Volume One: Birth Chapter Four: White Tiger

Upon successfully mastering the third stance of the Opening Blade, "The Convergence of All Things," Liu Kaixin’s strength underwent a qualitative leap. He continued his training in the valley, tirelessly refining his technique and striving to execute this devastating strike with absolute perfection. As time passed, a chilling aura began to radiate from him, as if he were an unsheathed blade, sharp and formidable.

One day, Feng Wu summoned Liu Kaixin to her side. With a solemn expression, she gazed beyond the valley and spoke slowly: "Kaixin, I have heard that a ferocious beast has recently appeared in Black Wind Ridge, a hundred miles from here. It has left the nearby villages in turmoil, and the people are suffering greatly. I wish for you to investigate; if you have the strength, rid the people of this scourge."

Liu Kaixin knelt on one knee and responded without hesitation: "Do not worry, Master; I shall do everything in my power!"

After packing a few simple belongings, Liu Kaixin shouldered his long blade and set off for Black Wind Ridge. Throughout the journey, he endured the elements and traveled day and night. Relying on his solid foundations and unyielding perseverance, he soon reached the foot of the ridge.

The terrain of Black Wind Ridge was treacherous, with peaks piercing the clouds and the mountains shrouded in year-round mist, permeated by a mysterious and dangerous atmosphere. No sooner had Liu Kaixin entered the perimeter of the ridge than he detected a faint scent of blood in the air, causing him to grow vigilant. He slowed his pace, drew his long blade, and channeled his spiritual energy, ready to face whatever danger might emerge.

Before long, Liu Kaixin heard the cries of villagers. His heart tightened, and he sped toward the sound. In an open clearing, he saw a group of villagers cornered by a massive beast. The creature was snow-white, as large as an ox, but possessed the head of a fierce tiger. A frigid chill radiated from its body—it was the legendary White Tiger.

The White Tiger opened its maw, releasing a deafening roar. A frigid blast instantly filled the area, leaving the villagers trembling with terror, their cries and pleas for mercy echoing endlessly. Seeing this, a surge of righteous indignation rose in Liu Kaixin’s heart. He shouted, "Beast, cease your slaughter!"

The White Tiger turned its head, its blood-red eyes staring at Liu Kaixin with utter disdain. It roared again and pounced toward him with lightning speed, stirring up a gale of icy wind. Liu Kaixin remained calm, his figure flashing aside to easily evade the strike. He followed through with a slash, the blade glowing with scorching flames that collided with the beast's icy aura, hissing upon impact.

The White Tiger clearly had not expected such a sharp counterattack. Driven back several paces, a hint of surprise appeared in its eyes. Yet, it quickly launched another assault, this time even more ferocious. It leaped and lunged repeatedly, each strike imbued with immense power and speed.

Knowing the danger of the beast, Liu Kaixin dared not be careless. He unleashed the three stances of the Opening Blade, engaging the White Tiger in a fierce battle. With the first stance, "Opening Heaven and Earth," he used overwhelming force to parry the beast's attacks. With the second, "Piercing Clouds and Mist," he utilized his superior speed to dodge and seek openings for counter-strikes. Finally, with the third stance, "The Convergence of All Things," he channeled every ounce of his power at the critical moment to deliver a lethal blow.

The battle raged for a long time, and both sides grew weary. Liu Kaixin’s robes were shredded by the beast's claws, and he bore several wounds, but his gaze remained resolute. The White Tiger was also battered and bruised; its movements gradually slowed, and the murderous glint in its eyes began to fade.

Suddenly, the White Tiger let out a piercing howl. Its body began to swell, and the chill emanating from it grew more intense. Alarmed, Liu Kaixin realized the beast was about to unleash its ultimate technique. He did not hesitate, drawing upon all the spiritual energy within him to prepare for the final clash.

"Roar!" The White Tiger bellowed, and a massive pillar of ice erupted from its mouth, hurtling toward Liu Kaixin. Wherever the ice passed, the ground froze instantly, and trees were encased in frost. Liu Kaixin let out a roar of his own, pushing "The Convergence of All Things" to its absolute limit. His blade, wreathed in raging flames, collided with the ice pillar.

With a thunderous explosion, the fire and cold neutralized each other, the immense shockwave throwing both Liu Kaixin and the White Tiger backward. Liu Kaixin crashed heavily to the ground, spitting out a mouthful of blood. Yet, he endured the pain and struggled to his feet.

The White Tiger also lay on the ground, gasping its final breaths. It looked at Liu Kaixin with eyes full of resentment. Liu Kaixin walked toward the beast, his blade shimmering with a cold light. "For the sake of the people here, you must die today!" he said coldly.

He raised his blade high, gathered his remaining strength, and brought it down with a heavy blow. With a soft thud, the blade pierced the beast's skull. The White Tiger twitched a few times and then fell still.

Liu Kaixin sheathed his blade and stood over the fallen beast, filled with complex emotions. He knew that while he had won, the cost had been high. He turned toward the villagers, who crowded around him, their eyes brimming with gratitude.

"Thank you, noble warrior, for saving our lives!" an elder said, his voice trembling with emotion.

"Indeed! If not for you, we would not have survived this day!" the other villagers echoed.

Liu Kaixin smiled faintly and replied, "I am just glad everyone is safe. It was my duty."

At the villagers' persistent urging, Liu Kaixin rested in the village for the night. The next day, he bade them farewell and embarked on the journey back to the valley.

Upon his return, Liu Kaixin detailed the encounter to Feng Wu. She nodded in satisfaction and said, "Kaixin, you have done well. This battle demonstrated not only your strength but also your courage and sense of justice. However, remember that evil in this world never truly vanishes. You must continue to hone your skills so that you may protect even more people."

Liu Kaixin nodded solemnly. "I understand, Master. I shall continue my training with all my heart!"

From that day on, Liu Kaixin trained with even greater intensity. He knew he bore the responsibility of upholding justice in the world, and this was only the beginning. In the days to come, he would face many more challenges and dangers, but he felt no fear. For he possessed a sharp blade, a steadfast heart, and the guidance and expectations of his master. On this path filled with thorns, he would continue to press forward, forging his way to become a true hero.