The rain pounded heavily on the roofs of a small village, each drop adding to the muddy pools that had begun to swallow the dirt paths between the scattered homes. The sky hung dark and low, casting a shadow over the village as water streamed from the edges of rooftops, creating little rivers that carved through the already soaked ground. Not a single soul roamed outside, with most villagers huddled indoors, waiting for the relentless downpour to pass.
Inside a simple, worn house, Feng Jian sat by the dim light of an oil lamp, his brow furrowed. The sound of the rain filled the silence between him and his wife, Lin Mei, as they exchanged troubled looks.
"Another storm, and we're losing more of the crop," Feng Jian murmured, rubbing his temples. "It's been one after another. We barely saved enough rice from last time."
Lin Mei sighed, glancing out the small window, where all she could see was the curtain of rain beating down. "What can we do? If this keeps up… it'll be a hard season."
--------
Feng Yi who is 14 years old, sat cross-legged on the old bed, his eyes scanning the scroll in his hands, but his thoughts were distant. He barely noticed Feng Lan who is only six years old as she approached the doorway.
"What are you reading again, Brother?" she asked, her voice curious. "You're always reading something."
Feng Yi looked up and smiled gently. "I like to read. It helps me learn about the world."
Feng Lan frowned slightly, her arms crossed. "But you're always busy, either in the fields or reading. You never play with me anymore."
Feng Yi paused, surprised by the note of disappointment in her voice. He set the scroll aside and patted the spot beside him on the bed. "I didn't mean to make you feel that way, Lan. I'll play with you, I promise. But you have to understand, I'm trying to learn so I can help the family more."
Feng Lan pouted for a moment, then climbed onto the bed, snuggling up beside him. "I still miss you," she said softly.
Feng Yi smiled warmly, brushing a lock of her hair behind her ear. "I miss you too. How about after I finish this, we go outside and play? Just the two of us."
Her face lit up, her disappointment melting away. "Okay! But no reading, no work. We'll just play!"
"I promise," he said, chuckling. "We'll have all the time we need."
Feng Yi sat cross-legged, staring out of the small window. The rain pattered against the wooden frame, a constant reminder of the dismal weather outside. His thoughts wandered as he sifted through the information he'd gathered over the past 14 years in Shanjiao Village .
This place… Shanjiao Village, located in the southern part of the Yan Kingdom… he mused, glancing at the rain outside. The kingdom itself is ruled by the Yan Dynasty. But it's not as stable as it seems. Too much infighting… Too many factions. It's a strong kingdom, but it's torn apart from the inside. The outside world doesn't pose a threat, but the internal struggles… They could destroy everything.
He shifted his focus, his gaze narrowing as he considered the villagers. The people here live divided, in two classes, high and low. It's not surprising, I suppose. That's how things always seem to work in every world. But there's something odd about the animals and plants here. I don't recognize them. They don't look like they belong to my old world. What kind of place is this?
Feng Yi's thoughts moved on, remembering the rumors he'd heard. Then there's the martial arts... People talk about warriors who live far longer than the average person up to 150 years, they say. But I've never met one of them. All I know are the stories. They call them Nation Protectors. The strongest among them are said to be able to cover the heavens with a single hand and shake the earth with a single blow.
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. I haven't found any martial arts techniques, though. Nothing here in the village, at least. The books I've read, the scrolls, they don't mention them. This village, Shanjiao Village, is small. It doesn't even belong to the more advanced regions of the Yan Kingdom. There's no real martial arts here... But what if that power is real? What if it's waiting for me to find it?
Feng Yi closed his eyes, his thoughts swirling. It's strange. I've only been here for 14 years, but sometimes, it feels like I'm still learning more about this world than anyone around me. What's out there? What am I missing?
The rain had stopped, leaving the streets slick with mud. Feng Yi could hear the distant sound of people moving, trying to clear the wet mess left behind. His mother called from inside, "Feng, the rain's stopped! Your dad is heading to the field, you need to help him!"
With a soft sigh, Feng Yi put his books away and grabbed the tools by the door. He stepped outside, carefully avoiding the deep puddles that still covered the village paths. Villagers were already at work, shoveling mud from the roads and trying to fix what the rain had ruined. The air was thick with the smell of wet earth as they worked together to clear the way.
