Chapter 16: Barrier

Chapter 16: Barrier-I

Jiang Lei's time of convalescence was over. Hei was recovered by now, his initial injuries have all been cured. Therefore now, it was time for him to leave village since inner sect competition was approaching.

Although he knows that he can't make any good ranking in the competition or may be he won't be even able to participate but now he doesn't have any choice either.

He stepped outside his small room, a simple structure topped with straw, and took a deep breath. The villagers, who had been bustling about their daily routines, paused to stare at him in surprise. They hadn't expected to see him up and about so soon. They gave him a look that said they didn't expect to see him back on his feet so soon after his injuries.

As Jiang Lei walked along the narrow stone streets, he exchanged friendly smiles and nods with familiar faces. The villagers had taken care of him during his recovery, they never left him alone, either it is night or day, there was always someone around to look after him. He who never felt any care in both of his life, couldn't still comprehend this strange feeling, for him, the feeling was still foreign, but he undeniably cherished it.

Bai Zheng, spotted Jiang Lei from a distance. His face broke into a smile with the worry that could not be hidden as he approached. "Jiang Lei, you're walking around already? How are your injuries?"

Jiang Lei respectfully bowed. "Yes, Village Leader Bai. I've recovered much faster than expected. All thanks to the care of everyone here."

Bai Zheng's eyes sparkled. " We've only given back a fraction of what you've done for us, Jiang Lei. This village owes you that it can't pay back it in our whole lives."

Many villagers had been gathered around, all looking at Jiang Lei with respect. Among them, many were those who had seen Jiang Lei first time, after the clash with Dreadfang.

Bai Zheng had knowingly interrupted them; for not causing any discomfort to Jiang Lei.

When they looked at Jiang Lei for first time, they were surprised to see that such a young kid who was clearly not more than sixteen or seventeen defeated that colossal monster.

Jiang Lei faced the crowd, standing before them, he spoke, his voice conveying the gratitude and his sincerity. "You sat by my side, helping me to heal my wounds. You never left me alone. You have brought so much joy and laughter into my life during these past few days that I won't be able to forget you ever in my life. I'll always be thankful for the kindness and help you've given me and carry your care in my heart, no matter where I go.

After saying that, his attention shifted back to Bai Zheng, he spoke hesitantly, "Village Leader, I must take my leave now, The time has come for me to return to the sect."

Bai Zheng's expression grew troubled, he looked at Jiang lei with complicated eyes, he wanted to ask something, but he can't muster up the courage for that.

Jiang Lei saw through the expressions of Bai Zheng, he asked with a smile, "Village Leader, is there something troubling you?"

Bai Zheng nodded with a worried expression, "Jiang Lei, I know that you have recovered from your injuries, but I can see that you're not at full strength yet. Perhaps you should consider resting for a few more days."

Jiang Lei could see the genuine worry and affection in Bai Zheng's eyes, and it touched him deeply. "Village Leader," he said softly, "I understand your concern, but there's an upcoming Inner Sect competition in the Azure sect. I must return to the sect soon."

Bai Zheng, knowing the futility of further argument, nodded. He sighed, knowing that his attempts to dissuade Jiang Lei would likely be in vain. "Very well, Jiang Lei," Bai Zheng said, his voice carrying a mixture of resignation and understanding. "If you have made up your mind to go, then go with our blessings. Just...be careful and promise us that you'll prioritize your well-being during your journey."

"Thank you, Village Leader for your concern, I'll take your advice to heart. I'll rest a bit on the way." Jiang Lei nodded gently.

The children, who had grown fond of Jiang Lei's tales and presence, gathered around with heavy hearts. "Big Brother Jiang, you'll come back to us with new stories, won't you?" Li Hua asked, her voice quivering.

Jiang Lei knelt down and ruffled her hair affectionately. "Of course, I will. I promise to return to tell you more stories of my bravery."

With a heavy heart, Jiang Lei gathered them close, his voice gentle and soothing , "Little devils, it's time for me to return to the Azure Sect.

The children clung to him, their small hands gripping his robes tightly. "But why do you have to go, Big Brother Jiang?" Xiao Mei asked, her voice quavering with emotion. "Can't you stay here with us? We don't want you to leave."

Jiang Lei smiled sadly, his heart aching at the thought of leaving these precious little ones behind. He hugged three of them in his warm embrace. "I wish I could stay, Xiao Mei but the inner sect competition is near, and I will have to go."

The children exchanged glances, their eyes filled with sadness. Xiao Mei, Zhang Wei, and Li Hua had formed a bond with Jiang Lei, and the idea of his departure tugged at their young hearts.

"Please, take care of yourself," Zhang Wei added, his voice steady but somber.

Sure! And you all also, I want you to become taller and healthier when I come back, you know it really hurts to bent down." Jiang Lei said while making face like he is in pain.

"Heeheehee"Children laughed heartily, their laughter, bright and pure, seemingly chased away the shadow of his departure.

Bai Zheng placed a hand on Jiang Lei's shoulder. "Remember that you have a home here, always."

As Jiang Lei turned to leave, he paused and looked back at Bai Zheng. "Village Leader, there's something else I must share with you," he said in a serious.tone.

Bai Zheng raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "What is it, Jiang Lei?"

Jiang Lei took a deep breath, before saying "I have to be honest, village leader. Despite my recovery, My strength may not be what it was, when I fought against the monster. I fear that if the demon were to return, I may not have the strength to defeat it again. I urge you to consider leaving this village and seeking safety elsewhere, at least until I report to Azure sect and they send their cultivatiors to deal with this threat once and for all."

