**Land of Kailun**—a realm veiled in ancient mystery, where calamities often came like whispers of fate. One such calamity struck with terrifying force, leaving nothing but ash and silence in its wake. A village once vibrant with life was reduced to smoldering ruins, its people lost to the inferno.
When the skies cleared, an elder figure stood at the edge of the desolation. **Han Zhiyuan**, the sect master of the humble **Moonlit Sky Sect**, had come to investigate the tragedy that had shaken even the distant peaks of his sect's sanctuary. His robes fluttered in the faint breeze, carrying the lingering scent of charred earth and sorrow.
As he ventured deeper into the ruins, his sharp eyes scanned the remains for any sign of life. The silence was deafening, until a faint, fragile sound reached his ears—a cry, soft yet persistent.
Han Zhiyuan froze, his heart skipping a beat. *A child? Here? Impossible.*
He moved swiftly, following the sound. His feet kicked up ash as he approached a shallow pit in the center of the ruins. There, amidst the rubble, lay a baby, crying weakly but unmistakably alive.
The elder's breath caught in his throat. Kneeling down, his hands trembled as he carefully lifted the infant into his arms. The crying stopped as the baby's eyes met his, wide and curious, shimmering with a strange, unearthly light. For a moment, the world seemed to still.
Han Zhiyuan stared at the child, his mind a storm of questions. *How did this child survive when everything else perished? What force could spare such a fragile life amidst such destruction?*
But those questions found no answers, only more confusion. He studied the baby in his arms—its tiny form, so delicate yet so resilient. The warmth emanating from the child was inexplicable, a comforting contrast to the cold despair of the scene around them.
"You are no ordinary child, are you?" Han Zhiyuan murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
To his astonishment, the baby's lips curled into a faint smile, as though responding to his words. The warmth in his chest grew, a feeling he hadn't experienced in decades.
"This child..." Han Zhiyuan muttered, his voice trembling, "must have been born for a reason beyond my understanding. Perhaps even beyond heaven's design."
Clutching the baby closer, he rose to his feet. The ruins of the village stretched around him, a stark reminder of the calamity, but his resolve hardened.
"Very well," he said, his voice steady now, as though speaking to fate itself. "I will take you in. If heaven has abandoned you, then I shall see for myself what destiny you hold. From this day forward, you are a disciple of the **Moonlit Sky Sect**."
The baby gurgled softly, the smile still lingering on its face. Han Zhiyuan felt a strange sense of purpose ignite within him, a spark he hadn't felt in years.
With the child cradled in his arms, he turned and began his journey back to the sect.
**The Moonlit Sky Sect** buzzed with hushed whispers as Han Zhiyuan returned. The baby he carried drew curious and cautious gazes from elders and disciples alike as he recounted the story of the ruined village.
"This child..." Han Zhiyuan's voice echoed through the main hall. "He survived a calamity that turned an entire village to ash. I do not know how or why, but I believe this is no ordinary child. He is destined for something far beyond our understanding."
Some elders nodded solemnly, sensing the gravity of his words. Others whispered among themselves, their doubts evident.
"But Sect Master," one elder spoke, his voice laced with caution, "what if this child brings misfortune to our sect? The calamity that spared him may not yet be over."
Han Zhiyuan's gaze hardened. "If heaven has cast him aside, then it is our duty to shelter him. I have made my decision. This child will be raised as a disciple of the Moonlit Sky Sect. His name shall be Shi Xing."
The hall fell silent as the sect absorbed his decree. Though doubts lingered in the hearts of some, none dared oppose their sect master. Thus, the child became a part of the sect, his origins shrouded in mystery.
**Ten Years Later**
Under the shadow of the Moonlit Sky Sect's sacred waterfall, a young man sat cross-legged in meditation. The cascading water shimmered in the golden light of the setting sun, casting a serene glow over the training grounds.
Shi Xing, now sixteen, was no longer the helpless infant rescued from the ashes. His dark blue eyes, sharp and determined, reflected the strength and trials of his journey. His jet-black hair framed a face that had grown lean and defined through years of rigorous training.
Although his martial skill surpassed most of his peers, Shi Xing bore the silent weight of an unfulfilled destiny. Despite his brilliance in combat, he couldn't shake the feeling that something within him remained elusive
Nearby, a commanding yet calm voice broke the tranquil silence. "Alright, everyone, wake up."
