I walked slowly out of the alley and onto the road. Pedestrians glanced at me from time to time, and I understood why—it was my handsome face. I was wearing a long golden robe with a black tiger design, which made me stand out. I decided to go back into the alley and change my clothes. I put on a simple white shirt and black jeans. I also dyed my hair black and toned down my facial features. This made me feel more ordinary as I walked through the city. After getting ready, I stepped back onto the city road. I felt good to be back.
As I walked, I had no clear destination in mind. I was simply wandering, hoping to find Roman and Master. Soon, I reached a red light at an intersection. I stopped when I saw something familiar in the distance. In front of me were the tall buildings of the city's official sector, and among them was a building with a sign that read "Lu." That building belonged to my family.
The Lu family is one of the top families in the city. We are powerful and wealthy, holding large shares in various businesses like real estate and services. Everything is operated from that building, known as the Lu Family Building. Just a bit further away is the Lu family estate—my home, or rather, my former home. I have no intention of returning. Once I get my mom back, I will move into a new house. I don't want any ties to a family that abandoned me.
Thinking about my past, I realized how ignorant I had been; I couldn't even tell friends from enemies. While I aimed to elevate my family above not just this city but the whole North continent, they were the first to betray me. They only cared about themselves and plotted against me. I still recall Lu Zhang teaming up with Lin Chen to ambush me on my way to another city. In a way, I'm grateful to him. If he hadn't ambushed me, I wouldn't have met Master or reached my current position. But I won't forget him if he had a role in getting my mother jailed.
As I ruminated, a high-tech red sports car pulled up at the red light. I spotted a familiar face—it was Lu Zhang. He was heading toward the entertainment district. When the light turned green, he drove away. For some reason, I silently followed him, using my powers to keep myself hidden from view. He parked in front of a nightclub. I knew it well—it was called Rose Night Club, a place frequented by the city's elite.
After he parked, he stepped out and opened the back door of the car. He looked almost like a servant. From the back seat emerged two people: Lin Chen, my former enemy, and Xia Yan, my former fiancée. They were holding hands and showing affection openly. A swirl of emotions hit me. I wanted to rush over and hit Lin Chen until he felt pain. I clenched my fist so tightly that it started to bleed. This was the first time since becoming my master's disciple that I bled. Even after reaching the third stage of body cultivation, my body was as strong as a Nascent Soul realm expert. Yet, I caused myself to bleed by clenching my fist. That's how strong my hatred was.
I was on the brink of losing my patience when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I quickly became alert. Anyone who could sneak up on me must be stronger than I was. I turned and relaxed when I saw the familiar face of Roman. He said, "Lu Xiaoran, you need to control your emotions. It's not time to act." I nodded in response.
**Pov: Roman**
After being separated from Master and Lu Xiaoran, I found myself surrounded by white light. When I opened my eyes again, I was in a run-down factory. I assessed my situation. Being separated must be a test from Master. He was likely watching us from the shadows to see how we performed when he wasn't with us. I didn't want to disappoint him.
I stepped out of the factory. After walking for a while, I came upon some thugs sitting around a campfire, drinking beer. They all looked up as I approached, pulling out weapons like guns and knives. They pointed them at me and said, "Hey old man, we don't know who you are or why you are walking here in a golden robe, but you must want to get robbed. Hand over your money while we're still being nice."
I nodded, agreeing with them. In that golden robe, combined with my purple hair, I was too eye-catching. I didn't want to stand out. After a chat with the thugs, I traded my golden robe for a simple black hoodie and black jeans from one of them, then walked out of the factory toward a busy road. The thugs soon fell asleep, and I made sure they would have a good rest.
Once I reached a busy road, I initially considered trying to find Master and Lu Xiaoran. The problem was that I didn't know where they were. I tapped my watch, which Master gave me; it had an AI system in it. Perhaps it could help me locate both of them.
Soon, I heard a voice from the watch, "Hi Disciple Roman, how can I assist you?"
I replied, "Can you help me find Master and Lu Xiaoran?"
The system responded, "The position of Master is unknown, but I can locate Disciple Lu Xiaoran. Would you like me to direct you to him?"
I said, "Yes, please direct me to Lu Xiaoran."
Following the system's directions, I finally found Lu Xiaoran. He was watching someone intently. Looking at his line of sight, I saw Lu Zhang, Lin Chen, and Xia Yan. Lin Chen and Xia Yan were holding hands while Lu Zhang acted like their servant. Lu Xiaoran was clenching his fist so hard that it started to bleed. I approached him and placed a hand on his shoulder, urging him to control his emotions.