Chapter-5 New journey

As I slowly sat down on the chair, I struggled to control my emotions. I read the note in my hand, and my heart ached at its words. "Thank you for saving my life," it said, "but we can't be together, even though I want to. If my grandfather found out, he would kill you without a second thought. We come from two completely different worlds."

I took a deep breath, trying to absorb what I had just read. I could feel the rough texture of the paper under my fingertips, and I remembered the warmth of the person who had written the note. But now, that warmth felt so far away, like it was from a different life entirely.

The words on the page seemed to swim in front of me, and I took another deep breath, trying to calm myself. I understood the reasons why we couldn't be together, but that didn't make the pain of it any less. I held the note close to my chest, wishing that things could be different. But I knew that they couldn't. We were from two different worlds.

Despite the hurt and disappointment, I felt a determination to become stronger. I wouldn't let this break me. I would keep moving forward, no matter what obstacles lay ahead. I was determined to make the most of my life, to find happiness and fulfillment, no matter what the world had in store for me.

I couldn't help but fixate on the name at the end of the note: Qian Renxue.

"So, your real name is Qian Renxue."I have imprinted your real name, Qian Renxue, in my brain and heart."

"I rose from the chair and made my way over to the fireplace. I carefully placed the note into the flames and watched as it turned to ashes. The weight of my decision lifted from my shoulders as I stepped out of the house and into the night air. Xiao Xiao's sleeping form came into my sensory perception, my loyal canine companion, and I knelt beside him, gently shaking his shoulder to wake him.

As Xiao Xiao stirred, I stood up and beckoned him to follow me. We walked through the quiet village, our footsteps echoing in the stillness, until we arrived at the village head's house. I lifted my hand and knocked firmly on the door, waiting for a response.

The door creaked open and the village head peered out, his expression curious. "Why are you here?" he asked.

"I need your help," I replied. "I want you to take care of Xiao Xiao while I am away. I have a journey to make and I can't bring him with me."

The village head's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Where are you going?" he asked.

"I am not sure yet," I answered truthfully. "All I know is that I must leave and find my own path. I have made a promise to myself, and I must see it through."

The village head nodded thoughtfully and looked down at Xiao Xiao. "Very well," he said. "I will take care of him for you. But be careful on your journey, and may the gods watch over you."

I thanked the village head and turned to leave, knowing that I was taking the first step on a long and uncertain journey. But I was ready, and I would not rest until I had fulfilled my promise to myself and found my true purpose in life."

"As I approached the entrance to the village, I took one final look at the familiar sights and sounds of my home. My heart felt heavy as I thought about all the memories I was leaving behind, but I knew I had to keep moving forward. I took a deep breath and started walking, determined to find my own path and fulfill the promise I had made to myself.

The sounds of the village faded into the background as I ventured further and further away. I was filled with a sense of uncertainty and excitement, wondering where my journey would take me. My mind raced with possibilities and I couldn't help but feel a sense of freedom, knowing that I was finally taking control of my own life.

As I walked, I gazed at the endless horizon, my eyes searching for any sign of where I should go next. My thoughts were only interrupted by the sound of barking from behind, reminding me of my loyal companion Xiao Xiao. But I knew I couldn't bring him with me on this journey, as it might be dangerous and I didn't want to put him at risk.

With a heavy heart, I turned away from Xiao Xiao and left him in the care of the village head, knowing that he would be safe and well taken care of. And with that, I continued on my way,

From Qian Renxue's POV:

"Alright, we're all set," said the Snake Lance Douluo, "We've finally found a 60,000-year-old holy tiger that matches your qualifications, Your Highness."

"Excellent," replied Qian Renxue, "I'll take care of the soul beast and absorb my fifth soul ring."

The Porcupine Douluo nodded, "We'll keep watch, Your Highness. But be quick about it. We still have a long journey ahead of us."

Qian Renxue approached the injured tiger and, with a steady hand, ended its suffering. She closed her eyes and began the process of absorbing her fifth soul ring.

A few minutes later, she opened her eyes, a newfound strength coursing through her veins. "Let's go," she said, "We should make our way back to Suotuo City as soon as possible."

The three of them started making their way back through the forest, but they hadn't gone far when they heard a blood-curdling roar.

"It's the Dark Devil Evil God Tiger!" cried the Snake Lance Douluo. "We need to get out of here, Your Highness! Run!"

The two elders caught a glimpse of the ferocious beast, a black giant tiger, pure black all over, without a speck of other color. It was no less than eight meters long, bulging with muscle, maybe weighing more than three thousand jin. The 'king' mark on its forehead was also black, but a different shade of black from its fur, a black as gloomy as mist.

Qian Renxue took off, the Porcupine Douluo and Snake Lance Douluo hot on her heels. But the tiger was faster and soon caught up to her, its jaws closing in on her back.

"No!" shouted the Snake Lance Douluo, launching himself at the tiger. He managed to deflect half of the attack, but Qian Renxue was still badly injured.

She stumbled but refused to give up. "I have to keep going," she said through gritted teeth, "Suotuo City is the closest place for help."

She took off again, flying as fast as she could despite her injuries. But eventually, she lost consciousness and tumbled to the ground, crashing into the mountain.

The two elders were left to fend off the Dark Devil Evil God Tiger on their own. They pushed it back and fled in another direction, determined to regroup and come up with a plan to rescue Qian Renxue.