THE JOURNEY BEGINS

After some time, the scene shifts to Hangfang, who is traveling toward the city using his spiritual sword and crossing a dense forest. He feels uneasy, as if someone is following him. Realizing this, he quickens his pace, trying to cross the forest and reach a safe location.

The scene then shifts to So Rong, who is worried about Hangfang leaving alone. Her face reflects concern. Just then, the sect leader, Xioi Xya, approaches her and asks, "What happened, So Rong? You seem very worried."

So Rong says, "Hangfang left without any elder's support, heading toward the jungle."

Xioi Xya, thinking to herself, *"This sneaky woman is definitely in love with Hangfang."* However, she maintains her facade of being a caring and wise leader and says, "Don't worry, So Rong. Hangfang is at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage. He will handle himself."

So Rong, with a mix of anger and concern, responds, "I know he's strong, but because of his special body, anyone could target him."

Hearing this, Xioi Xya's expression changes to seriousness. She says, "You're right. I'll immediately dispatch some elders to guard Hangfang."

The scene then shifts back to Hangfang, who is rushing through the forest, trying to find a clear area to reach safety. However, the mysterious pursuers appear more aggressive. Their leader signals them, and they begin to create a formation.

Hangfang instantly realizes they are preparing for a powerful attack using their formation. He tries to increase his speed further, but suddenly, a man appears in front of him and kicks him hard in the stomach. Hangfang falls heavily but quickly regains his balance, turning around and attacking the man with a dagger.

The man, seeing Hangfang's attack, becomes alert and dodges it. He retaliates with a deadly strike aimed at Hangfang. Hangfang tries to evade the attack, but the pressure from the strike is so intense that it sends him flying backward, crashing into twelve trees before landing on the ground. His hands and legs tremble, but he manages to stand up again.

Hangfang, dodging attacks from the two assailants, begins to tire. He shouts loudly, "If you have the guts, come at me head-on!"

From the middle of the forest, a group of around twelve people emerges. Seeing them, Hangfang says, "Looks like I made a mistake coming here."

All of them attack Hangfang together. At first, he tries to evade their attacks, but slowly, his speed starts to decrease as exhaustion takes over. One man manages to stab a dagger directly into Hangfang's arm. Before he can understand what's happening, another man kicks him hard in the stomach.

The force of the kick is so strong that blood gushes out of Hangfang's mouth. He flies backward and crashes into a tree, falling to the ground.

Hangfang lies there, murmuring in a faint voice, "Is this the end for me?"

Suddenly, he hears a voice that stirs something deep within him. The voice says, "Is this all the strength you have? You're embarrassing me! You're supposed to be my successor, and you can't even handle these insects?"

Hangfang's face, initially filled with confusion, suddenly lights up with determination. Whose voice was it? Was it his inner strength speaking, or a memory from the past that reignited his will to fight