On a sunny day, the largest manor in the region was bustling with activity. In a lavishly decorated room, a young pregnant woman was struggling to give birth. She was a vision of beauty, even in her exhausted state. Her porcelain skin, now glistening with sweat, contrasted starkly with her flowing auburn hair that cascaded over the pillows. Despite the strain of labor, her face retained its perfect features, marking her as someone in her early twenties.
After hours of arduous labor, her cries of pain gave way to the wailing of a newborn as a male child was born. The moment the baby took his first breath, lightning flashed across the clear sky, and dark clouds swiftly covered the heavens. This sudden change didn't escape the notice of the manor's lord, who had been anxiously waiting outside. As he entered the room, his eyes moved from the exhausted but radiant new mother to the squalling infant in the midwife's arms.
Manor Lord Yong Xuan, a tall man with broad shoulders and piercing black eyes, took the newborn in his arms. His face beamed with pride as he declared the boy his heir, naming him Yong Jun. The lord interpreted the celestial phenomenon as a sign that his son was destined for greatness.
"My son," Yong Xuan whispered, his voice filled with emotion, "you shall bring honor to our family and strength to our land."
The midwife, an elderly woman with kind eyes, smiled knowingly. "My lord, a child born under such signs is surely blessed by the heavens."
Five years later...
Dark Moon Province, with its population exceeding ten million, stood as one of the ten largest provinces in the Qin Empire, both in terms of population and wealth. Its sprawling capital city was a testament to the province's prosperity, with grand buildings and bustling markets at every turn.
Today marked Yong Jun's fifth birthday, and the manor of the city lord was alive with celebration. In the opulent banquet hall, important figures from across the city sat around a long table laden with delicacies. The air was filled with the aroma of exotic spices and the soft murmur of conversation.
At the head of the table sat a charismatic figure - City Lord Yong Xuan. Despite the joyous occasion, a thoughtful expression clouded his usually confident demeanor. His eyes frequently darted to his son, Yong Jun, who sat to his right.
Young Yong Jun, now a precocious five-year-old with his father's sharp features, was the center of attention. Guests marveled at the boy's composure and the intensity of his gaze, so unusual for a child his age. What they didn't know was the extent of Yong Jun's extraordinary abilities.
"My lord," one of the guests ventured, "your son seems remarkably mature for his age. His eyes hold wisdom beyond his years."
Yong Xuan nodded, a proud yet concerned smile playing on his lips. "Indeed, Yong Jun has shown... exceptional promise."
As the festivities continued, Yong Xuan couldn't shake off his contemplative mood. His son's intellect was far beyond that of his peers, with a clarity of thought that rivaled many adults. In the martial arts, Yong Jun displayed a talent and progress rate unprecedented in the history of the empire. While these gifts filled Yong Xuan with pride, they also brought a weight of responsibility and concern for his son's future.
As the banquet proceeded, Yong Xuan pondered the challenges that lay ahead. How would he guide this prodigy of a son? What would the future hold for a child with such extraordinary abilities? These thoughts occupied his mind as he watched his son, the remarkable five-year-old who might just change the course of the empire's history.
As the festivities continued in the banquet hall, the door opened once again, and a stunningly beautiful young woman in her twenties entered. Her flowing red hair and exquisite features immediately drew the attention of the guests. This was Wei Lan, Yong Jun's mother. She walked directly towards her son, catching her husband's eye with a subtle nod.
"Little Jun," she called out, her voice melodious yet firm, "I believe you've had enough excitement for today. Your history lessons await."
Yong Jun, who had begun to tire of the constant attention and questions from the guests, brightened at the prospect of leaving. He bid farewell to everyone present and followed his mother out of the hall.
"I was starting to get overwhelmed by all the questions, Mother. Your timing is impeccable," Yong Jun said, his voice carrying a maturity far beyond his years.
Wei Lan accompanied her son to the study room where his lessons would take place. She planted a gentle kiss on his cheek before leaving him with an elderly woman, the head of the city's historical institute and Yong Jun's history tutor for the past month.
"Learn well, my little prodigy," Wei Lan said with a smile, her eyes twinkling with pride.
Yong Jun greeted his teacher respectfully and settled in, his mind already focused on absorbing every detail of the upcoming lesson.
In one of the lessons, Yong Jun has learned general information of the world and how big their world.
The world is predominantly covered by vast oceans, with three major continents emerging from the waters. These landmasses are known as the Northern Continent, the Central Continent, and the Southern Continent.
The Northern Continent poses the most challenging conditions for human habitation. Its unbearable cold and harsh environment have resulted in a significantly lower population compared to the other two continents.
The Central Continent stands as the largest, both in land area and population. Home to over ten billion people and numerous countries, this continent's diverse landscapes and moderate climate make it highly suitable for human civilization.
The Southern Continent, where the Qin Empire is located, boasts a population and power nearly rivaling that of the Central Continent. It's characterized by dense forests and mountainous regions, providing habitats for various beasts and magical creatures.
The Qin Empire ranks among the three most powerful nations on the Southern Continent. Its strategic coastal position offers significant advantages in trade and defense.
Within the empire, the Dark Moon Province, governed by Lord Yong Xuan, stands as one of the most advanced among nearly a hundred cities. Its importance to the empire cannot be overstated.
Despite being only five years old, Yong Jun had become remarkably popular among the elite of the province, thanks to his extraordinary genius. His reputation had spread rapidly through the upper echelons of Dark Moon society, captivating the attention of influential figures and scholars alike.
His father, Lord Yong Xuan, observed this growing popularity with a mixture of pride and concern. While he was pleased to see his son's talents recognized, he also worried about the attention and expectations being placed on such young shoulders.
While Lord Yong Xuan believed his son to be a great prodigy, he was unaware that Yong Jun was actually holding back, concealing the true extent of his abilities.
As the young master, Yong Jun continued to receive extensive education in various fields, from martial arts to literature. His tutors marveled at his rapid progress, unaware that their student was merely scratching the surface of his true potential.
Ten years later...