There are many legends about Li Mei Xian in the land of San Jin.
Some say that Li Mei Xian was an ethereal swordsman, appearing and disappearing without a trace, his sword leaving dust in its wake, elusive and uncatchable. This theory, for them, best matched their perception of Li Mei Xian, the most mysterious of the four great powerhouses, and satisfied their fantasies.
Others say that Li Mei Xian was an old man of immortal bearing, with white hair and beard, gaunt and thin. He stood atop a mountain peak, the wind howling, yet not a single strand of his hair or the hem of his robe could be ruffled.
This theory also held some ground, as Li Mei Xian had been famous for several hundred years. If he were still alive, he would surely be an old man.
Still others claimed that Li Mei Xian was actually a charming woman, skilled in zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting. She lived in seclusion, hidden in a humble establishment, performing for a living but not selling her favors.
The reason was simple: the worldly hustle and bustle was the best way to temper one's state of mind.
Those who held this view were mostly lecherous old men, and most people scoffed at their claims.
If Li Mei Xian were a woman, then all four of San Jin's great powerhouses would be female?
This imbalance of feminine dominance over masculine strength did not sit well with the machismo of those knights-errant.
As a side note, there was a rumor that the Molten Roc was female.
In truth, whether male or female wasn't that important. The body of the Fire Phoenix, the lava flowing through it, even if it were female, would likely not arouse the desire of any pack of wolves.
Even the legendary Four Warriors of Third Brother's clan, who dared to commit improprieties against lizards, could not muster any sexual interest in a Fire Phoenix made entirely of rock and lava.
In short, all sorts of rumors had long spread through the jianghu of Da Jin, and the identity of the mysterious Li Mei Xian was a source of endless curiosity for many.
Some even claimed that Li Mei Xian didn't exist at all, that he was merely a strong individual fabricated by people through rumor and hearsay.
After all, with three great powerhouses belonging to three major factions, there had to be one who served as a role model for their jianghu, right?
They needed such a focus of hope.
But today, when the Fire Phoenix personally called out for Li Mei Xian to show himself, the rumors of his non-existence were shattered. If even the Fire Phoenix believed Li Mei Xian existed, then he truly did exist.
So, what did Li Mei Xian look like?
So, how strong was Li Mei Xian?
So, where was Li Mei Xian now?
Was he here?
The "remaining" knights-errant, having recovered from the grief of their loved ones being annihilated, were drawn to another matter of greater interest. They looked around at each other, seeing Li Mei Xian in everyone and no one.
"Seriously, if I were Li Mei Xian, I would have run away by now. Why would I foolishly walk over to be chopped down?"
The old man smiled, picked up his wine gourd from his waist, and took a large gulp.
"Of course, you old rascal. When it comes to fighting, you're always the first to run. If you were Li Mei Xian, you'd have bolted by now instead of boasting to me here."
Wan Lei also took out a jar of wine, beginning to drown his sorrows.
"That mission you mentioned, will you really die if you fail?"
"Absolutely. When immortals assign us missions, their purpose is to temper us. It's like raising poisonous insects, you see, to eventually select one or a few of the strongest. The rest, well, they die."
Wan Lei had a clear understanding of the immortals' purpose in creating these secret realms.
"Alas, we've known each other for a year now. Though the year has passed quickly, it has also been the happiest and most joyful time of this old man's life."
The old man stood up, his eyes deep, his tone wistful, as if he were making his dying testament.
"So, are you going to say that after we die, you'll visit our graves every Qingming Festival to drink?"
"I'll also burn some paper money for you."
"I thank you very much."
"You're welcome."
"Then why are you standing up? Quickly, squat down. Those two women in front are looking at us three unfavorably, and we can't beat them right now."
"Can't beat them? Heh, indeed, we can't."
The old man took another drink, patted the donkey beside him,
"Poor thing. It's followed me, and never had anything good to eat, only running around with me. Look, it's grown thin from hunger."
"Indeed, but being thin is good. It won't be so greasy when made into donkey meat burgers."
The donkey raised its hoof and kicked.
"Can't beat them, can't beat them..."
The old man chuckled, and suddenly, flames flowed in his eyes.
"But, even if we can't beat them, we still have to fight. I can't just stand by and watch my two close friends die tragically before my eyes for no reason.
If I don't fight, how will I know if I can survive?"
Wan Lei and Fang Xiaoyu suddenly stood up, their shocked gazes fixed on the old man, and a bold guess formed in their hearts.
"This old man has lived and run for so long, seeking peace and detachment from the world, indulging in earthly pleasures. In reality, I've just been a coward who didn't strive for progress.
Now, I don't want to run anymore. The Sacred Fire inheritance is right before me. For myself, and for my two young friends.
If I were to give up this life to fulfill myself and fulfill you, so be it!"
Wan Lei and Fang Xiaoyu had guessed the answer. They didn't speak, unwilling to spoil the tragic atmosphere the old man had painstakingly created.
The old man took a step forward, the flames in his eyes slowly flowing over his entire body. The flames rose upwards and flowed downwards, reaching his feet.
The flames flowed to the old man's feet, and a lotus of fire bloomed from beneath his feet.
The old man lifted his foot again, and though there were no steps before him, he stepped into the air.
Another lotus of fire appeared beneath his feet.
The old man walked step by step, each step a life, each step a lotus. With every step he took, a lotus bloomed beneath his feet, lifting him up.
Wan Lei and Fang Xiaoyu flew up, following behind the old man.
This time, the old man was the protagonist, and they were content to be mere leaves, highlighting his magnificent entrance.
Step by step, treading on the void, each step producing a lotus, the old man, with this noble bearing, ascended into mid-air, facing the two women and the phoenix opposite him.
"You are Li Mei Xian?"
Xirui Yuankun's eyes showed disbelief. This ordinary old man, whom she had seen twice and who resembled a village elder, was actually Li Mei Xian?
"I am Li Mei Xian."
The old man admitted it.
As expected.
Wan Lei and Fang Xiaoyu had always suspected that the old man was Li Mei Xian, but they had never spoken of it. Since the old man didn't want to say, they didn't ask.
Now, for their sake, the old man had walked out step by step before all the heroes of the world, proclaiming to all that he truly existed.
He was one of Da Jin's four great powerhouses...
Li Mei Xian!!!
I have arrived.
For this grand gathering,
Li Mei Xian shall indeed have a seat!