Chapter 1: The Azure Sky Sector
The Azure Sky Sector was a world of dreams—a realm where the heavens danced in hues of blue and silver, and the earth resonated with the pulse of ancient power. Floating islands drifted gracefully across the sky, connected by bridges of light that shimmered like moonbeams. Waterfalls of liquid spiritual energy cascaded down from the heavens, nourishing the land below with vitality and life.Lian stood at the edge of a cliff, his heart pounding as he took in the breathtaking view. He had traveled across countless sectors, drifting through desolate lands and crowded marketplaces, surviving by wit and willpower. But never had he seen a place as magnificent as this.The Azure Sky Sector was paradise, a realm where spiritual energy flowed so densely that the air itself seemed to hum with power. Yet, amidst the beauty lay danger—this was the domain of Overlord Selene, a pinnacle cultivator whose name inspired both awe and fear. It was said that she ruled this land with the authority of a goddess, her power unmatched, her presence as rare as a shooting star.Lian's eyes flickered with determination. He had come here for one reason: to join the Azure Sky Branch of the Celestial Ascendant Academy. He had no name, no lineage, and no legacy. But he had talent—a rare gift for formations, the ancient art of bending reality through runes and symbols.Yet, as he looked down at the bustling city below, doubt gnawed at his heart. The city was vast, its streets filled with powerful cultivators, merchants selling rare treasures, and disciples wearing the robes of the academy. Compared to them, he was nothing but an orphan—a shadow without a past.He clenched his fists, his resolve hardening. It didn't matter. He would carve his own path, rise above his nameless existence, and stand before Overlord Selene as more than just a faceless nobody.His gaze drifted to the center of the city, where a towering structure floated above the clouds—a majestic palace surrounded by formations of swirling light. That was the Azure Sky Branch of the Celestial Ascendant Academy, his first step toward greatness.Taking a deep breath, Lian began his descent.The city was a world of wonders. Floating lanterns illuminated the streets, their glow imbued with spiritual energy. Shops displayed rare cultivation resources, weapons forged from celestial ore, and scrolls containing ancient techniques. Disciples in azure robes walked with pride, their cultivation auras powerful and refined.Lian felt out of place, his worn clothes and weathered appearance drawing curious glances. But he ignored them, keeping his head low as he navigated the crowded streets. His heart raced as he approached the gates of the academy, towering structures of shimmering light guarded by intricate formations.A group of disciples stood at the entrance, their robes adorned with golden patterns that marked them as inner disciples. They laughed and chatted, their voices echoing with confidence and arrogance.As Lian tried to pass, one of them blocked his way, a smirk on his face. He was tall and handsome, his aura sharp and oppressive. "An outsider? And a nameless one at that. You don't belong here."Lian's eyes narrowed. He had faced mockery and disdain all his life. He wouldn't back down now. "I'm here to join the academy."The disciples laughed, their voices dripping with condescension. "You? Join the academy? You're nothing but a stray dog."Lian's fists tightened, but he held his ground. "The academy is open to all who have talent. I'm not leaving."The disciple's expression darkened. "You've got guts. But talent? You? Don't make me laugh." He raised his hand, spiritual energy swirling around his palm. "Let me show you what real talent looks like."Before Lian could react, a wave of energy shot toward him, crackling with power. Instincts honed by years of survival kicked in, and he leaped to the side, barely avoiding the attack. The ground where he stood shattered, leaving a crater of smoking rubble.The onlookers gasped, their eyes widening in shock. The disciple's attack wasn't just powerful—it was ruthless. If Lian had been even a second slower, he would have been crippled, or worse.Lian's heart raced, his body tense. He was outmatched, his cultivation far below that of his opponent. But he refused to back down. Gritting his teeth, he extended his hand, spiritual energy swirling as he activated a formation. Runes appeared in the air, forming a barrier of light.The disciple's eyes widened in surprise. "Formations? You're a formation master?"Lian didn't answer. His eyes were focused, his hands moving in fluid motions as he reinforced the barrier. It was a simple formation, one he had crafted countless times before, but it was enough to hold back the next wave of attacks.The disciple's face twisted with anger. "You dare resist? You should've stayed in the gutters where you belong!" He charged forward, spiritual energy surging around him.Lian's mind raced. He couldn't match his opponent's power head-on, but he didn't need to. Formations were his weapon, and he would use them to turn the tide.He moved swiftly, his fingers tracing runes in the air. A second formation appeared beneath his feet, its symbols glowing with energy. The ground trembled, and pillars of light shot up, forming a cage around his opponent.The crowd gasped, their eyes fixed on the battle. A nameless orphan was holding his ground against an inner disciple, defying the odds with sheer will and skill.But Lian knew he was reaching his limit. His spiritual energy was draining fast, and his body trembled from the strain of maintaining two formations at once.His opponent sneered, his aura flaring as he shattered the cage with brute force. "You're good, but not good enough."Lian's vision blurred, his strength fading. He could hear the mocking laughter, the whispers of contempt. But above all, he remembered her—the silver-haired goddess who had stolen his heart. He remembered her words, her presence, her gaze.He couldn't fall here. Not yet. Not until he stood before her as an equal.With a roar, he poured every last drop of his energy into the formation. The runes blazed with light, and a shockwave erupted, sending his opponent stumbling backward.But the cost was too great. The formation shattered, and Lian fell to his knees, his vision fading. He could hear the crowd murmuring, the disciple cursing, but it all seemed distant, like echoes from another world.Before darkness claimed him, he saw a figure standing at the gates—a man in azure robes, his eyes sharp and piercing. An elder of the academy.The last thing Lian heard was the elder's voice, calm and commanding. "Take him inside. He has potential."And then, everything went black.