Looking at the jade slip, which was green in color with a faint green glow, my hand reached out. Pressing it between my eyebrows, a vast map of the Zheng Dynasty and even some of the smaller countries surrounding it appeared in my mind.
The vastness of the Zheng Dynasty shocked me as it was two times bigger than Europe and Asia combined. However, according to the jade slip, the Zheng Dynasty was one of the middle-class dynasties, but its power was among the top three in the middle class.
*Cracking sound*
As the map appeared in its fullness, the jade slip cracked and dissipated, recovering from information overload, "Father, where did you get such a detailed map, it must've cost a small fortune" Recalling the images, it also contained some secret passages and caves for cultivation.
Looking at the broken jade, 'I've seen many things in Qin Qiqiang's memories, but the details of this map are truly astonishing. If I hadn't accepted Qin Qiqiang's legacy and my consciousness hadn't expanded this map would probably have taken a few days to understand'
A strange look appeared, 'Also, my soul seems to be more potent, I guess the Great didn't lie.'
As I was in deep thought, a proud smile spread from ear to ear on my father as he puffed his chest, "It seems you underestimate this old man, in my youth day I was quite active in the cultivation world. As such, I traveled a lot, encountering many opportunities and dangers, and making that map for future generations."
Awe and anticipation filled me, as the imagery of him exploring the cultivation world and fighting enemies. 'I want that. I want to experience a life of adventure, fulfillment, and prosperity.'
Seeing my expression he laughed heartily and looked pleased with himself, "You see it only now, but this old man was famous back in the day. Many women lined up for me, but your mother she…"
Melancholy appeared in his eyes which was quickly replaced by grief and he let out a long sigh, "She was special, and would often battle with other women for me. Of course, she would always win without breaking a sweat."
I could feel bottled-up emotions in his voice, which almost cracked. However, he quickly collected himself and a calm expression appeared on his face totally concealing his previous emotions.
'I guess I should learn from him, never let others see your emotions. Be calm as still lake.' Hesitance appeared on my face, 'But, to bottle up that much grief will affect cultivation sooner or later. It could even lead to Mental Demons, which is every cultivator's worst nightmare.'
"What's wrong, Shen'er? You don't need to hesitate with this old man." His concern touched me, my chest felt warm.
"You don't need to worry father, your unfaithful son will do everything in his power to take revenge on that demon." My eyes glinted with a serious look, "Although I'm weak now, when I'm powerful enough I will take his life, I swear it with Heavenly Dao as my witness." I do not know why I invoked Heavenly Dao, it just felt right.
Unknown to him far away, so far even immortals would find it hard to travel, an ancient clock spun. And with a bang, it sent out golden lightning.
"Shen'er you shouldn't be fueled by revenge, it's a path of no return. It can be a step in your life, but never a goal. Beck then-" However, he was cut short by the rumbling that could be heard, even inside the barrier, as dark clouds started churning out of nowhere. We outside and what awaited shocked us.
'It hasn't even been a day since I came and I already attracted Heaven's attention? No way, I mean, I did inherit Qin Qiqiang's legacy but only the mortal part!' My thoughts were interrupted by the things that were happening in the sky over us.
Clouds black as the void itself spread above us, full of golden lightning. It quickly attracted the attention of Zhu Yingshu and Zhen Ning, who quickly tried to get close, but father's barrier spell stopped them. Looking shocked they attacked the barrier until it showed cracks, but before they destroyed it my father put it down.
They quickly approached me, "Young Master, are you alright?" asked Yingshu. I didn't have time to think about the question because the sky suddenly turned golden and a defeating sound of thunder rang in my very being for a moment.
*Bang*
Lightning came towards me at a speed I couldn't follow, father quickly took out a small fan and waved it creating an ice ark trying to change the direction of the lightning. Zhu Yingshu slashed with a wooden sword creating a small blossom that bloomed at the speed of light. Creating a shield above me, while Zhen Ning said some incantations, and the earth around us cracked and became another shield.
However, the lightning melted the ice arc, withered the blossom, and turned the earth to ash, rendering their efforts futile. The golden lightning hit me, but instead of hurting me, it inscribed some kind of profound character onto my soul.