He made his way to the fields, where his father, Feng Jian, was already busy. The rice crops were damaged, and his father was trying to salvage what he could. Without saying a word, Feng Yi joined him, quietly working alongside him. His hands dug into the mud as he tried to save the remaining crops.
After a while, Feng Yi spoke up. "Father, let me finish this part. You should rest."
Feng Jian paused, looking at him for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, just don't overwork yourself."
With his father stepping aside, Feng Yi took over, he continued working. His hands ached from the constant labor. There has to be a way to make life easier for them, he thought. "I need to think of something."
-----
After a few days, the aftermath of the heavy rain had settled. The streets, once flooded with muddy water, were now passable. People had worked together to repair the damage, and the village was slowly returning to its usual rhythm.
A figure appeared at the edge of the street. He wore simple white and light green robes that flowed gently with his every step. His eyes were as deep as an abyss, and his face bore a gentle expression, radiating an aura of peace and tranquility. Despite looking old, his silver-white hair and long beard spoke of his age, yet his health was undeniable. He walked slowly, almost soundlessly, as if he were part of the wind itself.
He stopped in front of a relatively medium-sized building, pausing for a moment before stepping inside.
The door opened with a creak, and the figure was greeted by a middle-aged man, round and cheerful. The man looked him up and down, a wide grin spreading across his face as he bowed.
"Ah, a distinguished guest! Welcome, welcome! What brings you here, senior?" the man asked with a gleam in his eyes.
Without wasting time, the figure threw a few heavy bags of silver onto the counter. The clinking of the coins caught the man's attention immediately.
"I have a few questions," the figure said, his voice soft yet commanding. "Are there many newborns in this village?"
The fat middle-aged man's eyes lit up at the sight of the silver. "Ah, you came to the right place, senior. As the lord of this small village, there's nothing I don't know. There have been quite a few newborns lately. If you could tell me more about what you're looking for, it'll be easy to find them."
The figure paused, his gaze thoughtful. "I'm looking for someone who can feel the breath of heaven," he said, his voice carrying a certain weight. "If you can help me find him, this silver is nothing."
The man's expression faltered slightly, but he quickly masked his disappointment with a forced smile. "I... I've never heard of anyone who can feel the breath of heaven. This village is small, after all. Perhaps you're looking for someone else?"
The figure sighed deeply, his eyes filled with quiet resignation. I've searched all over the kingdom, and still, nothing. Is what I seek truly lost?
As the figure turned to leave, he was stopped by a hesitant voice from the man.
"Wait... Senior," the man said, his tone unsure but eager. "There might be a child in this village who could interest you. He was born 14 years ago, and it's said that he was... different from the others. Never cried even as a newborn, they say. He's fearless. Perhaps he is the one you're searching for?"
The figure stopped abruptly, his body still as stone. His gaze sharpened, and he turned back toward the man, his eyes focused.
"A child like that?" The figure's voice held a note of interest now.
The middle-aged man quickly scrambled to find more silver, tossing it onto the counter in excitement. "Yes! Yes, that's the one! This village is small, but such stories don't go unnoticed. I know the child you're referring to. His name is Feng Yi. He's just a regular boy now, but with such a strange past. His father is Feng Jian, the farmer. You'll find him at the edge of the village."
The figure, for a moment, seemed to reflect, his mind moving like a storm. A child who never cried... Could it be him?
After a brief pause, the figure threw more silver onto the table, his expression unreadable, then turned around and and left.
The man, now nearly jumping with joy, couldn't help himself. "I'm rich... I'm rich!" he muttered under his breath, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Feng Jian better thank me later. Even if his son isn't the one the senior seeks, he'll still be generous. Hahaha!"
------
Feng Jian sat hunched over a piece of wood, carefully carving out a small toy for his daughter. Lin Mei was in the kitchen, preparing dinner. The soft crackling of the fire filled the room as the evening began to settle in. Then, a sharp knock on the door interrupted the quiet.
Feng Jian paused, his hand stilling on the toy. Who could be visiting at this hour? He set the carving down and stood up, his body still stiff from a long day of work.
He opened the door, and before him stood a tall figure, his presence commanding yet serene. The man's silver-white hair and beard shimmered softly in the dim light. His robes were simple, yet elegant, and his expression was gentle, a kind smile playing on his lips.