Bai Zheng's gaze was darkened listening this, he said with grave tone "You're aware Jiang Lei, that we wish to leave this place, just like you suggested. However, you know about the barrier surrounding our village. It's been preventing us from leaving for a long time, and we're trapped here."

"Show me this barrier," Jiang Lei nodded, "Perhaps I can help."

Bai Zheng couldn't hide the happiness in his face when he listened this. He has been always wishing to ask Jiang Lei about this, but always hesitated. Jiang Lei was already injured because of them, he couldn't bring himself to ask for more favour from him.

However, now Jiang Lei promoted to offer his help and Bai Zheng saw the long lost hope in Jiang Lei. He knew that only if there was someone who could help them at this situation, then it was Jiang Lei.

With an excited face, he spoke, "Jiang Lei, thank you for your willingness to help us in this way."

"Village Leader, It's just a trival matter, I also can't see you in danger. But first of all, I will need to see the barrier itself.

"Of course, Jiang Lei. The barrier is located at the edge of the village, near the ancient stone monument. Come with me."

.....

Together, Bai Zheng and Jiang Lei walked through the village, the villagers following closely behind, their hearts filled with hope that they might soon be free from their invisible cage.

The ancient stone monument stood tall, its weathered surface telling stories of past generation.

Bai Zheng led Jiang Lei to a clearing just beside the monument, where an invisible barrier shimmered faintly, like a mirage in the desert heat.

Jiang Lei's eyes were immediately drawn to the magical barrier, his gaze fixed upon it as his mind raced with possibilities. "This is the center of the barrier," he mused thoughtfully. "The source of its power seems to emanate from within this area."

Bai Zheng nodded in confirmation. "Yes, every attempt to breach it has been met with failure. We've been unable to discern its true nature."

Jiang Lei's eyes gleamed with curiosity as he extended his hand towards the barrier, his fingertips nearly grazing its shimmering surface. "I'll need some time to analyze the barrier's structure and understand its composition."

"Of course, take all the time you need but be careful," Bai Zheng replied, watching with a mixture of anticipation and hope as Jiang Lei began to focus his energy, a faint aura enveloping his hand.

Jiang Lei stood before the barrier, sensing its ancient and mysterious aura that seemed to defy comprehension. The crimson glow it cast over the entire village was both mesmerizing and ominous.

Jiang Lei approached the barrier, Cautiously, he extended his hand, his fingertips making contact with the surface.

His brow furrowed with concentration as he channeled his energy, attempting to detect even the slightest information of the barrier's true nature.

Howeve as time passed, his brows knitted together in frustration, it doesn't matter how much he tried, his efforts revealed nothing.

"This barrier is incredibly mysterious," he exclaimed in astonishment. "I'm afraid I don't have much time to waste here. Breaking through it may be our only option."

"Everyone, please step back, I am going to make an attempt to break this barrier." Jiang Lei spoke as he unleashed his cultivation, with his power at the fifth level of the Mortal realm.

Bai Zheng and other villagers saw this and immediately complied. They made a distance from Jiang Lei and watched silently as Jiang Lei struck the barrier with a powerful blow aimed directly at its core.

Energy crackled the air, swirling around his hand, with an extreme force, his attack collided with the barrier's shimmering surface, creating a shockwave that rippled in the surroundings.

When Jiang Lei was thinking that the barrier will break into pieces with his powerful attack....

But then, a change occurred....

A very powerful surge of energy erupted from the barrier, tracing the path of Jiang Lei's attack in reverse.

His eyes widened as he quickly tried to retract his hand but it was too late. The force entered his body through his hand and collided with hiim with a burst of unrelenting power. The impact resonated through him, like bolts of lightning coursing through his veins.

Helplessly, he was flung backward, his body soaring through the air like a leaf caught in the fury of a storm.

*BOOM*

With a resounding crash, Jiang Lei landed heavily, his body skidding to a stop amidst a cloud of dust and debris. He lay there, his body throbbing with pain, chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath.

His senses were overwhelmed by the powerful response of the barrier.

"This barrier can unleash such a powerful force," he muttered under his breath, slowly pushing himself up as the dust began to settle around him.

As Jiang Lei slowly got up, a loud murmur echoed in his ears.

One by one, worried villagers from the group ran towards him, their anxious eyes fixed on Jiang Lei's battered body.

The villagers, both young and old quickly approached Jiang Lei and inspected his body with concern. Bai Zheng was at the forefront with a worried expression, "Jiang Lei," he said gently, "are you alright?"

Jiang Lei nodded, managing a reassuring smile despite the pain that still wracked his body. "I'm fine. The barrier was stronger than I anticipated."

"Big Brother Jiang, you scared us!" Xiao Mei complaint, her voice a mix of relief and scolding.

Li Hua, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, approached him with caution. "You're not seriously hurt, are you?"

"Hey, I'm tougher than you think," he said, affectionately ruffling Li Hua's hair. "Just a bit shaken, that's all."

Jiang Lei looked at the worried villagers around him and managed a weak smile, acknowledging their care. "I am okay," he assured them with a hint of determination. "This barrier's strength caught me off guard, but I'll find a way to overcome it."

Bai Zheng's gaze turned somber as he drew closer to Jiang Lei, his voice heavy with concern. "Jiang Lei, please, you don't need to push yourself this hard," he implored softly. "We're already indebted to you, and we can't bear to see you suffer further on our behalf. Perhaps it's our fate to live and die within this village."

Jiang Lei placed a hand on Bai Zheng's shoulder, offering a reassuring smile. "I know, and I promise not to take unnecessary risks. But remember, there's always a solution to every problem. I firmly believe that where there's a will, there's a way, and I will discover that way."