It was sort of like a baptism of Heavenly Dao, and although my cultivation didn't rise, it was solidified. But why did this happen? No one answered my question, and that's when everything went black for a second.
Unknown POV
In the vast universe, a single Palace, purple in color, floated surrounded by small planets that were woven like a glorious picture. In its center sat an ancient-looking man, his robe looked like it contained galaxies, and his long gray hair flowed unrestrained.
Above him levitated a huge bell, full of everchanging ancient symbols. Suddenly the bell started to move, producing a soul-piercing sound, and the planets around started to tremble as if responding to the bell.
The old man slowly opened his eyes revealing their purple color and mumbled, "It hasn't even been one million years, how can there be another one?" Taking out a small mirror from out of nowhere the man continued, "I wonder who could it be?"
A strange light flashed from the mirror and in bewilderment of the old man, it shattered. The old man stared for a second in shock, then a small laugh escaped his mouth, "Haha, to make Mirror of Clairvoyance shatter, what kind of monster did the heavens allow to be born."
Standing up, the man patted off the dust and smiled, "I guess it's time to visit some old friends. They should be also aware of the anomaly."
Far away in a small forest, a young-looking man sat near the lake fishing. With his every swing of the pole, the Sun and Moon danced, like they tried to be in harmony with the man.
The man looked flawless like everything paled in comparison. His dark hair was tied by a crown, surrounded by a mysterious aura making people respect him on sight.
Suddenly he stopped, revealing a look of surprise and astonishment, "The younger generation will suppress us sooner or later." A sigh escaped his mouth, and he stood up and focused. Seeing through the vast majority of the world the man tried to find the cause of his surprise but failed.
Rather than anger, he looked even more curious, "Who could it be?" However, no one answered, but the man wasn't discouraged rather energetic.
Out of nowhere, a voice floated over, "Fellow Daoist Han Yu, long time no see. How many eras has it been?" The old man appeared, followed by a large bell.
"Well, well, if it isn't the Sage of Purple Palace himself, fellow Daoist Gu Yuang. Are you here because of the prodigy that has appeared in the mortal world?"
The single word left his mouth, "Yes" Then he turned around and waited for someone to arrive. Han Yu didn't say anything else as he looked in the same direction and soon elegant figure floating on the leaf approached them.
She was dressed in a golden dress, her brown hair was tied in a bun. She had fair skin, sharp features and appeared to be in her twenties, behind her Yin-Yang symbol rotated creating mighty preassance. Her big eyes locked onto them, and with a small phoenix on her shoulder she arrived in front of them, "Greetings Fellow Daoists" Both men responded simultaneously, "Greetings Fellow Daoist Zhao Ming"
As they stood, both men were inferior in terms of presence compared to Zhao Ming. Both of them sighed at the amount of treasures the woman possessed, looking quite envious.
Gu Yuang looked at them with deep meaning and slowly said, "Now that everyone is here let's discuss the anomaly." Both of them had different expressions Zhao Ming looked rather displeased while Han Yu looked more leisurely like he didn't care about the matter.
Gu Yuang continued, "We all know what this means, that monster has the potential to be the same as us if not suppress us. And none of us want a loose Immortal I presume."
Zhao Ming clenched her fist, "I'm not certain, but that golden lightning can only be the inheritance of one person. We need to decide what to do, I say we intervene and either kill him or accept him in one of our factions. As it's the safest option, we don't want 'that' to happen again."
Han Yu responded immediately, "I vote we don't intervene, worst case scenario we join forces to fight him. But there is a tiny chance of that happening." Both of them looked at the oldest of the three.
With a thoughtful look, Gu Yuang slowly explained, "We will only intervene if there is karma. Without the karma, there is no point in interference." Both of them nodded and left not standing the ceremony.
As they came back to their respective places, the old man, Gu Yuang, again sat in a lotus position and began to think, "The karma between us has already been established, he broke my Mirror of Clairvoyance. Although the mirror isn't a Dao Treasure it had some power, but now…" Looking at the broken pieces he laughed a little, "No matter, no matter. I won't intervene, but a little caution is needed."
