Chapter 8: luck
Darkness enveloped Su Dao as his consciousness wavered between life and death. His broken body, mutilated beyond recognition, lay abandoned in the forest like a discarded husk. Pain wracked his soul, yet amidst the suffocating despair, a faint warmth touched his skin.
A serene yet powerful voice broke the silence. "Foolish boy. You've endured hell, but you're not meant to die yet."
The old man from before emerged, his presence radiating calm and boundless power. With a flick of his sleeve, Su Dao's mangled form was lifted into the air, cradled by a golden aura. "Let's get you somewhere far from this wretched place," the elder murmured, stepping forward as a portal of swirling light appeared. In the blink of an eye, they vanished.
When Su Dao awoke, his battered eyes struggled to adjust to the light of a tranquil new world. The air smelled clean and fresh, carrying the faint fragrance of blooming flowers.
Before him stretched a vast field of vibrant green grass, swaying gently in the breeze. The horizon was painted with towering, snow-capped mountains gleaming under a golden sky. A crystal-clear river meandered through the land, its waters sparkling like liquid diamonds.
At the center of this paradise stood an immense house, a masterpiece of architecture. Polished white stone walls were adorned with intricate carvings of ancient beasts and celestial constellations. Its golden roof shimmered in the sunlight, while the sound of a wind chime echoed melodiously at the entrance.
To the side, a towering library stood as a monument of knowledge. Its grand windows revealed countless shelves filled with glowing ancient scrolls and books. Surrounding it all was a lush garden, where flowers of every hue bloomed and a tranquil pond reflected the surrounding beauty.
Su Dao's heart trembled as he took in the sight. "Where… am I?"
A familiar voice answered from behind him. "You're in my sanctuary," the elder said, his serene expression radiating wisdom. "This is a realm I created long ago—a place untouched by chaos or suffering. Consider it a gift for what you've endured."
The elder guided Su Dao into the grand house, leading him to a spacious chamber bathed in warm, golden light. A jade table stood in the center, and atop it rested a glowing pill, radiating immense vitality.
"This is a Rank 6 Regeneration Pill," the elder explained. "It will heal your body and restore what you've lost. But its power is immense. Consuming it will be painful, so prepare yourself."
Su Dao stared at the pill, his emotions in turmoil. "Senior, why are you helping me? After all I've done…"
The elder chuckled lightly. "Because heaven hasn't abandoned you, boy. Despite your cunning and schemes, you have the potential to rise far above others. The question is: will you seize this second chance or squander it?"
Tears welled up in Su Dao's eyes, but he quickly blinked them away. Heaven… supports me? After everything? He felt a strange mix of relief and surprise. Was it luck? Or was I truly fated for something greater?
With trembling hands, Su Dao swallowed the Rank 6 pill. The moment it dissolved, an intense heat surged through his body. Golden veins of energy coursed through him as his limbs regrew, bones reformed, and his shattered organs restored. The agony was unbearable, but Su Dao gritted his teeth, refusing to falter.
Hours passed, and when the process was complete, Su Dao collapsed, his body whole and his strength surging. He clenched his fists, feeling an unprecedented power coursing through him.
The elder smiled approvingly. "Good. You've endured well. Your body has been fully restored, but remember—physical strength alone is not enough. True power comes from the mind and spirit."
Over the next few days, the elder allowed Su Dao to explore the sanctuary. He spent hours in the vast library, poring over ancient tomes that spoke of cultivation techniques, alchemy, and battle strategies. In the evenings, he meditated in the garden under the shade of a great willow tree, where the tranquility of the sanctuary helped him focus his Qi like never before.
One day, as they stood by the river, the elder broke the silence. "Su Dao, the world outside is harsh and unforgiving. You've seen its cruelty firsthand. But within you lies the potential to rise above it all. What will you do with the second chance you've been given?"
Su Dao clenched his fists, his gaze unwavering. "I'll grow stronger, senior. Stronger than anyone. I'll never let myself be trampled on again."
The elder chuckled softly. "Good. But strength without purpose is meaningless. That is why I, Tian Xuan, have decided to take you as my disciple."
Su Dao froze, disbelief washing over him. "D-Disciple? Senior, you mean…"
"Yes," Tian Xuan said with a nod. "From today onward, you will learn the true meaning of strength and wisdom under my guidance. But know this: being my disciple means walking a path fraught with challenges. You've been given a second chance, but you must earn everything from here onward. Heaven may have spared you this time, but it won't always be so kind."
Su Dao knelt, bowing deeply. "This junior greets Master Tian Xuan!"
Tian Xuan smiled faintly. "Good. Now rise, my disciple. Your journey is just beginning."
As Su Dao stood, gazing at the paradise surrounding him, he felt a glimmer of hope ignite in his heart. Perhaps… this time, I can truly rise. Perhaps heaven hasn't completely forsaken me.
With renewed determination and a powerful master to guide him, Su Dao vowed to carve out his destiny—no matter the cost.
