《The Lonely Wanderer》


 Chapter 1 - A Chance To Live

    Michael couldn¡¯t take his eyes off the dean. The man stood tall, his uniform crisp and spotless, arms crossed tightly. His expression was stern, but there was a faint hint of pity in his eyes¡ªpity that only made the moment feel heavier.


    ¡°So it¡¯s settled,¡± the dean said, his voice cold and commanding. ¡°Prepare yourself.¡±


    Michael¡¯s chest tightened. The words echoed in his mind, sharp and unrelenting. ¡°I¡¯ve been drafted?¡± he asked, his voice low, almost a whisper.


    The dean nodded once, slow and deliberate.


    Michael¡¯s thoughts were a mess. Weeks ago, he was just an academy student trying to adjust to this strange new world. Now, this? A military draft wasn¡¯t unheard of¡ªhe¡¯d heard the rumors¡ªbut he had never thought it would come for him. For students like him, the military could mean opportunity, a path to resources and advancement. But this wasn¡¯t peacetime. This was war¡ªagainst alien invaders on distant border worlds.


    Rumors said draftees would be sent to the front lines as reserves. And the mortality rates? Michael had seen the numbers. Casualties often reached over 50%. Even with humanity¡¯s advanced weapons, some alien civilizations had powers that could tear continents apart.


    ¡°Dean, isn¡¯t there another way?¡± Michael asked, his voice shaking slightly. ¡°I¡¯m all my family has left.¡±


    For a moment, the dean¡¯s face softened, but his tone stayed firm. ¡°Michael, everyone must do their part. The draft is our duty. Your service will ensure humanity¡¯s survival.¡±


    He continued, ¡°And there are benefits. Soldiers receive better rations and privileges. Survive a few tours, and you might even be reassigned to a safer post.¡±


    Michael¡¯s blood boiled, though he kept his face calm.


    Duty? Survival? Then why don¡¯t you go? What good are rations or privileges if I¡¯m dead? And reassignment? That¡¯s a pipe dream for anyone without connections.


    But he didn¡¯t say it. What was the point?


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± he murmured, though the words felt hollow.


    The dean cut him off before he could say more. ¡°That¡¯s enough. Use your time wisely, Michael. Be ready.¡±


    With a heavy nod, Michael left the office. Outside, a small group of students his age waited, their faces pale and tense. No one spoke. They didn¡¯t need to. They all knew what this meant.


    He wandered back to his dormitory, the weight in his chest growing heavier with each step. The academy¡¯s halls, once bustling with energy, now seemed cold and foreboding. As he passed by a digital news panel, a headline caught his eye: ¡°Human Alliance Draft Expands: Ensuring Survival Against Alien Aggression.¡±


    Michael sighed, his thoughts dark. A million drafted out of twenty billion. Why did it have to be me?


    Reaching his room, Michael sat down heavily. There had to be a way out. Maybe NovaSys can help, he thought. The AI interface, the core intelligence governing the Stellar Human Alliance, held vast knowledge.


    ¡°NovaSys,¡± Michael whispered, activating the system, ¡°what are the conditions for exemption from the draft?¡±


    A cold, mechanical voice filled Michael¡¯s mind. ¡°The compulsory draft falls under Stellar Human Federation Policy 3621, established to ensure stability during interstellar conflicts. Exemptions are granted under specific conditions.¡±


    Michael clenched his fists, listening intently, though he already knew what was coming.


    ¡°First,¡± NovaSys continued, ¡°Ascendants are exempt. These individuals are considered vital to humanity¡¯s survival and development. Their military service can be deferred.¡±


    Michael let out a bitter sigh. Ascendants¡ªthose legendary beings who transcended human limits through grueling training, genetic modifications, or mysterious rites. People spoke of them like they were gods among mortals. Michael, though, couldn¡¯t even dream of reaching that level.


    NovaSys elaborated as if mocking his thoughts. ¡°Ascendants fall into several categories:This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    1. Elemental Ascendants: They trained by bonding with natural elements or forces of nature. There are many varieties of Elemental Ascendants, such as:


    Flamekind: These types of Ascendants mainly draw their strength from fire and heat.


    Aquatic Sentinels: They merge with water or aquatic energy.


    Earthen Titans: They manifest the power of stone, earth, and minerals.


    Sky Callers: They harness air and storm-related abilities.


    2. Technological Ascendants: These types of Ascendants integrate technology into their bodies or consciousness. There are many varieties of Technological Ascendants such as:


    Cyborg Ascendants: Enhance themselves with cybernetic implants.


    Digital Minds: Upload consciousness into digital networks or synthetic bodies.


    Nano Ascendants: Utilize nanotechnology to enhance physical or mental abilities.


    3. Genetic Ascendants: Individuals who achieve evolution through genetic modifications, biological enhancements, or inherited traits. There are many varieties of Genetic Ascendants such as:


    Gene Warriors: They are enhanced through genetic serums or engineered DNA.


    Bio-Mutants: These people achieve evolution through exposure to radiation, mutation, or experimental serums.


    Bloodline Ascendants: They inherit unique traits or abilities from ancient or powerful bloodlines.


    4. Beastial Ascendants: These types of Ascendants evolve by bonding with monsters or gaining traits from them. There are many varieties of Beastial Ascendants such as:


    Beastkin: They blend human and animal abilities through fusion or lineage.


    Predator Lords: They rule over animalistic instincts and primal power.


    Totem Ascendants: These people channel energy through sacred animal spirits into their bodies in the form of totems.