An elder, his weathered face radiating wisdom, stood before the gathered disciples. His sharp gaze swept over the group, carrying both authority and care.
"Today's training is over," the elder continued. "Remember, tomorrow is the Awakening Ceremony. Rest well tonight and prepare yourselves—this is the day that will determine your potential. Do not squander it."
The disciples bowed in unison, their voices steady. "Yes, Elder!"
As Shi Xing turned to leave with the others, the elder's voice called out. "Shi Xing, stay a moment."
Stopping mid-step, Shi Xing approached with respect, bowing his head. "Elder?"
The elder's gaze softened, a mix of pride and concern in his expression. "Shi Xing," he began, "you are the pride of this sect. Your dedication and discipline set you apart. Despite the obstacles, you have worked harder than anyone. The sect has placed great hopes upon you."
Shi Xing knelt, his tone resolute. "I will not fail the sect, Elder. Whatever tomorrow brings, I will not falter."
The elder placed a hand on his shoulder, his voice firm yet kind. "Good. Remember, Shi Xing—talent is not the only measure of greatness. Perseverance is what shapes legends. Rest well, for tomorrow marks the beginning of your journey."
Shi Xing rose, his eyes glinting with determination. "I understand, Elder. I will not let the sect down."
As the young man walked away, the last rays of sunlight bathed him in golden light, his shadow stretching long behind him.
"Tomorrow..." he thought, "tomorrow, everything changes."
The elder's words echoed in his mind—a mixture of encouragement and the heavy weight of expectation. A familiar knot of anticipation tightened in his stomach. Was he truly ready?
He exhaled slowly, pushing the thought aside. His gaze lifted toward the towering mountain in the distance, where an ethereal blue glow pulsed like a beacon. The Holy Ground awaited.
As he approached, the air crackled with an ancient energy, a solemn weight settling over the gathered disciples. The vast circular rocky surface was bathed in an otherworldly blue glow, centering around a grand pillar that hovered weightlessly. Its surface was adorned with intricate carvings of celestial dragons, their coiling forms seeming almost alive.
At the heart of the pillar, three words—"Will of Heaven"—were engraved, pulsating with a faint purple aura. that radiated an oppressive force. Disciples from various sects had gathered, their gazes fixed upon the pillar with reverence, awe, and anticipation.
Shi Xing's fingers curled into tight fists, the rough fabric of his robes bunching beneath his knuckles. The energy radiating from the pillar vibrated in his chest, a tangible pressure that echoed the unspoken question in his heart: **Was I truly worthy of what lay ahead?**
Before he could delve further into his thoughts, a familiar voice broke through the tension.
**"Brother Shi Xing, you look nervous."**
He turned to see **Ling Yue**, a fellow disciple of the **Moonlit Sky Sect**. Her crimson robes flowed around her like liquid fire, contrasting sharply with the porcelain smoothness of her skin. A single strand of her fiery red hair escaped its intricate braid, dancing in the ethereal blue light of the Holy Ground. Her black eyes, sharp and intelligent, held a depth that belied her delicate features.
Shi Xing exhaled lightly, offering a small smile. **"I wouldn't say nervous. Just... amazed by this place."**
Ling Yue chuckled softly. **"Even you can be in awe? That's rare."**
Before Shi Xing could respond, an arrogant voice cut in from the side.
**"Hey, fairy, can I get your name?"**
A young man clad in a pristine white and black outfit stepped forward. His blond hair shimmered under the sacred light, and his brown eyes gleamed with confidence—**Li Zhein**, a disciple of the **Azure Thunder Hall**, a mid-tier sect known for its prideful disciples and strict hierarchy.
Li Zhein smirked as he studied Ling Yue. **"A beauty like you shouldn't waste your talent in a low-level sect. If you join Azure Thunder Hall, I can personally ensure your potential isn't wasted."**
Ling Yue stiffened. Though she was not easily rattled, the predatory glint in Li Zhein's eyes unsettled her. She remained silent, unwilling to entertain his advances.
