Xuan Li returned to his dormitory with a calm yet heavy heart. As he began packing his belongings, the familiar creak of the door announced someone's arrival. Without turning, Xuan Li immediately recognized the mocking voice of Lei Zhen.
"I hear you're finally leaving the sect," Lei Zhen sneered. "But instead of quietly disappearing, you had to go and propose a five-year challenge to both the Heaven's Edge Sect and the Shen Wu Sect? That's bold, even for someone like you. Honestly, it's kind of... exciting."
Xuan Li continued packing without so much as a glance in Lei Zhen's direction.
Lei Zhen smirked at the lack of response. "Tch... acting all high and mighty now, are we? Fine. I'll see you in the ring after five years."
Without a word, Xuan Li slung his bag over his shoulder and brushed past Lei Zhen, ignoring him entirely. Watching Xuan Li leave, Lei Zhen muttered darkly under his breath, "Just you wait. Five years from now, I'll make sure you regret that challenge."
Xuan Li made his way to the Ancestor Cemetery hidden within the forest surrounding the sect. The tall trees swayed gently in the wind, their leaves whispering as if sharing secrets of the ages. Reaching the burial site of Ancestor Shen Wu, whom he regarded as his grandfather, Xuan Li knelt solemnly.
"Grandpa... I'm about to embark on a journey to become the strongest. Please watch over me."
As he rose to leave, a sudden gust of wind swept through the forest. A strange sensation prickled the back of his neck, and he instinctively looked up. High above, a magnificent bird soared, its long feathers glowing faintly with an ethereal, moonlit radiance. The bird circled once, then ascended higher into the night sky, disappearing into the clouds.
A small smile crept across Xuan Li's face as his eyes reflected the faint glow of determination. "Alright then. Let's go... onto the path to rise."
With his bag slung over his shoulder, Xuan Li left the Shen Wu Sect behind. As he followed the path winding out of the forest, he muttered to himself, "If I remember correctly, this road leads to the Tianluo Kingdom..."
By nightfall, Xuan Li had reached a bustling market in a city called Cloudveil. The vibrant stalls glowed with lantern light, and the air was filled with the chatter of merchants and travelers. After inquiring at an inn, he booked a modest room for the night using the Heaven's Aura coins he had saved—enough to sustain him for about a month.
Settling into the room, Xuan Li sat on a small sofa, his thoughts still swirling. His master's voice resonated from the necklace, and moments later, the figure of his master materialized before him.
"Master," Xuan Li began hesitantly, "it was because of your encouragement that I proposed the five-year battle event... but how am I supposed to achieve that? Can I really surpass Ling Yuna in five years?"
His master sighed, his expression a mix of patience and sternness. "Disciple, your vision is too narrow. Ling Yuna should not be your target. Your goal should be the Origin of the Cosmos itself. If you want to become the strongest, you must first broaden your perspective. To surpass those who seem invincible, you must first surpass the limits of your own vision. Understand this, and your path will become clear."
Xuan Li nodded slowly, absorbing the words.
"Now," his master continued, "tell me about the cultivation system of this dimension."
Xuan Li explained, "Currently, I know of three levels of cultivation:
1.Foundation Level
2.Essence Sensing Level
3.Body Refinement Level
Each level is divided into nine sub-levels. For example, Ling Yuna is at 1.9 Core Mastery, while most sect masters are at Level 3."
His master nodded thoughtfully. "The cultivation system of this dimension has a similar structure to the Cosmic Particle System I will teach you, but our path is far deeper. Listen carefully."
Xuan Li sat cross-legged, listening intently.
"For beginners, the levels are as follows:
Level 1: Apprentice Level 2: Cosmic Walker Level 3: Stellar Sovereign
Each level has nine divisions, just like your current system. Mastery of each sub-division leads to exponential growth, as you harness and manipulate the pure energy of the cosmos itself. The first level, Apprentice, is the foundation—an entry into perceiving and drawing on cosmic energy."
Xuan Li asked cautiously, "Master, in five years, which level can I realistically reach?"
His master's answer was simple but firm: "Level 1."
The response shocked Xuan Li. "Only the first level? But Ling Yuna could reach the Body Refinement Level 3 in that time!"
His master smiled knowingly. "Disciple, do you think the Cosmic Particle System is something trivial? If you master even the first level, you will possess the strength to face cultivators at Body Refinement Level 3—and possibly even surpass them. Stop underestimating this path and focus."
Xuan Li took a deep breath, steadying his emotions. "Understood, Master. I will begin immediately."
Sitting cross-legged, Xuan Li entered a meditative state. His master placed a hand on his back, and streams of black and white cosmic energy began to infuse into his body.
"Disciple, focus. Can you sense the energy around you? It flows like threads, connecting everything."
After only a few moments, Xuan Li nodded. "Yes, Master. I can feel it."
His master's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "So soon? I expected it to take at least an hour... This child is truly exceptional." Smiling, he removed his hand.
"Good. Now, begin gathering that energy. Draw it into yourself, and let it strengthen your core."
For the rest of the night, Xuan Li remained immersed in practice, the faint hum of cosmic energy resonating within him as he took his first steps on a path unlike any other.