    Michael¡¯s shoulders slumped as NovaSys continued listing the types. None of this mattered to him. He was just an orphan scraping by with the government¡¯s charity. His meager allowance barely covered food, let alone the genetic serums, training manuals, or equipment needed to walk any of these paths. The gap between him and an Ascendant was a chasm too wide to cross.


    "Secondly,¡± NovaSys continued, ¡°there exist exceptional individuals whose contributions to society are indispensable. Therefore, they are granted immunity from the military draft. Some examples of extraordinary contributions to human civilization are:


    1. Scientific Innovators: Visionaries who have reshaped the galaxy through their discoveries are among these. For instance, Dr. Eloin Kesari, whose Infinity Reactor provided unlimited energy to colonized worlds, remains untouchable by military decrees. Contributions like these have built the foundation of interstellar survival.


    2. Economic Benefactors: Leaders like Arven Solax, the founder of Nebula Conglomerate, whose economic policies revitalized collapsing frontier colonies, are deemed more critical to civilization in their current roles. These benefactors stabilize economies and ensure prosperity, which helps in reducing the likelihood of future conflicts.


    3. Political Immunity: Members of planetary councils and interstellar parliaments, such as Chancellor Kavan Lir and descendants of ancient lineages like the Lirioth family of Centauri Prime are also immune to military policies.


    4. Citizen Privileges: Citizenship in Stellar Human Federation civilization is tiered, with benefits awarded to those who have proven their worth. Only Third-tier citizens and above can claim exemption based on their status.


    5. Legacy Rights: Families descended from war heroes, like the renowned Dargov family, are granted immunity as a reward for their ancestor¡¯s sacrifices.


    6. Specialists in Alien Interaction: Humanity¡¯s expansion into the cosmos has formed unexpected connections, and maintaining these requires exceptional individuals. Scholars like Dr. Zira Volen, who are experts in alien biology and ecosystems, are crucial for mediating treaties between alien species. With their help, war might be avoided, saving countless human lives.


    7. Contributions in Lieu of Service: Some families or individuals find other ways to support the war effort. They pay exorbitant fees to equip entire fleets, buying their exemption. Critics call it privilege; supporters call it pragmatism.


    8. Exceptional Circumstances: Individuals working on breakthrough experiments¡ªsuch as time dilation fields to extend planetary lifespans¡ªare protected by high command.


    Michael¡¯s jaw tightened as he listened. Everything NovaSys mentioned required power, wealth, or connections¡ªthings he lacked entirely.


    ¡°Finally,¡± NovaSys concluded, ¡°developing or providing a new Ascendant pathway is considered a major contribution and grants exemption.¡±


    Michael¡¯s heart sank deeper with every word. A new Ascendant pathway? The idea was absurd. Creating one required immense knowledge, resources, and decades of dedicated research. It wasn¡¯t something you could achieve by accident, let alone as a mere student. This was the kind of achievement that top Ascendant Scholars and scientists spent their entire lives chasing.


    Lying back on his bunk that night, he stared at the ceiling, NovaSys¡¯s words replaying in his mind like a cruel echo. The options left to him felt impossibly narrow, like walking a tightrope over an abyss.


    "What options do I even have?" he thought bitterly. "I¡¯m not an Ascendant, I¡¯m not rich, and I don¡¯t have some powerful family to back me. I can¡¯t just pay my way out of this. Hell, my health is too good to even fake an exemption."


    He let out a long, tired sigh. First-tier citizenship¡ªthe bottom rung of the ladder. To escape the draft, he¡¯d need to climb to the elusive third tier. But what were the chances of that? Ninety percent of Amethyst Star¡¯s population remained stuck at First Tier their entire lives. Even the planetary lord, commanding billions of lives, was only Fourth Tier. The gap between him and the requirements for exemption was an unscalable mountain.


    "Damn it," he muttered. "Even if I wanted to fight, they¡¯re just throwing us into the meat grinder. What chance do I have? Die on some barren alien world without even a proper grave?"


    His thoughts churned endlessly, his frustration simmering beneath the surface. But exhaustion eventually pulled him into a restless sleep.


    His dreams took a strange turn. Before him stood a colossal gate, radiant and alive with a mysterious, otherworldly energy. The structure shimmered, as if it were made of pure light, yet its presence felt heavier than anything he¡¯d ever known.


    "What... is this?" Michael murmured, his heart pounding as he stepped closer. The air around him buzzed with a power that both frightened and intrigued him.


    Then, without warning, a faint screen materialized in his vision.


    [Name: Michael]


    [Title: Master of the Otherworldly Passage]


    [Realm: None]


    [Abilities: None]


    [Treasures: None]


    His eyes widened as a flood of information surged into his mind.


    "This gate... it can transport my consciousness to another world?" Michael whispered, overwhelmed. The knowledge was clear: this wasn¡¯t a dream. The gate, known as the Otherworldly Passage, allowed him to send his true consciousness into another world.


    But there were limits. Each trip lasted only a short time, and once used, the passage required an entire year to recharge.


    He stared at the gate, its brilliance almost too much to bear. The weight of the decision loomed over him.


    "Do I use it or not?" Michael asked himself, his thoughts racing. "If I don¡¯t, my fate is sealed. Military service, alien frontlines, a ninety percent chance of dying."


    The alternative was a leap into the unknown. But that unknown carried a flicker of hope¡ªsomething he sorely needed.


    "I''m not ready to die," he thought, his jaw tightening. "If this is my one shot at survival, I have to take it."


