~ As the evening breeze swept down from the towering mountains, it glided gently along the riverbank before reaching the grand pavilion of Sect Leader Di Tian. The wind wove through the halls, carrying with it fallen leaves that swirled and danced gracefully in the air before settling softly upon the earth. ~
Within the sect's grand hall, a thunderous voice rang out, shaking the tranquil atmosphere. It belonged to none other than Elder Xiao Fei, whose face was flushed with fury. He raged at Xiao Tian, accusing him of grievously injuring his disciple, Dongfang Yuliang, leaving the young man with a broken back and on the verge of death. The elder's indignation was palpable, his voice laced with the wrath of someone whose pride had been shattered.
Yet Xiao Tian, standing unyieldingly amidst the storm of accusations, met the elder's fury with a calm yet cutting retort. "Elder Xiao Fei," he began, his tone edged with cold mockery, "was it not you who once claimed I would never even pass the sect's trials? And yet, here we are. Your so-called disciple, a cultivator at the Third Stage of Qi Condensation, was bested by one at the First Stage. Pray, tell me, what kind of disgrace is this? Or perhaps your disciple's progress has been… assisted by an overindulgence in elixirs? If so, what a shameful practice indeed. Our Di Tian Sect does not tolerate fraudulence, and such dishonor stains us all. This is a matter that demands serious reconsideration."
Elder Xiao Fei's face darkened as rage surged through him. For a moment, it seemed he might leap from his seat and strike Xiao Tian down where he stood. His trembling hands clenched into fists, his eyes burning with murderous intent. But reason prevailed, for this was no place for rash action. The grand hall of Sect Leader Di Tian was sacred ground, and any violence here would carry grave consequences. To act impulsively would risk not only his own life but perhaps the eradication of his entire lineage.
Swallowing his fury, the elder suppressed his instincts and, with barely restrained anger, rose to his feet. Instead of unleashing his wrath, he bent down to lift the injured Dongfang Yuliang and, without another word, turned and left the hall, his silence echoing louder than any insult.
The elders who had once scorned Xiao Tian fell into a stunned silence. Their gazes avoided him, and the grand hall was suffused with an air of uneasy tranquility.
Moments later, the silence was broken by a thunderous laugh—a voice booming with unrestrained mirth and relief. It was none other than Sect Leader Xiao Longxu, his powerful presence filling the hall as his laughter echoed against the stone walls.
"My son," he declared, his tone a mixture of pride and exhilaration. "Today, you have gladdened my heart beyond measure! As a reward for your extraordinary deeds, I shall bestow upon you precious resources, a Blood-Nourishing and Bone-Refining Pill, and a golden-tier weapon. Elders, does anyone object to this decision?"
The hall was deathly silent. Not a single voice rose in dissent. It was as though even the very air had stilled, save for the faint whisper of the wind that drifted through the chamber, soft and unintrusive. Xiao Longxu surveyed the room, his sharp eyes scanning the faces of the gathered elders. When he was satisfied that no one dared to oppose him, he raised his voice once more.
"Good! Since there are no objections, it is settled. I shall have the servants deliver these treasures to your pavilion tonight."
Xiao Tian stepped forward and bowed deeply, his voice steady and filled with respect.
"Thank you, Father."
With that, he turned and strode confidently out of the sect leader's hall, his posture unwavering, exuding an aura of quiet triumph.
Upon returning to his pavilion, Xiao Tian wasted no time. He settled himself on the ground, crossing his legs, and entered a state of deep focus. With steady breaths, he began to circulate his Qi, directing its flow through his meridians to fortify his body and strengthen his internal organs. His goal was clear—greater resilience and a foundation strong enough to face the trials ahead.
As his energy coursed through him, a thought crossed his mind. Tomorrow, I shall visit the library once more. He needed answers about this world's origins, its history, and its true nature. The high level of cultivation he had encountered suggested that this might be a Sacred Realm or even a Divine Land, like those he had read about in cultivation novels back on Earth. Yet uncertainty lingered. To confirm his theories, he resolved to study the ancient records in greater detail.
Not long into his meditation, a knock echoed at the door.
A servant entered respectfully, carrying the resources bestowed upon him by the sect leader. Precious treasures, the Blood-Nourishing and Bone-Refining Pill, and the golden-tier weapon were laid carefully before him. The servant left without a word, leaving Xiao Tian to inspect his newfound wealth.
He did not hesitate. With a meticulous and cautious approach, he examined the resources one by one. Every pill, herb, and artifact was scrutinized, and he made careful adjustments to maximize their potential. Each item represented an opportunity for advancement, and he would not let a single one go to waste. With patience and precision, Xiao Tian began refining these treasures, fully intent on leveraging their power to elevate himself further on his cultivation journey.
