I wake up from a deep slumber, feeling the remnants of exhaustion clinging to my body. Sixteen hours of rest have rejuvenated me, yet a lingering weariness remains. As I rise from the bed, a realization strikes me—I had stayed at the inn longer than I had initially paid for. Without hesitation, I rush to find the innkeeper to settle the additional payment.

In this world, currency holds its own hierarchy. Bronze coins are the most common and have the lowest value, followed by silver, gold, and the coveted spirit stones. The exchange rate is substantial, with one spirit stone equaling a hundred gold coins. Thankfully, in the Hao Ren family, I have the means to earn money swiftly, ensuring the financial security of both the royal court and the local villages.

Having paid the innkeeper, I feel a sense of relief wash over me. With a rumbling stomach, I seek nourishment and approach the inn's dining area. The menu offers a variety of dishes, but my choice is clear: "Wok Seared Wild Boar Chops with Fried Rice." The meal cost is five silver coins, a reasonable expense considering the satisfying flavors it promises.

As I savor the delectable dish, my attention is diverted by a commotion nearby. Several thugs, their disheveled appearances contrasting with their aggressive demeanor, surround a woman dressed in vibrant red robes adorned with golden patterns. A sense of unease grips me as I recognize her as a Buddhist—an uncommon sight in these parts of Yong Ning.

Concerned for the safety of the nun, I finish my meal swiftly and approach the group with caution. The thugs leer menacingly, clearly underestimating the resolve hidden beneath my calm exterior. With a steady voice, I intervened, addressing the thugs directly.

"Excuse me, gentlemen," I say firmly, "I believe you may have mistaken the situation. This esteemed monk deserves your respect and should be allowed to continue her journey without any disturbance."

The thugs' eyes widen in surprise, not expecting anyone to challenge their authority. A sneer forms on the leader's face as he steps forward, his voice dripping with arrogance. "And who do you think you are, boy? Mind your own business before you get hurt."

I stand my ground, my palms tingling with determination to test my newfound lightning powers. A spark ignites within me, and I respond, my voice steady and resolute. "I am Xu, of the Hao Ren family."

The mention of my family name causes a ripple of recognition among the thugs. The Hao Ren family is renowned for providing security and protection for the royal court and the local villages of Yong Ning. Our focus lies in the cultivation of the Spear and the Sword. My father, Huang Hao Ren, is a revered spear master, while my mother, Lingxia Hao Ren, is a formidable figure in the art of the Sword.

The leader of the thugs takes a step back, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. He recognizes the reputation that accompanies the Hao Ren family, and their involvement signifies potential trouble for his unruly gang. However, he quickly regains his composure, unwilling to back down.

"Ah, so you're from the famous Hao Ren family," he sneers, trying to mask his unease. "Doesn't change the fact that we're here to have some fun with this girl. Step aside, boy, before you regret it."

I refuse to yield, my resolve strengthened by my family's legacy and the lightning coursing through my veins. I take a step forward, my eyes locked with the leader's, radiating an unyielding determination. "I won't let you harm her. Leave peacefully, and perhaps I'll consider showing mercy."

Her serene expression unwavering, gazes at me with a sense of gratitude. She emanates a calming energy, as if she has already transcended the turmoil that surrounds her. With a voice that carries many years of wisdom, she interjects.

"Gentlemen, violence only begets suffering. If you seek true enlightenment, embrace compassion and let go of your misguided ways," she implores, her words resonating with an otherworldly power.

The thugs exchange hesitant glances, their confidence waning in the face of the girl's serene demeanor and my unwavering determination. Sensing an opportunity to defuse the situation, I extend an offer.

"Walk away now, and perhaps there is still a chance for redemption," I suggest, my voice carrying the weight of authority inherited from my family's role in the region.

The leader, begrudgingly acknowledging the futility of their actions, nods to his companions, signaling their retreat. With a mixture of relief and satisfaction, I watch as the thugs disperse, leaving behind an atmosphere of tranquility.

Turning to the nun, I offer a respectful bow. "You have my gratitude, venerable one. It was an honor to assist you."

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She returns the bow, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "Your courage and compassion shine brightly, Xu of the Hao Ren family. But you do not seem to know who I am, yet I know you. Shall I tell you my name so that we may reminisce?"

Confusion strikes me as her words wash over me. How could this Bhikkhuni claim to know me when I have no recollection of her? Nevertheless, my curiosity piqued, I await her revelation.

"My name is Lei Zhao," she says, her voice laced with a hint of nostalgia. "We were childhood friends, Xu, exploring these very mountains together with our companion, Mer Xia."