    Resolute, he took a deep breath and spoke aloud. ¡°Travel into another world.¡±


    The gate pulsed, its energy rippling through his consciousness. The air seemed to hum louder as the world around him blurred. Michael felt his mind being pulled, poured into the passage.


    His vision went black, and he collapsed onto the cold floor.

 Chapter 2 - Entering A New World

    Great Dao Zhu Dynasty


    Iron Vein Sect


    As one of the famous three sects of the Great Dao Zhu Dynasty, Iron Vein Sect is a behemoth in the surrounding regions. The Iron Vein Sect is a sect dedicated to the path of extreme body refinement, which focuses on forging an indestructible body through grueling tempering processes.


    The Iron Vein Sect is located in a mountainous region, and its name is Iron Vein because the mountain on which the sect was located is riddled with rich iron deposits and natural hot springs.


    There are thousands of Meridian Strengthening Stage practitioners, hundreds of Stone Core practitioners, and even a Titanium Soul Stage expert is present in Iron Vein Sect. It is not without reason that the sect is able to maintain its reputation as one of the three great sects of the Great Dao Zhu Dynasty.


    Veinforge Hall


    Hundreds of disciples with their upper bodies naked were sweating profusely as they practiced the Vein Surge Fist.


    Vein Surge Fist was not a core martial art of the Iron Vein Sect, but it was very helpful in channeling explosive power and delivering devastating blows to the opponent. Many martial disciples in the Iron Vein Temple often practiced this fist technique for its powerful offense.


    The essence behind this technique was simple. The user channel their internal energy into their arms and compress it into a small point within the fist, creating immense pressure. Upon impact, the stored energy erupts outward, delivering a concussive force capable of shattering defenses and overwhelming foes.


    Just as the disciples were practicing their fist technique skills over and over again, a group of seven or eight year-old children wearing black robes poked their heads out from a distance. Their round eyes looked over, full of curiosity and anticipation.


    This group of young disciples were recently accepted by the Iron Vein Sect. Most of them were orphans whose parents were killed by the beasts who attacked the village. Unfortunately, the nearby Iron Vein Sect could not react on time, and the massacre was already over. Because of pity, these children were quickly accepted as nominal disciples by the Iron Vein Sect.


    "I didn''t expect that I would be transported into the world of martial arts."


    Among the dozen or so young disciples, one who was obviously younger suddenly had a strange look in his eyes. This little disciple was naturally Michael, whose consciousness traveled from the main universe and came to this world.


    Although the original child whose body was possessed by Michael was young, he still had some understanding of this world. In this world martial arts masters ruled supreme. Even defeating ten thousand enemies at once was not an impossible task.


    From the memory of this child, Michael discovered that disciples from the Iron Vein Sect could smash a wall with just a palm strike. In the world of human civilization in the main universe, this was definitely considered a level belonging to the ranks of Ascendants.


    [Name: Michael (Xiao Huzi)]


    [Title: Master of the Otherworldly Passage]


    [Realm: None]


    [Bound Talent: Heaven Defying Comprehension]


    [Abilities: None]


    [Treasures: None]


    [Total Remaining: 25 years]


    In the upper right corner of Xiao Huzi¡¯s vision, lines of illusory fonts flashed silently.


    Xiao Huzi frowned. "Twenty-five years? That¡¯s¡­ not much. And Heaven- Defying Comprehension? What does that even mean?"


    Testing his senses, he realized everything was sharper¡ªthe distant drip of water, the subtle shifts in the disciples¡¯ stances, the fiery intensity of their punches.


    "It¡¯s like my brain¡¯s running at triple speed. If this is what the talent does, maybe it¡¯s my ticket to survival."The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    He turned his attention back to the disciples practicing the Vein Surge Fist. As he watched their fists blaze through the air, something strange happened. A flood of information surged into his mind¡ªdetails of their technique, corrections, refinements.


    [You have Heaven-Defying comprehension. After watching the disciples of Iron Vein Temple practicing the Vein Surge Fist, you have gained Low-Grade Fist Martial Art: Iron River Palm.]


    Xiao Huzi''s eyes widened. "I just... learned a martial art? By watching?!"


    Before he could process, another notification appeared.


    [You have Heaven-Defying comprehension. Inspired by the Vein Surge Fist, you have formed Low-Grade Fist Martial Art: Iron Tempest Blow.]


    A spark of exhilaration lit within him. "Not just learning... I¡¯m creating martial arts now?"


    And then came more:


    [You have Heaven-Defying Comprehension. Observing a disciple¡¯s serpentine arm movement inspired you to form Middle-Grade Fist Martial Art: Coiling Iron Serpent.]


    [You have Heaven-Defying Comprehension. Combining insights from Vein Surge Fist techniques, you formed High-Grade Fist Martial Art: Molten Vein Cataclysm.]


    Xiao Huzi staggered, his breath catching. The influx of knowledge was overwhelming. Techniques, strategies, and principles coalesced in his mind, each one clearer than the last.


    "Molten Vein Cataclysm?" As Xiao Huzi gained inspiration from the techniques performed by the disciples of the Iron Vein Sect, suddenly information about the Molten Vein Cataclysm technique appeared in his mind. It was a high-grade martial arts technique.


    The Molten Vein Cataclysm technique essence was to amplify the power through continuous energy circulation and the fusion of heat.


    Its mechanism was simple. The practitioner simply has to ignite his internal energy pathways and imbue his fists with both heat and power. When multiple layers of energy were compressed simultaneously, this technique could create a force exponentially stronger than the original technique.