At this time
As Xiao Tian began refining and absorbing the energies from the invaluable resources, an immense surge of power flooded into his body like an unrelenting torrent. He was taken aback by the sheer intensity of it; the potency of these high-grade treasures far exceeded his expectations. His astonishment was quickly replaced by a sense of urgency—if this overwhelming energy continued to flow unchecked, his body might fail to contain it.
Realizing the danger, Xiao Tian steadied himself. If I rush this, my meridians could rupture, and my cultivation base could collapse entirely. With this thought in mind, he shifted his focus, slowing the energy's flow and directing it with deliberate care. Bit by bit, he channeled the raw power into his core, allowing it to circulate gradually through his meridians.
The energy moved like a warm current, spreading evenly through his blood vessels and nourishing his internal organs. Each surge strengthened his body, fortifying his bones, muscles, and even the most delicate parts of his anatomy. Xiao Tian maintained a calm and composed mindset, knowing that impatience could lead to disastrous consequences such as energy deviation or worse—self-destruction.
With each cycle of Qi circulation, his body grew more resilient, more refined. The process was painstaking, but Xiao Tian embraced it. He allowed the energy to integrate fully into his being, step by step, forging himself into a vessel capable of withstanding even greater power. Strength comes not from haste but from discipline and precision, he reminded himself, the thought anchoring him as he continued his cultivation late into the night.
Although Xiao Tian had never formally trained in this world, nor had he learned the techniques for controlling Qi to different parts of his body, his experiences in his previous life gave him a unique advantage. Back on Earth, he had read countless cultivation and fantasy novels, absorbing knowledge that now served him well. Using the methods he had once only imagined, he directed the energy with ease, guiding it through his meridians and into his body's vital areas.
At this moment, Xiao Tian could feel his Demonic Body - First Realm nearing its peak. Only a mere 5% more energy was needed before he would achieve complete perfection in this realm. Once he broke through, his body would be ready to ascend to the Second Realm. Fueled by determination, he began to absorb the remaining energy with wild intensity, pushing himself to break past his limits.
"Just a little more!" Xiao Tian thought, his excitement building. "Soon, I'll perfect the First Realm and ascend to the Second!"
Then, with a resounding cry, he roared, "Break the shackles!"
The invisible bonds holding him back shattered completely. A surge of power erupted from within him, washing over his body like a tidal wave. His muscles, bones, and organs underwent a profound transformation, radiating a newfound strength and vitality.
The breakthrough was complete.
Xiao Tian stood, his chest rising and falling with exhilaration. He clenched his fists, feeling the overwhelming power coursing through him. A triumphant smile spread across his face as he declared, "The ascension to the Second Realm is a success!"
Xiao Tian marveled at the incredible results of his cultivation. Merely absorbing the high-grade resources his father had provided had not only elevated his Demonic Body to the Second Realm, but it had also pushed his Qi Condensation Foundation to the Second Stage. He couldn't help but smile as he realized the dual breakthroughs he had achieved in such a short time. "This is what one might call a double fortune," he thought, his heart brimming with joy.
As the night deepened, Xiao Tian remained seated in meditation. He continued absorbing the Qi from the natural world, feeling it invigorate his body. Though he knew this method provided a refreshing energy akin to sleep, he was well aware that it wasn't a true replacement for rest. Someday, he would need to take breaks and allow his body the natural recovery it deserved. But for now, his focus remained sharp. He couldn't afford to fall behind—not when his unfamiliarity with this world left him vulnerable.
The night passed
Dawn arrived with a gentle brightness. The golden sunlight bathed the sect grounds in a warm glow, while the harmonious sounds of nature echoed throughout the mountains. Birds chirped melodiously, and the rustling leaves created a tranquil symphony. It was as if the world itself had composed a song to awaken its inhabitants.
In his pavilion
Xiao Tian slowly opened his eyes. The first rays of morning light spilled through the windows, illuminating his face. Stretching naturally, he rose from his meditative posture, his body feeling light and energized, as though he had slept soundly through the night.
Moments later, a servant arrived, bringing a meticulously prepared breakfast.
As Xiao Tian began to eat, he couldn't help but reflect on the differences between his current life and the one he had left behind. In this world, he was served as a young master, with meals brought to him each morning. Back on Earth, things were far simpler—sometimes he prepared his own food, and on rare occasions, his father would wake up early to cook for him. The memory brought a pang of longing for his father, but he quickly dismissed the thought. "That's the past now. I'm in a different world."
