Rebirth of Jinxuan

Ai Xi looked in the direction of the voice and saw a man dressed in white with a jade pendant at his waist, exuding an extraordinary air; he was none other than the round-faced elder of Jing Tang. He walked up to Ai Xi and asked with concern, "Ai Xi, are you alright?"

"Thank you for saving me, Elder. I am unharmed," Ai Xi replied respectfully.

"That beast dared to attack my Jingtang disciple! I will make it pay!" the round-faced elder said, looking up at the sky with a cold glint in his eyes. However, the black bird had already vanished without a trace. He then turned to Ai Xi and said, "You've been frightened. Go back and rest."

Ai Xi nodded, thanked the round-faced elder, and then left with Mo Chenfan and the two children. As dawn broke, they arrived at the martial arts training ground on the outskirts of the Dark Night Forest and found Momo and Ayu. Both children had fainted, but thankfully they were unharmed. After a short rest, the group was drawn to the lively scene in the training ground.

At this moment, the martial arts training ground was bustling with activity, and among the throngs of people, a carriage stood out. The carriage was crafted from ebony, with soft silk curtains draped around the sides, and its roof inlaid with glittering gems, making it particularly dazzling in the morning sunlight. The two horses pulling the carriage had glossy coats and were exceptionally spirited.

"Whose carriage is that? It's so beautiful!"

"Judging by this entourage, they must be extremely wealthy and powerful!"

"Could the person sitting in this carriage be a member of the royal family?"

The onlookers were abuzz with discussion, filled with curiosity about the mysterious figure inside the carriage.

At that moment, a loud voice rang out in the training ground: "The physical fitness test of Chenxiao Martial Arts Hall shall begin now!"

As the voice faded, several young disciples dressed in uniform emerged from the martial arts hall. They stood tall and moved with agility, each exuding an air of martial prowess. They were the elite disciples of the martial arts hall, responsible for this physical fitness assessment.

The assessment was simple and a traditional event of the Martial Arts Academy: an extreme physical fitness test. Elite disciples of the academy would chase the children participating in the assessment, and those caught would be eliminated. The children had to run back the route they had come from, while parents were required to follow behind the chasing disciples and not interfere with the assessment.

"Ready, go!" With that command, the children shot off like arrows towards the starting line. The elite disciples followed closely behind, and the chase began.

The martial arts training ground was instantly filled with lively activity. The sound of children running, the cheers of parents, and the shouts of onlookers mingled together, creating a vibrant and passionate symphony.

Qian Feng, a small and thin boy, stood out in the crowd. Although he was not tall, he was exceptionally agile when he ran, like a nimble little monkey, weaving through the crowd and evading the pursuit of the elite disciples.

As the assessments continued, more and more children were eliminated.

The round-faced elder walked up to the carriage and said, "Madam Lu, you must be tired from your journey. Please get out of the carriage and rest for a while. After the physical fitness test, you can begin the spiritual trial."

Inside the carriage, a clear, cold female voice came from inside: "Thank you for your trouble, Elder."

The carriage curtain slowly opened, revealing an exquisitely beautiful face. Long, jet-black hair cascaded down like a waterfall, accentuating her fair, jade-like skin. Her phoenix eyes were slightly narrowed, carrying a hint of languor and nobility. This person was Lu Jinxuan. Beside her, Lu Yuhang was curled up on a soft brocade cushion, fast asleep. The sounds of commotion outside the carriage drifted in. Lu Yuhang groggily turned over, nuzzled his head against Lu Jinxuan's sleeve, and then drifted back to sleep.

Lu Jinxuan gently stroked her son's hair, her gaze drifting to the bustling martial arts training ground outside the window. Children chased each other, their laughter echoing throughout, creating a vibrant scene. A slight smile played on her lips, and a gentle tenderness shone in her eyes.

At this moment, a young girl walked to the carriage and bowed respectfully. "Your Highness, the physical fitness test is about to end, and the spirit trial ceremony is about to begin." The girl was Qing Yuan, and her tone was gentle, yet carried an undeniable firmness.

Lu Jinxuan nodded, signaling Qingyuan to wait a moment. She gently patted Lu Yuhang's little face and said softly, "Hang'er, wake up, we've arrived."

Lu Yuhang rubbed his sleepy eyes, groggily sat up, and looked around, still seemingly not fully awake. "Mom, where are we?"

"We've arrived at the Dark Night Forest Martial Arts Hall. It's time to test your spiritual power," Lu Jinxuan explained patiently.

Qingyuan added from the side, "Young master, please come with me."

Lu Yuhang nodded blankly and followed Qingyuan down from the carriage. Momo and Ayu also woke up, rubbing their eyes and following behind in a daze.

Outside the carriage, the morning sun shone on the training ground, bathing everything in a golden glow. The physical fitness test was nearing its end, and the few remaining children were still running with all their might, their faces filled with perseverance and effort. The parents watched anxiously from the sidelines, occasionally letting out encouraging shouts.

Qian Feng, this small and thin boy, successfully completed the physical fitness test with astonishing perseverance. He stood panting at the finish line, a victorious smile on his face.