    Xiao Huzi¡¯s heart raced as the knowledge unfurled within him. "Incredible," he thought, clenching his small fists. "A technique this advanced could obliterate enemies... but how do I even begin? I don''t know the first thing about energy pathways."


    Frustration bubbled beneath his awe. Without understanding the internal channels through which energy flowed¡ªhe couldn¡¯t hope to practice this technique. He turned his gaze back to the disciples, their movements flowing with precision and power.


    "If only I could see what they¡¯re doing¡­ Wait." Xiao Huzi¡¯s eyes widened as his vision sharpened. The world around him seemed to slow, and suddenly, he could see it¡ªthe invisible streams of energy coursing through their bodies.


    "What is this?!" His jaw slackened in amazement. The energy pathways glowed faintly beneath their skin. The flow was mesmerizing, each movement perfectly synchronized with their breathing and strikes.


    A familiar notification blinked in his mind.


    [You have Heaven-Defying comprehension. After watching the flow of internal energy circulating inside the bodies of disciples of Iron Vein Temple, you suddenly had a burst of inspiration. You observed all energy pathways inside the human body and created a technique to circulate internal energy. You formed an internal energy circulating technique: Ironflow Circulation Technique.]


    [You have Heaven-Defying comprehension. After closely watching the flow of internal energy inside their bodies, you continued to perfect the Ironflow Circulation Technique.]


    An internal energy circulating technique appeared in Xiao Huzi''s mind. As he closed his eyes, he started to feel his body''s energy pathways. The Ironflow Circulation technique that he has formed has a detailed analysis of energy pathways inside a human body.


    These primary channels through which internal energy flows are called meridians. The meridians are analogous to veins in the circulatory system; they connect the dantian (energy core) to the rest of the body.


    The Ironflow technique listed that the meridians in the human body were divided into major and minor meridians. There are only a total of twelve major meridians that are used for combat and cultivation.


    Also, there are thousands of minor meridians, which are smaller channels and are essential for fine-tuning control and distributing energy evenly throughout the human body.


    The 12 primary meridians are categorized into Yin and Yang groups and correspond to specific organs.


    These 12 meridians are paired, with one Yin and one Yang meridian complementing each other. They connect to deeper pathways known as the Eight Extraordinary Vessels, which store and regulate energy overflow.


    Unlike the 12 major meridians that connect to specific organs, these vessels operate independently, supporting the body''s overall energy network and regulating the flow within the meridians.


    They store surplus Qi and blood for use when the 12 meridians are under strain. The main function of these vessels is to harmonize Yin and Yang energies throughout the body.


    These vessels are called Governing Vessel, Conception Vessel, Penetrating Vessel, Belt Vessel, Yin Heel Vessel, Yang Heel Vessel, Yin Linking Vessel, and Yang Linking Vessel.


    There are also energy nodes (Acupoints) mentioned in the technique. Acupoints, are areas on the skin that have a high electrical conductivity and are connected to the internal organs. They are part of the meridian network, through which internal energy flows. These points are used in practices like acupuncture, acupressure, and martial arts to influence the body''s energy balance, health, and vitality.


    Each acupoint corresponds to a specific meridian and has unique effects based on its location and nature. There are as many as 2,000 acupuncture points present in the body.


    Lastly there was Dantian. It is the main core reservoir of energy, effectively preventing energy from scattering. Dantian is located in the lower abdomen of the human body. All the energy is stored, refined, and distributed to the meridians from this central hub. It is also referred to as the "sea of Qi."


    Xiao Huzi also observed that the disciples circulated internal energy in different loops. Based on his talent, he divided the circulation loops into three categories.


    1. Small Circulation:


    Pathway: Qi flows in a closed loop through the Governing Vessel.


    Purpose: Balances Yin and Yang energies.


    Opens and clears blockages in the meridians.


    Strengthens the foundation of internal energy.


    2. Great Circulation:


    Pathway: Extends beyond the Small Circulation, involving the 12 major meridians and other energy pathways.


    Purpose: Strengthens the whole body.


    Refines Qi into more potent forms.


    Prepares for advanced cultivation stages or high-level martial techniques.


    3. Specialized Circulation Loops:


    These are advanced techniques where internal energy is directed along specific pathways to achieve unique effects:


    A. Meridian Amplification Loop: Internal energy flows repeatedly through one major meridian (e.g., Stomach Meridian for physical strength or Heart Meridian for emotional resilience).


    B. Elemental Circulation: Internal energy is cycled to align with elemental affinities, such as Fire Qi for explosive power or Water Qi for healing.


    C. Combat Loops: Rapid circulation through the limbs for burst attacks or defense, enhancing reflexes and physical output.

 Chapter 3 - Genius Or Not ?

    Xiao Huzi sat in a comfortable posture on the ground with his back straight and with his hands resting near the Dantian (abdomen) without further paying attention to the surrounding chatting children. He then closed his eyes and started to regulate his breathing.


    He then focused his awareness on the Dantian and started visualizing it as a glowing core of light or energy. With each inhalation, he visualized natural energy from the surroundings gathering into the Dantian.


    With each exhalation, he imagined the Dantian compressing the natural energy into a denser, more refined state. Through steady breathing and visualization, he imagined the warmth of natural energy pooling like a tiny ember in his belly. Suddenly, his Dantian began to stir.


    With his Dantian active, Xiao Huzi directed the natural energy downward to the Huiyin Point at the base of his body. Xiao Huzi then visualized natural energy rising along his spine through the Governing Vessel and it passed through acupoints such as Mingmen (Lower Back), Dazhui (Base of the Neck), and finally it reached the top of his head, the Baihui Point. From there, it descended down his front, completing the small circulation.


