Chapter 1 Betrayal and Rebirth
The sun hung low over the Valley of Hills, casting long shadows across the jagged rocks and dense undergrowth. The clash of steel and the dull thud of fists echoed in the air as two figures fought with unrestrained ferocity.
Hae Min, the elder son of the Murim Alliance leader, moved with the precision and grace of an orthodox martial artist. His every strike carried the weight of his training, enhanced by years of tutelage under the finest masters. Opposing him was Hae Jin, his younger half-brother, bloodied and battered but refusing to back down.
Their battle wasn't merely a clash of skills. It was the culmination of years of animosity rooted in their shared, yet fractured, lineage.
Hae Min's mother, the first wife of the Alliance leader, was the daughter of an esteemed orthodox sect leader. Her marriage to the Alliance leader was a union forged for political strength, uniting two of the most powerful forces in the Murim world. She was a woman of elegance and pride, revered for her strict adherence to orthodox values.
Hae Jin's mother, on the other hand, came from a world shrouded in darkness and controversy. She was the daughter of the Demonic Sect leader, a woman whose beauty and boldness were whispered about in both fear and admiration. Against all odds, she had fallen in love with the Alliance leader during a rare moment of peace between the two factions. Their love defied conventions, and she became his second wife despite the scorn of orthodox society.
For a time, the Alliance leader managed to balance the delicate equilibrium between his wives. But peace was fleeting. When Hae Jin was only a child, his mother was poisoned in a conspiracy. Though whispers pointed to the first wife's involvement, no one dared to confront her. After all, who would stand against the daughter of an orthodox sect leader to defend a woman of demonic origins?
Hae Jin grew up under the shadow of his mother's death, ostracized by the orthodox factions and treated as a stain on his father's legacy. Hae Min, emboldened by his orthodox upbringing and his mother's influence, carried that disdain like a banner.
Despite the scorn, Hae Jin inherited the brilliance of both his parents. Before her death, his mother had secretly taught him the foundational techniques of her sect's legacy—demonic arts known for their power and unpredictability. From his father's side, he had learned the orthodox martial arts that valued discipline and control. Hae Jin, a natural prodigy, had managed to adapt both techniques, albeit imperfectly.
Now, the simmering hatred had boiled over, and the two brothers stood locked in combat, their fists driven by more than just rivalry. They were propelled by a history of blood and betrayal.
"Hyung, why are you torturing me?" Hae Jin cried, his voice hoarse with desperation. "I am your younger brother. I don't deserve this!"
Hae Min sneered, his expression twisted with disdain. "You're no brother of mine," he spat, landing a vicious kick to Hae Jin's side. "You're the spawn of a demon! It's our purpose to cleanse the world of your kind."
Hae Jin coughed up blood, clutching his ribs as he staggered back. His vision blurred from the pain, yet he refused to yield. He forced himself to stand, his legs trembling under his weight.
"Hyung," he gasped, struggling to catch his breath. "Why... Why do you hate me so much? We share the same father. We're family!"
"Family?" Hae Min sneered, his voice dripping with venom. "Don't make me laugh. Do you think we're equals just because we share some blood? You're nothing but a stain on our father's legacy!"
Hae Jin's chest tightened at the words, the weight of years of rejection and scorn pressing down on him. "I've done nothing to you. I've lived quietly, training in the shadow of your brilliance, never daring to challenge you. Why must you torment me?"
Hae Min's eyes glinted with cold malice as he stepped forward, his presence imposing. "Because your very existence is an insult to everything I stand for. You're the spawn of a demon, an unholy mix of heresy and filth. Cleansing you from this world is my duty."
The words cut deeper than any blade. Hae Jin clenched his fists, his body trembling—not from fear, but from anger. "My mother was no demon. She was a kind woman who loved this family, who loved Father."
"Loved Father?" Hae Min barked out a bitter laugh. "She bewitched him. Manipulated him into thinking she was worthy of his love. She was a vile temptress, a stain on our house. Just like you."
Hae Jin froze, the fury in his heart igniting further. "You're wrong. She—"
"Wrong?" Hae Min interrupted, his tone sharp and unforgiving. "Do you want to know the truth about your precious mother? About why she died?"
Hae Jin's heart stopped for a moment, his breath caught in his throat. "What do you mean?" he whispered, his voice trembling with apprehension.
Hae Min's lips curled into a cruel smile, his eyes burning with contempt. "Father might have turned a blind eye, but I always knew. My mother made sure that wretched woman paid for daring to call herself the Alliance leader's wife. Your mother didn't die of illness—she was poisoned. Poisoned by my mother."
The revelation struck Hae Jin like a thunderbolt, leaving him reeling. His vision blurred as rage and sorrow surged within him. "You're lying!" he screamed, his voice cracking with emotion.
"Lying?" Hae Min said mockingly. "Why would I? There's no one left to protect her honor, no one who even cares. Do you think anyone weeps for a demonic woman's death? No one but you."
Hae Jin's body trembled uncontrollably, his blood boiling with fury. His mother's face flashed in his mind—her gentle smile, her warmth, and the love she showered upon him despite the world's scorn.
"You'll pay for this!" Hae Jin roared, his voice shaking with rage.
Summoning every ounce of his remaining strength, Hae Jin drew upon the forbidden techniques his mother had taught him in secret. The demonic energy intertwined with the orthodox techniques he had learned from his father's side, creating a volatile and unstable force. The opposing energies, when combined, were never meant to coexist—together, they created a devastating storm within his body.
Hae Min's eyes widened in shock, the realization dawning too late. "No! Stop!"
Hae Jin's voice was cold, yet filled with resolve. "If I must die today, then I'll take you with me. For my mother's honor."
The explosion tore through the valley, a blinding flash of light followed by a deafening roar. The force of the blast reduced the surrounding area to rubble, leaving no trace of the two brothers.
Hae Jin's consciousness drifted in the void, a strange mixture of pain and clarity. When his eyes finally opened, he found himself in an unfamiliar place.
The sky above was vast and serene, dotted with clouds that seemed to hum with energy. The air was thick with an essence unlike anything he had felt before—dense, vibrant, and alive.
He sat up, groaning as memories of the explosion flooded his mind. But something was different. His body... it wasn't his. His hands were thinner, his frame frailer.
"So, I've reincarnated," he murmured, his voice foreign to his ears. "This body... it's not Murim. This is the cultivation world."
Fragments of the body's memories flooded his mind. His name was Riu Xian, an outer sect disciple of the Cloudspring Sect. He had been searching for the Scarlet Meridian Herb in the forest to cure his blocked meridians when he was ambushed by Lu Hao, the sect leader's arrogant son, and his lackeys.
They had beaten him mercilessly, snatched the herb, and left him bloodied and broken in the forest.
Riu Xian's body had been weak—barely 1% of his meridians were unblocked. For most early-stage cultivators, at least 7% of their meridians would be open, providing a foundation for growth. But this body was an anomaly, crippled and cast aside as worthless.
"Blocked meridians..." Hae Jin muttered, clenching his fists. "What are the reasons behind this? Are there secrets hidden in this body?"
The memories faded, leaving him with more questions than answers. But one thing was certain—this world was a new stage, a chance to carve out a path for himself. He would rise again, stronger than ever, and uncover the mysteries of this new life.
Chapter 2 The Hidden Potential
The forest was silent, with only the faint rustling of leaves stirred by a gentle breeze breaking the stillness. Riu Xian sat slumped against the trunk of a large tree, his breaths shallow and uneven. His body was riddled with pain from the brutal beating he had endured, and his vision blurred from the blood loss.
The memories of this new world had been fragmented when he first reincarnated, but now, bits and pieces began to resurface, as if responding to his desperate state. I need to heal… but how? His thoughts were frantic, grasping at the fragments in search of a solution.
In his mind, a basic technique surfaced—a Qi-gathering method taught to all novice cultivators. Though it wasn't sophisticated, it was said to accelerate recovery. However, Riu Xian knew it was not a miracle cure. The process required precise control over Qi, something he, as a beginner in this world's cultivation system, had yet to master.
But there's no other option, he resolved. Gritting his teeth against the pain, he forced himself to sit in a meditative posture. The memories whispered guidance to him: regulate his breathing, focus his mind, and draw Qi from the surroundings into his body.
As he began the process, he noticed the stark difference between this world's Qi and the Ki he had known in Murim. In Murim, Ki was used to refine the body and push martial arts to their peak. But here, Qi is used for both the body and the soul. And immortality… that's their ultimate goal.
The thought intrigued him, but there was no time to dwell on it. He needed to survive first. The Qi around him began to stir, faint traces flowing toward him. Yet, despite his efforts, his injuries showed no signs of healing. His brow furrowed in frustration. Why isn't it working? Is there something wrong with this body?
He concentrated deeper, trying to feel the flow within him. It was then he noticed it—nearly all of his meridians were blocked. The realization hit him like a bolt of lightning. Of course! The Qi can't circulate properly. No wonder the recovery isn't happening.
His mind raced for alternatives, and an idea struck him. What if I combine this Qi-gathering technique with my Murim methods? In his previous life, Ki techniques were used to forcefully open pathways and strengthen the body. Though Qi and Ki were different, they felt similar enough that his Murim methods might work.