Shi Xing's gaze hardened as he stepped between them. **"Brother Li, I believe Ling Yue isn't interested. I suggest you leave her be."**
Li Zhein barely spared him a glance, scoffing. **"And who are you? A mere disciple from a bottom-tier sect dares to lecture me?"**
Shi Xing sighed. **"She's clearly uncomfortable. If you have any decency, you'd respect that."**
But Li Zhein's pride flared. His veins bulged with irritation as he sneered. **"An insignificant bug like you dares touch me?"** He glanced at the other disciples, their murmurs fueling his rage. **"Fine. I'll show you your place."**
Without another word, Li Zhein struck. A quick palm thrust shot toward Shi Xing, yet before it could connect, Shi Xing twisted his body, grabbing Li Zhein's wrist in a fluid motion. With a sharp pivot, he threw him to the ground effortlessly.
The gathered disciples gasped. Laughter rippled through the crowd.
Li Zhein's face burned with humiliation as he scrambled back to his feet, his eyes flashing with fury. **"You dare humiliate me?! I'll make you regret that!"** He unsheathed his sword, his grip tightening as he lunged forward.
Before his blade could strike, a powerful voice echoed through the air, silencing the battlefield.
**"Enough."**
A ripple of energy surged through the space, making even the strongest disciples flinch. Li Zhein froze, his body rigid as if an invisible force weighed upon him.
He turned sharply, his rage morphing into shock as he found no source of the voice. **"Who dares interrupt me?! Do you have any idea who I—"**
Before he could finish, the air around him trembled, and suddenly, an elderly figure materialized before them. His mere presence exuded an overwhelming authority that sent a shiver through the gathered disciples.
The elder's piercing gaze swept over them. **"I am **Shen Yu**, guardian of the Holy Ground."** His voice was neither loud nor forceful, yet it carried an undeniable weight. **"And as for your Azure Thunder Hall... even your sect master must kneel before me."**
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. Even the most arrogant among them knew better than to defy such an existence.
Li Zhein's confidence shattered instantly. His complexion paled as he fell to his knees. **"E-Elder Shen Yu... I didn't know it was you. I meant no offense. Please, forgive my disrespect."**
Shen Yu regarded him for a moment before sighing. **"Very well. You are young and reckless. This elder will forgive you this once."**
Li Zhein bowed deeply, his hands trembling. **"Thank you, Elder. I am truly grateful for your mercy."** He retreated hastily, his mind boiling with suppressed fury. His eyes briefly flickered toward Shi Xing, filled with dark resentment. **"Shi Xing... I'll make you pay a thousandfold for this humiliation."**
As the commotion settled, a lone figure stood amidst the disciples, separate from any group. A woman, exuding an icy aura, her delicate sword resting at her side. Her beauty was undeniable, yet no one dared to approach her—her mere presence sent chills down their spines.
Her cold, expressionless eyes glanced at Shi Xing before shifting away, as if he were nothing more than an insignificant presence.
Shi Xing sensed her gaze lingering on him but chose to ignore it, keeping his focus on the grand pillar standing before them.
Meanwhile, Shen Yu stood tall, his piercing gaze sweeping over the gathered disciples—hundreds of them, hailing from various sects and independent cultivators, from the weakest to the most elite. His sharp eyes gleamed with interest as he assessed their potential, silently noting the promising ones among them.
"It seems there are some promising seeds among you," he mused. Raising his hand, his palm began to glow with a brilliant blue aura. The moment his hand touched the pillar, an enormous formation erupted from its surface, surging into the sky like a celestial beacon. The entire Holy Ground became enveloped in a radiant solar glow.
His voice, carrying an undeniable majesty, resounded across the field. "I hereby announce the start of the Awakening Ceremony. Each disciple shall come forward and place their hand on the pillar. That is all you need to do. Now—step forth, one by one."
Before anyone else could react, Li Zhein cut through the crowd, stepping forward with an air of arrogance. Bowing slightly, he declared, "Elder, allow me to be the first."
Shen Yu gave a slight nod, permitting him to proceed. Li Zhein placed his hand on the pillar. Instantly, a deep humming sound echoed as the pillar emitted a dazzling **yellow beam of light**, soaring into the sky like a golden sun.
Shen Yu's eyes flashed with satisfaction. "Oh? The first to step forward, and already such a brilliant radiance. Very good! You possess great potential."