    ....


    The Sect Leader of the Iron Vein Sect, Bo Chen, stood atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the courtyard where disciples tirelessly practiced the Vein Surge Fist. His sharp, seasoned eyes scanned their forms with a critical yet approving gaze.


    ¡°Good. Very good. Strength is born from suffering,¡± he murmured, his voice like low thunder. ¡°Only through relentless discipline can one achieve greatness. The body is a weapon¡ªone that must be forged like iron in a furnace, through heat, pressure, and time. There are no shortcuts on the martial path.¡±


    His words carried the weight of decades of cultivation and discipline. Bo Chen folded his arms, his expression as firm as tempered steel, but there was a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes. None of the disciples were slacking; their dedication pleased him.


    However, his attention soon shifted. Beyond the main training ground, a group of small children peeked through a half-open door, their wide eyes fixed on the older disciples. The youngsters, no older than seven or eight, were clumsily mimicking the Vein Surge Fist.


    Their movements were awkward, their balance shaky, but their serious expressions made the sight almost comical.


    Bo Chen let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. ¡°Those little brats¡­ They¡¯ve barely begun to build their foundations, yet they¡¯re already dreaming of mastering techniques beyond their reach. Admirable, but foolish.¡±


    He sighed deeply, his amusement tinged with concern. Vein Surge Fist wasn¡¯t an advanced technique, but it required a stable foundation and a trained body. For these children, whose meridians were as fragile as spider silk, attempting such techniques was akin to courting disaster.


    ¡°If they force this too early,¡± Bo Chen muttered, his tone darkening, ¡°they¡¯ll cripple themselves before their journey even begins.¡±


    With purposeful strides, he began descending toward the children, intent on stopping their reckless attempts. But then, something caught his eye¡ªa boy sitting cross-legged, his eyes closed in serene concentration.


    Bo Chen froze mid-step. His eyes narrowed, and his heart skipped a beat. At first, he thought it was a trick of the light. But no, it was real. A faint, almost imperceptible aura of natural energy was gathering around the boy.


    The Sect Leader¡¯s breath hitched. ¡°No¡­ it can¡¯t be.¡± His trained senses honed in on the boy, scrutinizing every detail. The child wasn¡¯t just absorbing natural energy¡ªhe was refining it into internal energy and circulating it through his meridians.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    Bo Chen¡¯s jaw slackened as if thunder had struck him. ¡°Impossible,¡± he whispered. ¡°He¡¯s barely seven years old! How is he not rupturing his meridians?¡±


    The boy, however, sat perfectly still, his small frame enveloped in a soft, white glow. There was no tension in his posture, no strain on his face. His breathing was steady, his expression tranquil.


    To Bo Chen, the scene was nothing short of miraculous. He muttered to himself, ¡°The meridians of a child this young can¡¯t handle Internal Energy. It¡¯s reckless¡ªeven suicidal¡ªto attempt such a thing without proper cultivation. And yet...¡±


    The Sect Leader¡¯s mind raced. Before reaching the Meridian Strengthening Stage, refining internal energy was universally regarded as madness. Meridians needed to be tempered through rigorous training before they could endure the flow of Internal Energy. Otherwise, they would rupture, leading to agonizing pain or even death.


    But this boy¡ªthis unassuming child¡ªwas defying all known logic. Not only was he refining internal energy, but his meridians showed no signs of strain. The energy flowed smoothly, like a gentle river through well-carved channels.


    Bo Chen¡¯s voice trembled slightly, a rare occurrence for the indomitable Sect Leader. ¡°How¡­ how is this possible? A mere child... cultivating Internal Energy?¡±


    The Sect Leader''s intense gaze did not go unnoticed. The other children who had been sneakily mimicking the Vein Surge Fist, froze mid-motion. Their minds erupting into a chaotic flurry of thoughts.


    ''Oh no, oh no, he¡¯s looking this way! Does he know I stole an extra meat bun last week? Wait, does that even matter right now?!''


    ''Why is Sect Leader so quiet? Quiet is bad. Quiet means he¡¯s planning something¡­ something painful!''


    ''Should I fake fainting? Maybe he¡¯ll send me to the infirmary instead of punishing me. But what if they make me drink that gross bitter tea?''


    The chubbiest of the kids gulped, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. ''I should¡¯ve stayed home today. I could¡¯ve faked a stomachache¡­ but noooo, I had to be here for ¡®training.¡¯ Stupid, stupid, stupid!''


    A particularly nervous girl stole a glance at Xiao Huzi. ''Look at him, so calm. It¡¯s like he doesn¡¯t even know what¡¯s coming. Or¡­ wait. What if he¡¯s already fainted?''


    Another boy rubbed his face anxiously. ''What if Sect Leader punishes us for copying martial techniques? I¡¯m too young to die! I haven¡¯t even tasted roasted pheasant yet!''


    "S-Sect Leader..." one of them stammered, trembling.


    The children quickly dropped their poses, standing in a sloppy line with faces as pale as ghosts. Yet, amidst all this chaos, Xiao Huzi continued practicing the Ironflow Technique, blissfully unaware of the trouble brewing around him.


    Bo Chen waved his hand, dismissing the children. ¡°Leave,¡± he said, his voice calm.


    The kids didn¡¯t need to be told twice. They scrambled out of the courtyard like a flock of startled chickens, whispering amongst themselves as they glanced nervously back at Xiao Huzi.