"You must be Feng Jian," the man's voice was deep, yet soothing.
Feng Jian blinked, caught off guard, but quickly recovered. "Yes, I am. And you are…?"
"I am Tian Ze," the figure replied, his gaze warm yet piercing. "I've come to speak with you about your son, Feng Yi."
---
After finishing his push-ups, Feng Yi sat on his bed, wiping the sweat from his brow. It was late, but he never let the hour stop him. His thoughts wandered as he stared out the window, his mind working over the same ideas he'd been turning over for days.
In this world, I need something like martial arts, or perhaps even the skills of a healer. A doctor might have a good life… but it would also mean leaving this place.
But staying here won't do anything for the family. I need to make a name for myself so they can live a better life. But I'm still just a boy, with nothing more than the strength of my hands and a few books to keep me company.
If only Xiong were here, he could have helped me through this.
He sighed, leaning back. Maybe I'm overthinking things. Perhaps I should just focus on what's in front of me.
"Yi'er, come here quickly!" his father's voice called from outside the room.
Feng Yi snapped back to reality, rising from his bed and walking to the door. As he stepped into the living room, he stopped in his tracks.
Before him stood the figure of an old man, his appearance calm and dignified, with silver-white hair that cascaded down to his shoulders. His robe fluttered gently, and his presence exuded peace. His eyes, though aged, held a depth that felt as though they could pierce through the very fabric of existence.
Feng Yi blinked in awe but quickly remembered his manners and bowed respectfully.
Tian Ze's eyes glimmered slightly, a soft golden hue flashing within them. For a moment, Feng Yi felt as though the man's gaze was not just looking at him, but through him. It was as though the man was seeing something beyond the surface. He felt an odd, invisible pressure on his chest, as if the man's gaze had penetrated deeper than just his skin.
The old man's eyes sharpened as he focused on Feng Yi's chest. What seemed like an intangible root-like presence flickered inside his body, faint and colorless but unmistakably there. His gaze locked onto it, trying to decipher its nature, but the moment his mind touched it, a subtle yet powerful force pushed back like an invisible barrier that immediately resisted him.
He recoiled slightly, his golden eyes narrowing as a flicker of surprise passed across his face. His expression was one of deep curiosity, mixed with a hint of frustration. It was clear that he could not fully comprehend what he had just seen, but there was no mistaking the fact that something extraordinary was within the boy.
He stood still for a moment, controlling the surge of emotions that threatened to escape. This child... He finally broke the silence, his voice calm but with an undercurrent of excitement.
Tian Ze's voice was calm, yet carried weight. "I've traveled around the kingdom all these years,all those big cities did not have what I want hahaha unexpectedly I found you here. Someone with the potential to break through the heavens themselves."
Feng Yi's father, Feng Jian, watched the exchange in silence, sensing the gravity of the moment. Then, Tian Ze's gaze focused on Feng Yi again, and the older man's expression became more intense.
"I can see something in you, young one. Something that others may overlook."
Feng Jian stood frozen for a moment before speaking, his voice tinged with disbelief. "It would be an honor for my son to follow you, Senior Tian Ze."
Tian Ze smiled, and for a brief moment, there was a flicker of something pride, perhaps beneath his calm exterior. He stood, preparing to leave.
"You may speak of this between yourselves," Tian Ze said, his tone firm but not unkind. "Tomorrow, I will be waiting at the top of the mountain until sundown."
With that, Tian Ze turned and walked out, his figure disappearing into the darkness.
---
As the figure of Tian Ze vanished, Feng Yi stood silently. The weight of what just happened settled into his bones. His father was still standing there, a mixture of awe and disbelief on his face.
"Father... who was that man?" Feng Yi couldn't contain his curiosity.
Feng Jian looked at his son with a mix of pride and astonishment. "You are lucky, Yi'er. That man... he is none other than Tian Ze, the highest authority in the Yan Kingdom. His name is known far and wide. And today, fate brought him here."
Feng Yi's heart skipped a beat. The highest authority in the kingdom?
Feng Jian continued, his voice steady despite the overwhelming news. "I still can't believe he came all the way here. But when I saw him look at you, it was clear he saw something in you. He studied you the way I study the rice we harvest, with such careful attention."
