---
Even after Jin's momentous announcement, he remained true to his initial purpose: to experience the vastness of this world. With a subtle disguise that rendered him indistinguishable from any ordinary man, he wandered through cities, sects, and villages, observing the waves his proclamation had unleashed.
His celestial tournament and search for a partner had planted seeds of ambition, hope, and fear. As Jin meandered through bustling streets, grand sects, and quiet villages, he saw the impact of his actions everywhere—both grand and intimate.
---
The Impact on the Lands
The Common Folk
In a humble village, children reenacted the tournament's highlights with wooden swords. Their laughter and shouts filled the air as one boy, waving a stick, proclaimed, "I am Qin Bei, wielder of the Everlasting Flame! Bow before me!"
Nearby, an elderly man sat carving a wooden statuette of Mei Lian. He looked up and said to a passing stranger—who was Jin in disguise—"She's a hero, you know. A true inspiration. Imagine a girl from the north standing shoulder-to-shoulder with legends!"
Jin chuckled softly but said nothing.
In a small town tavern, a bard sang of the victors:
"The Thunderous Emperor's rage, unmatched by any foe;
Mei Lian's blade, a lightning arc aglow.
Qin Bei, the flame eternal, his will forever bright;
Through Jin's grand stage, they soared into the night."
The song was met with cheers and drinks raised high, though Jin merely sipped his tea in the corner, unnoticed.
---
The Cultivators
For the cultivators, the tournament had become a divine benchmark. Disciples sparred harder, elders immersed themselves in ancient tomes, and sect leaders doubled their recruitment efforts.
Jin passed through one sect where a master berated his students. "Do you think strength comes from half-hearted training? Those who climbed the steps to Jin's domain had the will to crush mountains and endure storms! Yet here you are, whining about exhaustion. Pathetic!"
Jin smiled faintly. "At least they aim high," he thought as he continued on his way.
---
The Hidden Powers
In the depths of a shadowy cavern, an ancient figure sat cross-legged. His aura was subdued yet profound, his eyes glowing faintly in the dark.
"The treasures Jin offered are wondrous, yes," he murmured, "but the true strength of this world lies in those who do not rely on such gifts. Let them scramble for their prizes. The old bloodlines will endure."
Across the ocean, in a floating palace surrounded by storm clouds, a queenly figure in golden armor gazed at her generals. "Prepare. Jin's games have inspired many, and ambition is rising. If we remain passive, our position may falter."
These hidden powers watched and waited, their patience honed over millennia.
---
Jin's Wandering Life
Through it all, Jin wandered, watching the consequences of his actions unfold. He found himself in moments of simplicity: sharing meals with farmers, repairing a broken plow with a flick of his finger, or helping a struggling merchant carry his goods. Each act was small but meaningful, a reminder of the world's quiet beauty.
Though Jin had announced his search for a wife, he chose not to rush. Instead, he observed quietly, looking for a woman who could match his unyielding heart. Beauty mattered, yes, but he sought more—a soul unshaken by storms, a spirit both kind and fierce.
---
A Fateful Encounter
In a bustling coastal city, Jin encountered a group of bandits harassing a lone traveler—a woman clad in tattered but elegant robes. She fought fiercely, her blade flashing like lightning despite her exhaustion.
The leader of the bandits sneered. "Just hand over the goods, girl. You're outnumbered!"
"I'd rather die than give scum like you anything," the woman spat, her defiance burning brighter than the setting sun.
Jin, leaning against a nearby tree, observed with mild curiosity. Her courage intrigued him. With a casual wave of his hand, the bandits froze in place, their weapons clattering to the ground.
The woman stared at Jin, her breath heavy. "Who are you?"
"A passerby," he said simply. "You fight well."
She narrowed her eyes. "I don't need your pity."
Jin chuckled. "Pity? No. Admiration, perhaps."
He offered her water and walked away, leaving her to process the encounter.
---
The Announcement of a Second Tournament
After months of quiet wandering, Jin's voice once again echoed across the realm.
"The next tournament will be held in fifty years. Prepare yourselves, for only the strongest may enter. Previous winners are barred from participation."
This proclamation reignited the fervor of training and ambition. But Jin's next words brought a wave of whispers across the land.
"My search for a partner continues. Perhaps she walks among you. Or perhaps I shall find her myself. Only time will tell."
---
The World Reacts
Mortals
"Can you imagine?" a fisherman said to his wife as they mended nets. "What if Jin chooses one of us?"
His wife laughed. "Don't be absurd. He's a god. A woman like that doesn't exist here."
---
Cultivators
At a mountain sect, disciples whispered excitedly.
"Do you think someone from our sect could catch his eye?"
"Maybe! Elder Hua is unmatched in beauty and skill!"
"Dream on," another scoffed. "He's probably looking for someone beyond even her."
---
The Hidden Powers
In a secluded temple, a powerful matriarch smirked. "He seeks a partner? Perhaps it's time we introduced ourselves to this so-called Creator of All."
In the shadows of a ruined fortress, a lone figure with burning eyes murmured, "So he seeks companionship. Fascinating. But what kind of being could truly stand beside him?"
---
Jin's Reflections
As Jin watched the ripples of his proclamation spread, he felt no urgency. The world's reactions amused him, but his journey was far from over.
"It's not about finding perfection," he mused to himself. "It's about finding something real. Something worth holding onto."
With those thoughts, Jin continued his slow-paced journey, leaving behind a world forever changed by his presence.
---