With that, the old man sent out a purple character, and soon young woman entered. Dressed in a purple robe, her long hair flattered with the wind. One word would appear in anybody's mind 'Graceful'.
The woman saluted with a sweet voice, "Greetings, Master." She bowed slightly and looked at the man in awe and reverence. This was the Sage and Master of Purple Palace, one of the notable sects in this vast space.
"Good, you didn't neglect your cultivation. This is your mission" In his hand appeared a golden character, which matched Xi Shen's, "Find the person with this imprint, but never intervene with them. Only observe, if he goes the wrong way, send me a message."
The image of the character burned in her mind as she quickly responded, "Understood!" Bowing again she turned around and left.
After flying about 2 million kilometers she stopped and looked at the golden character in her hand, not understanding its meaning, "If this can make Master make a move, he or she must be extraordinary, I can't wait to meet them. I, Qin Yao, never failed a mission." With that, she transformed into a purple arc and shot toward one of the planets.
Unknown to Xi Shen three mighty figures now know about his appearance, which might not be a bad thing per se. He was oblivious to the events that happened because he had greater problems at hand.
Xi Shen's POV
'What just happened? For a moment everything and everyone stopped moving.' However, there was no time to think about it, 'This commotion will surely attract other cultivators' attention.' Lo and behold I felt a powerful Spiritual Sense, with the same strength if not stronger than my father.
My father quickly took out some kind of talisman and shoved it in my hands, "Activate it immediately, it can hide you from a Golden Core cultivator for a day. Use it to get as far from here as possible, Yingshu and Ning protect my son well." They bowed, as no conversation was needed.
Quickly grabbing me, they activated the talisman and flew at a high speed. I looked one last time at the residence of Xi Clan and my father standing there lonely, with a worried expression.
Xi Li's POV
As soon as Shen'er left my sight, a woman walked over, her aura stronger than mine by a small margin, "Fellow Daoist Xi, how have you been?"
Her hair was in a side braid, the braid rested on her right shoulder, while the other half was free. The long red robe gave her an imposing aura, her brown eyes followed my every movement.
I was so irritated by this woman that I had unconsciously clenched my fists, "Sheng Hua, what do you want?" Yes, this woman was none other than a member of the Sheng Clan, and she wasn't just an ordinary member but the daughter of the Sheng Tuo, the current patriarch of the Sheng Clan.
A small smile spread on her face making her more beautiful, "My father, the patriarch, has a proposition for you, I take it you don't want to hear it." She emphasized the word patriarch, who was at the 4th level of the Golden Core stage.
In the past, the Sheng Clan wouldn't be so domineering as they only have one Golden Core cultivator, but now that the Huang Clan has taken our spirit vain and half of our territory, the Sheng Clan wants the piece of the pie.
Looking at her grin, I gashed my teeth. But as intense as these emotions were I had to calm down, I couldn't provoke them. 'Not right now, Shen'er will sooner or later reach our level, than I will see who will laugh last.'
Letting out an angry sigh, "Fine, let's hear your proposition." Her eyes gleamed at that, and a mocking look appeared on her face.
"Looks like your Xi Clan has fallen really low, haha." A malicious smile spread on her face, "Our proposition for you, Xi Li, is to bow down and become a subsidiary force of our Sheng Clan."
She raised her hand and a jade slip appeared, red in color, it gave an ominous feeling, "If you refuse then don't blame me for being ruthless."
As her words fell, every cell in my body told me to refuse. But my rationalized side told me to at least consider their offer, 'Shen'er is off to a safe place, even the combined forces of Huang and Sheng can't touch Harmony Blossom Sect. With his talent, he will surely reach Golden Core before 200 years, that will be the time to strike back, and repay today's humiliation.'
After thinking it over for more than an hour, "I agree, but on one condition, you don't touch Shen'er." A small glint flashed but was quickly concealed 'I have to make it like he's ordinary. Hopefully, she's not as smart as the rumors say.'
Looking at me for a moment, she nodded and placed back the jade in her bag of holding, "You have three years to move to our quarters if you try to escape…" She looked at me coldly, full of viciousness.