Finishing his meal, Xiao Tian stood and prepared himself for the day. "Time to visit the library again," he thought, his determination reigniting. "I must learn more about the history of this realm and uncover the truth about its origins. Perhaps then I can better understand the nature of the world I now inhabit."
With resolve burning in his heart, Xiao Tian stepped out of his pavilion, heading toward the library, ready to delve into the mysteries of the land.
-------------------
When Xiao Tian arrived at the library, the guards stationed at the entrance stepped aside without uttering a word. Their deference surprised him slightly, but he could guess the reason behind it—it was likely due to the news of his victory over Dongfang Yuliang. They now recognized his strength and, perhaps, his growing status within the sect. Without a second thought, he entered the vast halls of the library.
Inside, he was immediately greeted by the sharp, sarcastic voice of Elder Cai Mei.
"Boy! Didn't I warn you before not to overestimate yourself? Let me guess—you've failed to master those techniques you borrowed and now you're crawling back to me. Well, hand over those scrolls. They're useless in your hands if you can't grasp their essence. And don't forget to fulfill your end of the bet!"
Xiao Tian raised an eyebrow at the elder's assumptions. A cold smirk crept onto his face as he replied evenly, "Elder Cai Mei, it seems age hasn't granted you any wisdom, only more delusions. I'm not here to borrow anything, much less return something I never took. I've come to study history, nothing more. Perhaps instead of meddling in others' affairs, you should reflect on yourself. That might save you from embarrassing the sect any further."
The elder's face turned crimson with anger, veins bulging on his forehead. "You impudent brat! Just because you defeated Dongfang Yuliang, you think you can act all high and mighty? Show some respect, you insolent fool!"
Xiao Tian's expression remained icy. "High and mighty? Elder, I'm merely stating the truth. Unlike you, I don't waste time pretending to be something I'm not. Shouldn't you be focusing on your own cultivation? You've been stuck at the Sixth Realm of Supernatural Control for years. Instead of berating others, perhaps it's time you reflect on your failures. Frankly, your behavior tarnishes the reputation of the Di Tian Sect."
The elder's fury reached a boiling point, his hands trembling as his Qi surged uncontrollably. He was ready to lash out, to rip this insolent youth to shreds and scatter his remains across the martial world. Yet, at the last moment, he forced himself to calm down. This brat—where did he find such audacity to defy him so openly? The elder couldn't decide whether to admire or detest Xiao Tian's nerve.
Before he could retort, Xiao Tian had already turned and walked away, heading deeper into the library to find the historical records he sought. His departure left the elder seething in frustration, his clenched fists shaking with suppressed rage.
Unable to contain his anger, Elder Cai Mei shouted after him, "You wretched child! Mark my words! The day I get the chance, I'll teach you a lesson you'll never forget! Your father won't save you then!"
But Xiao Tian was already out of earshot, his focus solely on uncovering the secrets of the realm through the ancient texts hidden within the library's vast archives.
----------
After searching for books about this land, Xaio Tian stumbled upon a tome titled "The Ten Sacred Realms." He was perplexed by the idea of ten sacred realms existing in one place; it seemed rather unusual. However, he didn't dwell on it too much and decided to take the book. As he pulled it out, another book fell from the shelf. He picked it up and noticed the title: "The Origins of the Ten Sacred Realms." What a fortunate coincidence, he thought. These two books seemed to be connected, and perhaps this one would provide further insights. Without hesitation, he took both books and found a quiet corner in the library to start reading.
He opened the first book, which detailed the origins of this realm. As he read, his eyes widened, and a sense of disbelief slowly crept in. This was no ordinary land; the entire realms was actually the body of an ancient primordial beast. It was a colossal, prehistoric creature, so vast that its corpse alone was the size of a kingdom. This beast had existed since the very beginning of time, an ancient entity from the dawn of creation itself.
Xiao Tian was astonished. How powerful must this primordial beast have been? Its mere body was the size of a realm, and it was one of the mightiest among the primordial beasts. It took over a hundred warriors at the peak of the 8th Heavenly Controller stage to bring it down, and even then, 72 of them lost their lives in the battle. This creature was an ancient existence, present since the genesis of all things. Its strength was beyond comprehension.
After finishing the first book, Xiao Tian found no further details about this primordial beast, so he picked up the second book: "The Origins of the Ten Sacred Realms."
