opened its eyes and saw Qing Feng struggling. "Qing Feng, what's wrong?" it asked, a hint of panic in its voice, though in its heart, it already suspected what had happened.
Qing Feng, his eyes pleading, gestured for water while clutching his throat. The Willow Tree understood without needing further explanation. With a graceful movement, its long branches stretched towards the distant ocean. "Hold on, Qing Feng. I'll bring you water," it said with concern.
However, Qing Feng could no longer endure. He lost consciousness, his body collapsing beneath the tree. The Willow Tree quickened its movements, guilt washing over it.
Upon reaching the ocean, its branches absorbed as much water as possible. Carefully, it collected the water on its leaves and carried it back to Qing Feng. "Qing Feng, eat this leaf. The water will help dislodge the leaves stuck in your throat," it said gently.
Qing Feng, hovering on the edge of consciousness, hesitantly accepted the leaf. Yet, he trusted the Willow Tree. He ate the leaf and felt the water flow down his throat, loosening the painful blockage.
Finally, the stuck leaves were dislodged. Qing Feng coughed, taking a deep breath. His heart pounded, but he felt an overwhelming sense of relief. "Thank goodness... Thank you, Willow Tree," he said sincerely, a smile gracing his face.
The Willow Tree returned the smile, relief radiating from every leaf. "You're welcome, Qing Feng."
Qing Feng realized it was already morning. He stood up, intending to return home and clean himself up. "Willow Tree, I have to go home now. I'll come back later, okay? Wait for me," he said in farewell.
"Of course, Qing Feng. I'll be waiting here," the Willow Tree replied.
Qing Feng ran towards his home, occasionally glancing back and waving. The Willow Tree returned his wave, its warm smile reaching into the depths of Qing Feng's soul, like a mother's embrace.
---
On the Road
Qing Feng walked along the village road, greeting every resident he encountered. "Good morning!" he called out cheerfully.
"Good morning, Qing Feng!" the village chief replied with a friendly smile.
"Good morning!" other villagers greeted.
Qing Feng felt a warmth seeing the change in the villagers' attitudes. There were no more cynical glances or whispers of hatred.
"Even though I don't have any talent, I'll prove to the world that I can become a Sword Emperor recognized by the heavens and destiny," he vowed in his heart.
Suddenly, a thunderclap split the sky. A strong wind battered the village, blowing off shop roofs and ruffling Qing Feng's hair. The sky seemed to be in a rage, sending an ominous message.
As Qing Feng approached the narrow alleyway where he was always bullied, fear gripped his heart. His legs felt heavy, reluctant to take another step.
"Damn it, Ren Chao must be waiting for me there. He must be jealous of me," he thought anxiously.
However, before he could turn back, two burly men appeared from behind and gagged him. "Got you, Qing Feng! Today, you'll pay the price!" one of them sneered.
Qing Feng was dragged forcefully towards the alleyway filled with bad memories.
---
In the Narrow Alleyway
Ren Chao was already waiting in the alley, his face filled with anger and resentment. He glared at Qing Feng with a murderous gaze.
The two henchmen ripped off Qing Feng's gag. Ren Chao stepped forward, an aura of intimidation radiating from his body.
Qing Feng, sweat beading on his forehead, tried to appease Ren Chao's anger. "Ren Chao, I'm sorry for taking your spot near the Willow Tree," he said, trembling.
Ren Chao snorted. "Your apology is meaningless, Qing Feng. What I want is to see you suffer!"
With lightning speed, Ren Chao lunged towards Qing Feng. His fist clenched, spiritual energy swirling around it.
"Ren Chao, don't use spiritual energy! You'll kill me!" Qing Feng cried out in panic.
"That's my intention! You're just trash who doesn't deserve to be in this village. With your death, this village will become stronger!" Ren Chao retorted with a cruel grin.
BOOM!!
Ren Chao's fist slammed into Qing Feng's stomach with devastating force. A small explosion occurred, sending a shockwave in all directions. The villagers who heard the explosion rushed towards the source of the sound.
Ren Chao laughed triumphantly. However, thick smoke obscured his vision. "Finally, that brat is dead! Now, there's nothing to stop me!" he exclaimed.
