Lian Yu grasped at the jagged rock face, her fingers aching as she and the others began their perilous ascent toward the surface. Every muscle in her body protested, but she refused to stop.
Jiang Yuefeng kept pace with her, occasionally reaching out to steady her or offering his hand to help her leap across the gaping maws in the earth. Though she had gained an unfathomable power, her body had yet to adapt to it—she was still slow, still fragile, still far from the cultivator she aimed to become.
In the Tianxu Empire, cultivation dictated everything. To be strong was to control one's fate; to be weak was to live at the mercy of others.
The cultivation path was divided into multiple realms, each a step closer to immortality:
Qi Condensation – The first stage, where a cultivator gathers and refines Qi within their meridians, divided into nine stages of progression.
Foundation Establishment – Qi stabilizes, the body strengthens, and the foundation for higher cultivation is built.
Core Formation – Qi condenses into a golden core within the dantian, greatly enhancing strength.
Nascent Soul – The golden core shatters and reforms into a Nascent Soul, allowing cultivators to attack with spiritual consciousness.
Spirit King – Mastery over vast amounts of qi, elemental control, and an extended lifespan.
Saint – Comprehension of Dao Laws, granting near-divine power.
Half-Immortal – The peak of mortal cultivation, one step from true immortality.
Immortal Ascension – The final stage, where a cultivator transcends the mortal realm and wields immortal energy.
Lian Yu had only just broken into the first stage of Qi Condensation. She was stronger than a mere mortal, but in the world of cultivators, she was still at the very bottom—nothing but an ant before true power.
As they climbed, Jiang Yuefeng leaned in, his golden eyes shimmering like honey in the dim light of scattered sconces along the cave walls.
"So, how exactly did you end up down here?" he asked, hands clasped lazily behind his back. "It's not exactly a place where someone at Qi Condensation should be strolling around."
Lian Yu bit her lip, debating what to say. Then, after a deep breath, she spoke.
"I was… part of the White Cloud Sect. Someone I thought was a friend betrayed me—framed me and got me cast out." Her hands clenched into fists as she continued. "Bai Liang… that bastard struck me while my back was turned, and I fell into this abyss."
"Bai Liang?!" Jiang Yuefeng suddenly shouted, startling Lian Yu.
"Ah, that bastard has been nothing but trouble for Boss Xie Wushen!" His face twisted in irritation. "He's as conniving as a snake, always looking down on others. Ugh, I hate guys like him!"
Hidden within her dantian, the little phoenix stirred, nodding furiously in agreement.
"Forget about him," Wu Yilan finally spoke, her voice calm and dismissive, as if Bai Liang were nothing more than an insect. "Boss will handle him at the upcoming martial tournament. He won't be so proud after that."
Jiang Yuefeng let out a snort, nodding. "Last time they crossed paths, Bai Liang acted all high and mighty. He'll be vomiting blood when Boss gets his hands on him!"
Just then, Xie Wushen, who had been silent the entire time, gave a cold snort and cast an indifferent glance over his shoulder—his piercing red eyes as sharp as a blade.
"Too slow."
That was all he said before he leapt into the air, his figure disappearing as he ascended toward the jagged sliver of sunlight at the top of the abyss.
"Boss, wait!" Wu Yilan called after him, her form moving like rippling silk as she gracefully followed.
Jiang Yuefeng sighed dramatically before turning back to Lian Yu, puffing out his chest. "Don't worry, little Lian! This big brother will take his time and help you out!" He grinned, giving her a thumbs-up.
Something warm unfurled in her chest as she gazed at Jiang Yuefeng. Was this… kindness? For the first time in a long while, someone was being truly nice to her.
Her lips curved into a small, genuine smile.
"Thank you, brother."
Jiang Yuefeng's eyes widened slightly. For a brief moment, it was as if the sun had chosen to shine on Lian Yu and her alone.
Her smile was soft and warm, like a summer breeze, a stark contrast to the cold abyss they were leaving behind.
"Ah… it's nothing," Jiang Yuefeng muttered, scratching his cheek awkwardly, his face heating slightly. Then, quickly turning away, he cleared his throat and motioned ahead. "Come on! Let's get you out of here!"
With renewed determination, Lian Yu followed him upward—toward the light, toward the surface, and toward a future she had yet to grasp.
—x—
As they neared the surface, Lian Yu was in a wretched state. Every muscle in her body screamed in protest, her bones ached as if they had been shattered and poorly mended, and sweat clung to her skin in a thin, sticky layer. Her breathing was ragged, each inhale a struggle against exhaustion.
She had pushed herself as far as she could—but her body was still far from the strength she needed.
Jiang Yuefeng, who had been watching her struggle in silence, finally sighed and stepped in front of her. His golden eyes softened with sympathy as he offered a hand.
"Sister, let this big brother help you out." His voice was gentle, yet firm. "There's only a short distance left until we reach the surface, but the journey to the sect is still far. Please, allow me to carry you."
Lian Yu hesitated.
