The wind howled arena.
Dust rose in spirals as two figures faced each other beneath the open sky.
At the center stood a young man in Dark robes - calm unmoving ,
XUAN DAO.
Through barely past his youth , his presence was like a drawn blade - silent,sharp,and deadly.
Around him , whispers spread through the crowd.
"That's him ..... the one who defeated three warrior's in single strike..."
"So young....yet already at that level..."
Across from him stood a seasoned fighter , broad - shouldered and battle hardened.
OPPONENT:"Boy...you should've stayed hidden a few more years."
Xuan dao did not respond .
His hand rested lightly on the hilt of his sword .
OPPONENT(laughing): "Don't worry . I'll make this quick".
A pause.
then-
The man charged .
His blade cut through the air with force , aiming straight for xuan dao's neck.
Fast.
Powerful.
But-
Not enough.
A flash of steel.
A single step.
A single movement .
Then-
Silence.
The opponent stood froze mid-strike.
His sword stopped inches away from Xuan-Dao.
A thin line of red appeared across his chest.
His eyes widened.
OPPONENT(hoarse): "I didn't even see it..."
His sword fell from his hand .
A heartbeat later -so did he.
The arena erupted.
But Xuan Dao simply lowered his blade , his expression unchanged.
XUAN DAO : " To slow ."
High above , within the imperial pavilion-
The Emperor watched.
his gaze sharp. Calculating.
Emperor : "What is his name ?"
A minister stepped forward.
Interest flickered in his eyes.
MINISTER: " Your majesty , he is called xuan Dao . A wandering cultivator....with no allegiance."
EMPEROR: "No allegiance....yet."
A faint smile touched his lips.
Emperor:"Summon him."
That night under the golden glow of lanterns
-
Xuan Dao Stood before the Emperor.
Unbowed.
Unshaken.
Emperor: " You posssess skills beyond your years."
Silence.
Emperor: "Serve me."
It was not a request .
Xuan Dao met his gaze.
XUAN DAO : "For what purpose?"
A dangerous question .
The air grew tense.
But the emperor only smiled.
EMPEROR: " To forge the future of this empire."
A pause.
THEN-
You will train the Crown Prince.
For the first time , Xuan Dao's eyes shifted slightly .
XUAN DAO: ".....The heir?"
Emperor: "YES."
A beat of Silence .
The Xuan Dao bowed his head - just slightly.
XUAN DAO : "As you Command."