Xu Tian awoke to the cold sting of morning air as sunlight pierced through the entrance of the cavern. He lay on the stone floor, his body stiff from the strange transformation the night before. His mind buzzed with a thousand new thoughts, techniques, and philosophies—the teachings of the Forbidden Scripture had become etched into his soul, and their weight was almost too much to bear.
As he pushed himself to his feet, his body still sore from the violent surge of power, he felt the undeniable presence of qi in every fiber of his being. It pulsed beneath his skin, vibrant and untamed. He could feel it now, flowing through his dantian in an intricate dance, alive with possibilities. The knowledge had given him a glimpse into the vastness of the world—of realms beyond his own, of powerful cultivators whose very existence defied the laws of nature.
But the knowledge was also a burden. It wasn't just power that the Forbidden Scripture had granted him—it was a responsibility.
Xu Tian took a slow breath, trying to steady himself. His hand instinctively reached for the ground, and he felt the earth beneath his fingers pulse with an energy he had never known before. It was the same as the qi inside him, but... different. More ancient. The energy of the world itself seemed to respond to his presence.
He staggered to his feet, a burning desire in his chest. He had tasted power—the feeling of controlling the forces of the universe—but he knew that the journey to master this new strength would not be without its trials.
His thoughts drifted back to the voice in the cavern. The ominous warning of the Heavenly Dao's wrath echoed in his mind.
You have already attracted its attention...
Xu Tian's eyes narrowed. There was no turning back now. He had chosen to defy fate, to seize control of his destiny, and now he would have to face the consequences. But he could feel something stirring deep inside him—a hunger for more, an insatiable need to break free from the chains of his past. And for that, he would need to grow stronger.
He turned his gaze to the scroll still clutched tightly in his hand. The runes on its surface shimmered faintly, as if aware of his thoughts. Slowly, carefully, he began to unroll it once more.
The Forbidden Scripture was not just a map to power; it was a guide to reshaping his very being. It spoke of different realms, of transcendence, and of the unspoken rules that governed the universe. There was a way to break through the limits of mortal existence and ascend beyond the Heavenly Dao itself—but the price was steep.
Xu Tian's grip tightened around the scroll. The path ahead was uncertain, and the dangers were unimaginable. But he had already made his choice. There was no turning back.
---
After what felt like hours of studying the scroll, Xu Tian finally stood and began to make his way out of the cavern. He could sense the qi flowing freely within him now, a steady pulse that responded to his every thought. His steps were light, almost weightless, as if the ground beneath him had become part of his own energy.
It was time to return to the village. The night's events had changed him, but he could not remain here forever. There was still much to learn, and the world outside was waiting.
As Xu Tian made his way down the mountain, the familiar sights of his village came into view. The sun was rising, casting a warm glow over the fields and humble huts. The scent of fresh earth and crops lingered in the air, but something felt... different. It was as though the very atmosphere had changed, reacting to the new power he carried within.
The village elder's grandson, Liu Wei, was the first to notice him. The young cultivator was standing near the entrance to the village, his eyes scanning the horizon. When he spotted Xu Tian, a sneer spread across his face.
"So, the crippled orphan finally returns," Liu Wei said, his tone dripping with mockery. "Did you enjoy your little midnight stroll? Was the night as lonely as your pathetic existence?"
Xu Tian's gaze sharpened. He had been a fool to let these words hurt him before, but now, they felt like nothing more than an annoying fly buzzing in his ear. His fingers twitched with the desire to wipe that smug expression off Liu Wei's face.
But instead of responding with anger, Xu Tian kept his silence, his newfound calmness settling over him like a cloak. He knew better than to waste his energy on someone so beneath him.
"I don't have time for your childish games, Liu Wei," Xu Tian said, his voice calm but filled with an edge that made the young cultivator falter.
Liu Wei's eyes narrowed. "You think you're different now, don't you? Just because you've been out in the mountains, pretending to be a cultivator? You'll always be a worthless orphan, Xu Tian. No amount of power will change that."
Xu Tian's lips curled into a faint smile, and with a single, almost imperceptible motion, he shifted his stance. The air around him seemed to thrum with energy, and Liu Wei's mocking expression faltered as he took a step back.
"You're wrong, Liu Wei," Xu Tian said, his voice low and steady. "I may have been born powerless, but I am no longer the same. I will not let anyone dictate my fate, least of all someone like you."
Liu Wei's eyes flickered with uncertainty for a brief moment, but he quickly regained his composure, sneering again. "We'll see how long that confidence lasts. Just remember, you're still nothing."
Xu Tian turned away from him, feeling the weight of the Forbidden Scripture at his side. It was true—he was still nothing in the eyes of the world. But not for long.
As he walked away, heading towards the village outskirts, Xu Tian couldn't help but feel the excitement rise within him. The world was full of possibilities now, and it was up to him to forge his path.
The Heavenly Dao had made a grave mistake when it had overlooked him.
The time for rebellion had come.