Slowly, the smoke began to dissipate. Ren Chao and his henchmen were shocked to see Qing Feng still standing. A golden-green shield protected him from Ren Chao's attack.
"What...?" Ren Chao couldn't believe what he was seeing.
Qing Feng gasped, looking at Ren Chao in confusion. "What... what happened? Why is there a shield around me?"
Suddenly, Qing Feng felt a warm sensation in his stomach. A bright light emanated from within his body, not from his spiritual energy, but from the Willow Tree leaves he had swallowed.
Ren Chao realized what had happened. "Damn it! So, the Willow Tree has been protecting you! It implanted a protective shield inside your body!"
Before Ren Chao could attack again, the Willow Tree's branches emerged from the ground and wrapped around him, binding him tightly.
"Enough! I won't allow you to harm my disciple!" the Willow Tree's voice echoed throughout the village, filled with terrifying anger.
The villagers and Ren Chao were stunned to hear the announcement. Ren Chao struggled to break free, but the Willow Tree's grip was too strong.
"Thank you, Willow Tree, for saving me," Qing Feng said sincerely.
"It's nothing, Qing Feng. Now you're my disciple. I'll always protect you," the Willow Tree replied.
Qing Feng looked up at the sky, tears of joy streaming down his face. "Really? I... I'm really your disciple?"
"Even though you don't have any talent in cultivation, I'll teach you techniques that will be useful in the future," the Willow Tree promised.
Qing Feng vowed to be a good disciple and not disappoint his teacher.
The Willow Tree's branches released Ren Chao and returned to their origin. Qing Feng hurried home, his heart filled with happiness and hope.
---
At Qing Feng's Home
Qing Feng arrived at his house with a beaming face. He couldn't wait to share the good news with his parents.
However, before he could knock on the door, his father called out from behind. "Qing Feng."
Qing Feng turned around. "Father? What is it?"
"I need to talk to you. There's something important you need to know," his father replied with a serious tone.
Qing Feng felt a bad premonition. His father's face looked tense, unlike usual.
---
Behind the House
Qing Feng and his father sat behind the house. Qing Feng waited anxiously for what his father was going to say.
"Qing Feng, are you aware that the Willow Tree has reached the Cosmic Enlightenment Realm?" his father asked.
"Yes, Father. So?"
"The Willow Tree's ascension will attract the attention of the great sects. They'll want the Willow Tree, and our village, rich in spiritual energy and natural resources, will also become their target."
"So, our village will be attacked?" Qing Feng asked worriedly.
"Most likely. We need to prepare. We need to protect this village, no matter what," his father replied with a determined gaze.
Suddenly, a strong wind blew, shaking the trees and scattering dust. The sky darkened, as if the universe was warning of the impending danger.
Qing Feng swallowed hard. He knew the future of their village hung in the balance.
"Who will attack our village? The Chained Sect or the Fire Sect?" he muttered to himself.
Qing Feng didn't know much about the great sects in this world. He only knew a few names that he had often heard from the stories of travelers.
---
Epilogue
Far from Tian En Village, at the bottom of a dark and deep ravine, lies a hidden entrance to an ancient ruin. The door is sturdy and locked tight, unable to be opened by just anyone.
---
Inside the Ancient Ruin
In the center of the ancient ruin, a sword is embedded on an altar. The sword emits a terrifying aura, an aura that can make anyone tremble in fear.
The cultivators who have reached the Cosmic Enlightenment Realm call the sword the Destiny-Defying Sword. A sword capable of changing destiny.
For thousands of years, the Destiny-Defying Sword had never reacted. But today, the sword trembled. It sensed the presence of someone chosen, someone with the potential to change the world.
"Finally... the Destiny-Defying Sword has reacted. It's been so long. Who is the chosen one?" a mysterious voice murmured within the ruin.
Suddenly, another voice echoed within the sword. A voice filled with power and wisdom. "That person... is connected to a tree."
The voice gave a subtle clue about the identity of the chosen one. However, the clue was too vague to be understood by just anyone. Only those with a deep understanding of destiny and the universe could interpret it.
---
Chapter 3 Completed