In a country called Yuanfeng, there was once a small village that had now turned into a wasteland. An old man was investigating the mysterious cause behind this transformation—how a once-thriving village could become a barren wasteland overnight. As he quietly surveyed the area, he suddenly heard the faint cries of a baby.
This old man was Ancestor Shen Wu, a revered and powerful cultivator known for his wisdom and kindness. Despite the eerie surroundings, he followed the sound of the cries and discovered an infant—Xuan Li. Though he appeared ordinary, left alone in the ruins, Ancestor Shen Wu recognized the potential within the child and took him in and adopted him into the prestigious Shen Wu Sect, offering the boy a chance to rise above his tragic beginnings.
When Xuan Li turned three, the tension in the sect grew. Despite being directly favored by Ancestor Shen Wu, Xuan Li was met with hatred and disdain from the other members. His special treatment bred jealousy and resentment.
Then, a deep sorrow fell upon the Shen Wu Sect. The Ancestor, once a figure of unshakable strength, was nearing the end of his life. Though cultivators typically lived for centuries, Ancestor Shen Wu had been poisoned during his prime, a poison that could not be cured. Now, with age taking its toll, the poison was finally claiming his life.
One final meeting was called. The disciples gathered for a last audience with their revered leader. Ancestor Shen Wu asked to speak privately with Xuan Li. As the others left, Xuan Li stood beside his bed, tears rolling down his cheeks.
"Ancestor, please don't leave me," Xuan Li cried, his voice breaking. "I have so much to learn from you. You promised to guide me, but now you're breaking that promise."
Hearing the pain in the child's voice, Ancestor Shen Wu smiled softly. "Xuan Li... I have always regarded you as my grandson. You know I am not truly leaving. I am simply taking another form, residing forever in your heart."
He paused, his voice weak. "One more thing— I know the people in the sect do not like you. But don't let their words affect you. Never give up. I believe, one day, you will rise so high that even I will have to look up to you."
As he spoke, Ancestor Shen Wu coughed violently, blood spilling from his mouth. Concerned, Xuan Li rushed to his side. "Grandpa, are you alright?"
Hearing Xuan Li call him "Grandpa" for the first time, tears welled up in Ancestor Shen Wu's eyes. With all his remaining strength, he whispered, "Call me 'Grandpa' once more."
Xuan Li, his voice trembling, repeated, "Grandpa."
A faint smile appeared on Ancestor Shen Wu's face as he patted Xuan Li's head. "Thank you." But suddenly, a wave of weakness overcame him. It felt as though all his strength was draining from his body, and he collapsed back onto the bed.
"Grandpa!" Xuan Li shouted, his voice filled with panic.
Ancestor Shen Wu turned his head one last time to look at the child. His gaze lingered for a moment, a gentle smile gracing his lips as his consciousness faded. Then, with a final breath, he passed away.
Xuan Li's scream echoed through the hall. "Grandpa!"
The others, hearing his cry, rushed into the room and immediately understood. Ancestor Shen Wu had passed. The news sent shockwaves through the Shen Wu Sect, leaving a deep void that could never be filled. The sect, once powerful and proud, was now gripped by sorrow and uncertainty.
Seven years had passed since the death of Ancestor Shen Wu, and now Xuan Li was present at a grand ceremony where children around his age had gathered from various sects, along with their sect masters, to awaken their latent abilities and receive the blessings of the heavens. Xuan Li looked upon a huge pillar adorned with intricate symbols that radiated a brilliant golden glow. This sacred place was known as Heaven's Holy Ground.
An elderly man stepped forward and announced the beginning of the ceremony. One of the ten-year-old children approached the pillar and placed his hand upon it. Instantly, the pillar erupted in blue flames. Seeing this, the elder smiled, "It seems we have many potential seeds here." A middle-aged man from a nearby sect laughed in delight, proud that his disciple had received such a high-ranking flame attribute. Others around him congratulated him on gaining a promising disciple.
One by one, the children stepped forward to awaken their abilities. Some obtained common elemental attributes, while others awakened terrifyingly powerful blessings, like the "Divine Dragon's Blessing," which triggered a shocking vision in the sky. Another child unlocked the "Emperor Flame." Suddenly, the Heaven's Pillar glowed with a silvery light, and in the sky, an elegant lady appeared, surrounded by swords forged from this silver light. The old elder trembled, muttering, "Heavens... it's... it's the Ten Thousand Sword Empress, a true god's blessing." Overcome with awe, The elder knelt before the young female disciple from the Heaven's Edge Sect—a girl named Ling Yuna with silver hair, deep blue eyes, and an aura of regal command. Dressed in an elegant blue gown, she embodied the dignity of an empress. Following his example, all the sect masters and others present, including Xuan Li, knelt in respect.
Then, it was Xuan Li's turn. As he approached the pillar, the other sect masters whispered among themselves.
"Isn't that boy from the Shen Wu Sect? I heard the late Ancestor Shen Wu greatly favored him. Perhaps he will also receive a true god's blessing..."
Another sect master replied, "I doubt it. I don't sense any divine essence from him... but let's wait and see. The result will soon be before us."