"Do you think… do you think he sees something special in me?" Feng Yi asked, his voice almost breathless.
Feng Jian nodded. "If you accept this chance and work hard under his guidance, you could become someone great. You could even become the most respected martial artist in the kingdom. Perhaps even surpass Tian Ze himself one day."
Feng Yi's eyes lit up at the mention of martial arts. Martial artist? Could he really be a martial arts master?
Excitement bubbled inside him. The path that Tian Ze had opened seemed endless. I have to work hard... I must.
As his thoughts raced, his mother's voice called out gently from the kitchen. "Dinner is ready. Why don't you both sit down first? We can discuss what this senior came for over a warm meal."
Feng Yi gave a small nod, but his mind was still racing with possibilities. Martial arts... The excitement bubbled over as he turned to his father.
"Father, tomorrow I will go up the mountain."
-------
At the Mountain's Summit
The morning light cast a gentle glow over the mountain peak, and Tian Ze sat outside his small, simple house, his expression calm as he gazed over the view. Before him, a teapot and two books lay on the table: one looked ancient and worn, the other newer and in good condition. He glanced at the two, lost in thought, until he heard the sound of approaching footsteps.
Breathing heavily from the climb, Feng Yi appeared, bowing deeply as he greeted his teacher. "Disciple is here to seek guidance."
Tian Ze observed him, eyes flickering with approval. "Come, sit down. We'll talk over tea."
Feng Yi sat obediently, taking a deep breath to calm himself as the old man poured tea for both of them. After a thoughtful sip, Tian Ze began, testing him with a question. "You grew up in a small village, isolated from much of the world. Your father tells me you're hardworking, and yet, no matter how much effort you put in, progress will be slow, almost insignificant. Tell me, what do you think of that?"
Feng Yi was taken aback, but he quickly composed himself, meeting his teacher's gaze. "Teacher is correct. Hard work alone may not get me far. But as someone without status or strength, even small gains feel like a lot to me."
Tian Ze nodded, a hint of approval in his gaze. "It's good that you value what you have, but remember this too. As you grow stronger, responsibilities will grow alongside. Greater power means greater responsibility, and it's easy to lose one's path. If you work hard and follow my instructions, you'll go further than you might imagine—perhaps even able to 'cover the sky and shake the earth.'"
Feng Yi's eyes lit up with youthful excitement, but he restrained himself, keeping his voice respectful. "Teacher is kind, but that kind of strength belongs to legends. I'm far from capable of such things."
Tian Ze chuckled, clearly amused by Feng Yi's modesty. "It seems people do think that I have such power. Though I am the strongest martial artist in the kingdom, I haven't achieved that level myself."
Realization dawned on Feng Yi, and he looked at Tian Ze in surprise. "Teacher… does that mean you're…"
"Yes," Tian Ze said with a slight nod. "I hold the title of the number one martial artist in Yan Kingdom, but even that has limits. I reached the Innateness stage long ago, but it's still part of the mortal path."
Feng Yi leaned forward, intrigued. "So there's something beyond Innateness?"
"Yes," Tian Ze replied, his expression becoming more serious. "Surpassing Innateness requires a spiritual root. It's something extremely rare, granted only by fate."
Feng Yi, absorbing this new knowledge, asked, "Teacher, what exactly is a spiritual root? And why is it so important?"
Tian Ze regarded him thoughtfully. "That knowledge will make more sense in time, as you grow in skill. But understand this—having a spiritual root allows you to cultivate faster, unlocking potential beyond the mortal realm. It means you could live much longer than any mortal, perhaps even forever, if you reach the Immortal path."
Tian Ze took out the two books and placed them in Feng Yi's hands. "Here, these are for you. The smaller one is the Ten Body Transformation Sutra. Follow it carefully to progress through your training; it's designed to strengthen your foundation and guide you toward Innateness."
Feng Yi took the books reverently, but his gaze lingered on the ancient one, curiosity sparking in his eyes.
"Ah," Tian Ze continued, noticing his interest, "this ancient book records Immortal techniques. It's not useful to you in this world just yet, but if you transcend the mortal realm and go to the Spiritual World, this will be your guide. Your spiritual root makes that path possible, though it will take years of effort and growth."