Taking a deep breath, he began channeling the Qi through his body with the Murim techniques he had mastered in his past life. The initial attempt was shaky, the two techniques clashing slightly as he tried to harmonize them. But as he adjusted, a sudden surge of Qi flowed into his body at an alarming rate. The air around him shimmered with energy, creating a visible vortex of Qi.
Unbeknownst to Riu Xian, a figure was observing him from the skies. Xiao Ming, a young cultivator from the Azure Flame Sect, stood on her flying sword, her gaze fixed on the unusual phenomenon below. Her eyes widened as she felt the density of Qi being drawn toward the boy.
At this rate, his body won't withstand it, she thougt. The sheer volume of Qi was far beyond what a biginner cultivator could handle. She prepared to intervene, expecting his body to rupture from the overload.
But to her astonishment, Riu Xian's body absorbed the Qi, refining and circulating it with precision. The energy flowed through him, healing his most severe injuries and unblocking a small portion of his meridians. The vortex around him dissipated as the process completed, leaving the forest still once more.
Riu Xian opened his eyes, his breathing steadier now. Though his body still ached, he felt significantly better than before. More importantly, he sensed a slight improvement in his internal flow. I've managed to unblock some of my meridians. Is it five percent? Ten? I can't tell yet.
From above, Xiao Ming's gaze narrowed as she studied him. This child absorbed an overwhelming amount of Qi and didn't explode. Not only that, but he's partially healed himself and unblocked some meridians. What kind of secret is he hiding?
Chapter 3: A Mysterious Encounter
The sun hung low in the horizon, painting the evening sky in hues of gold and crimson. The forest basked in the fading light, its serene beauty a stark contrast to the turbulence in Riu Xian's heart. Leaning against the tree, he contemplated his newfound path when the sound of a sudden woosh startled him.
In an instant, Riu Xian sprang to his feet. His eyes widened as he saw a figure descending gracefully from the skies, her robes fluttering in the evening breeze. It was a young woman, her presence commanding yet strangely calming. He instinctively clasped his hands and bowed deeply.
"Senior, I am—"
The woman raised a hand to stop him. Her voice was clear and authoritative. "I am Xiao Ming, a disciple of the Azure Immortal Sect. You were severely injured, yet I saw you meditating to recover. You seemed unable to heal yourself, and then you suddenly switched techniques. What was that strange method? Is it a family technique?"
Riu Xian hesitated, carefully choosing his words. "Senior, I am merely a low-level Qi Refining stage cultivator. The technique… I stumbled upon it by chance, and today was my first time attempting it."
Xiao Ming's eyes narrowed as she studied him. Her tone remained firm yet curious. "You unblocked ten percent of your meridians today. Normally, such a feat would take years for a cultivator at your level. You are unique to have achieved this in one go."
Riu Xian lowered his gaze humbly. "Senior, I am but a novice. How could someone like me warrant your attention?"
Xiao Ming smiled faintly. "Humility suits you, but do not feign ignorance. I believe your body has a special constitution. That would explain why your meridians were so thoroughly blocked. Ordinary Qi-gathering methods would never have worked on you."
She gestured for him to sit. "Now, sit in a meditative position and regulate your energy. Let me examine your body."
Riu Xian's heart raced, a deep sense of unease settling over him. He knew better than to refuse a cultivator of her caliber—her power was leagues above his own, and one misstep could cost him his life. Forcing himself to remain calm, he obeyed her command, sitting cross-legged and closing his eyes. Any rash action, he realized, could backfire disastrously.
Hours passed, the sun giving way to the moonlight. Finally, Xiao Ming withdrew her hands and stepped back, her expression contemplative. "Your constitution remains a mystery even to me. It is unlike anything I have encountered. What I can tell you is this—your secret technique alone will not suffice to unblock your meridians fully. You will require specific resources, rare and powerful ones."
Riu Xian opened his eyes, his curiosity evident. "Senior, how will I know what kind of constitution I have?"
"You will understand as your cultivation advances," she replied. Her tone turned serious. "But you must tread carefully. If word spreads of your special body, others will covet it for themselves. To protect you, I will place restrictions on your body. No one below Nascent Soul Fifth Stage will be able to sense your constitution."
Riu Xian's eyes widened in awe. "Senior, you are a Nascent Soul level cultivator?"
Xiao Ming chuckled lightly. "Perhaps I am. Perhaps I am not."
She then added, "However, the meridians you have unblocked will still draw attention. Low-level cultivators will notice and suspect that you have acquired treasures or a powerful technique. Unfortunately, I cannot conceal this. You must be cautious within your sect and avoid unnecessary conflicts."
Before Riu Xian could respond, a loud growl erupted from his stomach. Embarrassed, he lowered his head, but Xiao Ming burst into laughter.
"Even great cultivators cannot escape hunger," she teased, producing a small pouch from her robe. From it, she withdrew several glistening fruits, their vibrant hues radiating faint spiritual energy. "These are spirit fruits. They will replenish your strength."
Riu Xian accepted them with gratitude, his voice sincere. "Thank you, Senior."
Chapter 4: A Glimpse of the Path Ahead
Riu Xian savored the last bite of the spirit fruit, its sweetness invigorating his weary body. The night air was crisp, and the faint glow of the moon bathed the forest in silvery light. He turned to Xiao Ming, who stood nearby with an enigmatic smile, her azure robes flowing gently in the breeze.
"Senior," Riu Xian began hesitantly, "why are you helping me?"
She tilted her head slightly, her eyes studying him as if weighing her words. "I like helping talented people," she said with a faint smile. "And you are… unique. Perhaps, in the future, you may prove capable of returning this favor."
Riu Xian nodded thoughtfully. Though her words carried a hint of mystery, he felt sincerity in her demeanor. Gathering his courage, he asked, "Senior, I am but a low-level cultivator in my sect. I don't know much about the cultivation realms beyond Qi Gathering. Since you are a Nascent Soul-level cultivator, could you explain them to me?"
Xiao Ming chuckled lightly, a note of amusement in her voice. "Oh, so you wish to learn about the realms of cultivation? Become my disciple, and I will teach you everything there is to know."
Riu Xian's eyes widened, caught off guard by the unexpected offer. But before he could respond, Xiao Ming shook her head. "Unfortunately, you and I are from different sects. The rules forbid us from forming a master-disciple bond. Still, I'll tell you a few things now, and perhaps in the future, you'll consider joining my sect."
With a wave of her hand, she produced a small jade tablet, its surface shimmering faintly in the moonlight. "Take this. It bears my mark. If you ever wish to visit my sect, present it to the guards. If they refuse you entry, break the jade, and I will come to you personally."
Riu Xian accepted the jade tablet with both hands, bowing respectfully. "Thank you, Senior."
Xiao Ming nodded and began her explanation. "First, understand that we cultivators pursue immortality. Each breakthrough not only grants power but also extends our lifespan. And we don't just cultivate for strength; we also strive to ascend to higher realms of existence."
Her words sent a ripple of excitement through Riu Xian. In the Murim world, cultivation was solely for martial strength, a pursuit of the peak. But here… you gain power and extend your life?
Xiao Ming continued, her voice calm yet captivating. "There are many realms of cultivation, but I will only tell you about the levels up to Nascent Soul, as that is where I stand. Each realm has nine sublevels, and every breakthrough brings profound changes to the body, mind, and soul. We are currently in one of the lower realms, and in the lower realm, it is no small feat to achieve the Nascent Soul level. What comes after Nascent Soul, you will know in the future."
Riu Xian asked, "Senior, what is the lower realm? Is there an upper realm?"
Xiao Ming replied, her tone thoughtful, "The lower realm is a world with limitations. Once we reach the Deity Transformation level, which comes after the Nascent Soul stage, further growth in cultivation becomes nearly impossible. Yes, there is an upper realm. To achieve true immortality, one must ascend to one of the upper worlds."
Xiao Ming smiled faintly. "Now, I have told you more than I promised, but let me explain some other details."
She gestured toward him. "After opening ten percent of your meridians earlier, you are now at the peak of Qi Gathering. Opening just two percent more will allow you to break through to Foundation Establishment. At that stage, your lifespan will increase to 200 years, and you'll gain the ability to use flying swords."
Riu Xian's thoughts raced. A lifespan of 200 years… The concept was almost unimaginable for someone from the Murim world, where even the mightiest martial artists were bound by the natural limits of life.
"In the Qi Gathering stage," Xiao Ming continued, "cultivators store their Qi in their meridians. However, some unique individuals—like yourself—may store Qi in their hearts or even their brains. But once you reach Foundation Establishment, Qi will be stored in your dantian. This change is vital for stabilizing your cultivation and advancing further."
She paused briefly before resuming. "After Foundation Establishment comes Core Formation, and then the Nascent Soul stage. But for now, your focus should be on understanding the process of unblocking your meridians and achieving Foundation Establishment. Take this."
She handed him a small jade slip. "This slip contains detailed information about breaking through to Foundation Establishment and beyond. Study it well."
Riu Xian bowed deeply, overwhelmed by her generosity. "Thank you, Senior. Your guidance is invaluable."
Xiao Ming smiled faintly. "It is nearly morning. I must take my leave."
With that, she stepped onto her flying sword, the faint hum of energy filling the air. As she ascended gracefully into the sky, her voice carried back to him. "Remember my words, and tread cautiously in your sect. The path of cultivation is treacherous, but with patience and wisdom, you will find your way."
