Night had fallen, and Huanxin found herself in a deserted hut, the weight of her loss heavy on her heart. At just five years old, she had witnessed the horrific massacre of her tribe, forced to hide in a bunker while her world was torn apart. Her mother's last words echoed in her mind: "Run southeast. You must save yourself" But what lay ahead? She had never ventured beyond her tribe's hidden realm, and everything beyond was a mystery.

As dawn broke, rays of sunlight streamed through the cracks in the walls, illuminating the dim space. Huanxin stood up, her heart aching, and ventured outside.

The day felt quieter than the vibrant bustle of the previous night. The air was thick with the smell of sunlight, the remnants of firecrackers, and the enticing aroma of steaming dumplings. Memories of running around with her aunt's dumplings, laughing and relishing them flooded her mind, and she struggled to hold back her tears. Her stomach growled, reminding her of her hunger.

She approached a nearby stall where a vendor was steaming dumplings. "Can I have some dumplings, please?" she asked, her voice a mix of hope and desperation.

The vendor glanced at her with a raised eyebrow. "Do you have any money?"

"What is money?" she replied, genuinely confused.

The vendor, taken aback, displayed a handful of coins. "This is money."

Huanxin shook her head. "I don't have any."

The vendor's expression hardened. "Then what are you doing here? Do you think I'm running a charity? Don't come here if you don't have money."

His words cut deep, and she felt a wave of sadness wash over her, remembering how her tribe had always provided without the need for currency. Tears welled in her eyes. She noticed a group of ragged children begging men for coins. They looked dirty and weary, some receiving small change while others were ignored.

Desperation clawed at her heart, and she decided to try begging too. One man approached her. "Do you want money?" he asked. She nodded, hope igniting in her chest.

"Then give me that hairpin," he demanded, eyeing the delicate ornament in her hair.

Huanxin shook her head fiercely. It was the last remnant of her family, a precious token of her past. "No, I can't," she whispered.

His anger flared. "Why are you begging for money? You're wearing a precious hairpin!" He stormed away, leaving her feeling even more isolated.

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With trembling hands, she removed the hairpin, cradling it as if it were a fragile memory. Unable to bear losing it, she tucked it safely into her pocket, continuing her search for spare coins. A few compassionate souls noticed her plight and offered her small amounts of money, but it was still insufficient. By noon, she had yet to gather enough for even a single dumpling.

Finally, after hours of begging, she approached the shopkeeper again, coins clutched tightly in her palm. "Can I have some dumplings now?" she asked, hope lighting her eyes.

The shopkeeper nodded, taking her coins and handing her two steaming dumplings in a bowl. As she devoured them, a warmth spread through her, a small comfort amidst her sorrow. When she returned the bowl, the shopkeeper's expression softened. "Keep it. You'll need it for begging," he said, a mix of pity and authority in his voice.

Grateful yet humbled, Huanxin accepted the bowl and continued her day. Soon, as evening descended, the storyteller arrived, drawing a crowd with his captivating presence. Huanxin joined the throng, eager for distraction.

"I see a lot of youngsters tonight," the storyteller began, his voice rich and inviting. "Today, I will tell you about the glorious past of Jinggu."

He continued, "This place was once the most powerful city in the martial world, a vibrant hub where legendary warriors trained and thrived. Though it still houses some of the oldest martial arts sects, it has lost its former status to another city, Tianle which now boasts the strongest martial arts sects.

Yet, to honor Jinggu's glorious past, we host the 'Ascendence of Champions,' the most prestigious competition in the martial world. Held once a decade, this grand event showcases the prowess of martial artists from all walks of life. Anyone can participate, from eager children to seasoned elders, although masters typically refrain from competing, allowing the younger generation to shine.

On this momentous day, the new head of the martial world is also chosen. The disciple of the sect that emerges victorious is crowned as the leader. Just yesterday, the championship took place, and as we all know, the Xianxi Sect (shyen-shee sect) continues its reign as the head. The Legacy Hall, situated in the heart of the city, has been the proud venue for this competition for generations."

As the storyteller's words washed over her, Huanxin felt admiration and longing. She wanted to be strong like the warriors he spoke of. But the faces of the strangers who had taken her family loomed large in her mind, fueling her desire for revenge. The crowd grew larger, the noise and excitement overwhelming.

Suddenly, Huanxin felt a wave of determination rise within her. She didn't belong here, lost among strangers celebrating a world she didn't understand. She needed to find her path, learn the ways of the warriors she had heard about, and become strong like her parents. With resolve, she stepped back from the crowd, her heart racing.

"I need to go," she whispered to herself. As the storyteller's voice faded behind her, she turned away from the gathering, the weight of her loss pushing her forward.

Just as she maneuvered through the throng, a flash of memory sparked in her mind. She remembered the signboard she had seen last night as she entered the city—a sign that had read "Jinggu." The name resonated with her, grounding her in this unfamiliar place.

With renewed purpose, she squeezed through the crowd, each step drawing her closer to her goal: to learn how to fight, to seek vengeance for her tribe, and to carve out a future in this unfamiliar world.