Feng Yi's excitement grew as he grasped the significance of the books, and he bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Teacher. I will not waste this opportunity."
Tian Ze smiled, his expression growing solemn. "Remember, Feng Yi. There is power in the path you're about to take, but as I've said, power carries responsibility. You must stay true to your heart and the values you've learned."
Feng Yi nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "I understand, Teacher. I'll remember."
Tian Ze took one last sip of tea and stood, looking over the mountain with an air of finality. "Good. Then I'll leave you to your studies here." Without another word, he turned and left, his footsteps fading into the distance.
---
By the Cliffside
Once Tian Ze had left, Feng Yi moved to a quiet cliff nearby, where he could hear the breeze whisper through the trees. He carefully opened the Ten Body Transformation Sutra, his hands steady despite the thrill running through him. He flipped through the pages, his eyes scanning over the exercises that would serve as the foundation of his journey.
Setting the book aside, Feng Yi closed his eyes, inhaling deeply as he recalled his teacher's words.
-------
As Tian Ze descended the mountain, he paused mid-step and called out in a clear, knowing tone. "Since you've come this far, Yan Shu, why not show yourself?"
From behind a shadowed tree, a figure emerged, his stance confident and sharp-eyed. He approached slowly, sizing up Tian Ze with a mixture of familiarity and skepticism.
"So, it's true," Yan Shu began, his tone laced with disapproval. "You've chosen a new disciple… but I must say, I expected better. That boy doesn't appear ready for the path ahead."
Tian Ze's expression remained untroubled. "And what is it you see that disqualifies him, Yan Shu?"
Yan Shu let out a short laugh. "He's sheltered, untested. A farmer's son with little understanding of the world. The weight of power will crush him, Tian Ze. He'll become just another mortal devoured by ambition, failing before he ever reaches the path we need him to walk."
Tian Ze looked at him with calm conviction. "Perhaps, but I see more than his current limitations. I see a heart willing to learn and a spirit unburdened by greed. He has potential, Yan Shu. A strength that may exceed even his own understanding."
Yan Shu shook his head, skepticism etched across his face. "Faith has always been your weakness, Tian Ze. Power is seductive; he'll fall like the others, consumed by the very strength you plan to cultivate in him."
"Power does not corrupt," Tian Ze countered, his tone unyielding. "Weakness does. If he can overcome that, he may find a strength of will that neither of us could predict."
Yan Shu let out a long, incredulous sigh. "Tian Ze, have you forgotten what's at stake? Our world is nothing more than a battleground for the immortals' disputes. Every few centuries, they come, they fight, and we suffer the aftermath. If this boy falters on the path, we lose our chance to end that cycle of destruction."
Tian Ze met Yan Shu's gaze with an unwavering look. "Which is precisely why he deserves a chance. The spiritual root he possesses is rare, perhaps our one hope to bridge these two worlds and put an end to the disasters brought by the immortals. But only if he is strong enough to survive the journey and choose his fate freely."
Yan Shu's expression softened, his eyes narrowing as he weighed Tian Ze's words. After a moment, he spoke with a mixture of resignation and intrigue. "You really think he can make it? That he's the one to break the chains between worlds?"
Tian Ze nodded slowly, his voice filled with conviction. "Perhaps. But we'll never know if we never let him try. He must choose his own path and grow strong enough to hold his own in the spiritual world. Only then could he challenge those who treat our world as their playground."
A spark of reluctant hope flickered in Yan Shu's eyes. He glanced at the path the boy had taken up the mountain and sighed. "Then maybe… just maybe, this time, we'll find the one who can truly transcend and end the cycle of destruction. But if he falters—"
"If he falters, then it will be his own choice, and we'll find another way," Tian Ze finished calmly. "But I believe he'll succeed."
Yan Shu finally let out a low chuckle, his tension loosening. "Well then, Tian Ze, it seems you've finally given me reason to hope. Let us see if this disciple of yours can do what neither of us could."
With that, Yan Shu turned and melted back into the trees, his presence fading into the shadows.
------
On the Cliffs, Feng Yi was meditating and was about to sirt out his daily exercises and start training when he heard a familiar voice full of eagerness.
"Hahahaha it seems that we have made it... little kid you have not missed me have you..?