Riu Xian watched her figure disappear into the heavens, her words echoing in his mind. Clutching the jade tablet and slip, he settled beneath the large tree where he had meditated earlier. The faint light of dawn began to illuminate the forest as he placed the jade slip against his forehead, his spiritual sense probing its contents.
The slip was a treasure trove of information, detailing not only the process of unblocking meridians but also insights into the Foundation Establishment realm. He learned about the importance of stabilizing his cultivation base, the methods of refining Qi in his dantian, and the dangers of rushing breakthroughs.
One passage in particular caught his attention: "The process of unblocking meridians is not just about force; it requires balance. Too much pressure, and the meridians may rupture. Too little, and the Qi will stagnate."
Riu Xian reflected on this wisdom, comparing it to his experience with martial arts in the Murim world. The principles of balance and control were universal, transcending the differences between Ki and Qi.
Hours passed as he delved into the jade slip's teachings, his understanding of this world's cultivation deepening with each revelation. When his stomach growled again, he glanced at the spirit fruits Xiao Ming had left him. He picked one up and bit into it, its rich flavor filling him with warmth and energy.
As he finished the fruit, he leaned back against the tree, gazing up at the morning sky. Xiao Ming's parting words lingered in his mind, a mixture of encouragement and caution. For the first time since his reincarnation, Riu Xian felt a glimmer of hope—a sense that he was no longer stumbling blindly through an unfamiliar world.
The journey ahead would be arduous, but with the knowledge he had gained and the jade tablet in hand, he was determined to forge his own path.
Chapter 5: The Rising Tension
Riu Xian closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The knowledge gained from the jade slip left him in awe, its depth unraveling secrets of cultivation that went beyond anything he had encountered in his previous life. With a newfound resolve, he pocketed the jade slip and began the journey back to the Cloudspring Sect.
As he approached the familiar mountains that housed his sect, his thoughts swirled. This world, with its boundless Qi and intricate cultivation paths, was a far cry from the martial world of his past life. In the Murim, power and influence ruled, but here, there was an endless pursuit of longevity and ascension.
"I don't have to be a saint, nor do I need to embrace chaos entirely," he thought. "My father's orthodox teachings and my mother's demonic techniques—together, they give me a unique edge. With the Qi abundance here, I can truly unlock my potential. This chaotic world may be dangerous, but it's also filled with wonders waiting to be uncovered."
The realization brought a faint smile to his lips. His destiny was no longer tied to petty sect rivalries or constrained ambitions. Here, he had the chance to carve a path of his own, free from the shackles of orthodoxy or demonic control.
The Cloudspring Sect's outer market came into view as Riu Xian neared the base of the mountain. The bustling hub was alive with activity, though a heavy tension underlined the atmosphere. Merchants called out their wares, but their voices carried an edge of desperation. Whispers and murmurs filled the air as groups of disciples and locals huddled together, exchanging news.
Riu Xian slowed his pace, his ears attuned to the fragmented conversations around him.
"Did you hear? The Bright Snow Sect's forces are gathering."
"They've issued an ultimatum. If the Cloudspring Sect doesn't surrender in three days, they'll wipe us out."
"Their leader is backed by someone powerful—someone the elders won't dare to cross."
Riu Xian frowned as he pieced the information together. The Bright Snow Sect, a notorious power in the region, had long been known for its ambition and ruthlessness. Their sudden aggression toward the Cloudspring Sect hinted at more than just territorial expansion.
"What do they even want from the Cloudspring Sect?" a voice nearby asked.
"I heard rumors," another replied, lowering his voice. "They're after some kind of treasure. A rare artifact, something the elders have been hiding."
"What kind of artifact could cause all this chaos?"
"They say it's a boat," the speaker continued, glancing around cautiously. "But not just any boat. It can travel underground, powered by spirit stones. With it, you can move unseen for hundreds of kilometers in an instant."
"A boat that travels underground?" someone scoffed. "That's absurd."
"Absurd or not," the first man insisted, "the Bright Snow Sect is willing to start a war over it."
Another voice chimed in, "It's said that the boat cannot be detected by anyone below peak Nascent Soul cultivation. And if high-grade or supreme-grade spirit stones are used, it can even hide from cultivators far beyond Nascent Soul level. Imagine the kind of stealth and power it offers."
Riu Xian's mind raced as he absorbed the revelation. An artifact capable of underground travel was indeed rare—and potentially invaluable in this chaotic world. It wasn't just a means of escape; it could be a tool for exploration, smuggling, or even warfare. Such an object could easily tip the balance of power in favor of whoever possessed it.
Moving through the market with calculated nonchalance, Riu Xian continued to gather fragments of information. The elders of the Cloudspring Sect were in turmoil, torn between the option of surrender and the desire to protect their sect's legacy. Meanwhile, disciples whispered about the artifact in hushed tones, though most dismissed the idea as a far-fetched rumor.
As the day wore on, Riu Xian made his way up the mountain toward the sect's main grounds. The usually serene pathways were bustling with activity. Disciples rushed about, carrying messages and supplies, their faces marked by worry. The sect's defenses were being bolstered, but the effort seemed half-hearted, as though many had already resigned themselves to an inevitable defeat.
At the central hall, a meeting of the sect's leaders was underway. Though he was not permitted inside, Riu Xian lingered near the entrance, straining to hear their heated discussion.
"Surrender is the only viable option," one elder argued, his voice laced with desperation. "The Bright Snow Sect is backed by forces far stronger than us. Resistance will only lead to our annihilation."
"And what of our honor?" another elder countered, his tone defiant. "Do you think they'll spare us if we hand over the artifact? No, they'll destroy us regardless, to eliminate any future threat."
"Then what do you propose?" a third voice interjected, weary and uncertain. "With what? Their forces outnumber us three to one. Even our strongest disciples are no match for their elite."
Another elder sighed heavily. "If we decide to surrender to the Bright Snow Sect, how can we retrieve the boat? We don't even know how to access it. The information was lost with the Supreme Elder, who descended from the upper realms 1,200 years ago after being injured by his enemies and established this sect. No one knows where he secluded himself for cultivation. And if we plan to use this artifact to retaliate, we still don't know how to retrieve it. Either way, we are doomed."
The argument continued, a cacophony of fear, pride, and despair. Riu Xian shook his head and stepped away. It was clear the sect's leadership was divided, their indecision threatening to unravel any chance of survival.
By evening, the Cloudspring Sect was enveloped in a heavy silence, broken only by the occasional murmur of disciples gathered in small groups. Riu Xian retreated to a quiet spot near the outer courtyard, where the faint glow of the setting sun bathed the mountains in warm hues.
Sitting beneath an ancient tree, he let his thoughts settle. The sect's situation was precarious, and the looming conflict with the Bright Snow Sect seemed unavoidable. Yet, Riu Xian felt no loyalty to the Cloudspring Sect—not in the way others did. He was a cultivator on his own path, and his priorities lay in survival and growth, not in preserving a sect whose leaders couldn't even agree on a course of action.
"This artifact... if it's real, it could be the key to avoiding unnecessary conflicts. A way to move unnoticed, to explore and gather resources without fear of pursuit. If the Bright Snow Sect values it so highly, then it's worth investigating."
The decision solidified in his mind. He would uncover the truth about the artifact, not for the sect's sake, but for his own. In this chaotic world, power and knowledge were the only guarantees of survival.
With the sect in disarray and war looming, the perfect opportunity had arrived. Amid the frantic preparations, no one would notice a low-ranking disciple slipping into the library's forbidden archives. Riu Xian's resolve hardened. The artifact was more than a relic—it was a key to survival, perhaps even power. Whether it was the underground-traveling boat or the enigmatic Supreme Elder who founded the sect, he would uncover the truth. "In chaos lies opportunity,"he thought, stepping into the shadows
Chapter 6: A Path to Escape
Riu Xian slipped quietly through the outer sect grounds, his attempt to infiltrate the inner sect having ended in failure. The numerous guards patrolling the area and the complex spiritual restrictions made it impossible for someone of his current abilities to even approach the library, let alone enter it.
Frustration simmered beneath his calm facade as he retreated to his dorm, a small, weathered hut on the outskirts of the outer sect. Nestled in a remote corner, it was far removed from the bustling main grounds and the faint spiritual energy that lingered there. This dorm was a reflection of the body's past—a weak, low-ranking cultivator with no status or resources.
He pushed open the creaking door and stepped inside. The hut was sparse, with only a simple cot, a wooden table, and a few personal items left behind by the body's original owner. Sitting on the cot, Riu Xian leaned back against the wall, his mind racing.
"I should've known better," he murmured. "Breaking into the inner sect was nothing but a pipe dream. The library, the artifact, the Supreme Elder's secrets… they're all beyond my reach for now."
He closed his eyes, letting the weight of his situation sink in. The Cloudspring Sect was on the brink of war, and staying here would be akin to signing his death warrant. He didn't belong to this world, and he certainly didn't owe the sect anything.
"I have to escape before the war begins," he thought. "This sect means nothing to me. I'm not from this world, and the original owner of this body… he was just a boy with nowhere else to go. An orphan, taken in by the sect out of convenience."
Riu Xian's thoughts drifted to the fragmented memories of the body's previous owner. The boy had been hired at the age of thirteen to do menial tasks—cleaning, fetching supplies, and other handyman work. It wasn't until he reached the Qi Gathering realm by sheer perseverance that he was accepted as an outer sect disciple.
