Ni Tian stood in front of the sign that adorned the entrance, his eyes fixed on the carved words: "The Northern Dragon Pillars."
The letters were ancient, deeply etched as if they were guarding a long-held secret. He whispered to himself, "The Northern Dragon Pillars? What a strange name." Curiosity gripped his heart as he pondered the hidden meaning behind these symbols.
Uncle Han laughed deeply, his voice resembling the wind howling through mountains, then spoke in a calm and wise tone: "It's good that you can read. Come on, let's go inside."
With steady steps, Ni Tian entered the combat hall alongside Uncle Han.
The space was of moderate size, just enough to be an ideal place for training and duels, but it contained something unusual in its atmosphere. The walls were adorned with ancient engravings depicting legends and a long history.
There were four main buildings; one of them was massive, standing out in the center of the arena like a symbol of power, adorned with huge stone pillars, around which a giant dragon was coiled, seemingly a great guardian of the place.
Each pillar had an inscription of ancient symbols, as if they were safeguarding a mysterious secret from the past. This building was the most prominent in the place, and it likely housed Old Han's residence, as confirmed by the intricate decorations.
While Ni Tian marveled at the place in awe, a beautiful girl with light blue hair emerged. Her hair flowed gently, as if dipped in the sky itself, and she appeared like a light shining through the clouds. When she saw her master, she rushed towards him with astonishing speed, her face blending joy and mischief, then embraced him and said in a warm and emotional voice: "Master, you're late, I missed you."
Uncle Han smiled gently and affectionately, saying: "Oh, I missed you too, Hao Ran."
Ni Tian looked at her and then asked in surprise: "Is this a boy?"
The girl looked at him with playful eyes and said sarcastically: "Yes, I'm a boy. Do you have a problem with that?" His face was radiant with challenge, yet there was undeniable mischief in her expression.
Uncle Han laughed and said, "Hao Ran was born with an unparalleled beauty, which is why everyone thinks he's a girl when they first see him. But believe me, in battle, no one stands against him."
The two exchanged challenging glances, then Hao Ran looked at Ni Tian and said, "Master, who is this beggar?"
A twitch of anger showed on Ni Tian's face, and he replied sharply: "Who are you calling a beggar, Princess?"
Hao Ran dashed towards him, grabbing his collar swiftly, and said with a mocking smile: "Who are you calling a princess? You're just a turnip head."
Anger appeared on Ni Tian's face, and he grabbed Hao Ran's collar, saying: "Princess, I hope I don't ruin the beauty of your face."
Amidst their small altercation, Uncle Han's voice emerged, his words carrying wisdom: "Enough, both of you! Can't you see there's no time for quarrels?"
Hao Ran released her grip on Ni Tian, while he also let go of her. A smile illuminated Old Han's face as he said: "Good, now let me introduce you to each other."
Hao Ran looked at Ni Tian, then at her master, and as their gazes met, the room was filled with a stillness. Old Han spoke calmly: "Hao Ran, this is Ni Tian Xing. He will be my disciple from now on, and he will teach you the four pillars' arts. Ni Tian, this is Hao Ran, my assistant and my young daughter's servant."
The moment froze, and silence fell over the place as if time stopped for a second. Both of them looked at Uncle Han in shock, then Hao Ran exclaimed: "What? Master, this is impossible! How can this beggar become your disciple?"
Meanwhile, Ni Tian was utterly stunned and asked, "Wait, do you have a daughter?"
Both of them looked at Ni Tian and replied in unison: "Yes."
Hao Ran grabbed her master's hand and said in a low voice, full of concern: "Master, please reconsider your decision. This beggar doesn't deserve to learn the arts of the four pillars."
Uncle Han raised his eyebrows, then said in a calm but firm voice: "Hao Ran, I'm not young anymore I've grown old, and I must pass on the art of the four pillars to someone who truly deserves it. But that doesn't mean that Ni Tian isn't worthy. Some might be surprised, but in the end, he will be the one to carry this knowledge."
Hao Ran looked at his master with eyes full of doubt, then said in a sad voice: "But I'm here, don't you think I'm the more deserving one to protect Di Xian? I am the one who will protect her."
Old Han gently patted her head and said: "Hao Ran, if you need help, Ni Tian will be with you. And perhaps, you two will even become friends. Life is full of surprises."
Ni Tian's eyes turned to both of them with curiosity and confusion, and he asked: "I'm sorry, but who is Di Xian?"
Uncle Han looked off into the distance, a sad smile in his eyes, and said: "She is my daughter. And it's time for me to protect her, but I need someone who can help with that."
He then turned to Hao Ran and said: "My child, go prepare some food for us. Let's all meet at dinner."
Hao Ran bowed politely and said: "As you wish, Master."
Hao Ran left, leaving Ni Tian and Uncle Han in deep silence.
Uncle Han then looked at Ni Tian and spoke in a calm, deep voice: "Are you ready to follow this old dragon inside?"
Ni Tian smiled with determination and said: "Let's go, old man. I'm ready to face anything."