THE RULER OF MAP

After the battle with Xiang Ming, the Spider Demon King, Zhang Xin stood silently at the edge of Lumina Arcanis, watching the sky as the sun began to set. The once vibrant city was now filled with the remnants of the battle—burnt buildings, shattered streets, and fallen soldiers. But despite the destruction, the city was still standing. And Zhang Xin had ensured that it would remain that way—for now.

Master Feng Yong approached him, his face solemn but grateful. "Zhang Xin, you've done more than we could ever have asked of you. Your power, your courage… It's unimaginable. But we both know that this victory is only temporary."

Zhang Xin nodded, the weight of his exhaustion evident in his eyes. "The battle isn't over. Xiang Ming was only one part of something much larger. I can feel it… more demons will come. The forces of darkness are far from defeated."

Feng Yong sighed heavily, his hand resting on Zhang Xin's shoulder. "You're right. The Demon King's army was only the beginning. Rumors have spread of a gathering force, a dark alliance of powerful beings that threatens to destabilize the entire continent. They've set their sights on Lumina Arcanis, knowing that if they can conquer this city, they can control the rest."

Zhang Xin clenched his fists. "Then I will be ready. We must prepare for the next wave. Whatever it takes, I will protect this city."

"Then you should come with me," Feng Yong said. "There's someone I want you to meet. Someone who might help you prepare for the coming battle."

The Hidden Room

Zhang Xin followed Feng Yong through the winding corridors of the Feng Family Hall, eventually arriving at a secluded chamber deep within the estate. The room was dimly lit, with shelves upon shelves of ancient scrolls, magical artifacts, and strange relics. In the center of the room sat an old man, his long white beard flowing down to his chest. His eyes glowed faintly with a mysterious light, and his aura was one of immense power.

"This is Master Li Bai," Feng Yong introduced. "He is a sage of the highest order, and he has been researching the forces of darkness for decades. He may have the answers we need."

Li Bai raised his head slowly, his piercing eyes studying Zhang Xin. "Ah, you must be Zhang Xin. The one who defeated the Spider Demon King. I've heard much about you. You are truly an impressive young man."

Zhang Xin bowed respectfully. "It's an honor to meet you, Master Li Bai."

Li Bai's gaze softened. "The honor is mine. I sense that you are not just strong in body, but also in spirit. You have a great destiny ahead of you, Zhang Xin, but the path you walk will be fraught with challenges."

Feng Yong stepped forward, his voice filled with urgency. "Master Li Bai, we need your help. The demons are regrouping, and they will strike again soon. We must prepare for the worst."

Li Bai nodded, his face darkening. "I have seen the future in the threads of fate. The demons are not only led by Xiang Ming, but they are also being controlled by a much darker force. There is a being far more powerful than any Demon King, one who has the ability to manipulate the very essence of the world itself."

Zhang Xin frowned. "Who is this being?"

Li Bai's eyes narrowed. "His name is fanhua , the demon leader.

Zhang Xin stood still, his mind racing as the name Fanhua, the Demon Leader, echoed in his ears. The very mention of the name sent a chill down his spine. His grip tightened on the hilt of his sword, his heart pounding as memories long buried resurfaced. Fanhua was the demon who had captured his parents—Zhang Jingyi, the once mighty ruler of Map, and his wife. They had been imprisoned in the depths of Fanhua's domain for years, their fate unknown. The reason for their imprisonment was clear—Fanhua sought the Map, the powerful artifact his father had guarded.

As soon as Zhang Xin heard the name, his mind went blank. The air around him seemed to grow colder, the tension mounting as a storm of thoughts overwhelmed him.

Feng Yong watched him carefully, sensing the shift in Zhang Xin's expression. Master Li Bai, who had been silently observing, raised an eyebrow, noting the sudden change in Zhang Xin's demeanor.

"Zhang Xin, what's wrong?" Li Bai asked, his voice laced with curiosity and concern.

Zhang Xin took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure. His eyes, once focused and calm, now showed signs of the turmoil inside. "Master Li Bai, Master Feng Yong… Fanhua, the Demon Leader, is the one who holds my parents prisoner. He's the one who wants the Map, the same Map my father once ruled over."