The golden beam of light descended upon Li Zhein, seeping into his body. For the first time, he felt the overwhelming sensation of **heavenly aura** flowing through his veins, strengthening him from within. As the glow faded, he stepped back, flexing his fingers, his body feeling more powerful than ever.
He bowed once more to Shen Yu before returning to his group, greeted by cheers and admiration from his peers.
A curious disciple hesitated before raising his voice. "Elder, how exactly does the light measure our potential?"
Before Shen Yu could answer, Li Zhein scoffed. "Look at this fool! He doesn't even know the basics of the Awakening Ceremony!"
A wave of laughter rippled through the crowd.
Just then, **Shi Xing** stepped forward. "What's so wrong about not knowing?" His tone was calm yet firm. "He probably doesn't belong to a sect but is an independent cultivator. Right?"
The disciple nodded, grateful.
Li Zhein's face darkened with irritation. "You again, you bastard—"
Ignoring him, Shi Xing turned to the disciple. "The pillar measures one's potential through the richness of its light. The brighter the glow, the greater the talent. If someone awakens a deep blue aura, while another awakens a golden light, the latter is far superior."
The disciple nodded in understanding. "Thank you, brother, for enlightening me."
Shi Xing smiled slightly. "It's no trouble."
"Next," Shen Yu called.
A sudden hush fell over the crowd as **a fairy-like figure stepped forward**. She wore a jade-colored dress that shimmered like flowing water, her black hair fluttering gracefully in the breeze. Her sharp, **jade-colored eyes** gleamed like honed blades, and a silver crescent moon mark adorned her forehead. A silver bracelet, embedded with a jade gem, encircled her wrist, and a sword rested at her waist.
Shi Xing recognized her—**the girl who had glanced at me earlier**.
She bowed elegantly. "Elder, Ling Yuna of the **Heavenly Edge Sect** pays her respects."
Shen Yu's expression shifted into one of interest. "Ah, so you are the rumored **Empress of the Heavenly Edge Sect**. I have heard much about you. Proceed."
The crowd buzzed with excitement.
"The **Heavenly Edge Sect**?! Isn't that one of the **Seven Great Sects** of Kailun?"
"Indeed! A disciple of such a sect is bound to be extraordinary."
Ling Yuna approached the pillar, her delicate fingers brushing its surface.
**A sudden explosion of light erupted, so blinding that the crowd shielded their eyes.** The radiance shot into the heavens, splitting the clouds apart, shaking the very sky. **Shen Yu's eyes widened in shock.**
"I expected her to be talented... but **this**? This isn't just genius-level talent. This is **beyond** genius. A monster has appeared!"
When the brilliance finally dimmed, **a pure silver light** bathed Ling Yuna, flowing into her body. Shen Yu nodded approvingly. "Very good! A genius beyond geniuses has emerged!"
The crowd erupted into cheers.
Amidst the deafening excitement, **Shi Xing clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging into his palm**. His gaze locked onto Ling Yuna, the light reflecting in his deep blue eyes. *So this is the true potential of a genius…?* His mind churned. *Can I awaken like her? Have all my years of training been worth it? Am I capable of standing on the same level as her…?*
Just as Shi Xing prepared to step forward, **a soft voice halted him.**
"Brother Shi Xing, allow me to go first. You always took first place in our sect… but here, I wish to surpass you just once."
Shi Xing met the determined gaze of **Ling Yue**. Smiling, he stepped aside. "Go ahead."
Ling Yue bowed to Shen Yu and gently pressed her palm against the pillar. **A crimson-red light erupted, surging into the sky like raging flames.**
Shen Yu stroked his beard. "Three in a row with extraordinary potential… This generation is full of monstrous talent."
Ling Yue, beaming with pride, rushed to Shi Xing. "Brother, did you see? I awakened **bright red light!**"
Shi Xing ruffled her hair. "You did great."
The murmurs grew as **Shi Xing finally stepped forward**.
"Hey, that's the guy who humiliated Li Zhein, right?"
"Yeah, I heard he's from a low-level sect, the **Moonlit Sky Sect**."
"Hah, let's see if he can create a miracle."
Shi Xing bowed to Shen Yu before placing his hand on the pillar.