The mention of Mer Xia triggers a flood of memories within me. Images of our carefree days spent traversing the rugged peaks and verdant valleys resurface, like fragments of a long-forgotten dream. Lei Zhao's face now aligns with those cherished memories, and a smile spreads across my face.

"Lei Zhao," I repeat, the name feeling both familiar and distant on my tongue. "Yes, the memories come rushing back. How could I forget our adventures and the bond we shared?"

Her eyes gleam with delight, and we find ourselves caught up in a joyful reminiscence of our childhood escapades. We recount stories of our daring expeditions, our laughter echoing through the inn's dining area.

As the tales unfold, Lei Zhao reveals that she embarked on a spiritual journey, seeking enlightenment and dedicating herself to the path of a Bhikkhuni. Her presence in these distant lands and her chance encounter with the thugs were no mere coincidence but a part of her own spiritual quest.

"We have been granted this opportunity to meet again, Xu,", her voice tinged with gratitude. "Our paths may have diverged, but fate has conspired to bring us back together. Let us cherish this reunion and learn from the experiences that lie ahead."

A sense of purpose stirs within me. Lei Zhao's arrival in my life feels like a catalyst, propelling me further along the path of self-discovery and enlightenment. Our connection, forged in the innocence of childhood, now takes on a deeper meaning, intertwined with the lightning powers that surge within me.

But, before our conversation can continue, chaos erupts in the inn's dining area. A stray table hurtles through the air, propelled by the leader of the bandits who has suddenly had a change of heart and decided to attack us both simultaneously. The room fills with gasps and startled cries as patrons scramble to safety.

Lei Zhao's expression transforms from one of serenity to one of fierce determination. Anger flashes in her eyes as she swiftly brings her hands together, her voice echoing with power and conviction. "I have given you the chance. I am not yet at the stage of cultivation where I have eradicated my anger!"

In a swift motion, she pulls back her left arm and thrusts her palm forward, a surge of energy emanating from her being. With a resounding yell, she unleashes her technique, channeling her inner-power-infused palm into a devastating attack.

"Vajra Palm Shockwave!" she bellows, the words reverberating through the air.

A powerful shockwave radiates from her palm, rippling through the space between her and the bandit leader. The force of her strike collides with the incoming table, shattering it into splinters and sending the bandit leader sprawling backward, stunned by the unexpected display of power.

The room falls into a momentary silence as everyone watches in awe and disbelief. The petite figure stands tall, her gaze unwavering, as she assesses the situation. The other bandits hesitate, their confidence waning in the face of such formidable strength.

Sensing the tension in the air, I seize the opportunity to join the fray. Drawing upon my own lightning cultivation, I step forward, channeling the energy coursing through my veins. The crackling of electricity fills the air around me as I prepare to unleash my own technique.

But, before I can act, Lei Zhao turns to me, her expression now as calm as a lake that has never felt the breeze of wind. Her beautiful brown eyes meet mine, and I see a flicker of hesitation in her gaze.

"Xu, let us go, quickly, before I regret the path that I am about to choose [https://img.wattpad.com/fcafd660ce0ab1e1a1d3edd1403a3b719db8c0f5/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f626c4e41447333445377693133773d3d2d313436323232383133332e313765326138303165643831633934313230383936343034353731352e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

"Xu, let us go, quickly, before I regret the path that I am about to choose."

Her words strike me with surprise, and I quickly assess the situation.

Realizing that further confrontation may not be the wisest course of action, I nod in agreement.

We swiftly make our way out of the inn, leaving behind the stunned crowd and the remnants of the bandits' defeated presence.

Outside, as we walk along the road, Lei Zhao breaks the silence with a voice tinged with sympathy.

"Xu, I did not anticipate encountering such hostility. Please accept my apologies for involving you in that confrontation."

I shake my head, a reassuring smile on my lips. "There is no need for apologies, little Lei."

Lei's eyes reflect a mix of gratitude and determination. With a cheeky smile, she remarks, "Little Lei? My, Xu, you haven't called me that since we were children."

Her confusion catches me off guard for a moment, but then the memories come rushing back. I recall the days of our youth, spent playing in the mountains, where Lei Zhao was always the smallest among us, earning her the nickname "Little Lei." A wave of nostalgia washes over me as I reflect on those innocent times.

"You're right, Little Lei," I reply, a warm tone in my voice. "It seems like a lifetime ago since we last shared those carefree moments. But even after all these years, our connection remains strong."

Lei's smile widens, and a spark of mischief dances in her eyes. "Indeed, Xu. Our paths have diverged, but fate has brought us back together. Who would have thought that this new lightning within your veins would intersect with my pursuit of the Palm?"

We walk side by side, sharing stories and reminiscing about the adventures of our childhood. The bond between us strengthens with each step, and as we part ways, I know that our paths will cross again...