The round-faced elder walked up to Qian Feng and nodded approvingly. "Not bad, lad, your perseverance deserves a reward."

Qian Feng straightened his chest and proudly accepted the elder's praise.

Just then, Lu Jinxuan, along with Lu Yuhang, Momo, and Ayu, stepped off the carriage. Their arrival immediately attracted the attention of everyone around them.

Lu Jinxuan possesses a noble and elegant demeanor, like a fairy descended from heaven. Lu Yuhang, though still young, exudes an innate charm that draws people in effortlessly.

Lu Yuhang looked around sleepily, and seeing so many people staring at him, he rubbed his eyes a little shyly and greeted them in a childish voice, "Hello..."

Qingyuan walked to Lu Yuhang's side and subtly transmitted her voice to him, "Young Master, His Highness the Demon King and Ai Xi have already entered the Martial Hall. I will protect you the whole time, so don't worry."

Lu Yuhang blinked his big eyes and nodded blankly. Although he didn't quite understand why they went in early, he trusted Qing Yuan's words completely. With Qing Yuan by his side, he felt much more at ease.

Just then, a deep, resonant bell rang throughout the training ground. The previously noisy crowd gradually quieted down, and all eyes turned to the main gate of the martial arts hall. The heavy gate slowly opened, revealing a spacious courtyard inside.

A loud voice came from inside the door: "All children participating in the assessment, please enter now!"

Upon hearing the instruction, the children surged towards the gate. A thin boy, Qian Feng, who had just finished his physical fitness test, excitedly ran into the martial arts hall, pulling two little girls with pigtails along with him. Lu Yuhang watched this scene curiously and followed with his short legs.

Strangely, the guards at the martial arts hall did not stop the parents from entering. Lu Jinxuan followed the crowd into the martial arts hall, with Qingyuan close behind, her eyes scanning the surroundings warily.

Inside the martial arts hall was a huge plaza, in the center of which stood a massive testing stone, emitting a faint glow. The children lined up as instructed and took turns going to the testing stone to undergo the test. Lu Yuhang's test result was the same as last time.

After the test, Lu Yuhang stood in the crowd, looking around curiously. He then turned his gaze to the high platform in the center of the square. Several elderly men sat on the platform, one of whom was the round-faced elder who had praised Qian Feng earlier. He sat upright, holding a jade slip in his hand, seemingly recording something.

Suddenly, a golden light descended from the sky, enveloping the entire square. Everyone looked up and saw a red sun slowly rising, dyeing the sky a golden-red hue.

The round-faced elder stood up, cleared his throat, and announced loudly, "The next item in the Martial Arts Hall assessment is..." He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd in the square, and slowly said, "The extreme physical fitness test!"

The square fell silent immediately upon hearing this. Everyone exchanged bewildered glances, seemingly unable to process what had just happened. Hadn't they already conducted a physical fitness test? Why was it being done again?

Whispers began to circulate among the crowd; some were puzzled, some were confused, and others started to speculate about the true purpose of the test.

Qian Feng, holding the hands of the two little girls, looked at the round-faced elder with a blank expression. He muttered to himself, "Didn't we already run? Why do we have to run again..."

Lu Yuhang was also somewhat confused. He looked up at his mother and noticed a serious expression on her face... "Mother..." He was about to ask when a sharp voice came from the crowd...

"What? Another physical fitness test? My child has already run it once!" A gruff voice boomed from the crowd; it was the same man who had complained earlier about how difficult the test was. His words resonated with those around him, and murmurs of discontent rose and fell.

"Yes, that's so unfair! The kids are already exhausted!"

"Does the Martial Arts Hall only test physical fitness? Are other talents unimportant?"

Despite the crowd's questions, the round-faced elder remained calm. He smiled slightly and gestured for silence. "Please be patient, everyone. This physical fitness test is different from the previous ones." His voice carried an undeniable authority, gradually silencing the clamor.

“This time, the children will be chased by the elite disciples of my martial arts hall,” the round-faced elder paused, a sly glint in his eyes, “and any child caught will be eliminated.”

As soon as these words came out, the crowd exploded.

"What? Make elite disciples chase after them? That's going too far!"

"This isn't a test, it's clearly a mockery of the children!"

"My child is only five years old, how can he outrun the elite disciples of the Martial Arts Hall?"

Lu Jinxuan frowned, a sense of unease rising in her heart. She looked at Lu Yuhang beside her; the little boy's face was also filled with worry. Qing Yuan gripped her sword tightly, her gaze warily sweeping across their surroundings.

"Quiet!" Elder Yuan-faced shouted sharply, silencing the crowd once again. "The destination is the martial arts registration office in town. Children, just return the way you came. As for you parents," he smiled meaningfully, "please follow behind the pursuing disciples and cheer for your children. Parents of eliminated children can take them home directly."

The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, wondering what the elder was up to. Having parents follow behind—what kind of encouragement was that?

"The assessment begins now!" As soon as the round-faced elder finished speaking, more than a dozen young disciples dressed in black suddenly appeared on the square. They were all agile, with sharp eyes, and exuded a powerful aura.