At the mention of his parents, Li Bai's eyes widened, and Feng Yong's face darkened with understanding. They both knew the significance of what Zhang Xin had just revealed.

"Are you the son of Zhang Jingyi?" Li Bai asked with a knowing look, his voice calm but filled with a weight of realization.

Zhang Xin's shock was evident as he looked at Master Li Bai. "You know my father?"

Li Bai nodded slowly. "Who doesn't know of Zhang Jingyi? He was a legend, a powerful cultivator who ruled over the Map, a realm with overwhelming power and influence. But he disappeared long ago, taken prisoner by Fanhua, who sought the secrets of the Map. It was said that the Map contained powers beyond imagination, and Fanhua has been searching for it ever since."

Zhang Xin stood in stunned silence. He never knew his parents' fate had become such a legend. The realization that his father was not just a ruler but a symbol of power and mystery weighed heavily on him.

"Master Li Bai, what do you mean by the secrets of the Map?" Zhang Xin asked, his voice filled with confusion.

Li Bai's eyes gleamed with ancient knowledge. "The Map is not merely an artifact. It is a key, a tool that holds the power. But it is not something that can be wielded without great risk. Only a cultivator who has reached level 6 of their cultivation can properly harness its power and unlock the techniques hidden within it."

Zhang Xin's heart raced. Level 6? He had no idea what that even meant, nor did he understand how his father had come to possess such a powerful artifact. "But I don't know how to use it," he admitted. "The Map is in my sea of consciousness, but I don't understand its secrets or how to activate its techniques."

Li Bai sighed, his face filled with a deep wisdom that spoke of countless years of study and experience. "The Map's power is vast, and it will be dangerous for you to attempt to use it before you are properly prepared. If you try to wield it at a level lower than level 6, it could consume you, and you would lose yourself to its overwhelming power. You will need to reach level 6 to unlock the techniques, and only then can you begin to master its abilities."

Zhang Xin clenched his fists, the weight of the responsibility pressing heavily on his shoulders. He had always known there was something extraordinary about his father and the Map, but he hadn't realized the full extent of its power—or the dangers it presented.

"I understand," Zhang Xin said solemnly. "But I can't just sit idly by. Fanhua has my parents, and he wants the Map for his own purposes. I have to do something. I have to rescue them."

Master Feng Yong stepped forward, placing a hand on Zhang Xin's shoulder. "You've done more than enough already, Zhang Xin. But now, you must focus on your cultivation. Master Li Bai is right—the Map's power is not something you can just use without fully understanding it. You need to reach level 6 before you can truly stand against Fanhua."

Zhang Xin nodded, determination burning in his chest. "I won't rest until I have the strength to defeat Fanhua and save my parents. I will cultivate until I am strong enough."

Li Bai's gaze softened. "Very well. But remember, Zhang Xin, the road to level 6 is not easy. It will require great dedication and strength. Be prepared for the trials ahead."

Zhang Xin took a deep breath, his resolve unwavering. "Thank you, Master Li Bai, Master Feng Yong. I will not fail."

Departure

As the conversation ended, Zhang Xin knew what he had to do. The Lumina Arcanis city had offered him a temporary respite, but he could not remain here forever. His path was clear—he had to continue his journey, cultivate, and grow stronger. His parents were depending on him, and Fanhua's dark ambitions would not stop.

"Zhang Xin," Feng Yong called as Zhang Xin turned to leave, "remember this city stands with you. If you ever need help, we are here."

Zhang Xin gave a respectful nod. "Thank you, Master Feng Yong. I'll remember that."

With one final glance at the Feng Family Hall, Zhang Xin began his journey once more, leaving Lumina Arcanis behind. The road ahead was uncertain, filled with danger and darkness, but Zhang Xin was ready. He had a purpose now—one that would see him through the trials ahead.

As he walked into the horizon, the weight of the Map and his parents' fate burdened his heart, but his determination remained unshaken. The world was about to witness the rise of a new power, and Zhang Xin would not rest until he had claimed it.