The Great Desolate Northern Dynasty, separated by deep ravines and many cities.
Crystal River City.
Somewhere in the Lin household stood a tall and slender man with long, flowing black hair. He had expressive dark eyes that reflected a deep understanding of the world around him.
"It's been three days; it can't possibly be a dream," Lin Tian murmured to himself.
As he gazed at the blazing sun and felt the cool breeze flowing,
Yes, he, Lin Tian, is a transmigrator. Like in the modern world, he had tried to be ambitious and great, but the harsh realities of this world had weathered down his dreams time after time. One day, after a particularly exhausting struggle, he fell asleep and dreamt of a second chance. The next day, he found himself here.
"Little Tian, are you awake yet?" called a slightly crisp yet melodious voice from somewhere in the grand household of the Lin manor.
"Mom, I am here!"
"Tian, get ready. Today is your age ceremony," said Mei Ning.
In the grand continent of Celestial Skies, one could start practicing by the age of 14, as their bodies would be fully capable of assimilating spirit energy, thus allowing them to set foot on the path of cultivation.
Starting from:
Body Refining Realm Lifespan->(100 years)
Qi Refining Realm ->(150years)
Spirit Condensation Realm ->(300 years)
Spirit Core Realm (500 - 800 years)
Transformation Realm (1500 years)
These are the paths known to him. Of course, there are definitely levels above that, but currently, the only strong people in Crystal River City are his father, Lin Wei, and the three family heads of Ning, Yan, and Zhou, all at mid-stage of the Spirit Condensation Realm.
"Today shall mark my start in this new world. Whatever it may have to offer, I shall see it for myself," Lin Tian said to himself with renewed spirit and passion.
He made his way toward the family hall, where his first test in this world would begin.
As Lin Tian made his way through the sprawling Lin manor, he could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on him. The corridors, adorned with intricate tapestries depicting legendary ancestors and mythical beasts, seemed to echo his footsteps with anticipation. Each step brought him closer to the family hall, where the elders awaited.
The family hall was a grand room, its high ceilings supported by intricately carved wooden beams. At the center stood an ornate table surrounded by high-backed chairs, each occupied by an elder of the Lin clan. Their faces were lined with wisdom and experience, eyes sharp and penetrating as they regarded Lin Tian's approach.
As he entered, the murmurs quieted, and all attention turned to him. The air was thick with expectation. He took a deep breath, steeling himself against the scrutiny of the elders.
"Welcome, young Lin Tian," boomed Lin Wei, the head of the clan and his father, his voice resonating like thunder. "Today marks an important milestone in your journey. You stand at the threshold of cultivation, and your decisions will shape not only your future but that of our clan."
Lin Tian nodded respectfully, his heart racing. "Thank you, Father."
In addition to Lin Tian, several other children from the clan stood nearby, their expressions a mix of excitement and nervousness. Among them were:
Lin Jie, a spirited girl with a fierce determination in her eyes, who had always been a rival to Lin Tian in their training.Lin Bo, a shy boy who often preferred the company of books over people but possessed a sharp mind for strategy.Lin Mei, a gentle soul with a natural affinity for animals, known for her kindness and nurturing spirit.
Elder Mei, known for her wisdom in spiritual matters, leaned forward. "Today, you will undergo the baptism for meridian strengthening. This ritual will enhance your capacity to absorb spirit energy and set you on the path of cultivation."
"Remember," added Elder Huang, his brow furrowed in thought, "the spirit energy is not merely a tool; it is a part of the world, a living force. Treat it with respect."
Lin Tian took their words to heart. He felt a flicker of excitement mingled with apprehension. This was his chance to redefine himself, to carve a new path in this vast world of cultivation.
"Are you ready?" Lin Wei asked, his gaze unwavering.
With a steadying breath, Lin Tian replied, "I am."
The elders exchanged glances, and a subtle nod passed among them. Lin Wei gestured toward a beautifully carved stone basin at the far end of the hall. The basin was filled with steaming hot water, its surface shimmering with a soft, ethereal glow.
"Approach the basin," he commanded. "This baptism will strengthen your meridians and prepare you to begin accumulating spirit energy from this day forward."
Lin Tian walked forward, each step feeling like a journey in itself. The hot water released a soothing steam that wrapped around him like a warm embrace. He glanced back at the other children, each stepping forward in turn, their faces a mix of determination and anticipation.
As he knelt by the basin, he dipped his hands into the warm water. The sensation was immediate—waves of energy surged through him, warming his core and radiating outward. As he submerged himself fully, he felt the liquid envelop him, strengthening his meridians with every heartbeat.
The room around him faded, replaced by visions of swirling spirit energy—colors and sensations merging as he surrendered to the warmth. The other children underwent the baptism beside him, their own expressions reflecting a range of emotions, from awe to exhilaration.
"Focus!" Elder Mei urged from afar, her voice cutting through the chaos of his mind.
Lin Tian concentrated on the warmth surrounding him, feeling the energy rushing into his meridians, expanding and strengthening them. The elders watched in admiration, their expressions shifting from curiosity to pride.
Finally, the rush subsided, and Lin Tian emerged from the water, breathless. The other children followed suit, their faces glowing with renewed energy.
"Well done, Lin Tian," Lin Wei said, a hint of pride in his voice. "You have taken your first step toward becoming a cultivator. From today, you will begin accumulating spirit energy and honing your skills."
Lin Tian felt a swell of pride mixed with determination. The journey ahead would be challenging, but he was ready to embrace it.
"Thank you, Father," he replied, his dark eyes shining with newfound resolve. "I will strive to honor our clan and prove myself worthy."
As he left the hall, the weight of expectations now felt like a source of strength. He stepped into the sunlight, ready to begin his training alongside Lin Jie, Lin Bo, and Lin Mei, each of them set on their own paths of discovery in this new life.