THE RULER OF MAP

The first light of dawn poured through the thin, delicate curtains of Zhang Xin's small room, filling it with a soft, golden glow. As the sun rose, it painted the world in vibrant hues, casting long, gentle shadows across the wooden floor. For Zhang Xin, this was no ordinary morning; it was the beginning of his journey as a disciple of the famed Zi Xuan Sect. The air buzzed with energy as he quickly dressed in the sect's traditional robes, each fold of the fabric reminding him of the countless cultivators who had worn the same before him.

The Zi Xuan Sect's grounds sprawled out before him, vast and peaceful, each corner brimming with beauty and history. As he took his first steps across the main courtyard, his gaze fell on the Ranking Monument—a towering stone structure etched with the names of the sect's most powerful cultivators. These names served as a reminder of the legacy he was now part of and the expectations placed on him. With a deep breath, he promised himself that one day, his name would also grace this sacred monument, immortalizing his resolve to protect his loved ones and face the demonic forces that threatened the world.

Lost in this moment of contemplation, Zhang Xin's thoughts were interrupted by a powerful voice that echoed through the courtyards and halls, summoning all disciples to gather. The voice belonged to the master of the Zi Xuan Sect, and his summons marked the beginning of Zhang Xin's journey—a series of tests and challenges that would determine his place among his peers. With a growing sense of excitement, Zhang Xin hurried back to his room, where his close friend and roommate, Xiaobo, was still deep in sleep.

"Xiaobo, wake up!" Zhang Xin called, giving his friend a gentle shake. "The master has summoned all disciples to the hall. We can't keep him waiting!" Xiaobo groaned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, but seeing the excitement in Zhang Xin's expression, he quickly got to his feet. Together, they made their way through the corridors and pathways of the Zi Xuan Sect, joining the stream of disciples headed towards the grand hall. The hall was vast, its high ceilings adorned with intricate carvings and tapestries that seemed to whisper tales of the sect's rich history.

Once all disciples had gathered, the master addressed them with a commanding presence that filled every corner of the hall. His words were like a beacon of inspiration, laced with wisdom and authority. He announced the beginning of a new challenge—the Zi Xuan Sect would be selecting a team to represent them in an upcoming competition at the Jing Fu Empire Royal Fighting Area. This event was no ordinary gathering; it was an elite contest where only the finest cultivators from across the empire gathered, showcasing their strength, skill, and resilience.

To determine who was worthy, the disciples would first be tested in the ancient mountains, where hidden treasures awaited those who dared seek them out. Only those who successfully uncovered a treasure would advance to the next stage, their names etched into the ranks of those chosen to represent the sect. The final victor would earn the prestigious title of team leader, while the top seven would become the elite members who would compete at the Royal Fighting Area.

The announcement stirred a mixture of excitement and determination among the disciples, who shared glances of both camaraderie and rivalry. Five teams would be formed within the sect, and each team would vie for the honor of representing Zi Xuan Sect. Zhang Xin's heart raced; this was the opportunity he had dreamed of, a chance to not only prove his strength but also to make a meaningful impact on the world.

The next day, Zhang Xin, Xiaobo, and their fellow disciples set out for the ancient mountains, each step fueled by their ambition and hopes. Upon reaching the mountain entrance, an elderly figure stood waiting for them, his eyes twinkling with a wisdom that only came from deep understanding and connection with the land. The man's gaze lingered on Zhang Xin for a moment longer than the others, as if sensing a unique potential within him, before beckoning them all to enter.

Inside, the mountains felt alive, exuding a powerful, ancient energy that vibrated through the air. Zhang Xin felt the weight of countless generations pressing down on him, their trials and battles etched into the very rock beneath his feet. Legends told of these mountains as battlegrounds where humans had once fought against demonic beings, leaving behind treasures, relics, and memories of both victory and loss.

As he ventured deeper into the mountains, Zhang Xin encountered a golden dragon—a mystical creature that seemed to have emerged from the stories of old. The dragon's scales shimmered like molten gold, each movement exuding an aura of raw power and wisdom. Zhang Xin approached the creature cautiously, yet felt an inexplicable connection to it, as if he had always known this dragon.

With a deep, rumbling voice, the golden dragon shared with Zhang Xin tales of an ancient war between humans and demons. It recounted a time when the world was torn apart by conflict, with the very balance of nature hanging by a thread. In that brutal age, countless golden dragons had fought alongside humans, their sacrifices and strength helping to restore peace. Yet, the scars of that era remained, and the blood of fallen demonic dragons had seeped into the earth, casting a dark shadow over the land. The mountains were rich with the remnants of this dark legacy, and the dragon warned Zhang Xin of the demonic dragons that still lurked, their dark power staining the earth and air.

Zhang Xin listened intently, feeling a mixture of awe and determination swell within him. The dragon's words were more than a story—they were a call to action, a reminder of the weight he now carried. These treasures, hidden within the mountains, held the power to unlock new realms of strength, but they were guarded by forces as ancient as the mountains themselves. To claim them would mean pushing himself beyond his limits, testing his courage, strength, and unwavering resolve.

As he set forth deeper into the heart of the mountains, Zhang Xin could feel the presence of demonic energy thickening, the shadows growing longer and colder. Each step felt like a battle against an unseen force, the mountains' depths whispering to him of danger and challenge. But with his spirit ignited by the golden dragon's story and his desire to reach the elusive third middle stage of mastery, he continued on, his heart steady and his resolve unbreakable.

With Xiaobo and his fellow disciples by his side, Zhang Xin faced whatever awaited them, prepared to stand against the lingering darkness and uncover the ancient treasures hidden in the shadows of the past. In this test of strength and spirit, Zhang Xin knew that every step would bring him closer to his goal, each challenge shaping him into the protector and cultivator he aspired to become. The journey was only beginning, but already, he felt the weight of destiny guiding him forward, promising discovery, danger, and a future brighter than any dawn.