Time flowed like water in the sanctuary, undisturbed by the chaos of the outside world. Days turned into months, and months stretched into a full year as Su Dao immersed himself in meditation under his master's guidance.
The lush garden of the sanctuary became his haven, where the soft rustling of leaves and the gentle hum of nature accompanied his daily cultivation. His body, now fully restored, pulsed with vitality, yet his heart burned with a singular purpose: revenge.
Master Tian Xuan observed Su Dao's progress with a calm demeanor, his sharp eyes never betraying his thoughts. One day, as Su Dao sat cross-legged beneath the great willow tree, Tian Xuan approached him with a jade box in hand.
"You've made progress," the elder said, opening the box to reveal a small pill radiating faint energy. "This is a Rank 3 pill. It will help stabilize your foundation."
Su Dao's gaze lingered on the pill, his emotions a mix of gratitude and frustration. He had hoped for a greater reward after a year of relentless cultivation. Still, he suppressed his dissatisfaction and accepted the pill with a respectful bow.
"Thank you, Master," Su Dao said, though deep inside, his resolve hardened. If I want more power, I must take it myself. This is the way of the world.
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A Year of Growth
Su Dao's days were filled with intense cultivation. His thoughts often wandered to the betrayal and suffering he had endured, fueling his determination. As he meditated, the energy within him flowed like a roaring river, steadily building toward the next realm.
By the end of the year, he reached the Soul Understanding Realm, Third Layer. Though pleased with his progress, Su Dao felt a lingering dissatisfaction. This isn't enough. If I face the Begha Sect now, I'll be crushed. I need more strength, more experience.
Resolving to hone himself further, Su Dao approached his master. "Master, I feel I've reached a bottleneck. May I leave the sanctuary to explore and gain experience?"
Tian Xuan's gaze was as piercing as ever, as though seeing through Su Dao's very soul. After a long pause, he nodded. "The world outside is filled with dangers, but also opportunities. Go. See for yourself what lies beyond these walls."
The Town of Tianhe
Su Dao stepped through the portal that led him out of the sanctuary and found himself at the edge of a bustling town. The air was thick with the scent of freshly baked bread and roasted meat, mingling with the earthy aroma of horses and carts.
Tianhe Town sprawled out before him, a lively hub of commerce and culture. Cobblestone streets twisted and turned, lined with wooden buildings that stood tall with intricately carved roofs. Red lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, their soft glow adding warmth to the town's vibrant energy.
Merchants shouted from their stalls, their voices blending into a chaotic yet harmonious symphony. "Fresh herbs! Rare elixirs!" one vendor called. "Top-grade weapons! Guaranteed sharpness!" another bellowed.
Children darted through the crowds, laughing and playing, while cultivators in varying robes of status and sects walked with purpose, their Qi faintly radiating around them. Above the main street, a grand pavilion stood atop a hill, its golden tiles glinting in the sunlight—a symbol of the town's prosperity.
As Su Dao navigated the busy streets, he took note of the townsfolk. An old blacksmith hammered away at his forge, his muscled arms glistening with sweat as sparks danced around him. A young herbalist tended to her shop, her delicate hands arranging rare flowers with precision.
At a teahouse near the center of town, Su Dao overheard a heated conversation between two cultivators.
"Have you heard?" one whispered. "The Begha Sect is recruiting aggressively. They've taken over entire regions and forced smaller sects to submit."
The other nodded grimly. "Their ambitions are no secret. Rumor has it they're targeting the Tianlan Sect next. If they succeed, their power will rival even the great sects."
Su Dao's ears perked up at the mention of the Begha Sect. He stepped closer, pretending to examine a nearby stall while absorbing every word.
"They say the Begha Sect's leader has already reached the Nascent Soul Realm," one continued. "And their disciples are ruthless. Anyone who opposes them… well, let's just say no one's lived to tell the tale."
Su Dao's mind raced. The Begha Sect… so they're expanding their influence. This could be my chance to strike, but I'll need to be careful. If I act recklessly, I'll only end up as another corpse on their path to power.
As night fell, Su Dao rented a small room at an inn on the outskirts of town. The wooden walls creaked softly as the wind blew outside, and the faint aroma of incense lingered in the air.
Sitting cross-legged on the bed, Su Dao closed his eyes, replaying the information he had gathered. The Begha Sect's movements, their growing power, their ruthless methods—all of it painted a clear picture of a formidable enemy.
They think they're untouchable, Su Dao thought, a cold smile forming on his lips. But no one is invincible. I'll find their weaknesses, exploit their arrogance, and bring them to their knees.
His mind worked like a machine, formulating plans and strategies. But he knew better than to rush. For now, he would remain in the shadows, gathering more information and waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
As the moonlight filtered through the cracks in the window, Su Dao's eyes gleamed with determination. This time, I'll rise. And when I do, the Begha Sect will fall.