Twelve Years Ago.
In a once peaceful world, a strange event called "The Eclipse" brought about chaos and destruction.
The exact cause of this event remained unknown, but its destructive nature was clear.
A group of daring rogue cultivators embarked on a dangerous mission to gain unimaginable power.
Their ambitions had no limits, and in their relentless quest for immortality, they triggered a catastrophe that would forever change history.
Their ill-fated ritual took place at a location where ancient energy paths intersected, now known as the "Nexus of Darkness."
They attempted to tear apart reality itself, breaching the boundaries between different worlds and unleashing chaotic forces.
These rogue cultivators, driven by their arrogance and thirst for power, succeeded in summoning The Eclipse. However, they underestimated its aftermath.
The consequences of their ritual was immediate and destructive.
The ritual left the cultivators broken, their minds and bodies tainted by the cruel energies they had unleashed.
But this was just the beginning of the horrors they had set in motion.
The dark energies of The Eclipse spread throughout the world, enveloping it in a sinister grip.
The once-thriving cultivation system faltered, and people's faith in the power of qi crumbled in the face of impending disaster.
Established sects and clans, symbols of order and strength, fell one after the other in the face of The Eclipse's unrelenting fierce attack. New factions and governing bodies emerged to fill the void.
The human cost was immeasurable. Terrified masses fled from regions ravaged by The Eclipse, leaving once-thriving cities deserted. Those who remained struggled to adapt to a transformed world.
Resources that were once abundant became scarce. The natural balance was disrupted, leading to shortages of essential items for cultivation.
Black markets thrived, and ethical lines blurred as people faced desperation.
The core of cultivation was tainted by The Eclipse. Qi, once pure and abundant, became difficult and corrupted. Aspiring cultivators faced uncertainty and depletion of their qi reserves, making them vulnerable.
Noble martial arts schools, once paragons of honor and tradition, were tempted by forbidden techniques in their pursuit of power. The line between righteous and corrupt cultivation grew blurry.
Amid the chaos, mystical creatures and beings, once guardians of the natural order, fell under The Eclipse's influence.
Some went mad, some were corrupted, and others turned malevolent. The world became more treacherous, and humanity's survival hung in the balance.
Among the chaos and despair that engulfed the world, a select group of cultivators emerged as beacons of unwavering resolve.
They were men and women who had chosen the path of righteousness, determined to preserve the ancient traditions of cultivation.
These cultivators were marked by their unyielding discipline and dedication.
They continued to train diligently, their qi reserves depleted but their spirits undaunted.
They held steadfast to the core principles of honor and virtue, upholding the noble heritage of their martial arts schools.
Most were not disciples of any sects, or they had been long time ago before The Eclipse.
Some were independent cultivators; parents who strive to be better and be able to mentor their children.
However, not everyone in this world was a cultivator. Only those who were determined to become immortals undertook the path of cultivation.
This led us to the Xin family.
The Xin family were renowned as exceptional cultivators. They were a testament to the ancient traditions, their skills a testament to the purity of their martial arts.
The family had two children, one of whom was Xinjin.
Xinjin, at 18 years old, had already displayed remarkable talent and dedication to his cultivation. Beside him was Xinyi, merely 8 years old, but with an extraordinary spirit that shone with potential.
The Xin family was known for instilling in their children the values of honor and discipline.
Both Xinjin and Xinyi were the embodiment of these principles, reflecting their family's heritage.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow across the Xin family's cozy home, the scent of a freshly cooked Chinese meal wafted through the air.
The family gathered around a large dining table, where a spread of delectable dishes awaited them.
The table featured a variety of dishes, showcasing the rich flavors of Chinese cuisine.
Succulent dumplings, steamed to perfection, practically melted in your mouth. Bowls of fluffy, warm rice awaited hungry diners. Stir-fried vegetables, savory meats, and aromatic broth graced the table.
Xinjin, the 18-year-old brother, adeptly used chopsticks to fill his plate, displaying the skills of an experienced eater. His parents watched with pride as their son had grown into a fine young man.
Little Xinyi, just 8 years old, sat beside Xinjin, clinging to her big brother. She looked up at him with trust and affection as he served her some food.
Xinjin chuckled and tousled her hair. "Here you go, Xinyi," he said with a warm smile. "Don't forget to eat your vegetables."
Xinyi pouted before looking at her mother, "Mama, Elder brother Jin says vegetables are good for our health."
"Yes, my dear," Mrs Xin uttered, giving her daughter a small smile. "They make you become stronger."
Xinyi shook her head enthusiastically and said, "But I do not like vegetables, mama."
Xinjin looked at his own vegetables and then held his chopsticks to give Xinyi more, "You need to eat a lot of them, little sister."
"But I don't want to," Xinyi exclaimed dramatically before scooping grains of rice in her mouth. "I will eat it only if Elder Brother Jin eats his too. If he doesn't eat, I won't."
Mr Xin looked over at Xinjin who looked a bit disturbed. He looked back at his daughter and said, "Yiyi, your elder brother eats vegetables and that is the reason he is strong and healthy."
Mrs Xin nodded in support but Xinyi wasn't ready to agree, "Though vegetables are awful I still eat them because Elder Brother Jin hates them. He always gives me his vegetables." She shook her head," Never has he eaten his vegetables but I'm tired of eating vegetables. Mama, do not cook them anymore. It is not of any good if we waste food."
Mr and Mrs Xin were already giving Xinjin a naughty look.
Flustered, Xinjin looked at his little sister and smiled, "Baobei, I only gave you my vegetables because you need them more. To be able to cultivate when you are of age. You must know I love vegetables."
Mrs and Mrs Xin nodded at Xinjin's reply which made Xinyi take a draw at her vegetables.
Seeing Xinyi was not satisfied, Mrs Xin stood up and took Xinjin's empty plate before putting part of her own vegetables. "Yiyi, watch your Elder Brother eat the vegetables. He doesn't hate them. He ate a lot more when he was of your age."
Xinjin bit his lips since he had no choice, he scooped the vegetables in his mouth and then roughly swallowed it before faking a satisfied smile.
"I will do whatever Elder Brother does!" Xinyi exclaimed as she ate her own vegetables eagerly. "I want to become a transcendent master like papa and mama."
Mr and Mrs Xin raised their brows before Xinjin decided to correct his little sister, "Mother and father are not transcendent masters."
It was hard to explain that it was almost impossible to become immortals especially after The Eclipse had taken place and had affected everyone's qi. He proceeded, "It is difficult to become one after The Eclipse."
"What is the Eclipse?" Xinyi asked, her innocent eyes glistening as she inquired from her Elder brother.
The discussion was interrupted by a loud noise.
The serene family dinner turned into a chaotic mess.
The windows shattered, glass scattered all over, and their cozy room was suddenly in disarray.
The dining table tipped over, dishes crashed to the floor, and the walls trembled.
A loud, jarring noise filled the room as the door burst open, revealing a terrifying, snake-like creature with human features.
Xinyi's scream pierced the air as she looked terrified at the creature directly in front of her.