    ¡°We¡¯re free! Wait, no, Huzi¡¯s still there. Poor guy. He¡¯s about to learn why they call it the Iron Palm of Discipline.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s gonna get smacked so hard his ancestors will feel it,¡± another added, half whispering, half giggling nervously.


    ¡°I bet Sect Leader will make him sweep the whole mountain for a week. No, a month! With a toothbrush!¡±


    ¡°No, worse! Sect Leader might make him kneel on the porcupine mat!¡± another whispered dramatically, his voice trembling at the thought of such a legendary punishment.


    As they turned their backs, some couldn¡¯t help but glance back at Xiao Huzi. Their expressions were a mix of pity and dread.


    ¡°Do you think he¡¯ll cry?¡±


    ¡°Nah, Huzi¡¯s too dumb to realize he¡¯s in trouble.¡±


    Bo Chen, meanwhile, paid no attention to their antics. His gaze was firmly fixed on Xiao Huzi. The boy was still drawing in natural energy, his small chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. For someone his age, this level of control was unthinkable.


    ¡°This boy¡­¡± Bo Chen murmured, more to himself than anyone else. ¡°Is he a prodigy¡ªor just too foolish to realize he should have exploded by now? This matter is too big now. I should call Grand Elder and other higher-ups now.¡±


    He decided to wait. Whatever Xiao Huzi was doing, it was unlike anything he¡¯d ever seen. Whether he was genius or not, the answer would reveal itself soon enough.


    Xia Huzi didn''t know how much time had passed. It was as if a long time had passed, but also it felt like only a moment had passed. It was a strange feeling. Finally, a small amount of internal energy condensed silently within Xiao Huzi''s Dantian.


    ¡°This should be the internal energy that I have refined right. I have circulated the natural energy throughout my entire body. It is definitely beneficial for my body. Circulating it has opened and cleared all the blockages in my meridians. It has also strengthened my foundation." Xiao Huzi speculated in his mind.


    The original Xiao Huzi was just a seven-year-old boy. He only knew a little about the path of martial arts. But he knew the strength of martial artists was divided into four basic stages. The four stages were, respectively, Body Tempering, Meridian Strengthening, Stone Core Stage, and lastly, Titanium soul stage.


    All the stages were divided into four sub-stages, namely early, mid, late, and peak. The peak combat power present in all of the Dao Zhu Dynasty was at the Peak of Titanium Soul Stage.


    As Xiao Huzi was contemplating, an unsettling silence enveloped him. His earlier excitement and curiosity were replaced by a creeping unease.


    "Wait... why is it so quiet all of a sudden? Did something happen?" Xiao Huzi thought in his mind and opened his eyes and scanned the empty courtyard. The disciples and his partners, who had been practicing nearby, had vanished without a trace.


    Even the usual chatter and laughter were gone and replaced by an oppressive stillness. Because he was focused too much on refining natural energy, he did not notice the sudden silence in the surrounding environment.

 Chapter 4 - Talent That Defies Understanding

    When his gaze shifted forward, his breath hitched. Four elderly people stood before him; their presence was overwhelming, like a mountain pressing down on his tiny frame.


    The person in the center was an old man with long eyebrows that swayed like willow branches, and his eyes were locked with Xiao Huzi''s.


    ¡°Little one,¡± the old man finally spoke, his tone gentle. ¡°Where did you learn to refine natural energy?¡±


    Xiao Huzi¡¯s heart thudded steadily, but his expression remained serene. He knew he could not reveal the truth¡ªnot that he had talent named Heaven Defying Comprehension. Such a revelation could invite scrutiny, envy, and perhaps danger. He could only play dumb in front of the elders.


    Instead, Xiao Huzi lowered his head slightly, adopting a humble demeanor. ¡°Respected elders,¡± he began, his voice calm and steady. ¡°When I was meditating, I felt as though I could absorb the surrounding natural energy, and I tried it. It was as if I was in a trance and someone guided me. I did not seek to refine natural energy; it simply... happened.¡±


    The elders exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of skepticism and intrigue. The long-eyebrowed elder narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Xiao Huzi as if trying to peer into the depths of his soul.


    ¡°What you describe,¡± the elder finally said, ¡°is not something that happens by chance. Your refinement of natural energy is stable, without the slightest hint of deviation.¡±


    Xiao Huzi remained calm, though his mind raced. He knew he needed to provide more clarity to satisfy their doubts. ¡°Elders, I... I cannot fully explain it myself. While practicing, I felt I was in a trance, and without fully knowing myself, I followed that guidance, and the energy naturally began to refine itself.¡±


    The old man studied him intently, his eyes flickering with contemplation. ¡°Guidance from within... a natural connection?¡± he murmured. ¡°Is it enlightenment that he has experienced?¡±


    Another elder, the head of the Iron Vein Pond, nodded slowly. ¡°Even though enlightenment only happens by chance. It also requires luck and potential. It can also be said that this child possesses an outstanding potential.¡±


    The elders exchanged a silent agreement, their collective decision forming unspoken. The old man with long eyebrows stepped forward, placing a hand on Xiao Huzi¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°From this day forth, you will no longer be treated as an ordinary disciple. Your potential must be nurtured carefully, and your path must be guided with precision. Little guy, are you willing to take me as your master?"


    After these words were spoken, others did not show any expression. If the words spoken by Xiao Huxi were true, then his potential was definitely the best in the Great Dao Zhu Dynasty over the past hundred years.


    "Disciple greets Master." Xiao Huzi lowered himself in a deep bow, his forehead nearly touching the ground as he paid respect to the old man before him.