**Shen Yu narrowed his eyes, observing the boy carefully.**
*Strange... I feel nothing from him. Every cultivator possesses a divine root vein, which helps them harness heavenly aura. The Awakening Ceremony should awaken this root... but this boy…*
Shen Yu's thoughts wavered. *There are only two possibilities—either his divine root is so profound that even I cannot comprehend it... or it is so weak that it is nearly undetectable. But to have no divine root at all? That has never happened in the history of cultivation.*
Then—it happened.
**A deep, ominous darkness engulfed the pillar.** The light it emitted was not bright, but twisted, murky, and laced with a sinister, **bloody aura**.
Shen Yu trembled. **"This... This is Heaven's Rejection!"**
The **dragon carvings on the pillar stirred, its eyes igniting with an eerie purple glow.** Suddenly, a violent force erupted, sending **Shi Xing hurtling backward**. The impact shattered several trees as his body crashed outside the **Holy Ground's gates**, forming a crater in the earth.
Blood pooled around him, his bones shattered, his body on the brink of death.
A chilling silence overtook the ceremony, hanging heavy in the air.
As the surrounding aura slowly dissipated, Shi Xing lay motionless on the cold ground, his body still. The moment heaven rejected him, it felt as if the world itself had turned against him.
A heavy silence settled over the Holy Ground—until it was shattered by laughter.
"Hahaha! Did you see that?!" Li Zhein's voice echoed across the sacred land, his eyes filled with ridicule. "This so-called 'genius' has been rejected by heaven itself!"
His words sparked murmurs among the gathered disciples. Many exchanged uneasy glances, unsure of what to make of the scene before them.
Ling Yue rushed to Shi Xing's side, kneeling down and cradling his unconscious body in her arms. "Shi Xing...!" Her voice trembled as she desperately checked his pulse.
Shen Yu, the overseeing elder, remained quiet for a moment before his expression darkened. His gaze swept across the fallen boy, and his lips curled in disdain.
"That brat has defiled this Holy Ground with his filthy blood. He deserved this fate."
Li Zhein's laughter grew louder upon hearing those words. "Even the esteemed Elder Shen Yu agrees! Hahaha! What a joke you are, Shi Xing!"
Ling Yuna, standing nearby, glanced at Shi Xing, still unconscious in Ling Yue's arms. Something about the scene made her frown, though she remained silent.
Shen Yu turned away and spoke coldly, "The ceremony resumes. Next."
Ling Yue clenched her teeth, fury burning in her chest. She turned to Shen Yu, her voice sharp. "Elder, how can you abandon him like this? Rejected or not, he is still one of us! Shouldn't you at least check if he's alive?"
Shen Yu's eyes narrowed. "Little girl, it would be wise for you to step away from him. He is cursed. If you continue to stand by his side, you will mark yourself as a traitor to heaven." His voice lowered dangerously. "Do you truly wish to offend heaven over a worthless trash who will soon die?"
The gathered disciples flinched at his words, but Ling Yue did not hesitate.
She tightened her grip around Shi Xing, her eyes blazing with defiance. "I, Ling Yue, will never abandon Shi Xing—even if I have to offend heaven itself!"
Her declaration sent shockwaves through the crowd, and gasps rippled through the disciples.
Shen Yu's expression darkened. "If that is your choice, then you are no longer welcome in the Holy Ground. Leave."
Without hesitation, Ling Yue lifted Shi Xing, staggering under his weight. The laughter, the whispers, the looks—they no longer mattered. Only one thing did: escaping before it was too late.
From the side, Li Zhein's lips curled into a malicious smile. He turned to his lackeys. "Hey, don't you think this is the perfect opportunity to pay back the humiliation Shi Xing caused us?"
A chorus of agreement followed, and one disciple smirked. "Brother Li, you are indeed a genius—turning every situation into an advantage!"
The mocking laughter hung in the air as the group dispersed, leaving behind only the echo of their words. Ling Yue's fists clenched, but she didn't have time to linger on their taunts. With one final glance at the retreating figures, she refocused on Shi Xing.