The thought of accepting help—of relying on someone else—made her stomach twist with unease. She had spent her life enduring alone, being cast aside, struggling without aid.
But when Jiang Yuefeng mentioned that the sect was still a long way off, she knew her pride meant nothing if she collapsed before even leaving the abyss.
She swallowed her resistance and nodded softly.
"…I'll have to trouble you, big brother." She offered a weak smile.
Jiang Yuefeng turned around and lowered himself, waiting for her to climb onto his back.
Feeling slightly ridiculous, Lian Yu carefully wrapped her arms around his shoulders, her body too exhausted to be embarrassed.
Then, with a single effortless motion, Jiang Yuefeng leapt.
They soared upward, the wind rushing past her ears as he carried her with ease. Each movement was smooth and controlled, as if he wasn't carrying another person at all.
As the jagged walls of the abyss blurred past them, Lian Yu couldn't help but reflect on the absurdity of her situation.
This man—this Jiang Yuefeng—was one of the most famous cultivators in the Tianxu Empire.
He was part of the Heavenly Three, the legendary trio of the Black Dragon Sect, whose names were known across the four great sects:
Xie Wushen, the Demon Sovereign himself, feared and unmatched in battle.
Wu Yilan, the Blade of Night, a peerless swordswoman who moved like flowing silk.
And Jiang Yuefeng, the Golden Dragon, known for his unshakable spirit and overwhelming speed.
They were considered prodigies, the strongest of their generation.
It was said that Xie Wushen, at only 23, had already broken into the Nascent Soul realm—an achievement unheard of among cultivators his age.
Meanwhile, Jiang Yuefeng and Wu Yilan, both only 21, were already in the late stages of Core Formation, one step away from forming their Nascent Souls.
And here she was—a nameless girl who had just barely stepped into Qi Condensation—being carried by one of them.
The situation was nothing short of ridiculous.
Yet, despite the surreal nature of it all, there was a warmth in her chest.
Not just from Jiang Yuefeng's steady presence, nor from the little phoenix curled within her dantian.
But from the strange, unfamiliar feeling that—for the first time in her life—she was no longer struggling alone.
As they soared higher, the jagged walls of the abyss gradually gave way to slivers of sunlight. The rush of wind and the blur of darkness yielded to the gentle warmth of daylight, and with it came the promise of a new beginning. Yet, even as they neared the surface, Lian Yu's body trembled under the weight of exhaustion.
Jiang Yuefeng's steady pace never faltered. He maintained his supportive grip, carrying her effortlessly as if she were as light as a feather. His reassuring presence calmed her racing heart. Despite the surreal circumstances—being borne aloft by one of the legendary Heavenly Three—she found solace in his unwavering kindness.
High above, the rugged peaks of the Black Dragon Sect's mountain domain came into view, a stark contrast to the darkness of the abyss. The distant, ancient spires of the sect, etched against the blue sky, signaled both safety and the next trial in her journey. Lian Yu's thoughts churned with conflicting emotions: gratitude for the assistance, bitterness at the memories of betrayal by the White Cloud Sect, and a budding hope that maybe, just maybe, she could forge a future beyond her past.
As Jiang Yuefeng began to descend the final stretch toward a crumbling stone bridge that led to the sect's lower courtyard, he spoke softly. "Little Lian, once we reach the sect, things will change. There's a path here—one that could lead you to strength, but you must be willing to learn and trust us." His tone carried both an invitation and a challenge.
Lian Yu managed a small, resolute nod. "I… I understand." Her voice was soft yet determined, echoing the newfound warmth in her chest. In that moment, her fragile smile radiated hope. For the first time in her life, she no longer felt utterly alone against the harsh currents of fate.
The descent was graceful yet purposeful. As they stepped onto the bridge, the chatter of fellow disciples and the murmur of cultivation practice drifted up from below, mingling with the vibrant energy of the mountain air. Though the Black Dragon Sect was known for its ruthless reputation and ancient rivalries with the White Cloud Sect, it was here that Lian Yu would begin to unlock the true potential of her phoenix flame.
Her journey had taken her through the abyss—a trial by darkness and pain. Now, as the sunlight bathed her battered form, she knew that the path ahead would be even more demanding. Yet, bolstered by the support of Jiang Yuefeng and the enigmatic promise of the Black Dragon Sect, Lian Yu resolved to endure. Each step forward was not just an escape from the abyss, but a march toward a destiny she was finally beginning to grasp.
As Jiang Yuefeng landed lightly on the stone bridge leading to the Black Dragon Sect's lower courtyard, all eyes turned to them.
Disciples, dressed in dark robes embroidered with silver and gold dragon emblems, halted their training. Some murmured in surprise, others openly stared.
And why wouldn't they?
One of the infamous Heavenly Three, known throughout the Tianxu Empire, had just returned carrying a girl on his back.
Lian Yu felt the heat of their scrutiny burn into her skin like flames. Their curiosity. Their confusion. Their judgment.
Some looked amused. Others, annoyed.
Who was this weak girl to be carried by Jiang Yuefeng?
And then—
A sharp voice cut through the crowd.
