A thousand years after the great crisis that humanity faced, the world has undergone a complete transformation. No longer do ordinary beings exist—those who could only live a maximum of 100 years. Instead, a cultivation system has emerged.
Following that momentous battle, a cultivation system known as "Vital Energy" or EV was born. It is the very essence of life—an elusive, intangible energy that flows through every living being, connecting them to the entire universe. Although it cannot be seen or touched, its presence can be felt, and its power harnessed.
Thanks to this system, every living being can now cultivate and attain power beyond that of an ordinary human. Additionally, each individual possesses a unique awakening—a gift that defies common sense—along with superior vital energy cultivation known as…
After centuries of research and study by cultivators, the Vital Energy realms have been divided as follows:
Tempered Body: Practitioners begin to sense the presence of EV within their bodies and learn to channel it to strengthen both body and mind.Vital Foundation: Practitioners accumulate enough EV to use it in combat techniques.Vital Transformation: Practitioners can release EV outside their bodies for attack, defense, and other actions.Vital Fusion: Practitioners enhance their strength, storage, and utilization of EV.True Vital: Practitioners purify their EV into the significantly more powerful True Vital.Forming Vital Shape: Practitioners can create physical forms using their EV, such as weapons or shields.
Each level is divided into three stages: Initial, Intermediate, and Advanced. Every EV cultivator must progress through each stage before advancing to the next level. Whether any being has surpassed the "Forming Vital Shape" level remains unknown, as rumors about higher realms have circulated for the past 100 years.
Currently, 30 minutes before arriving at the location of a battle over a treasure born from heaven and earth, the benefits it could bestow remain unknown. However, one thing is certain: when this treasure was discovered, it emitted astonishing energy that enticed every living being. Undoubtedly, such a treasure would aid any cultivator—even those lacking innate talent—to reach unprecedented heights. Captain Kazuki coveted it, but he also knew that seizing it was impossible unless he could overcome Min-Ji Lu, the guardian of the fourth princess from the "Lu" family.
Min-Ji Lu is a reserved and enigmatic young woman. Her unwavering loyalty to Ji-Yeon Lu drives her to protect her at any cost. With jet-black hair cascading in soft waves, reflecting light like the finest silk, her deep, icy eyes hold a penetrating and mysterious gaze. An aura of coldness surrounds her, as if she were connected to the very ice that dominates. Her presence is both imposing and magnetic. Min-Ji Lu embodies a perfect blend of grace and beauty, making every glance toward her an unforgettable experience.
Captain Kazuki couldn't help but be fascinated by Min-Ji Lu's beauty, yet simultaneously, a chill ran down his spine due to the aura she exuded. Just moments ago, he had witnessed the terror she could unleash in battle. Looking around, even the guards were awestruck and entranced by the beauty of these two women.
Before, they had been besieged by three beasts in the advanced realm of Vital Foundation. As described, these beasts were just one step away from advancing to the Transformation Vital realm. The guards and Captain Kazuki couldn't help but shudder, thinking it was the end of their lives. However, something unexpected happened: Min-Ji Lu uttered soft words, "Froststar Cryomancy," unleashing an avalanche of ice fragments that fell like meteorites, shattering the terrifying beasts and leaving a devastated, frozen area. The present guards remained speechless until they felt a chill run through their bodies. When they saw the aftermath, they realized the extraordinary strength of Min-Ji Lu, about whom they had only heard rumors.
Captain Kazuki had some knowledge of techniques within the Lu family, and witnessing this terrifying ability made him recognize Min-Ji Lu's talent. "Froststar Cryomancy" was one of the finest techniques granted only to the main branches of the Lu family. This technique allowed practitioners to channel vital energy and transform it into ice. They could create razor-sharp ice weapons that gleamed like constellations in the night.
The most impressive aspect of this technique was the "Starfall" or "Fragmented Starfall": practitioners summoned ice fragments that fell like devastating meteorites upon their enemies. Only those who had awakened a special ice-related gift could unleash such terrifying power.
Ji-Yeon Lu, the younger sister, received a secret transmission that she could only hear if she had a certain level of mastery. The message was clear: they could enter and retrieve the Nectar of the Ages. According to the family patriarch, 150 years had passed since this sacred treasure last appeared. The nectar had the power to allow whoever consumed it to leap across two major realms.
Ji-Yeon Lu recalled reading that some time ago, a family Fu, member had the luck to find two drops of the "Nectar of the Ages." However, instead of keeping it secret, they boasted about their find while in a small city near some ruins. In that place, many awakened individuals spent their time exploring and seeking fortune among the remnants of ancient civilizations.
In a crowded tavern, this individual proudly claimed to have obtained an extraordinary treasure. The crowd knew which family they belonged to, and no one dared provoke them, fearing retaliation or even annihilation of their own family. As they spoke, someone interrupted: "Enough nonsense—tell us, what did you find?"
The individual smiled and produced a small bottle adorned with sacred inscriptions that dazzled onlookers. The bottle's seal could only be broken with the owner's blood. When it was uncorked, a powerful energy filled the tavern, causing everyone to startle. Dazed, someone asked, "What kind of treasure is this, that even the stubborn neck of the bottle I couldn't open for years loosened?" The treasure-bearer, satisfied with the astonished expressions, revealed: "Would you like to know the name of this treasure?"
Most people merely nodded in agreement. Surely, many were aware of the existence of a legendary treasure—one that could help cultivators save years of cultivation, surpassing realms without any bottlenecks. Some were puzzled, having never heard of a treasure capable of accelerating cultivation and overcoming realms without hindrance. However, there were those who, with a mocking smile, asked, "Are you trying to say this is the 'Nectar of the Ages,' which only appears once every 150 years?"
All eyes turned to the individual, seeking confirmation. "Ha ha ha," a burst of laughter erupted from the person holding the small bottle, confirming their suspicions. "Yes, you're correct. This is indeed the Nectar of the Ages. By accident, I stumbled upon a space no one had explored before and found just two drops of it."
However, that confirmation left the tavern in a sepulchral silence. The individual furrowed their brow—why had the room fallen abruptly silent? But before they could complete their thoughts, a sharp pain shot through their arm. In an instant, their arm was torn off, blood spurting. They screamed in agony and panic, unaware of the terror that surrounded the coveted Nectar of the Ages. Cultivators knew that even with a powerful family backing, greed could lead to death. As the saying goes, "Birds die for food, while humans die for greed."
In that small city, a bloody struggle erupted over the Nectar of the Ages. Thousands of awakened beings perished, and no one knew who ultimately claimed the treasure—or if it was all a rumor sown to sow chaos and destruction among the awakened.
Ji-Yeon Lu, I understand your concerns. The temptation of the Nectar of the Ages is overwhelming, even for the most carefully selected guards. The fact that the designated collector couldn't be present this time places a great responsibility on your shoulders.
The special space where the Nectar is produced is sacred, and its abundant energy serves as a constant reminder of its value. As you activate the locking mechanism and open the door, you're about to face a crucial task. Stay vigilant and trust in your ability to protect this vital treasure for your family.