Despite his lowly status, there was something extraordinary about this body. The unique constitution he had discovered could not have been a mere coincidence. "The sect dismissed him as a weakling," Riu Xian mused, "but this body holds potential. His parents… whoever they were, they must have been remarkable. That kind of constitution doesn't appear out of nowhere."
A faint smile tugged at his lips, tinged with both curiosity and determination. "Or maybe there's another reason for it—a deeper mystery tied to this world. Either way, it's something I need to uncover. But not here. Not now."
The faint rustling of leaves outside drew his attention, but it was just the wind passing through the trees. The sect was quieter than usual, the tension of the impending war hanging heavy in the air. Riu Xian took a deep breath, steeling his resolve.
"This place isn't my home," he thought. "It never was. The boy stayed here because he had no choice, but I do. I won't die for a sect that didn't care for him or me. I'll find a way to leave and carve out my own path in this world. And when the time comes, I'll return—stronger, wiser, and ready to uncover the truth behind this body and its potential."
With his decision made, Riu Xian began to plan his escape. The chaos of the looming conflict might work to his advantage, providing the distraction he needed to slip away unnoticed. He didn't know where the path would lead, but one thing was certain: he wouldn't stay caught in the storm.
The hut fell silent as Riu Xian closed his eyes, the faint glow of dawn creeping through the cracks in the walls. In this world of cultivators and chaos, survival came first. Everything else could wait.
Chapter 7: The Path to Freedom
The first rays of dawn broke over the horizon, casting a golden hue on the Cloudspring Sect. Riu Xian stepped outside his small hut, stretching after a restless night. The crisp morning air filled his lungs, and for a moment, he felt a fleeting sense of calm—until the sky darkened.
He looked up, his eyes widening as massive flying ships appeared on the horizon, their imposing forms blocking out the morning light. They were a sight to behold, their intricate designs glowing faintly with spiritual energy. The vessels moved with an eerie grace, defying the laws of nature that Riu Xian had once known in the Murim world.
"Incredible," he murmured. "In the Murim, we could only dream of such things. Forget flying ships; even horses or oxen were the pinnacle of transportation. But here…" He shook his head in awe. "This world is filled with wonders—spirit beasts, divine beasts, and now this. Dragons, phoenixes, qilins… creatures we only believed in myths are real here."
The ships came to a halt above the sect's central grounds, their towering presence casting long shadows over the disciples gathered below. From the lead ship, a group of emissaries descended, their robes shimmering with the icy blue hues of the Bright Snow Sect. The leader, a tall man with piercing eyes and a commanding aura, raised his voice, his words amplified by spiritual energy.
"Attention, disciples of the Cloudspring Sect!" his voice boomed. "You have one hour to decide your fate. Surrender and live, or resist and perish!"
Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd.
The emissary continued, his tone cold and unyielding. "Disciples below the Foundation Establishment realm may leave the sect now. We do not stain our hands with the blood of the weak. As for those above Foundation Establishment, you have two choices: swear loyalty to the Bright Snow Sect or prepare for war. Make your decision."
Riu Xian's heart pounded. The ultimatum sent waves of fear and uncertainty through the sect. Whispers of escape and surrender filled the air as disciples scrambled to make sense of their choices.
"This is it," Riu Xian thought, his mind racing. "My chance to leave. I have no ties to this place, no reason to stay and fight a war I have no stake in. But how do I escape without drawing attention?"
The sect was in chaos, with disciples running in every direction. Using the distraction, Riu Xian began moving towards the forest that bordered the sect. He kept his pace steady, trying not to arouse suspicion, but his heart raced with anticipation.
As he reached the edge of the forest, he heard muffled voices nearby. Peering through the undergrowth, he spotted Lu Hao, the sect leader's arrogant son, and his lackeys. They were huddled together, their expressions tense.
"Are you sure this is the right way?" one of the lackeys asked, his voice shaking.
"It has to be," Lu Hao snapped, his usual arrogance replaced by fear. "The Bright Snow Sect won't show mercy to anyone, not even me. I'd rather take my chances out here than stay and fight."
Riu Xian's eyes narrowed. "Lu Hao, running like a coward?" he thought. "And here I thought he'd be one of the first to pledge loyalty to the Bright Snow Sect. Interesting."
He debated whether to confront them or let them be. Lu Hao and his lackeys weren't a threat to him right now, but they might know a safer route out of the sect's territory. The forest was vast, and without a proper plan, he could easily get lost or run into danger.
Making up his mind, Riu Xian stepped out from the shadows. "Lu Hao," he called out, his voice steady but quiet enough not to draw attention.
Lu Hao and his lackeys whipped around, their expressions shifting from surprise to anger. "You!" Lu Hao sneered. "What are you doing here?"
"The same thing as you," Riu Xian replied calmly. "Escaping. The sect is doomed, and you know it. But the forest is dangerous, especially for people like us who've never ventured beyond the sect's surrounding forest and its boundaries. Once we enter the deeper parts, it will become treacherous. A temporary alliance might be our best chance. We help each other, and once we're safe, we go our separate ways."
Lu Hao's face flushed with anger, but he didn't respond immediately. One of his lackeys spoke up, his tone cautious. "He's right, Young Master. The forest is full of spirit beasts and other dangers. We don't stand a chance without a guide."
Riu Xian crossed his arms, watching Lu Hao carefully. "I don't have time to waste on petty grudges, Lu Hao. If you want to live, we can work together to get out of here. Otherwise, you're on your own."
The sect leader's son hesitated, his pride warring with his survival instincts. Finally, he nodded grudgingly. "Fine. But don't think for a second that this makes us allies."
Turning to his lackeys, Lu Hao's lips curled into a sly smirk. "We can use him to clear the way or as a distraction during our escape. When the time comes, and he's no longer of any use to us, we'll discard him like the trash he is."
His lackeys exchanged uneasy glances but quickly nodded, unwilling to question Lu Hao's plan.
"Wouldn't dream of it," Riu Xian replied with a faint smirk.
With the fragile alliance in place, the group began their trek into the forest. Riu Xian led the way, his senses heightened as he scanned the surroundings for signs of danger. The trees loomed tall and ominous, their dense canopy blocking out much of the sunlight. Every rustle of leaves and distant growl set his nerves on edge.
As they moved deeper into the forest, Riu Xian's thoughts drifted. He had no intention of staying with Lu Hao for long. The moment he found a chance to slip away unnoticed, he would take it. For now, though, he needed to bide his time and ensure his escape route was clear.
"The Bright Snow Sect's ultimatum may have thrown the sect into chaos," he thought, "but chaos also brings opportunity. If I play my cards right, I can leave this place far behind and finally start forging my own path in this world."
Chapter 8: The Mysterious Cave
Riu Xian's heart pounded in his chest as he moved with haste through the dense forest. The war with the Bright Snow Sect was imminent, and the Cloudspring Sect's preparations were falling apart. He had no desire to be caught in the chaos of it all. With each passing moment, the sense of impending danger only grew stronger. "I need to get away from this cursed place," he thought, his mind racing as he sought a way out.
Suddenly, as if summoned by his desperation, a peculiar sight appeared before him. A cave materialized out of nowhere, the earth around it seeming to ripple and shift like water. A portal-like gate stood at the entrance, its surface glowing faintly with a faint aura.
"Is this a secret realm?" Riu Xian exclaimed, his voice filled with astonishment. He had never seen anything like it before, not even in his previous life, where such realms were spoken of only in legends.
Lu Hao, who had been following Riu Xian, scoffed at his ignorance. His arrogant laugh filled the air. "You don't even know what a secret realm looks like?" he sneered. "Take a good look, you fool. This is no ordinary secret realm. This is an ancient cave abode, probably left behind by a high-level cultivator. The gate may look like a portal, but it's actually a restriction, and it seems the restriction has been lifted somehow."
Riu Xian's mind whirled. "An ancient cave abode? A place where a high-level cultivator might have lived? But what is this gate, and why now?" He took a step forward, his curiosity piqued.
One of Lu Hao's lackeys, a brutish cultivator with a dark expression, eyed the cave with greed in his eyes. "Should we explore it? There's no telling what treasures this place might hold. It could be our chance to find something that'll make us stronger."
The others, eager for any opportunity to gain power, nodded in agreement. Without a second thought, they pushed forward, stepping through the threshold of the cave.
Riu Xian hesitated for a moment, then followed. "This might be the chance I've been looking for," he thought, his instincts telling him that there was more to this place than met the eye. He couldn't pass up the possibility of uncovering something that could change his fate.
As soon as he crossed into the cave, the sight before him stunned him. The interior resembled a grand mansion, more like the abode of a wealthy business tycoon than a humble cultivator's retreat. The floors were made of gleaming jadestone, smooth and polished, reflecting the faint light that seeped from the entrance. Exquisite decorations adorned every surface, from intricately carved statues to tapestries depicting scenes of battles and triumphs. The air itself hummed with the remnants of spiritual energy, long dormant yet still potent.
Riu Xian's eyes widened as he saw shelves lined with all manner of weapons—some of high-grade material, others ordinary but well-crafted. There were also vials of pills that seemed to pulse with spiritual energy, their aura tantalizingly strong. His gaze darted from one corner to another, his senses on high alert. "What is this place? This cave—this must have belonged to someone above the Nascent Soul level. A mere foundation establishment cultivator wouldn't have this kind of wealth. Could it be a relic from a forgotten sect?"
