Xu Tian stood at the edge of the village, the familiar sights of his childhood now seeming distant and alien. The small, dirt path that led to the fields, the worn-out wooden huts that lined the main street—none of it felt like home anymore. He had tasted something greater, something beyond the reach of these people. And the weight of that power pressed down on him with every passing second.
He had come back to the village for one reason: to test his newfound abilities. He had studied the Forbidden Scripture all night, and while it was clear that there was much more to learn, he could already feel the changes within him. The qi in his body no longer felt like a mere trickle—it had become a river, flowing freely through every part of him, enhancing his strength, speed, and senses.
But power was not enough. Not in this world. Not when the Heavenly Dao had its eyes on him.
Xu Tian had no illusions. He knew that his path would be fraught with dangers, but it was a path he was willing to walk. He had made a decision, one that would lead him to defy the very will of heaven.
As he walked down the dirt path, he was interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps behind him. Turning, he saw a familiar face—Li Mei, the only person in the village who had ever shown him kindness. She was a simple girl, not a cultivator, but her gentle nature had made her a constant companion during his lonely childhood.
"Xu Tian," she called out, breathless. "Where are you going?"
Xu Tian's expression softened at the sight of her. He had always admired her quiet strength, though he had never let his feelings show. Li Mei was like a shining light in the darkness of his life, but he knew that staying here would only drag her down into the same chains that bound him.
"I'm leaving," Xu Tian said, his voice quiet but firm.
Li Mei's eyes widened in disbelief. "Leaving? But... why?"
Xu Tian took a step forward, his gaze meeting hers. "I've changed, Li Mei. I'm not the same person I was before. There's a whole world out there—one that's bigger than this village, bigger than the Heavenly Dao. And I intend to find it."
Li Mei's expression faltered, confusion and concern flashing across her face. "What do you mean? What has changed? You can't just leave... you're part of this village, part of all of us."
Xu Tian hesitated, feeling a knot form in his chest. He had always been torn between his desire to protect the people he cared about and the need to walk his own path. But he knew that the two could no longer coexist.
"I can't stay here, Li Mei. Not when I know the truth. The Heavenly Dao will never let me live in peace if I stay. But I can't be part of a system that is stacked against people like me anymore."
Li Mei stepped closer, her voice trembling. "You're talking about things I don't understand... but I know you. I know you're not one to turn your back on everything that's been your home. Don't let this power change you, Xu Tian. Don't let it consume you."
Xu Tian's heart twisted at her words, but he steeled himself. He had to make this choice, even if it meant leaving behind everything he knew.
"I have to go, Li Mei. But this isn't the end. The world is vast, and there are things out there that we can't even begin to imagine. I have to find them—find a way to rewrite my fate."
Li Mei's eyes filled with tears, but she said nothing more. She simply turned and walked away, leaving Xu Tian to face his future alone.
---
With a heavy heart but unwavering resolve, Xu Tian left the village behind. The mountains loomed ahead, the path winding through dense forests and over rocky terrain. He could feel the qi inside him humming, alive and eager to be tested.
As he ascended the mountain path, his mind was consumed by the words of the Forbidden Scripture. It spoke of realms beyond his own, of ancient powers that had long been forgotten. There was a place, deep in the heart of the world, where the true forces of cultivation resided. Xu Tian knew that he had to find it—that was where his journey would truly begin.
The air grew colder as he climbed higher, the wind whipping through the trees. But Xu Tian didn't feel the chill. With every step, the qi within him seemed to grow stronger, pushing back against the elements. His senses sharpened, and the world around him began to feel... different. Every movement, every sound, became clearer to him. It was as if the very fabric of the world was bending to his will.
He reached the summit by nightfall, exhausted but exhilarated. Before him lay a vast expanse, the moon casting its silver light over the land below. But it was the sight that greeted him atop the mountain that took his breath away: a massive stone structure, half-buried in the earth, its intricate carvings glowing faintly with an otherworldly light.
This was no ordinary ruin—it was a relic, a remnant of an ancient age. Xu Tian's heart raced with anticipation. The Forbidden Scripture had led him here, and he could feel the energy emanating from the stone like a call to his very soul.
Without hesitation, he moved toward the entrance, his heart pounding in his chest. The stone door was heavy, but with a surge of qi, he pushed it open, revealing a dark, cavernous space within.
The air inside was thick with ancient energy, and as Xu Tian stepped forward, he could feel the power in the air, crackling like electricity. This was it—the first step in his journey to defy the Heavenly Dao.
And as he stepped deeper into the heart of the ruin, a voice—louder than before—echoed in his mind.
> "You have come far, mortal. But are you truly prepared to face what lies ahead?"
Xu Tian smiled, the thrill of the unknown surging through him.
"I am," he whispered. "I'm ready."