Lin Tian returned to the city under the shroud of night, his new prize carefully tucked within his robes. He slipped into a modest inn near the bustling marketplace, locking himself in his room with a single objective in mind: decipher the medallion he had wrested from the bandit camp. He settled onto the floor, laying the medallion out before him and studying its intricate engravings under the dim light of a flickering oil lamp.
The medallion was unlike anything he'd seen before. Dark, polished metal formed its base, etched with elaborate patterns that pulsed faintly with a dormant energy. At the center was an ancient character, marked in bold relief—a name, in elegant script, barely visible to the naked eye. Lin Tian leaned closer, squinting as he traced his fingers over the word. "Emperor," he murmured, excitement flaring in his chest. But there was more.
His mind raced. This was no ordinary medallion; it was a remnant of a powerful figure, someone with strength and prestige that likely transcended the mortal bounds of the transformation realm. Lin Tian knew he needed to learn more. His best chance at uncovering the medallion's mysteries lay within the one place known for holding vast knowledge of ancient artifacts and powerful cultivators alike: the Myriad Pavilion.
The next morning, Lin Tian set out toward the heart of the city, navigating through the bustling crowds with practiced ease. The Myriad Pavilion loomed before him, an imposing structure that seemed to reach toward the heavens, its ornate exterior a testament to its wealth and influence across the continent. He entered, greeted by the familiar scent of incense and the soft glow of spirit stones lining the walls.
A maid approached him with a respectful bow. "Welcome, esteemed guest. How may I be of service?"
Lin Tian's gaze was steady. "I have business that requires discretion."
The maid's expression remained polite, but a flicker of curiosity passed over her face. "Of course. Please follow me, young master."
She led him up a winding staircase to the second floor, where the air grew cooler and the atmosphere more subdued. The steward's office was a grand room lined with rare scrolls and ancient texts, symbols of the knowledge and resources that only the Myriad Pavilion could possess. The steward himself was a middle-aged man with sharp, calculating eyes that assessed Lin Tian the moment he entered.
"Welcome," the steward greeted, his voice measured. "I understand you seek information?"
Lin Tian nodded, not one to waste words. "I wish to know more about cultivation realms above the transformation stage.
The steward's eyebrows rose ever so slightly. "A request for the secrets of high cultivation realms. Fascinating, but such knowledge is costly. The Myriad Pavilion values this information at… 10,000 low-grade spirit stones."
Lin Tian clenched his jaw, though he masked his surprise. The price was steep, an amount that would make most hesitate, but he realized this information could prove invaluable for his future path. Without another word, he retrieved a pouch, pouring out the stones onto the steward's desk. The faint glow of Qi radiated from the pile, casting a soft light over the room.
The steward, clearly impressed, accepted the payment with a nod. "Very well, young master. I will share what you seek. But remember, knowledge of the higher realms is not meant for the faint-hearted."
He gestured for Lin Tian to sit before beginning, his voice low and authoritative. "The realm beyond Transformation is the Saint Realm. Those who attain it have ascended far beyond mortal limitations, extending their lifespan to a staggering 5,000 years. But it isn't just a matter of longevity; saints are beings of immense strength, capable of manipulating vast amounts of Qi, and their presence alone can alter the very energy of the world around them."
Lin Tian's heart pounded as he absorbed each word. The journey of cultivation was longer and deeper than he'd realized, stretching out before him like an endless path into the unknown.
The steward continued, his eyes gleaming with the weight of the knowledge he shared. "Above the Saint Realm lies the Great Saint Realm, a level that very few throughout history have achieved. Those who attain it can live for 20,000 years. At this stage, cultivators can harness the powers of nature itself, summoning elements with ease and possessing powers beyond what most can fathom. Great Saints can bend the heavens to their will."
Lin Tian leaned forward, captivated. This was the kind of power he'd dreamed of, the kind that would elevate him far beyond the limits he'd known. And still, the steward had more to reveal.
"After Great Saint comes the Venerable Realm. Cultivators at this stage enjoy a lifespan of 50,000 years. They are revered figures who have touched the very essence of the world's mysteries, often becoming legends that endure through the ages."
The steward paused, allowing Lin Tian to digest the enormity of what he'd just shared. Lin Tian's fingers twitched, his mind racing with possibilities.
"But even Venerables are not the peak," the steward added. "One step further lies the Emperor Realm. A cultivator at this level lives for an unimaginable 100,000 years. Emperors are sovereigns in their own right, unmatched and near-mythical, known to possess powers that could shatter mountains and create worlds."
Lin Tian's gaze fell back to the medallion, his heartbeat steady yet fierce. Emperor Daofeng of the Nine Realms. Could this mysterious figure have reached that exalted rank? The steward had spoken of emperors with awe, a reverence that implied a gap between them and even the greatest saints.
"So there are beings of such power," Lin Tian murmured, half to himself.
The steward gave a curt nod. "Indeed. But only a rare few can ascend to such heights. Cultivation at those levels is fraught with trials and tribulations; each step could mean life or death. However…" He looked at Lin Tian, his eyes narrowing. "For one who possesses this knowledge, the possibilities are boundless."
Lin Tian stood, feeling the weight of his newfound awareness settle within him. He was just beginning his journey, yet already he saw the towering heights he could one day reach. Leaving the steward with a respectful nod, he stepped out of the Myriad Pavilion, his mind brimming with plans and ambitions.
As he walked back into the bustling city streets, he couldn't help but feel the vastness of the world around him. There were so many realms, so many levels yet to ascend. And with the medallion in his possession, he held a piece of that mystery—a key to something greater, something that could propel him closer to his goals.
For now, though, he would bide his time. The information he'd gathered would serve as a guide, a reminder of the endless path ahead. His journey was only beginning, and with each step, he grew stronger, more resolute.
Turning down a side street, Lin Tian disappeared into the city, his hand instinctively touching the medallion hidden within his robe. The name "Emperor" echoed in his mind, a name that would drive him forward, urging him to claim his destiny.