But before he could contemplate further, one of Lu Hao's lackeys shouted with glee. "We've hit the jackpot! This place is a lifetime deal!" His voice echoed through the cave, and the others rushed to gather their share of the spoils.
Riu Xian remained still, his eyes narrowing as he took in the scene before him. Something felt off. If this cave had been abandoned by a high-level cultivator, why were the treasures left out in the open? It didn't make sense. "A cultivator of this level wouldn't be so careless. These items should have been hidden away, protected by arrays or guardians. Why are they so easily accessible?"
Still, the allure of the treasures was undeniable, and Riu Xian found himself drawn deeper into the cave. As he wandered, his footsteps slowed when he noticed a room on the far side of the cave. The entrance to the room was unassuming, hidden behind a thick curtain of vines that seemed to have grown naturally over the years. Something about the room called to him, a sense of familiarity tugging at his soul.
Ignoring the others who were too busy stuffing their bags with weapons and pills, Riu Xian approached the room. Just as he reached the entrance, Lu Hao rushed forward, his eyes gleaming with excitement. He pushed past Riu Xian and entered the chamber first, a satisfied grin on his face.
At the center of the room was an altar, a pedestal that held a single, ancient scroll. Lu Hao's gaze was fixed on it as if it were the most precious thing in the world. He approached it eagerly, snatching it up from the pedestal with trembling hands.
With a triumphant laugh, Lu Hao held the scroll high above his head. "This is it! This is the key to my rise!" He turned to the others, his voice booming. "This technique—look at it! This is a high-grade Foundation Establishment technique, maybe even supreme-grade! With this, I'll be unstoppable! No one can stand in my way, not even the elders of my own sect!"
The lackeys surrounding him erupted into cheers, but Riu Xian remained silent. His mind raced as he observed the scene. "A technique? A supreme-grade one at that? Why is it just lying there? Could it be that the previous owner of this cave left it behind intentionally? Or is there something more to this?"
As Riu Xian stepped forward, his eyes flicked to the scroll. Despite the overwhelming presence of treasure around him, his attention was drawn to that single object. "Is this the reason the cave appeared?" he thought. "Is this technique the key to unlocking the true potential of this place? Or is there something else hidden here that we haven't discovered yet?"
But before he could investigate further, Lu Hao's voice cut through his thoughts. "This is it. With this technique, I'll be the greatest cultivator in this world! No one will dare to challenge me. And all of you will witness my rise to power!" His arrogance dripped from every word as he reveled in his discovery.
Riu Xian's lips curled into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. "Perhaps Lu Hao is too quick to claim victory," he mused. "This cave holds more than meets the eye, and this technique might not be the only thing waiting to be discovered."
The others continued to bicker excitedly over the spoils, but Riu Xian's attention was no longer on them. The cave had revealed its secrets, but only to those who were willing to look beyond the surface.
He was determined to uncover the truth. Whatever the cave's true purpose was, whatever secrets it held—Riu Xian felt that this Foundation Establishment technique was meant for him, a strange, familiar feeling tugging at him whenever his eyes met the scroll. It was as if the technique resonated with something deep inside him. And perhaps, in the process, he would uncover his own path to power.
Chapter 9: The Unseen Power Within
The weight of the situation bore heavily on Riu Xian as he stood amidst the jade-adorned splendor of the ancient cave abode. His gaze was fixed on the Foundation Establishment Techniquein Lu Hao's hands, its energy radiating faintly, like a beacon calling out to him. There was something inexplicably familiar about it, as if it was meant for him and him alone.
"This technique..." Riu Xian muttered under his breath, his thoughts racing. The information he had gleaned from Xiao Ming's jade slip came rushing back to him. Foundation establishment techniques were exceedingly rare, reserved for the core members of the most powerful sects. They were even categorized into five grades: low, high, advanced, supreme, and the exceptionally coveted Rare grade.
Using a pill to build one's foundation was far more common, as the pills were easier to find compared to these elusive techniques. However, the foundation established with a pill, while stable, was not as strong as one created using a technique. Riu Xian had no desire to establish his foundation using a pill, especially under the current circumstances.
In the Cloudspring Sect, only sixteen peak Qi Gathering cultivators were chosen to receive foundation-building pills each year through fierce competition. Even so, alchemists within the sect were scarce, making these pills difficult to obtain. But before this year's competition could take place, the Bright Snow Sect's sudden invasion had shattered any hopes of acquiring a pill. For Riu Xian, the chance of getting one now was slim to none.
Although his Murim techniques made him powerful and allowed him to gather Qi at an astonishing speed, they were useless when it came to building a foundation. Without a suitable foundation establishment technique, he would have no choice but to rely on a pill, which he desperately wanted to avoid.
This was why the technique was so precious to him. It offered a path to creating a foundation that was not only stronger but inherently more stable than one formed using a pill. Such techniques were typically reserved for the inner circles of high-grade sects like the Azure Immortal Sect, from which Senior Xiao Ming hailed. The jade slip he had received contained all this invaluable information, reinforcing Riu Xian's determination. This technique was his best hope to establish a foundation worthy of greatness, even if it meant defying the odds.
He clenched his fists. "I can't rely on luck to get a pill, and even if I could, I don't want a weak foundation. This technique... it's my chance, my only chance to ensure my path forward is secure."
Riu Xian stepped forward, his resolve firm. "Lu Hao," he said, his voice steady but filled with an undercurrent of tension, "I want that technique. You can have everything else in this cave—the weapons, the pills, all the treasures. Just give me the technique."
Lu Hao, clutching the scroll close to his chest, turned and sneered. "You?" he said with a mocking laugh. "A nobody from the outer sect thinks he can negotiate with me? This technique is mine, and so are the resources here. You don't even know your place!"
Riu Xian's jaw tightened, his patience wearing thin. "I'm not asking for much," he said, his voice sharper now. "Take everything else, but give me the technique. It's the only thing I want."
Lu Hao's arrogance only grew as he waved dismissively. "Do you think you have the qualifications to bargain with me? You're just a lowly outer sect disciple. I don't care what you want. This technique is mine, and I'll use it to become the greatest cultivator this sect has ever seen. As for you..." His gaze turned cold. "You're nothing but an insect beneath my feet."
Riu Xian's eyes narrowed, his patience snapping. He had tried reasoning, but it was clear that words wouldn't work. "Lu Hao," he said, his voice dropping to a dangerous tone, "don't test me. Give me the technique, or you'll regret it."
The room fell silent as the air between them grew heavy. Lu Hao laughed derisively. "Regret it? You?" he spat, his lackeys chuckling behind him. "Do whatever you want. You won't even be able to touch a hair on my head."
Riu Xian took a deep breath, his anger bubbling beneath the surface. He had wanted to avoid conflict, but Lu Hao's arrogance left him no choice. If words won't work, then I'll let my actions do the talking.
Without warning, Riu Xian moved. His body surged forward with a speed and precision that shocked even himself. Before Lu Hao could react, Riu Xian's hand struck out, his palm connecting with Lu Hao's face in a devastating slap.
The impact was catastrophic. The atmosphere in the ancient cave abode turned deathly silent after the devastating blow. Riu Xian's palm had struck Lu Hao with such force that the arrogant young man's head exploded on impact, leaving his lifeless body to collapse to the jade floor. Blood splattered across the pristine surface, painting a grim picture that shocked everyone present.
Riu Xian stared at his hand, a mixture of disbelief and unease flashing across his face. "I didn't mean for this to happen," he muttered, his voice low. "I didn't know my strength had grown this much... Could it be because of my Murim techniques blending with this world's cultivation methods? Or is it because I've unlocked 10% of my meridians and reached the peak of qi gathering realm?
Lu Hao's lackeys froze in their places, their faces pale as they processed what had just happened. The man they had served and feared was gone in an instant, killed with a single slap. One of them stepped forward hesitantly, bowing his head deeply. "S-Senior..." he stammered, his voice trembling. "We didn't know you were this strong. Please, take everything in this cave. Forgive us and spare our lives!"
The others quickly followed suit, dropping to their knees and pleading for mercy. Riu Xian looked at them, his expression unreadable. He let out a heavy sigh. "Indeed, I want these treasures, but there's no point in taking what I cannot carry." He gestured around the chamber, his tone steady. "I don't have a spatial treasure like a space ring or a spatial bag to store these items. Besides, I didn't intend to kill him."
His gaze turned to Lu Hao's lifeless body, a flicker of regret crossing his face. "His death was an accident," Riu Xian continued, his voice growing firmer. "I don't want to take any more lives unnecessarily."
The lackeys looked at one another, relief beginning to dawn on their faces. Riu Xian's next words, however, left no room for misunderstanding. "Take these treasures and scram," he ordered coldly. "I'm not interested in you or whatever allegiance you had to him. Just leave this place and don't cross my path again."
"Yes, Senior!" the lackeys chorused in unison, scrambling to their feet. They hurriedly began gathering the treasures, from pills to weapons, their movements frantic as they avoided looking at Riu Xian directly. Within moments, they were gone, leaving Riu Xian alone in the chamber.
The silence that followed was almost oppressive, broken only by the faint hum of spiritual energy radiating from the chamber's treasures. Riu Xian walked to the center of the room and picked up the Foundation Establishment Technique scroll, holding it tightly in his hands. That strange, familiar feeling surged through him again, as if the technique was resonating with his very soul.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "This technique... it's my chance to build a proper foundation, one that can support my path forward."
