"Grand Ancestor? Grand Ancestor?" Silence. Li Wei lay still, trying to adjust to his new quarters on the Old Ones Island, a floating mountain created 6,000 years ago by an ancient cultivator.
Here, he finally had a quiet space to cultivate, away from others. Only his master and a few high-ranked cultivators could reach him.
His friends, however, couldn't visit, no matter how much he missed them.
A voice gently called out, urging him to wake up. Exhausted from the intense week, he tried to ignore it—until the voice suddenly shouted. Jolted awake, Li Wei quickly threw on his robe and hurried outside to see what was happening.
"Grand Ancestor…?" The voice belonged to a young girl with pink hair tied in pigtails and teary green eyes. She was being held by three unknown men.
Furious, Li Wei gathered his energy, pushing the men back with his essence, and prepared to use his newly obtained technique—the Sky Call Art.
This seventh-grade imperial technique was a rare treasure in the Azure Kingdom. It allowed its user to pull objects or people from afar with just a thought.
Though it was believed unattainable by all, including the sect leader, Li Wei had somehow managed to learn it.
Using his skill, he gently brought his maid to safety beside him and turned to face the intruders.
"So, you're the new Grand Ancestor," one of the men sneered.
Li Wei narrowed his eyes. "And who are you?" He pressed his energy toward them, forcing the arrogant men to their knees.
One of them chuckled, shaking off the pressure. "Feisty, aren't you?"
Li Wei felt the man's strength matched his own. If they fought, it wouldn't be easy to win.
"What do you want?" Li Wei asked, tense.
The man smiled. "Relax, young one. We both know two Returning Realm cultivators fighting here would cause unnecessary destruction."
Li Wei clenched his jaw but knew the man was right. Fighting at their level was forbidden unless war was declared. He nodded, calling his maid to go back inside where she'd be safe.
"Don't worry," the man sneered again. "I'm here for you."
He flew down to Li Wei, standing face to face with him. It was quite the sight—a sixteen-year-old boy staring down an older, mysterious cultivator. Despite his age, Li Wei knew he had the power to defend himself.
The man pulled back his hood, revealing himself as Li Huocheng, the Blazing Phoenix Sovereign, a high elder of the Eternal Flame Palace.
Known for his strength and legendary status, he had reached the True Radiance Realm at twenty-two, then the Profound Realm by thirty-five.
Now, at a hundred and ten, he remained at the ninth stage of the Returning Realm.
Li Huocheng had come to meet Li Wei, hoping the young cultivator might hold the key to breaking through to the next stage.
"Young man," Li Huocheng said with a smile, "would you be willing to work together? Don't worry—it's nothing dangerous.
I only wish to accompany you for the next thirty years. If you reach a higher realm, would you teach me how?"
Li Wei was speechless. This elder, old enough to be his great-grandfather, wanted to follow him. He hesitated, unsure of how to respond, when his master appeared.
"Why not let him?" his master suggested. arriving on a flying leaf- imperial grade flying mount. called the Emerald Jade Windleaf.
"But… doesn't he belong to the Flame Palace?" Li Wei asked.
"Oh, it's nothing serious," Li Huocheng chuckled. "I'm only an honorary elder, like you. They only call on me for emergencies, and that hasn't happened in decades. Besides, following you sounds interesting."
After a moment's thought, Li Wei agreed, but with one condition. "First, have your subordinates apologize to my maid."
Li Huocheng laughed, clearly impressed by Li Wei's courage. Pleased, he ordered his men to apologize. Once they did, he sent them back to inform the palace lord of his decision.
Then he turned back to Li Wei, curiosity lighting his eyes. "Now, tell me everything—about yourself, your life until now. If I'm to follow you, I need to understand how you achieved so much at such a young age."
So, Li Wei told him his story, from his childhood to his journey here. Li Huocheng listened, nodding thoughtfully.
"Young man," he said, "you've lived quite the life. Such strong willpower!"
Li Wei looked down, a little embarrassed, but when he looked back up, he saw warmth and pride in Elder Li's eyes.
"It's alright," Elder Li reassured him, placing a hand on his shoulder. To Li Wei, his struggles were just part of the path.
He had once thought he'd live and die as a lowly mortal, but his master had changed his fate, giving him a future full of potential.
The elder smiled. "I see a fire in you, young one." With a laugh, he added, "I have a feeling this is going to be very interesting."