Xiao Tian was no longer surprised by the advanced cultivation techniques of this place or the intensity of its spiritual energy compared to the fantasy cultivation novels he had read back in his old world. He was now living in one of these sacred realms. The ten sacred realms were formed from the bodies of ten primordial beasts that had perished in an ancient war during the early eras, a war that spanned countless, unending years. These fallen beasts sank into the earth, and over time, their remains became the fertile and resource-rich sacred lands.
He understood now why there were ten sacred realms. The sacred lands were created from the remains of these ten primordial beasts that had died in the primordial battles. Even the lesser primordial beasts, whose corpses were enough to give rise to a sacred land, had bodies imbued with extraordinary energy, and their blood and flesh held incalculable value. It wasn't even comparable to the colossal beast whose entire body was the size of this realm. And yet, even these lesser primordial beings, with just their remains, could give birth to such sacred lands. What terrifying power could these creatures possess?
After gathering this knowledge and learning about the history and origins of these lands and realm, Thong did not leave the library immediately. Instead, he sought out books on alchemy and weapon refinement. He wanted to learn about herbs, their properties, and the process of concocting elixirs so that he wouldn't have to rely on others or spend money hiring alchemists. He intended to brew his own potions and gain deep knowledge about the medicinal herbs and their effects, committing it all to memory.
With all the information he needed, he left the library, ignoring the angry, resentful glare of Elder Cai Mei as he walked out.
After Xiao Tian left the library, he made his way to the Sect Master's residence and requested an audience.
-----------------------
Not long after, the Sect Master, noticing his arrival, greeted him, "What brings you here, my son? Do you wish to speak with me?"
Xiao Tian spoke directly, without hesitation. "I wish to venture to the Thunder Beast Mountain. I want to go there to gain experience and strengthen myself."
Hearing this, the Sect Master immediately refused. "No. It's far too dangerous. With your current cultivation level at just the 2nd Stage of Qi Refinement, going there is akin to throwing a piece of meat to the tigers. It would be a death sentenc an-"
However, Xiao Tian interrupted, saying, "Father, I am willing to prove my abilities to you. If I can demonstrate my worth, would you then allow me to go?"
Hearing this, Xiao Longxu nodded and responded:
"Very well, then. Follow me."
Xiao Longxu led Xiao Tian to a spacious training arena, large enough to accommodate a group of people for intense sparring and cultivation practice.
Drawing the sword from his waist slowly, Xiao Longxu said, "Xiao Tian, I will test your sword skills to see how proficient you are. When you venture to the Demonic Castle, you must be able to wield sword techniques with such mastery that even without a sword, a mere branch can become as sharp as a blade. I want to gauge your understanding of the sword's essence."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Tian unsheathed his golden sword, a gift from his father, and replied, "Then let us not waste any time. I shall make the first move."
With that, Xiao Tian lunged forward swiftly. However, it wasn't a straightforward charge; his movement was peculiar, a complex footwork pattern that was difficult to read. Even Xiao Longxu was mildly surprised. This technique was designed to conceal one's weaknesses while simultaneously protecting vital points, a strategy that impressed him. Xiao Longxu then launched himself forward, clashing swords fiercely with his son.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Tian unsheathed his golden sword, a gift from his father, and replied, "Then let us not waste any time. I shall make the first move."
With that, Xiao Tian lunged forward swiftly. However, it wasn't a straightforward charge; his movement was peculiar, a complex footwork pattern that was difficult to read. Even Xiao Longxu was mildly surprised. This technique was designed to conceal one's weaknesses while simultaneously protecting vital points, a strategy that impressed him. Xiao Longxu then launched himself forward, clashing swords fiercely with his son.
Xiao Longxu used only one-tenth of his spiritual energy, slashing out a blade aura. Xiao Tian was startled to see his father employ a sword aura technique. Unwilling to fall behind, he gripped his sword tightly and swung it forcefully, attempting to cut through Xiao Longxu's blade aura.
The clash between the golden sword and Xiao Longxu's aura caused a sudden explosive burst of energy, sending a shockwave through the arena. Smoke and dust spread in every direction, obscuring the view. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Xiao Tian quickly gathered his spiritual energy to his feet and sword tip, dashing forward in an attempt to close the distance between him and Xiao Longxu.
Despite his efforts, Xiao Tian knew he could never be a match for his father, a cultivator who had reached the highest tier of supernatural control. Xiao Longxu possessed the ability to draw power from higher dimensions, bending the laws of nature itself.
Suddenly, as Xiao Tian charged, an invisible force struck him, sending him flying back dozens of meters. He landed heavily on the ground, utterly shocked. What was that just now? The impact left him severely injured, and he realized he could no longer continue fighting.