Chapter 10: The Hidden Depths Revealed
Riu Xian sat quietly in the grand cave, surrounded by treasures and jade pillars that gleamed in the soft, radiant light. His gaze lingered on the scroll he had taken, the Foundation Establishment technique that had somehow called to him.
"Should I open this technique now and take a quick look at its contents, or should I leave this cave immediately before anything else happens?" he wondered, his thoughts racing.
His eyes scanned the opulent surroundings. The very ground beneath him and the towering pillars of the cave were made of jade stone—valuable materials that could fetch a small fortune if sold for spirit stones.
"I could break off a piece to sell later," he mused, a hint of greed flickering through his mind. But a second thought quickly followed. "No… I don't even have a spatial treasure to carry it. A space ring or spatial bag is necessary for such things, and I don't own either."
His gaze shifted briefly to the body of Lu Hao, and frustration flickered across his face. Lu Hao had a spatial bag, but it was locked by the spiritual energy of the Lu family. Without that unique energy, it was impossible to open. What a waste. The treasure was right there, yet completely out of reach.
Shaking his head at his impractical idea, he returned his focus to the scroll. "I should at least see what's inside this technique. It feels like it's meant for me, and this might be my only chance to learn something useful."
With that decision, he carefully unrolled the scroll.
As soon as the parchment was fully open, the cave trembled violently. The shimmering jade floor beneath him cracked, and the pillars groaned as the vibrations intensified. Riu Xian instinctively leaped to his feet, clutching the scroll tightly as he tried to maintain his balance.
A deep, resonating sound echoed through the chamber as a glowing portal-like door appeared in the center of the cave. Its light pulsed with energy, swirling like liquid gold. Before Riu Xian could react further, the portal expanded, and a powerful force sucked him in.
The sensation of being pulled through the portal was overwhelming but brief. In an instant, Riu Xian found himself sprawled on the ground, his head spinning from the abrupt transition.
He quickly got to his feet and look in his new surroundings. He was in a tunnel, its walls glittering faintly with embedded light spirit crystals that gave off a soft, eerie glow. The air here was dense, thick with an immense amount of Qi that made every breath feel heavy yet invigorating.
Riu Xian's heart raced, but he steadied himself. "This must be some hidden passage connected to the cave," he thought, brushing the dust off his robe. Despite the strangeness of the situation, his Murim instincts kept him calm.
Without hesitation, he began walking through the tunnel, the sound of his footsteps echoing faintly against the stone walls. The tunnel twisted and turned, but after several minutes, it opened into a vast chamber.
What greeted him left him speechless.
The chamber was far more luxurious than the cave he had just left. The walls shimmered with spirit stones of various colors, casting a kaleidoscope of light throughout the room. The floor was pure white jade, smooth and polished to perfection, reflecting the grandeur of the space. Every inch of the chamber exuded opulence and refinement.
But the centerpiece of the room caught Riu Xian's full attention.
At the far end of the chamber stood a sleek, obsidian-black boat, shaped like a miniature ship. Its elegant hull tapered sharply at the ends, giving it an aerodynamic appearance. On either side, intricate, wing-like structures extended outward, their surfaces etched with runes that glowed faintly with an ancient, otherworldly power. The wings seemed almost alive, as though they could unfurl and carry the vessel into the skies or beyond.
The entire boat radiated an aura of profound energy, exuding a sense of mystery and superiority. It was clear this was no ordinary artifact—this was a treasure meant for far more than mundane travel, its design combining artistry and power in equal measure.
Sitting beside the boat, leaning against its side, was a skeleton. The bones were unnaturally pristine, glowing faintly with a golden hue. Its posture was one of quiet dignity, its skeletal hands resting on its lap as if the person had passed away in meditation.
Riu Xian approached cautiously, his mind racing with questions.
"Is this the underground-traveling boat that the Bright Snow Sect invaded the Cloudspring Sect for?" he thought, his gaze shifting between the artifact and the skeleton. "And this skeleton… could it belong to the Supreme Elder? The one who founded the Cloudspring Sect over a thousand years ago?"
The thought sent a chill down his spine. If this truly was the Supreme Elder, then Riu Xian was standing in the presence of a legacy far greater than anything he had ever imagined.
But why had the ground cracked open? Why had the portal appeared, and why had it brought him here?
The questions swirled in his mind as he stood before the ancient boat and the mysterious skeleton, the air heavy with the weight of untold secrets.
"What does this place hold for me? And how will it change the path I've chosen to take?"
Chapter 11: Secrets of the Supreme Elder (Part 1)
Riu Xian stood in the opulent chamber, his eyes scanning every inch of the luxurious space. Spirit stones embedded in the walls shimmered with a faint glow, and the smooth jade floor reflected the kaleidoscope of light, creating an atmosphere of otherworldly beauty. Despite the awe-inspiring sight, an unsettling feeling prickled the back of his neck. He couldn't shake the sensation that he was being watched.
For a moment, he hesitated. His instincts from Murim screamed caution, but his curiosity urged him forward. Taking a deep breath, he walked deeper into the chamber, his steps echoing faintly. His gaze fell on the boat—a sleek, obsidian artifact engraved with intricate runes that pulsed with ancient energy. It was unlike anything he had ever seen, exuding an aura of boundless power and profound secrecy. His heart raced as he imagined the possibilities it held.
Then, his eyes caught the skeleton resting beside the boat. It leaned against the artifact, its golden-tinged bones glowing faintly. The sight sent a chill through him. "Is this the skeleton of the Supreme Elder? The one who founded the Cloudspring Sect over a millennium ago?"
As Riu Xian moved closer to inspect it, the temperature in the room seemed to drop. A sudden ripple of energy filled the air, and a figure materialized before him. It was a man with a dignified appearance, middle-aged with streaks of gray in his beard and hair. His azure robe flowed around him, and on his sleeve was a band that bore the word "CLOUDSPRING" in bold letters.
Riu Xian's heart pounded in his chest. He immediately clasped his hands and bowed respectfully. "Senior, are you the Supreme Elder of the Cloudspring Sect? The first sect leader who established this place?"
The figure nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Yes, I am the Supreme Elder, though what stands before you is but my soul. My body has long since perished, and I am now bound to this place." He laughed lightly, though there was a trace of bitterness in his voice. "But now that you are here, you will not be leaving."
Riu Xian froze. The elder's words carried an ominous weight, and his instincts screamed that danger was imminent. He straightened, his voice steady despite the unease gripping him. "Senior, if I may ask, why can I not leave? Have I done something to offend you?"
The elder's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Offend me? No, young one. In fact, you have done me a great service by coming here. You see, it was I who guided you to this place."
Riu Xian's mind raced as the elder continued. "When you entered the forest to escape from the Bright Snow Sect, the cave abode that appeared before you was no coincidence. It was my doing. I have been watching you since you first stepped into the forest, and now you are here, right where I want you."
The elder's laugh echoed through the chamber, sending a shiver down Riu Xian's spine. "Now, give me your body, and I will grant you one wish."
Riu Xian's heart pounded as the gravity of the situation sank in. He was trapped, and the elder's words confirmed that this was no mere coincidence. Still, he forced himself to stay calm. "Senior, may I ask why you want my body? Surely there are countless others you could have chosen for this purpose."
The elder's laughter grew louder, filling the chamber. "Ha! You are sharp, young one. Very well, since you will not be leaving this place, I shall share some details before I take what is rightfully mine."
The elder's expression darkened, and his voice grew cold. "Do you have any memories from before you were thirteen?"
Riu Xian hesitated, the question catching him off guard. He thought back to his fragmented memories. Ever since he had reincarnated into this world, he had assumed that the original owner's memories were intact. But now that he considered it, everything before the age of thirteen was a blur, an empty void. "No," he admitted cautiously. "I only have memories from the age of thirteen onwards. I don't know anything about my parents or my life before that."
The elder's lips curled into a sinister smile. "Exactly as I expected. Let me tell you a story."
The elder began his tale, his voice filled with both pride and bitterness. "Twelve hundred years ago, I was an alchemist in the upper realms, a prodigy of my time. My master, a revered figure in the immortal realm, entrusted me with rare treasures—blood and a core from a dragon and a phoenix. With these divine materials, I sought to create a body that could host unparalleled power."
He paused, his eyes glinting with malice. "Then, I discovered your mother. She was pregnant with a child who bore the potential of a divine being—a Qilin and also with supreme eyes. Such a child would be the perfect vessel for my ambitions. So, I kidnapped her."
Riu Xian's breath hitched, but he remained silent, letting the elder continue.
"I used this very boat to carry her away. This is no ordinary artifact—it is a spatial treasure with the ability to travel underground, invisible to all but the most powerful cultivators. It can store living beings, herbs, treasures, and more, and it can even transform into a pendant or ring for convenience. I created a hidden abode beneath Riu family's residence to ensure no one would find us."
The elder's expression darkened further. "But one of my disciples betrayed me, revealing my location to Riu family in exchange for their favor. I was forced to flee, severely injured during the escape. To save my life, I descended to the lower realms, sacrificing my cultivation in the process. Here, I established the Cloudspring Sect, using it as a façade to bide my time until your birth."
