In the bustling streets of the Falling Star Empire's imperial city, a beggar huddled against a wall, his clothes little more than rags.
He blinked rapidly, his eyes darting around as if seeing the world for the first time. His mouth moved, but no coherent words formed, just a baffled, "What...?"
Hun Yu's mind spun, struggling to make sense of his surroundings. Everything was alien, yet hauntingly familiar.
This beggar was Hun Yu, a reincarnated soul from Earth. On Earth, he had died in his sleep, only to awaken in a new life in a world of cultivation.
In this life, he was a prince of a prosperous empire that had fallen to betrayal and chaos.
His previous life's memories had somehow awakened and were now dominant, making him feel disoriented and out of place.
As he struggled to reconcile his two sets of memories, a passerby bumped into him, causing him to fall to the ground.
When he looked up, he saw a woman in a full black robe, her eyes the only visible part of her face.
She stared at him briefly, then continued on her way without a word. Nearby, a group of people chatted animatedly.
"Did you see that woman? She had such an aura."
"She must be hiding a hideous face under that robe," someone speculated.
Hun Yu remembered her eyes—piercing and beautiful, like twin stars. He shook his head, dismissing their gossip.
"Forget about her. Today's the Disciple Recruitment Ceremony," one of them mentioned.
"Isn't it held every year?" another replied.
Hun Yu's ears perked up. Sects recruiting disciples? This could be his chance. If he could join even a small sect, his life might become carefree and easy.
But doubt gnawed at him. How could he, a beggar, hope to join a sect? He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts.
But accepting didn't mean understanding. His heart was heavy with unanswered questions and a deep sense of loss.
Determined not to let this opportunity slip away, he decided to investigate the Disciple Recruitment Ceremony.
He knew the location because he had lived in this city for years and knew every corner of it.
With a mixture of hope and apprehension, he set off to seize this chance for a better life.
Hun Yu made his way through the crowded streets, his heart pounding with anxiety. After about twenty-five minutes of walking, he arrived at the grand plaza where the ceremony was taking place.
The moment he stepped into the plaza, he became the center of attention.
"What is this beggar doing here?" one person whispered to another.
"Don't tell me he's here to look for a sect," another responded in disbelief.
"No way," echoed the sentiments of the crowd, all dumbfounded by the idea that a beggar could aspire to become a disciple.
But little did they know, sometimes greatness emerges from the most unexpected places.
As the gossiping continued, an elderly man in ceremonial robes stepped forward. "Recruitment will begin."
"If your talent in cultivation is good, the sects will show interest in you. It's up to you to decide whom to join."
"And on this special occasion, the second prince will be present here to watch the young talents," announced the elder, directing everyone's attention to a young man dressed in elaborate imperial garments.
He had sharp features, defined cheekbones, and a strong jawline, exuding an air of regal elegance beyond his years.
He smiled at the crowd, then raised his hand. "Everyone, today I, Huang Mao, the second prince, am here to watch all of you—the future talents of the empire."
Hun Yu glanced at the prince, sensing an aura of arrogance. Although he was a beggar, he had a keen eye for judging character.
"This is the second prince, oh my god."
"If only I could catch the second prince's attention," whispered others, and soon gossip started spreading like wildfire.
"Okay, everyone, one by one, place your hands on this ball," instructed the elder.
"This ball can reveal someone's potential. It will glow blue for normal potential, yellow for good, red for very good, and lastly, it will glow orangish-yellow for excellent."
As the old man finished explaining, one by one, people started to place their hands on the ball. Mostly, it glowed blue, indicating no significant interest from the sects.
Suddenly, a young man in white attire with long hair and a dignified face stepped forward and placed his hand on the orb.
It glowed red, indicating very good potential. Seeing this, representatives from various sects stood up, their eyes gleaming with interest.
Everyone looked at the young man, and even the prince's attention was drawn to him.
If he could get this genius to join the imperial family, then... Everyone who was there to recruit disciples vied for his attention.
"Young man, choose which one you want to join," said the elder.
Suddenly, Huang Mao interrupted. "I present an offer. If you work under me, I can provide you with the best resources and training possible.
And if there is anything you need—wealth, money—I can provide..."
Everyone fell silent. The sects present were not giants, nor were they small. They could be called mediocre sects, and how could these sects be compared to the imperial family?
But suddenly, another voice sounded. "Hmm, although the Sky Wind Sect cannot promise such things, you could be eligible for being an inner disciple if you are willing to join." A woman came into view.
Hun Yu looked at the woman. Unlike the prince, she appeared dignified and serene.
If he were in the place of this young man, he would choose to join the Sky Wind Sect without a doubt.
Although other sects might not be on the level of the imperial family, Sky Wind could surely give the imperial family big trouble if messed with.
"If you join, although we can't offer what the prince can, you can gain the title of inner disciple, relying on your talent."
Everyone looked at the young man with envy, receiving offers from both the imperial family and the Sky Wind Sect. How lucky could he be?
But the young man looked at the woman with disdain. "I won't join Sky Wind, even if death comes to me." With that said, he walked towards the prince.
The woman who presented the offer remained silent, her long hair and face hidden behind a veil. "It's your loss, then," she said before she sat back in her place.
Hun Yu's mind raced. He had no expectations of being noticed, yet the scene unfolding before him stirred a desire deep within.
If someone as ordinary-looking as that young man could catch the attention of powerful sects, perhaps he, too, had a chance.
"Continue," the elder prompted, breaking the tense moment.
Finally, it was Hun Yu's turn. He looked around and walked forward. Seeing him, everyone was surprised; it was the first time they had seen a beggar testing his potential.
Everyone seemed curious about the potential this beggar might have, so no one stopped him.
As he placed his hand on the orb, he had some confidence. If his memories were right and he was born into the royal family, his cultivation talent should be good.
But as he placed it, nothing happened. For a moment, even the elder was in disbelief. "Try again," he suggested.
Hun Yu tried again, but still, nothing happened.
The prince, high on the platform, sneered. "He is talentless."
"Throw him out; he is talentless," the prince commanded, prompting an attendant to forcefully remove Hun Yu from the premises.
His gaze turned to the prince, who looked at him with disgust.
Talentless? How could he believe it? There must be some mistake, he thought. But before he could think of anything, he was dragged out and thrown onto the street.
He sighed, laying on the ground motionless. As he lay there, his mind raced with different possibilities.
Amidst his brooding, he heard approaching footsteps. Raising his head, he was surprised to see the same woman standing before him.
Her serene expression remained unchanged as she looked down at him. "Get up," she said softly.
Hun Yu, still in a daze, scrambled to his feet. "Why are you here?" he asked, confusion evident in his voice.