"Run!" someone shouted, and the children scattered like birds, running wildly towards the gate of the martial arts hall.

Lu Yuhang was startled by this sudden turn of events. He gripped Lu Jinxuan's hand tightly, his eyes filled with fear. "Mother..."

"Don't be afraid, Hang'er, Mother will protect you." Lu Jinxuan hugged Lu Yuhang tightly and ran out with the crowd.

Qingyuan followed closely behind, her eyes scanning the black-clad disciples around her warily. She noticed that these disciples were not moving fast, seemingly intentionally slowing down, but their eyes remained fixed on the children, like cheetahs eyeing their prey.

Qian Feng, pulling two little girls along, ran at the front of the group. He glanced back at the disciples chasing after him, a smug smile spreading across his face. "Hmph, with that kind of speed, they think they can catch me? Dream on!"

However, before he could finish speaking, a disciple in black suddenly accelerated, about to catch up with him. Qian Feng nimbly dodged, avoiding the attack.

Lu Jinxuan's heart sank when she saw this. She realized that this assessment was not as simple as it seemed on the surface.

"Qingyuan, protect Hang'er," Lu Jinxuan said softly.

Qingyuan nodded.

"Mother, I'm scared..." Lu Yuhang hugged Lu Jinxuan's legs tightly, his voice trembling.

Lu Jinxuan gently patted his shoulder and softly comforted him, "Don't be afraid, Hang'er, Mother will always be with you."

Just then, a disciple in black rushed towards them... "Grab them!"

The black-clad disciples swooped down like hawks, their target Lu Jinxuan and Lu Yuhang. Lu Jinxuan reacted swiftly, shoving Lu Yuhang towards Qing Yuan, "Take him away!"

Without hesitation, Qingyuan grabbed Lu Yuhang and ran into the crowd. The black-clad disciple missed his target, glared angrily at Lu Jinxuan, and was about to give chase when Lu Jinxuan blocked his way.

"If you want to capture my son, you'll have to get past me first!" Lu Jinxuan's gaze was icy, and she exuded a chilling aura.

The black-clad disciple sneered, "Overestimating yourself!" With that, he threw a punch at Lu Jinxuan.

Although Lu Jinxuan lacked spiritual power, she was a master alchemist in her past life, and her skills were far beyond those of ordinary women. She nimbly dodged the black-clad disciple's attacks while simultaneously kicking him in the abdomen. Caught off guard, the black-clad disciple was forced back several steps.

Although the surrounding parents were dissatisfied with the martial arts school's assessment methods, they dared not confront them directly. They could only watch helplessly as their children were chased, their hearts filled with anxiety.

"Run, Pillar! Run!" a mother shouted hoarsely, but could only watch helplessly as her child was captured by the black-clad disciples.

"My son!" another father cried out, but was powerless to stop the black-clad disciples from taking his child away.

At the elder's command, the children began to run outside. Those who were slow to react were even kicked out by their parents. "You brat, run!" a burly man yelled at his son, then turned to the disciples chasing after him and said with a smile, "My child is tough, you can chase after him all you want!"

Parents who wanted to follow their children were stopped by the martial arts disciples. "Parents, please follow the pursuing disciples and cheer for your children!" The martial arts disciples repeated the elder's words expressionlessly.

"Cheering? What kind of cheering is this?" one parent muttered in dissatisfaction, but could only obediently follow behind the pursuing disciple.

Lu Jinxuan was locked in combat with the black-clad disciple. Although she was agile, she lacked spiritual power and gradually fell into a disadvantageous position.

"Mother!" Lu Yuhang saw Lu Jinxuan being suppressed by the black-clad disciples and anxiously wanted to rush over, but was stopped by Qingyuan.

"Hang'er, don't go over there, your mother will be alright," Qingyuan comforted, but her heart was also filled with worry.

However, Lu Jinxuan quickly seized an opening in the black-clad disciple's defenses and subdued him with a swift backhand.

The black-clad disciple was pinned to the ground by Lu Jinxuan, unable to move. He stared at Lu Jinxuan in disbelief, his eyes filled with shock.

"you……"

Lu Jinxuan ignored the black-clad disciple and turned to Qing Yuan, "Take Hang'er away!"

Qingyuan pulled Lu Yuhang up again and ran towards the entrance of the martial arts hall.

Lu Jinxuan released the black-clad disciple and started running after him.

The black-clad disciple got up from the ground, watching Lu Jinxuan's departing figure, a sinister glint flashing in his eyes.

Chaos erupted as some parents chased after the disciples, while others anxiously searched for their children. Lu Yuhang ran alongside Qing Yuan for a while before suddenly stopping.

“Mother…” He turned around and looked around, but Lu Jinxuan was nowhere to be seen.

"Your mother will be here soon, let's go first." Qingyuan pulled Lu Yuhang and continued running forward.

Lu Yuhang felt uneasy. He glanced back, but still couldn't see Lu Jinxuan. "Mother..." he murmured to himself. Only a few scattered figures remained in the square, their shadows stretched long by the setting sun...