Riu Xian's mind spun as he processed the elder's words. The revelations were staggering. This man had orchestrated everything, even from the moment he had fled to this world. Yet one question burned in his mind.
"Senior," he said, his voice steady but laced with suspicion. "You've told me so much, but there's one detail you haven't explained. If you kidnapped my mother twelve hundred years ago, how am I here now? How could I be born only recently? And why are my memories limited to after the age of thirteen?"
The elder smiled, his eyes gleaming with a calculating sharpness. "Ah, that… is a question I expected. And since you are trapped here, unable to escape, I suppose it would not hurt to share the answer."
Riu Xian tensed, his heart pounding as he awaited the elder's response. The mysteries of his existence and the missing fragments of his memories loomed before him like an impenetrable fog, and the answers promised to reshape everything he thought he knew.
Chapter 12: Secrets of the Supreme Elder (Part 2)
Riu Xian's heart pounded as the Supreme Elder's sinister smile widened. The golden hue of his spectral form shimmered faintly in the opulent chamber, casting an eerie glow over the skeletal remains beside the boat. Despite the grandeur of the space, an oppressive aura hung heavy in the air, suffocating any thoughts of escape.
The elder leaned against the obsidian-black boat, his expression amused as he began to speak.
"It's no secret, young one. When a mother is pregnant with an extraordinary child like you—one born with the powers of a Qilin and supreme eyes—the pregnancy doesn't follow normal rules. The longer the mother carries such a child, the more powerful the child will become."
Riu Xian's breath hitched as the elder's words confirmed his worst fears. This was no coincidence. His existence, his struggles, his very being—they had all been orchestrated by the man standing before him.
"When I kidnapped your mother, she had already been pregnant with you for three years," the elder continued, his voice calm, almost nostalgic. "At the time, I was a renowned alchemist in the upper world. I had knowledge and treasures that others could only dream of, but I wanted more—more power, more influence, more immortality. You were my solution."
The elder gestured toward the sleek, rune-covered boat beside him.
"This spatial boat was my prized possession, capable of traveling underground, storing living beings, and holding immense resources. I used it to escape to the lower realms with your mother. She was essential to my plans, so I ensured she had every comfort and facility she needed."
He chuckled, a hollow sound that echoed through the chamber.
"Do you understand, boy? I didn't kidnap her out of malice but necessity. You were to be my perfect vessel. But things did not go as planned."
The elder's expression darkened, and his spectral aura flickered ominously. "Your father's family—the Riu family—was not ignorant. They discovered my actions far sooner than I anticipated. One of my own disciples betrayed me, revealing my plans in exchange for their favor. They attacked me with everything they had, sending their elites to hunt me down."
Riu Xian's fists clenched as the elder continued, his tone bitter.
"The Riu family was formidable, even by upper-world standards. Their lineage carried the blood of the Qilin, and their patriarch was a cultivator far beyond my realm—his power was immense and terrifying. When they found me, I was forced to fight for my life, knowing escape would come at a great cost."
The elder's spectral form shifted, as if reliving the events. "The battle was fierce. I used every artifact, every technique I possessed, to hold them off. But their strength was overwhelming. I was gravely injured, my soul damaged, and my body riddled with wounds. Yet I refused to surrender. Your unborn potential was too valuable to lose."
He gestured toward the boat. "In my desperation, I used this spatial treasure to flee. It was my lifeline, my escape. But descending to the lower realms required a heavy price. To survive, I sacrificed my cultivation, reducing myself to a mere shell of my former self. It was a humiliating defeat, but it was necessary to preserve my plans."
The elder's gaze turned distant as he continued. "One hundred years passed, and your mother's pregnancy progressed. By then, she was nearing her labor. But there was a problem—my soul strength wasn't fully recovered, and you weren't ready for the transfer. To successfully occupy your body, you had to reach the peak of the Qi Gathering realm, and I needed my soul to be in its prime. I realized I had to delay your birth."
He paused, his spectral form glowing faintly as he spoke. "It was then that I decided to use the core and blood of the Dragon and Phoenix that my master had gifted me. I infused them into your unborn body, enhancing your potential. But the process had an unintended consequence—it increased your mother's pregnancy by another seven hundred years."
Riu Xian's eyes widened in disbelief. "Seven hundred years? That's…" He trailed off, struggling to comprehend the sheer scale of time.
"Yes," the elder said, his voice calm. "During those centuries, I ensured she had the best conditions. I built this underground cave as her sanctuary, providing her with everything she needed. But as the years passed, I realized my soul still wasn't fully healed. I needed more time."
The elder's tone grew somber. "After nearly a millennium, the time of your birth finally arrived. I was ecstatic. You were the culmination of all my efforts—a child born after a thousand years, with the powers of the Qilin, Dragon, Phoenix, and Bixi combined you. With such strength, you would be unrivaled within the same realm and capable of defeating cultivators above your realm. But the heavens did not smile upon me. Your birth attracted a divine tribulation, a punishment from the heavens for tampering with the natural order."
The elder's tone grew somber. "After nearly a millennium, the time of your birth finally arrived. I was ecstatic. You were the culmination of all my efforts—a child born after a thousand years, with the powers of the Qilin, Dragon, Phoenix, and Bixi combined. But the heavens did not smile upon me. Your birth attracted a divine tribulation, a punishment from the heavens for tampering with the natural order."
He shook his head, his spectral form flickering. "The tribulation was unlike anything I had ever seen. It was vast, powerful, and relentless. I took you and your mother outside the cave to face it, thinking I could resist it. But I was wrong."
Riu Xian's throat tightened as the elder continued.
"The lightning struck us with unrelenting fury. Your mother died instantly, shielding you with her last ounce of strength. Before she passed, she named you 'Riu Xian.' Her final act was one of love, even after everything I had done."
The elder's voice softened, a rare trace of regret coloring his words. The elder's voice softened, a rare trace of regret coloring his words. "I fought with everything I had, but the tribulation left me mortally wounded. I tried to escape, but it was futile. With what little strength remained, I used my boat to bring you back to this underground cave. My body was destroyed, leaving behind only my skeleton, but my soul endured, bound to this place. The technique I possess to take over a body can only be used once, so I refrained from using it before. But now, with you here, I can finally perform it and claim your body as my own."
The elder's gaze sharpened as he spoke of the years that followed. "You remained in a coma for thirteen years. During that time, I used the last of my resources to ensure your survival. When you finally woke, I used a teleportation talisman to send you to the Cloudspring Sect. I also sent a transmission jade slip, instructing the sect to take you in as a handyman disciple."
Riu Xian frowned, remembering the hardships he had faced in the sect. "They treated me like an outcast," he muttered. "They said I had no talent and stopped giving me resources."
The elder smirked. "Of course they did. None of them realized the truth—that your meridians were blocked, sealing your true potential. I intended to unblock some of them, but due to the essence of the Bixi, I was unable to do so. The essence formed a unique seal that can only be undone as you improve your cultivation. In a way, this worked to my advantage—it kept you humble, hungry, and most importantly, alive. Had they known your true potential, they might have tried to exploit or eliminate you."
The elder's spectral form seemed to grow brighter as he finished his tale. When the Bright Snow Sect attacked, you fled toward the forest in a desperate attempt to escape. Unknowingly, you were drawn directly toward the direction of my cave. It seems fate was on my side.
He spread his arms, his laughter ringing through the chamber. "And now, here we are. My soul is stronger than ever, and you are at the perfect stage (peak of Qi Gathering stage) for me to transfer into your body. All my preparations, my sacrifices, my patience—they have all led to this moment."
Riu Xian took a step back, his heart pounding as the elder's laughter grew louder. The weight of the elder's gaze bore down on him, and he knew there was no escape.
"Now that you are here, your body will be mine!" the elder declared, his voice echoing with power and malevolence. "Hahaha!"
Chapter 13: Supreme Elder defeated?
Riu Xian's world turned dark as the Supreme Elder's laughter reverberated in his ears. The chamber's shimmering light faded, replaced by an endless void illuminated only by the glowing figure of the elder's soul. Suddenly, Riu Xian felt himself being pulled into a strange, boundless space—his sea of consciousness.
Here, the atmosphere was heavy, saturated with energy that surged like turbulent waves. The ocean beneath them roared, its dark, churning waters reflecting the towering figure of the Supreme Elder, who hovered above with an aura of absolute dominance.
"This is where it ends, boy," the elder's voice boomed, his gaze cold and unyielding. "Your body will be mine, and your pitiful soul will be obliterated."
Riu Xian gritted his teeth, feeling the elder's oppressive force closing in on him. A golden barrier formed around him instinctively, shielding his soul from the elder's initial assault.
"You underestimate me," Riu Xian growled, his eyes blazing with determination.
The elder chuckled, a sinister edge to his voice. "You may have some resistance, but against my rare-grade soul technique, you are nothing but a lamb to the slaughter. Behold the power of the Soul Devourer Art!"
The elder raised his hand, and intricate runes formed in the air, glowing with an ominous crimson hue. The runes spiraled into a massive vortex, aiming directly for Riu Xian's soul.
Riu Xian's barrier trembled under the sheer power of the attack. His mind raced, trying to find a way to counter it. Just as the elder's technique began to tear through the barrier, Riu Xian felt a surge of energy deep within him—a latent strength he had never noticed before.