    The rules of the Iron Vein Sect were strict, rooted in centuries of tradition. Every new entrant, no matter their background or talent, began as a menial disciple. For two years, they labored, performing tasks that tempered their will but left little room for progress in martial cultivation. Following that, three more years were spent learning basic education¡ªan excruciatingly slow pace for someone with Xiao Huzi¡¯s heaven-defying comprehension.


    Had his extraordinary talent not been recognized, Xiao Huzi would have been subjected to these five years of monotony. While his unique comprehension allowed him to draw insights even from mundane experiences, his time was too precious. He knew he had but twenty-five fleeting years in this world, and wasting even a single day was unacceptable.


    Now, under the tutelage of the old man, Xiao Huzi felt an urgency and excitement he hadn''t experienced before. This arrangement promised efficiency. With the old man¡¯s guidance and his own extraordinary comprehension, Xiao Huzi could progress at an astonishing pace.


    Three Months Later


    The soft glow of morning light filtered into the meditation chamber as Xiao Huzi and Mu Yang sat cross-legged, facing each other. Mu Yang¡¯s usually calm demeanor was betrayed by a subtle twitch in the corner of his mouth. His expression was both exasperated and resigned as he finally spoke.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    ¡°From now on, you should move to the Scripture Pavilion,¡± Mu Yang said, his voice laced with a mix of helplessness and relief.


    Xiao Huzi blinked in surprise.


    ¡°Scripture Pavilion?¡±


    The implication wasn¡¯t lost on the young boy, but Mu Yang continued, as though to clarify his surrender. ¡°I¡¯ve taught you everything I can... and more.¡±


    Mu Yang¡¯s thoughts drifted back to the past three months. At first, teaching Xiao Huzi had been fulfilling. The boy absorbed knowledge at an astonishing rate, grasping concepts that took others years to master in mere hours. But it wasn¡¯t long before Mu Yang realized something unnerving.


    This wasn¡¯t mere talent.


    Xiao Huzi didn¡¯t just "draw inferences from one example." No, it was as if every single thing Mu Yang taught him opened doors to a thousand other possibilities.


    Techniques that Mu Yang himself had spent decades mastering were unraveled and dissected by the boy in hours. Worse still, Xiao Huzi often offered insights that left Mu Yang, a master at the Titanium Soul Stage, stunned.


    What had started as a teacher-student relationship had morphed into something else entirely¡ªMu Yang felt like he was the one learning. It was humbling, even a little humiliating, to admit that this seven-year-old had exceeded his capacity as a mentor.


    ¡°I thought exposing you to higher-level knowledge might harm your mental state,¡± Mu Yang admitted, his voice carrying a trace of bitterness. ¡°But clearly, you are far beyond such concerns. The martial arts stored in the Scripture Pavilion are the culmination of centuries of wisdom. Perhaps they can teach you what I cannot.¡±


    Hearing this, Xiao Huzi¡¯s eyes brightened with excitement. The Scripture Pavilion! The sect¡¯s most sacred repository of knowledge, which contains martial arts passed down through countless generations. Twenty high-grade techniques, hundreds of mid-grade techniques, and thousands of low-grade ones¡ªall lay within its hallowed halls.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let your trust go to waste, Master,¡± Xiao Huzi said earnestly, bowing again. His voice was calm, but a flicker of excitement burned in his chest. The opportunity to access such a treasure trove of knowledge meant he could advance even faster.


    Mu Yang exhaled deeply, waving his hand dismissively as though to brush away any formality. ¡°Go, then. May the wisdom of great masters guide you further.¡±


    That day, Mu Yang retreated into seclusion, announcing that he needed time to ¡°reflect¡± on his own martial path. Some disciples whispered that Xiao Huzi had driven the old master into retreat, while others speculated that Mu Yang was mastering a secret technique.


    As for Xiao Huzi, he moved into the Scripture Pavilion without hesitation. Standing before its massive gates, he felt a sense of reverence.


    The martial arts collected in the Scripture Pavilion were vast, and the twenty high-grade martial arts were not the only famous part; there are many more martial arts besides these.


    Two days passed in a flash.


    [You have Heaven Defying Comprehension. After seeing all the Body Tempering techniques of Iron Vein Temple, you have formed a new Body Tempering technique-Iron Body Tempering Technique]


    [You have Heaven Defying Comprehension. After seeing all the Meridian Strengthening techniques of Iron Vein Temple, you have formed a Meridian Strengthening technique- Steel Vein Refinement Art]


    The Iron Body Tempering Technique Xiao Huzi comprehended is a foundational martial art designed for practitioners in the Body Tempering Stage. It focuses on strengthening the body to withstand the strain of combat and cultivation and martial arts.


    The technique that Xiao Huzi formed was different from other Body Tempering techniques of the Iron Vein Sect. There were a total of 4 phases of this technique.


    1. Skin-Hardening Phase: The purpose of this phase is to toughen the skin to resist cuts and abrasions. After completion of the skin-hardening phase, one skin would become thick and resistant, with a faint metallic sheen.


    Method: Repeatedly striking the body with blunt objects like wooden rods or sandbags and applying herbal ointments or immersing in medicinal baths to heal will enhance the toughness of the skin.


    2. Bone-Forging Phase: This phase is mainly to strengthen the skeletal structure to endure immense physical strain. After completion, one''s bones would become denser and stronger, which will help in reducing the risk of fractures.


    Method: Performing weighted exercises like carrying heavy stones or practicing martial stances under pressure. Consuming bone-enhancing tonics made from spirit beast marrow will also make bone tougher and denser.