By the time she managed to slip away from the Holy Ground's borders, night had fallen. The sacred glow of the great pillar pulsed faintly in the distance, casting an eerie light over the trees. The cold night air bit at Ling Yue's skin, but she pressed on, her breaths heavy as she struggled under Shi Xing's weight. Her arms trembled, but she forced herself to keep moving.
Yet, as the minutes dragged on, the harsh reality set in. She couldn't carry him forever.
"We need to find shelter," she murmured to herself, scanning the dense forest. "Somewhere safe…"
Then, a chill ran down her spine. The feeling of being watched.
She stopped, glancing around. The forest was silent—too silent.
The hairs on her neck stood on end. Something was wrong.
Then, the sound of slow, deliberate footsteps echoed through the trees.
A mocking voice followed.
"Well, well… where do you think you're going?"
Ling Yue turned sharply. Li Zhein. He stood in the center of the path, flanked by five disciples from Azure Thunder Hall. Their smirks gleamed in the dim light, their intentions clear.
Panic surged in her chest, but she forced herself to remain calm.
"What do you want?" she demanded, shifting her stance in front of Shi Xing's unconscious form.
Li Zhein chuckled, taking a step forward. "Isn't it obvious? You humiliated me, Ling Yue. Now, it's my turn to return the favor." His smirk deepened. "Hand over the trash, kneel before me, and beg for forgiveness. Maybe then, I'll consider sparing you."
Ling Yue's heart pounded. She knew the truth—no matter what she did, Li Zhein wouldn't let them leave alive.
Steeling herself, she gently lowered Shi Xing to the ground and stepped in front of him protectively. Flames flickered at her fingertips, her crimson aura flaring in defiance.
"If you want him," she said, her voice firm, "then you'll have to go through me."
Li Zhein's smirk widened. "I was hoping you'd say that."
Lightning crackled around him as he lunged forward.
The Battle and the Fall
The night erupted into chaos.
Ling Yue fought with everything she had, her flames roaring as she struck down one attacker after another. But she was outnumbered. A strike from behind sent her staggering forward, pain searing through her shoulder.
Li Zhein stepped closer, grabbing her chin roughly. "Tired already?" he mocked, tilting her face up. "That's the look I wanted to see. Despair."
One of his lackeys gestured toward Shi Xing's limp body. "Brother Li, what should we do with this trash?"
Li Zhein tilted his head in mock thought, then smirked. "Since these two care so much for each other… let's bury them together."
Ling Yue's eyes widened in horror. "No… don't! I'll kneel, I'll beg, I'll do whatever you want—"
Li Zhein's smirk deepened. "Then die together."
A flying boat emerged in front of Li Zhein, an artifact from his storage ring,, soared through the sky, its hull glowing with runic inscriptions. Below, an enormous pit stretched endlessly—a bottomless abyss known as the *Tomb of Forgotten Gods*.
Li Zhein stood at the edge of the boat, staring into the abyss. "Beautiful as always. It truly lives up to its name."
He turned to Ling Yue, her hands and feet bound. He grabbed her hair, lifting her up. "Now, you and your dear Shi Xing can rest here for eternity."
As he was about to throw her in—
*CRACK!*
The air shattered.
A figure in a black robe appeared on the boat, his presence sending a wave of terror through everyone.
The battle erupted in an instant. Li Zhein, enraged, summoned a massive sphere of golden lightning. In the explosion, his own comrades were reduced to ashes.
At that moment—
Shi Xing's eyes snapped open.
Through his hazy vision, he saw Ling Yue struggling against her captors. The deadly golden light hurtling toward her.
He moved.
Ignoring the pain, ignoring the shattered state of his body, he forced himself forward—
And shielded her.
The impact was deafening.
The force sent Shi Xing flying off the cliff's edge, his body swallowed by the endless abyss below.
"NO!"
Ling Yue's scream tore through the night.
The black-robed figure moved to save him, but Li Zhein had been waiting for this moment.
A second attack struck.
The shadowy figure was forced to retreat.
Shi Xing fell.
Into the abyss.
Ling Yue, consumed by rage, turned on Li Zhein, her flames surging, ready to reduce him to ashes.
But before she could strike—
She vanished.
Taken by the shadow warrior.
Li Zhein stood alone on the burning boat, surrounded by the scorched corpses of his own comrades.
He exhaled.
"What a mess."