The elder paused mid-attack, his eyes narrowing as he observed Riu Xian. "What is this? How are you resisting? This technique is rare-grade, capable of obliterating souls far stronger than yours. You… you are not Riu Xian. Who are you? This soul… it isn't yours!"
The elder's words resonated deeply with Riu Xian, stirring thoughts of his past life as Hae Jin. I practiced tirelessly in the Murim world to strengthen my body, he mused, recalling the countless hours of rigorous training and Ki mastery. And now, through reincarnation, my soul has grown even stronger.
Riu Xian straightened, his barrier stabilizing as he looked the elder in the eye. "You're right. I am not just Riu Xian. I am also Hae Jin, a warrior from another world where we strengthened our bodies Ki cultivation. When I reincarnated into this body, my soul became stronger than ever. And with every step I take on the cultivation path, it will only grow more powerful."
The elder's expression twisted with fury. "Reincarnation? No matter! I will crush your soul and take what is mine!"
With a roar, the elder unleashed a barrage of crimson tendrils, each one crackling with soul-devouring energy. They whipped through the air, aiming to entangle Riu Xian.
Riu Xian's instincts from Murim took over. He focused his energy, summoning a glowing, golden martial aura that enveloped him like armor. With swift, precise movements, he dodged the tendrils, countering with sharp bursts of Ki that severed them mid-air.
The elder snarled, his voice booming like thunder. "You dare to defy me? I am an alchemist who once stood against your mighty Riu family and kidnapped your mother, wielding a soul of unparalleled strength!"
Riu Xian smirked, his confidence growing with each successful counter. "You may have been strong in your prime, but now you're nothing more than a soul without a body. I, on the other hand, have both—a soul forged through reincarnation and a body strengthened by the essences of three divine beasts and one legendary beast. You have no chance against me."
Enraged, the elder charged, his form growing larger and more menacing. He raised his hand, and a colossal blade of soul energy materialized, its edge crackling with raw power. He swung it down with devastating force, aiming to cleave Riu Xian's soul in two.
Riu Xian planted his feet firmly, summoning the techniques of his Murim past. With a roar, he channeled his Qi into a powerful strike, his fist glowing with golden light as it collided with the blade. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the sea of consciousness, the turbulent waters below them surging higher.
The elder staggered back, disbelief etched across his face. "What… what is this technique? Such raw power… it's impossible for someone of your cultivation level!"
Riu Xian stepped forward, his aura growing brighter. "This is the strength of Murim, combined with the potential of this body you so desperately covet. You've underestimated me for the last time."
The elder roared in defiance, launching another series of attacks. Pillars of crimson energy erupted around Riu Xian, threatening to crush him from all sides. Riu Xian, however, remained calm. Drawing on his martial training, he dodged and weaved through the attacks with fluid grace, countering each one with precise strikes that shattered the elder's energy constructs.
The battle raged on, the sea of consciousness trembling under the force of their clash. The elder's attacks grew more frantic, his form flickering as his soul energy began to wane.
"You insolent brat!" the elder spat, his voice laced with desperation. "You dare defy me? I am the Supreme Elder, the founder of the Cloudspring Sect! I will not be defeated by a mere child!"
Riu Xian met the elder's gaze, his expression calm but resolute. "You've lived long enough, clinging to your schemes and ambitions. But your time is over. This body, this soul—they are mine, and I will protect them at all costs."
Summoning every ounce of his strength, Riu Xian unleashed a final, devastating technique. He drew upon the golden martial aura of his Murim past, combining it with the latent energy of his enhanced body. A colossal dragon of Ki surged forth, its roar shaking the very fabric of the sea of consciousness.
The dragon collided with the elder, engulfing him in a torrent of energy. The elder screamed, his form dissolving under the onslaught. His voice echoed faintly as his soul began to dissipate.
"No… this cannot be… I am the Supreme Elder… I cannot lose…"
As the elder's form faded, the sea of consciousness began to stabilize. The turbulent waters calmed, and the oppressive atmosphere lifted.
Riu Xian stood tall, his breathing steady as he watched the last remnants of the elder's soul vanish into the void. Though exhausted, he felt a newfound sense of clarity and strength.
"This is only the beginning," Riu Xian muttered to himself. "I will grow stronger, not just for myself, but for the legacy of both my past and present lives."
Chapter 14: Foundation Establishment
Riu Xian stood alone in the heart of the cave, the remnants of his battle with the Supreme Elder's soul still lingering within him. The elder's soul had vanished, but in its wake, something remained—fragments of memories, scattered and incomplete, yet profoundly significant. Riu Xian's mind pulsed as he sifted through them, the echoes of the elder's life and cultivation resonating in his thoughts.
His eyes narrowed as the memories began to make sense.
Wang Wei... The name echoed in his mind.
Wang Wei, the Supreme Elder of the Cloudspring Sect, had once stood at the pinnacle of the Spatial Tempering realm in the upper world. But after descending to the lower realm, he had been forced to sacrifice part of his cultivation due to the grave injuries inflicted by Riu Xian's family. The elder had managed to restore himself, ascending to the peak of the Deity Transformation realm. But even with that strength, he had never fully recovered.
Riu Xian's mind raced as he absorbed more of the elder's recollections. These were invaluable insights, detailing the stages of cultivation that followed the Qi Gathering stage:
Foundation Establishment: At this stage, a cultivator's age would increase to around 200 years. For Riu Xian, with the essence of Bixi infused in him, his lifespan would increase by 25% more with each breakthrough. If the Bixi had been from the upper world, matured, his lifespan could have tripled.Core Formation: Once the Core was formed, a cultivator's lifespan would increase to around 1000 years.Nascent Soul: At this stage, the cultivator would live for 5000 years, but only the truly powerful could reach it.Deity Transformation: The peak of Deity Transformation marked a lifespan of 10,000 years.Spatial Tempering: The final stage of cultivation before ascending to the upper world. At this stage, cultivators live for 250,000 years. However, it is nearly impossible to break through this stage in the lower world. Once a cultivator reaches the peak of Deity Transformation and is ready to break through to Spatial Tempering, they are forced to ascend to one of the upper worlds to complete the breakthrough. The energy and conditions required for such a monumental step can only be found in the upper realms.Riu Xian paused, digesting the information. It was clear now—the cultivation in the lower world had limitations. Even those who reached the peak of Deity Transformation were bound by those limitations.
Beyond the Spatial Tempering stage, many more realms awaited, each more mysterious and powerful than the last. However, the fragments of the elder's memories did not contain any information about these higher realms. Riu Xian could only imagine what lay beyond.
There is more... The fragments of memory continued. Above the upper world lies the Immortal World—a singular and divine realm, unparalleled in its grandeur. It was far larger than all the lower and upper worlds combined, a place where only the most transcendent beings dwelled. Its vastness and power were beyond imagination, and its inhabitants possessed cultivations that surpassed anything Riu Xian could fathom.
His brow furrowed. The Wang Wei's master, someone from the Immortal World, had escaped under unknown circumstances. What Riu Xian did know, however, was that this master's cultivation had surpassed even Wang Wei's.
The spatial boat, the technique—it was all too much to ignore.
"I will use this," Riu Xian murmured to himself, turning his gaze toward the treasures scattered around him in the cave. The energy within these walls had already proven extraordinary, and now, with the technique and the resources at his disposal, he could break through to the next stage of cultivation. If I succeed, I will become more than just a pawn in this world's games.
He turned his attention back to the technique he had discovered in the outer cave before being pulled inside. It was rare—so rare that it came from the Immortal World itself. A technique that would help him establish his foundation, accelerate his cultivation, and make it stable. But it would require immense resources. His Qilin constitution, with its latent power, would aid him, but even it couldn't fully support such a monumental breakthrough without the proper materials.
"I will make it work," he whispered, his voice filled with resolve.
With a final glance at the treasures before him, Riu Xian began to gather the spirit stones scattered throughout the cave. His fingers brushed over the glimmering stones, each one crackling with energy. The herbs nearby—vibrant, fresh, and full of spiritual essence—were also essential for the breakthrough he sought.
Days passed, then weeks. Time lost its meaning. The outside world—the impending war between the Cloudspring Sect and the Bright Snow Sect—faded into irrelevance. All that mattered now was his cultivation.
His body sat in the lotus position, his mind focused entirely on the technique. The spirit stones fed his energy, while the herbs nurtured his body and soul. He meditated deeply, channeling the technique's immense power through his meridians. His body trembled as it absorbed the energy, but his will remained firm, pushing through the strain.
As the days turned into months, Riu Xian felt a profound transformation within himself. His cultivation advanced steadily, each day bringing him closer to a solid foundation. His Qilin constitution, along with the essence of other legendary and divine beasts infused by Wang Wei, amplified his efforts, helping his body adapt to the overwhelming influx of power.
Five years passed.
Riu Xian opened his eyes, his once-dull gaze now filled with newfound clarity. He could feel the change—his body had transformed. His cultivation had reached the middle of the Foundation Establishment realm. The world around him seemed clearer, more vivid. The power coursing through him was immense. The once-crippled disciple of the Cloudspring Sect was now something far more dangerous.
"I did it," Riu Xian whispered, his voice hoarse but triumphant.
The cave around him felt different—more alive, more responsive to his presence. He had completed his breakthrough into the Foundation Establishment realm.
And as the last of the spirit stones disintegrated into pure energy, Riu Xian knew that this was only the beginning.