"Get off my brother!"
Lian Yu barely had time to react before a young woman stepped forward, her fiery gaze locked onto her like a hawk spotting prey.
She was stunning, with long chestnut-brown hair tied into a high ponytail, and piercing amber eyes that glowed like molten gold. Her robes bore the same Black Dragon Sect insignia, but the embroidery was more elaborate, indicating higher status.
Jiang Yuefeng sighed. "Ah, here we go…"
The girl's hands rested on her hips, her entire presence radiating irritation.
"Brother Jiang, why are you carrying some random girl? Do you want the whole sect to talk? You're already the most annoying person here, and now you're making it worse!"
Lian Yu blinked, trying to process the situation.
Brother?
Jiang Yuefeng has a sister?!
Before she could say anything, Jiang Yuefeng grinned sheepishly and set Lian Yu down.
"Calm down, little Xue. This is Lian Yu. She's with us now."
"With us?!" Jiang Xue's eyes narrowed. "Don't tell me you picked up another stray!"
Lian Yu stiffened at the insult, but before she could snap back, Wu Yilan appeared and stepped forward.
"Enough, Jiang Xue," she said coolly. "Lian Yu is here as a guest. Whether she stays or not depends on her."
Jiang Xue huffed, arms crossing over her chest. "She looks weak. Why should we waste our resources on someone like her?"
Lian Yu clenched her fists.
She was weak. She knew that.
But she wouldn't stay that way.
Before she could speak, a deep voice—one that commanded absolute silence—interrupted them.
"That depends."
The crowd parted instantly, and Xie Wushen stepped forward.
His presence was suffocating, his crimson eyes colder than ice. The disciples immediately lowered their heads in respect.
He didn't even spare Lian Yu a glance as he walked past her, speaking to no one in particular.
"She will take the Black Dragon Sect's entry trial. If she fails, she is not worthy to stay."
Lian Yu's breath hitched.
An entry trial?
Before she could ask what it entailed, Jiang Xue smirked.
"Oh? You want to enter the Black Dragon Sect? Then let's see if you can survive."
Lian Yu straightened her back, determination flaring in her chest.
"Fine." She met Jiang Xue's gaze head-on. "Tell me what I need to do."
Jiang Xue's grin widened. "Good. Let's see if you're just talk."
—x—
Within one hour, Lian Yu stood at the entrance of a massive stone platform, torches burning blue with spiritual flames.
Hundreds of disciples gathered to watch. The air was thick with tension, anticipation buzzing like a storm about to break.
Jiang Yuefeng, standing beside her, whispered in her ear.
"You've got this, little Lian. Just don't die, alright?"
Lian Yu ignored his teasing and focused on the task ahead.
The trial was simple but deadly—
She had to climb the Dragon's Gate, a massive mountain staircase infused with suppressive qi, and reach the top before the incense stick burned out.
It sounded easy—except the pressure would continuously increase the higher she went.
Most new disciples failed before reaching halfway.
Many collapsed from exhaustion. Some even coughed up blood from the unbearable spiritual weight.
And if she failed?
She would be thrown out of the sect, humiliated in front of everyone.
Lian Yu exhaled slowly.
This was her first real test.
She had to pass.
The moment the gong sounded, Lian Yu stepped onto the first stair—
And felt an immense force slam down on her shoulders.
Her knees almost buckled.
The suppressive qi was thicker than anything she had ever felt. It was as if the mountain itself was trying to crush her.
She gritted her teeth.
No. I won't fall.
She took another step. Then another.
Every move felt like wading through molten iron, but she refused to stop.
As she climbed, whispers filled the air.
"She's slowing down already."
"Typical. A Qi Condensation cultivator has no chance."
"Why is she even trying?"
Jiang Xue smirked from below. "Tch. I knew it. A waste of time."
But then—
Golden flames suddenly flared around Lian Yu's body.
The heat was blinding, the oppressive qi around her cracking under the force of it.
The onlookers gasped.
Jiang Xue's smirk vanished.
"What?!"
Wu Yilan's eyes narrowed, realization flashing across her face.
"No… that's not normal qi. That's—"
A deep rumble echoed across the mountain as Lian Yu's flames surged higher, her presence becoming overwhelming.
Her body felt lighter. The pressure that once crushed her had no hold on her anymore.
The little phoenix inside her dantian flapped its wings furiously, encouraging her to keep going.
And then, at that moment—
An ancient symbol blazed across her forehead, golden and shaped like a phoenix feather.
Wu Yilan's breath caught.
"A Heavenly Phoenix Body…"
The entire sect erupted into chaos.
"Impossible!"
"A divine body type?! In our sect?!"
"No wonder she survived the abyss!"
Jiang Yuefeng whistled. "Well, well. Little Lian, you really are full of surprises."
Even Xie Wushen's cold gaze flickered for a split second before returning to indifference.
Lian Yu, unaware of the significance of what had just happened, kept climbing—one determined step at a time.
The path ahead was still long, but she had already proven one thing.
She was not ordinary.
And soon—the world would know it too.