After centuries of relentless battle against the demon hordes Led by the formidable demon god, humanity finally emerged victorious, albeit scarred . From the ashes, mighty institutions like luminari sanctuary rose to train a new generation of warriors to combat the residual demon threat . Though demon population had dwindled significantly , pockets of darkness still lingered.
Empires ascended to dominate the world however luminari sanctuary and similar factions remained steadfast in their independence, refusing to yield to imperial control . These autonomous strongholds continued to forge elite warriors,free from the influence of imperial politics.
Amidst the mist shrouded hills of meng xiang dalu southwestern realm The luminari sanctuary pierced the heavens, its slender spire ascending over the horizon.
This ancient citadel once know as the holy crescent church of the five heavens stood as a testament to the harmony of qi and the balance of Yin and yang.
The continent's sages sought its counsel, for within its hallowed walls lay the secret to much greater power, having existed for thousands of years, luminari sanctuary has managed to accumulate millions and millions of wealth which is just enough to buy an entire empire .
Within the sanctuary's serene confinements ,a teenager sat crosslegged exuding an aura of contemplative calm . Lin Xiao, a youth of fifteen winters poised his hands upon his thighs with eyes closed in meditation .
The soft glow of lanterns danced across his features like the breath of a beautiful woman.
" Absorb the essence of the orange fire starlight petal slowly and calmly ", Huan zhiyun declared.
Seated before lin Xiao was the third elder of luminari sanctuary,the elder's eyes shining with wisdom of the ages left the yellowed pages of what looked like a scripture . He turned to face lin Xiao and just looking at him , Huan zhiyun smirked as if impressed by the young man's determination.
With a graceful gesture , lin Xiao lifted a delicate petal from the intricately carved jade box before him . The orange fire starlight petal shimmered, releasing a wisp of smoke that danced like dragon's breath.
Huan zhiyun placed down the scripture and rise from his head ,his eyes scanning the environment as if excepting someone to be spying on them.
The orange fire starlight petal is formidable,it can increase strength but incase one can control its power ...ah ,I am afraid you may die .
He gave lin Xiao such a miserable look that revealed that he didn't want lin Xiao to shallow the orange fire starlight petal.
Undaunted,lin Xiao swallowed the petal whole and instantly his blood vessels visible beneath his skin deepened toba vibrant crimson . The reddening spread radiating from his hands to the delicate networks on his forehead .
Lin Xiao's body radiated intense heat , sweat dripped from his brow like molten lava threatened to consume him .
Huan shook his head , indirectly telling the young man .
I told you so .
His breath quickened , each inhale feeding the fire burning within .
" Just focus your breathing idiot . Oxygen support burning so please stop inhaling , just realize ", Huan zhiyun instructed .
If his body continued like this , his spiritual energy cavities would ruptured slowly extinguishing like life force . This all happened because of the orange fire starlight petal, this herb was born from the fiery essence of harsh volcanos . It amplified strength and fortified spiritual energy cavities but was dangerous to the soul and could kill instantly Incase of a spiritual energy backlash.
After decades of absorbing deadly volcanic flames , the origin plant's essence merged with the fiery energy giving birth to orange fire starlight petal.
Huan zhiyun's gaze settled upon his fingernail , with a subtle movement, he sliced open his palm unleashing a rivulet of crimson essence . The blood began dripping to the ground like autumn rain.
You idiot. Partake of my blood , I am sure I will stabilize your body to withstand the heat.
Lin Xiao's lips enveloped Huan's wounded palm.
With the old man's vital essence forged from 370 levels of cultivation , surely his blood was powerful enough to even revive the dying .
Huan's face remained impassive but his eyes narrowed slightly as he turned away from lin .
Five min passed by with old man Huan standing Infront of lin Xiao ,this old girl actually cared for this no body Infront of him .
Lin Xiao was just like any other student who came from a different part of the meng xiang dalu ,upon arriving at luminari sanctuary,he was largely unknown . For three years ,his Qi stagnated at the bottom of SHEN DI at just five levels .
Fate intervened when Huan zhiyun ,the revered first elder took him under his wing . As an elder ,he possessed unparalleled access to rare herbs and ancient beast skills .
A powerhouse in his own right , Huan zhiyun held the esteemed rank of YUANSHI TIAN ZUN at level 385
Meng xiang dalu hierarchical system comprised of nine ranks,each with fifty levels.
Shen di , Huang di , yuan Huang , dashi , Wang Zhen , Tian shi , Xian zun, yuanshi Tian zun and lastly the heavenly emperor ancestor which was impossible to reach .
Finally lin Xiao stood up and walked towards old man Huan .
I ..... I feel I have broken through to a much higher level ...how is it possible? Is it because of orange fire starlight petal?
The old man's shoulder tensed , squaring ever so slightly .
Hmmm ! Your spiritual energy has increased but mine has decreased from level 385 to 384 .....I think it is because...
Lin Xiao's eyes widened as understanding dawned . The old man has already sacrificed one level just for him , a no body who he has no blood relationship with . This guy was actually this caring .
Huan's faze settled on the door and then began walking towards it . Lin Xiao took a step forward but Huan's stillness halted him .
"Idiot ...I hope in the future , you won't forget what this old thing has done for you .", Huan's words came out quicker than his departure.
Lin Xiao's lips parted ,then fell still . The weight of the old man's words settled upon him like a physical burden .
The rules of luminari sanctuary dictated that an elder could choose an apprentice , groaning him or her to inherit their title . Family ties usually determined such selections with elders choosing their children or grandkids.
But this old man chose him ,a stranger over his kin . This selfless act echoed through his mind stirring emotions he struggled to articulate .
Night descended, shrouding the entire sanctuary im darkness . Lin Xiao remained in the room , lost in contemplation . He stood on the balcony enveloped by the shadows ,his thoughts drifting with the evening breeze.
Time slipped away unnoticed ,stars twinkled to life above. Still lin Xiao stood transfixed.
Night's chill seeped into his bones yet he didn't stir . He stood on the balcony for twelve hours.