The early morning mist wrapped around the peaks of the Green Cloud Mountain like a veil, and the cool breeze carried with it the scent of pine and fresh earth. Feng Yuntian ascended the stone path at a steady pace, each step measured and deliberate. His robes fluttered lightly in the wind, and his eyes remained calm, taking in the natural beauty of the mountain.
This place was said to house one of the oldest legacies of cultivation—a hidden cave that contained the remnants of an ancient cultivator's profound knowledge. Few dared to venture this far, as the path was filled with both natural and spiritual dangers. But Feng Yuntian had faced far greater threats in his previous life as Xuan Jiutian, and nothing on this mountain could truly challenge him.
The encounter with Li Zhang had confirmed what he already knew: the sects of this world would come for him. Whether out of greed, fear, or a misguided sense of duty, they would seek to control or eliminate him. He had no intention of bending to their whims, but he also had no interest in declaring open war—yet.
For now, he would focus on growing his strength and collecting the resources he needed. There was much to discover in this world, and Green Cloud Mountain was just the beginning.
As he neared the peak, the air grew thin, and the surrounding trees gave way to jagged rocks and narrow cliffs. The atmosphere hummed with latent spiritual energy, growing more intense with every step. Feng Yuntian could sense the presence of several formations ahead—ancient and powerful, designed to protect whatever lay within.
He stopped at the entrance of a narrow cave, his gaze narrowing slightly. The entrance was unremarkable, just a dark opening in the rock, but the energy emanating from within was anything but ordinary. This was the place. The legacy.
Without hesitation, Feng Yuntian stepped forward, his aura shifting as he prepared to face whatever trials lay ahead.
Inside, the cave was cold and dark, with the only sound being the soft drip of water echoing through the stone. Feng Yuntian moved swiftly but cautiously, his senses sharp and alert. The deeper he went, the more oppressive the spiritual energy became. Soon, he reached the heart of the cave, where a vast chamber opened up before him.
At the center of the chamber stood an ancient stone altar, surrounded by flickering lights of spiritual flames. Hovering above the altar was a single jade scroll, glowing faintly with a green hue.
Feng Yuntian approached the altar, his eyes scanning the formations etched into the ground around it. They were complex, far more advanced than anything most cultivators of this realm could create. Whoever had left this legacy was no ordinary cultivator.
He reached out, his fingers brushing the surface of the jade scroll. In that instant, the entire chamber trembled, and the spiritual flames flared, forming a barrier around the altar. Feng Yuntian's expression remained calm. He had expected something like this—a final test to prove his worth.
Without flinching, he raised his hand and summoned the power of the Void Sutra, a technique from the Chaos that allowed him to manipulate the void itself. The flames crackled and surged toward him, but they were no match for the Void Sutra's power. The barrier around the altar flickered before shattering completely.
As the flames died down, the jade scroll descended slowly into Feng Yuntian's hand. He held it up to the light, examining the intricate patterns and runes that decorated its surface. This scroll contained the legacy of an ancient cultivator—a technique that had been lost to the world for centuries. A smile played on his lips. This was exactly what he needed.
Before he could open the scroll, however, a voice echoed through the chamber.
"Impressive," the voice said, deep and resonant. "Few have ever passed this trial, and fewer still with such ease."
Feng Yuntian turned to see a figure standing at the far end of the chamber, shrouded in shadows. The figure stepped forward, revealing an elderly man with flowing white robes and a long beard. His eyes gleamed with wisdom and power.
"I am the guardian of this place," the old man continued, his gaze fixed on Feng Yuntian. "You have proven yourself worthy of the legacy, but know this: the path you walk is one of great peril. This technique is not meant for the faint of heart."
Feng Yuntian nodded, unperturbed. "I am well aware of the dangers. Power always comes at a price."
The old man smiled faintly, a glint of approval in his eyes. "Indeed. But be mindful—there are forces in this world that would seek to destroy you if they learned of the power you now possess. Tread carefully."
With those final words, the old man's form began to dissipate, vanishing into the ether as if he had never been there.
Feng Yuntian stood alone in the chamber, the jade scroll in his hand. He had already walked the path of power once before, and he understood the weight of it better than most. But this time, he would not be reckless. He would take his time, grow steadily, and strike only when the moment was right.
Carefully, he unfurled the jade scroll, his eyes scanning the text within. As he read, a surge of understanding washed over him. This technique—The Heavenly Void Art—was profound, rooted in the manipulation of space and the bending of reality itself. It was far beyond anything the cultivators of this realm could comprehend, and it would complement his knowledge of the Void Sutra perfectly.
With this technique, his control over space would grow exponentially, allowing him to move through dimensions, distort reality, and create voids that could trap or destroy his enemies. It was a technique worthy of a Sovereign, and now, it was his.
After leaving the cave, Feng Yuntian stood at the edge of the mountain, overlooking the vast landscape below. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden glow over the horizon.
The world was vast, and there was much yet to discover. He had obtained the legacy of the Heavenly Void Art, but this was only the beginning. There were more treasures, more knowledge, and more power waiting for him in the hidden corners of this realm.
Feng Yuntian took a deep breath, the crisp mountain air filling his lungs. His journey was far from over, and the challenges ahead would only grow more difficult. But he was ready.
As the last rays of sunlight faded, he descended the mountain, his mind already turning to the next step in his path. He had no need to rush. Every victory, every discovery would bring him closer to his ultimate goal.
For now, he would continue to take things as they came, growing stronger with each passing day.