Panting heavily, Xiao Tian asked
"Father, what was that? I couldn't see anything."
Xiao Longxu explained, "The power I used just now comes from a higher dimension. It's a force that exists beyond our perception, making it invisible to those who have not mastered it. Only those who can control energy from higher dimensions and comprehend its essence can see and utilize it."
"Though you lost, I am impressed by your combat skills and techniques. Despite never having fought against anyone before, you possess a remarkable depth of experience. Your expertise surpasses even your current level of ability."
Xiao Longxu continued, "I now believe that you have the capability to survive. Your quick thinking and strategic planning during the battle demonstrate your intelligence. With your skills, I'm confident you can make it through the Thunder Beast Forest. Now, go rest and recover from your injuries. But before you leave, I have something to give you."
Shortly afterward, Xiao Tian returned to his residence to heal his body and internal injuries. He realized that his father had only used a fraction of his power during their sparring. If his father had drawn more energy from the higher dimension, Xiao Tian might have been seriously injured or even killed. It was merely a test, after all.
Xiao Tian didn't rest at all that night. He meditated and trained his body until dawn. As he slowly opened his eyes, he noticed that his injuries had completely healed. It seemed that his demonic physique had rapidly restored his body to perfect condition. He stepped outside to breathe in the fresh morning air, and suddenly, a servant approached, saying, "Young Master Xiao Tian, the Sect Master has invited you for breakfast with your elder sister, Xiao Han Yan."
Xiao Tian was a bit surprised. He hadn't expected that this body would have an elder sister, but he didn't dwell on it much. He followed the servant to the dining room. Once there, the Sect Master invited him to join them for breakfast.
The Sect Master, Xiao Longxu, motioned for Xiao Tian to sit beside Xiao Han Yan, his elder sister. As he sat down, he recalled from his memories that she wasn't a direct blood relative of the Sect Master. Instead, she was the daughter of a close family member who had been taken in after their family was exterminated by a powerful force. Thus, she became the eldest sister in the household. Xiao Tian couldn't help but compare her to his sister from his previous life, wondering if she would be different. If she tried to obstruct him in the future, he wouldn't hesitate to kill her.
During breakfast, Xiao Longxu inquired, "How long do you plan to stay in the Thunder Beast Forest?"
Xiao Tian replied confidently, "Around two years. If I haven't achieved my goals, I might stay up to five years."
This response left Xiao Longxu stunned, causing him to choke on his food. He hadn't expected such determination from his son, who used to spend his days chasing women and indulging in luxury. However, before he could say anything, his elder sister, Xiao Han Yan, scoffed, "With your weak skills, you'll just become a snack for the beasts there. Don't throw away your worthless life."
Hearing this, Xiao Tian calmly retorted, "My life has been worthless because I've had no goals. That's why I need to go to the Thunder Beast Forest, to find a purpose and grow stronger. Don't you think the same, Elder Sister Xiao Han Yan? You have your own goals as well, don't you? So how can you call my life worthless? Even if I sold my blood and flesh, it would still fetch a price."
He laughed coldly, a sinister smile creeping across his face. This unnerved Xiao Han Yan, making her shiver at his icy, cruel words. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.
Xiao Longxu, noticing the tension, broke the silence, "Alright, let's finish breakfast. I'll escort you to the sect's gate and give you something to help you survive the Thunder Beast Forest."
They finished their meal in silence. Afterward, Xiao Longxu led Xiao Tian to the main gate of the sect. He handed him an item, which prompted Xiao Tian to ask, "What is this, Father?"
"This is the Demon-Slaying Sword," Xiao Longxu explained. "It has slain countless demonic beasts, even reaching the level of seventh-ranked beasts. It has tasted their blood more times than I can count. This is an ancient weapon from our ancestors, used in battles against demonic beasts in ancient times. I trust you won't disappoint me in wielding such a powerful sword."
Xiao Tian, without saying much, simply thanked him and walked away slowly. His silhouette gradually disappeared down the sect's grand staircase of over 2,000 steps, vanishing from Xiao Longxu's sight.
Not long after, Xiao Longxu looked up at the sky, his face filled with worry and a sense of melancholy. He muttered to himself, "I hope this journey changes Xiao Tian's fate. May it also change his once bleak personality, turning him into someone strong and renowned across the martial world. But these are merely my hopes. I just pray he returns safely."
~~
As he voiced his thoughts, a cold wind blew from the towering mountains surrounding the sect, sweeping through the area. The breeze carried away the Sect Master's worries, as his figure slowly vanished into the early morning mist...