The story begins atop the serene Wang Ling Peak, where a crowd has gathered outside a secluded room. Whispered concerns fill the air, voices tinged with unease. "What could have happened to Big Brother?" someone murmurs. "Why has he locked himself away like this?"
Amid the anxious murmurs, a striking woman steps forward. Her eyes, an ethereal blue like the endless ocean, and her long, raven-black hair glisten in the soft sunlight. She exudes an aura of calm authority, her beauty earning her the title of Snow Heart Beauty, the most revered elder of Wang Ling Peak.
She strides up to the sealed door and calls out firmly, her voice ringing with authority. "Han Fang, open this door at once!" The silence that follows feels heavier than the mountain air. Her expression hardens, and she raises her voice. "If you do not open this door, I will break it down myself!"
As she steps forward, the sound of a weary voice echoes from within. "Master, please… just leave me alone. I don't want to talk to anyone right now."
The crowd holds its breath, their gazes darting between the door and their elder. SoRong's brows knit together, anger flickering across her face. "How dare you speak to your master in such a manner!" she says coldly.
From behind the door, Han Fang's voice carries a hint of defiance. "Punish me if you must. I don't care."
So Rong's temper flares, but she quickly dismisses the disciples, her voice sharp. "All of you, leave!" As the crowd disperses, she pushes the door open with a swift motion and steps inside.
What she sees leaves her breathless. The room is in shambles—broken furniture, cracked walls, and crimson stains that hint at a desperate struggle. In the corner, Han Fang sits, his body battered and bruised. His head hangs low, his once-bright eyes clouded with despair.
Her voice softens. "Han Fang… who did this to you? Tell me, and I will ensure they pay for what they've done."
Han Fang lifts his gaze, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. "Please, stop pretending to care. We both know the one person rejoicing at my downfall is you."
The accusation cuts deep, and So Rong's eyes glisten with unshed tears. "Do you truly believe I would wish this upon you? Am I so monstrous in your eyes?"
Han Fang's expression twists in confusion. "Your acting is impressive, Master. For a moment, I almost believed you."
Her shoulders sag as she whispers, "Why, Han Fang? Why are you turning your back on me today?"
He exhales deeply, his voice carrying a weight that seems to fill the room. "I want one thing—death. And I want it from your hands. Can you grant me that?"
So Rong's eyes widen, her body trembling. She takes a step back, nearly losing her balance. "You knew I couldn't do it. You always knew."
Tears stream down her face as she steadies herself. "If this is what you truly want…" She grabs a blade from the room, her grip firm despite her trembling hands. Closing her eyes, she prepares to thrust it into her heart.
"Stop!" Han Fang shouts, rushing forward to wrest the knife from her grasp. His voice cracks. "You don't have to do this!"
Her tears fall freely now. "Then what are you saying? Are you truly not the Han Fang I once knew?"
He hesitates before nodding. "You're right. I'm not. My real name is Xiao Tian, and I come from another world."
So Rong stares at him, her mind reeling. "Another world? What do you mean?"
He sits back, the words spilling out as if releasing a long-held secret. "I'm from a place called Earth. One day, a portal opened, and those who were lost or desperate exchanged souls with people from your world. The Han Fang you knew—his soul traded places with mine. I've been forced to live his life, but I am not him."
Her face pales as the weight of his confession sinks in. "My disciple… was suffering so much, and I never saw it. How can I call myself his master?"
For a moment, silence hangs between them. Then, she takes a deep breath, wiping her tears away. "We've both lost something precious today. But if we can't go back, we must move forward. Let's start over. Promise me you won't tell anyone about this. I'll help you, Xiao Tian. Together, we'll find a new path."
She takes his hand and leads him to the mountain's edge. The setting sun paints the sky in hues of gold and crimson. The horizon stretches endlessly, where earth and sky meet in perfect harmony. "Look," she whispers. "Even when one day ends, another begins. This can be your new start."
Chapter 1
Morning sunlight filters through the curtains, illuminating Xiao Tian's face. He wakes on a sofa, disoriented, memories of the previous night swirling in his mind. "Did she really mean everything she said? Or was it just an act?"
He stretches and glances toward the bed. So Rong lies there, her graceful form draped in soft blankets. Her serene expression catches him off guard, and he can't help but admire her quiet beauty. Suddenly, her eyes flutter open, and their gazes lock.
"What are you staring at? Are you a pervert?" she teases, a playful smirk curving her lips.
"First of all, I'm not a pervert," he retorts. "And second, you're the one who decided to sleep in my room."
She raises an eyebrow. "My room? You're the one crashing here. Should I be worried about what you might've done to me in my sleep?"
He scoffs. "Please. Even if I tried, I wouldn't stand a chance against you."
She laughs, the sound light and teasing. "Fair enough. So, you wanted to learn about this world, right? Let's start there. This is Xiaoxuan World, and you're in the Tian Shu Sect, on Wang Ling Peak. Here, we cultivate spiritual energy to grow stronger."
"Cultivate? What's that?" he asks, intrigued.
She sits up, her tone turning serious. "Cultivation is a form of training that enhances our spiritual and psychic abilities. It's divided into three stages: Basic, Advanced, and Peak. Basic has six levels: Body Refinement, Qi Gathering, Core Formation, Nascent Soul, Soul Transformation, and Spirit King. Advanced has three stages, but few ever reach the Peak Realm."
He listens intently. "So, your former disciple was at the peak of Qi Gathering? And now, you want me to take his place?"
She nods. "Exactly. But remember—no one must know you're not Han Fang. If they find out, it could be dangerous for you."
He clenches his fists, determination lighting his eyes. "Alright. Let's do this. Teach me how to cultivate."
She smiles softly. "We'll start today. First, get cleaned up and meet me outside in half an hour."
---
After freshening up, Xiao Tian catches his reflection in the mirror. "I'm actually not bad-looking," he muses. The traditional robes feel stifling, so he tailors them into something more modern and Earth-like. With a pair of scissors, he trims his hair, creating a shorter, sharper look.
When he steps out, So Rong is waiting. Her eyes widen slightly as she takes in his transformation. "Who… who is this handsome man?" she mutters.
He smirks. "Let's focus, Master. What's the first step?"
She snaps out of her daze and gestures for him to sit. "To cultivate, you need to clear your mind and sense the spiritual energy around you. Focus, and try to draw it into yourself."
Xiao Tian nods, closing his eyes. As he begins to meditate, a new chapter of his life unfolds, one filled with mystery, growth, and a destiny yet to be written.