    3. Muscle-Reinforcement Phase: It enhances muscle density and flexibility for explosive power. The muscles will become corded with strength, which will grant both endurance and agility.


    Method: Engage in repetitive, high-intensity exercises such as punching ironwood posts or lifting spirit-forged weights.


    4. Organ-Refining Phase: This phase fortifies internal organs to endure the strain. After completion of the organ-refining phase, one''s internal organs will function at peak efficiency and enhance stamina and vitality.


    Method: Practice specialized breathing techniques like Iron Lung Breaths to expand lung capacity and purify the bloodstream, or consume spirit herbs that will cleanse and nourish internal systems.


    The Steel Vein Refinement Art that Xiao Huzi has formed is based on the accumulation of all the meridian strengthening techniques of Iron Vein Temple as well as Xiao Huzi''s deep understanding of the human body.


    It is a technique designed to strengthen and refine the practitioner¡¯s meridians and transform them into durable conduits capable of handling high-energy or speedy circulations.


    The essence behind this technique was simple. The natural energy was circulated at a steady pace through all twelve primary meridians, dislodging and purging blockages and impurities.


    This stage requires extreme focus, as improper circulation can cause energy stagnation or damage. The practitioner had to compress their internal energy into dense threads and force these threads through their meridians.


    This brutal process caused micro-fractures in the delicate energy pathways, but with time and repeated practice, these fractures healed stronger, transforming the meridians into conduits of unparalleled durability.


    This technique, therefore, is physically taxing and requires a strong will. The practitioner refines their meridians to increase energy flow capacity.


    By alternating between rapid and slow circulation patterns, the meridians adapt to dynamic energy usage, making them more flexible and efficient.


    ¡°Two years,¡± Xiao Huzi declared, his voice steady and resolved. ¡°With these techniques, my next aim is to reach the Meridian Strengthening Stage within two years. If I cannot break through to the Meridian Strengthening Stage within two years, then I will have failed myself.¡±


    Xiao Huzi stayed in the Scripture Pavilion for the next two years.

 Chapter 5 - A Demon In A Human Skin

    Two Years Later


    Sitting cross-legged in the tranquil depths of the Scripture Pavilion, Xiao Huzi¡¯s eyes shone with newfound depth. Two years had passed since he made that declaration. The passage of time felt surreal. For two years, he had immersed himself in the study of techniques and the relentless honing of his martial arts.


    He also has now a certain degree of understanding of this world. As for the channel of understanding, it naturally came from the Iron Vein Sect. As one of the three major sects of the Dao Zhu Dynasty, the information that the Iron Vein Sect has collected over hundreds of years is nothing to laugh at.


    The current royal family that rules the Dao Zhu Dynasty is at its peak years. All the citizens of the dynasty are their subjects.


    Even a thousand-year-old sect like the Iron Vein Sect has to bow its head in front of them. According to the records, it is mentioned that there are a total of four Titanium Soul Stage experts present in the royal family of the Great Dao Zhu Dynasty.


    You must know that there are not many Titanium Soul Stage experts present in the whole region of the Dao Zhu Dynasty. Even the Iron Vein Sect has only one Titanium Soul Stage expert, who was Xiao Huzi''s teacher, Mu Yang. Even the other two major sects, Azure Wind Sect and Crimson Pulse Pavilion, each have only one Titanium Soul Stage expert present.


    The reason why the Great Dao Zhu Dynasty had such a strong foundation is because of its founding ancestor. He was a Heavenly Ascension Stage master.


    Since ancient times, the Heavenly Ascension Stage has been hailed as the pinnacle of martial prowess, a realm so revered that the total number of experts to reach it throughout history could be counted on one hand. Their strength transcends mortal understanding; their mere presence is enough to reshape the world.


    The reason the royal family of the Dao Zhu Dynasty can sweep across the world, forcing great martial arts sects like the Iron Vein Sect to bow their heads, is because they have the foundation of a Heavenly Ascension Stage expert.


    The founding ancestor of the Dao Zhu Dynasty has long passed away for many years. But his techniques and inheritance are in the hands of the royal family.


    With this foundation, they have nurtured not one but four Titanium Will Stage experts, and with the guidance they have of the founding ancestor, they also have a chance to step foot on the Heavenly Ascension Stage.


    The Heavenly Ascension Stage is the pinnacle of martial and spiritual integration in this world. Practitioners of this stage became one with the world itself.


    Their internal energy fused seamlessly with the environment, granting them near-limitless strength and endurance. Fatal wounds healed as if by divine will, and their sheer presence could crush weaker cultivators.


    Their willpower materialized into physical forms¡ªdomains where they reigned supreme. To fight against such a being was to challenge the heavens themselves.


    ¡°The Heavenly Ascension Stage...¡± Xiao Huzi murmured, his gaze distant. ¡°It¡¯s a realm too far from me now. But... one day.¡±


    He clenched his fists, feeling the energy flowing through his refined meridians. Years of relentless practice and study had brought him to the peak of the Meridian Strengthening Stage.


    The next step loomed large before him¡ªthe Stone Core Realm.


    ¡°To break through,¡± Xiao Huzi muttered, his voice steady, ¡°I must condense my internal energy into a stable core within my dantian. This core will become the foundation of my martial path. The process is delicate, but...¡± A faint smile crossed his lips.


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    ¡°With the Steel Vein Refinement Art tempering my meridians, even reckless energy circulation won¡¯t harm me. My meridians are stronger than steel, capable of handling anything I throw at them.¡±


    A flicker of excitement burned in his eyes.


    [You have Heaven Defying Comprehension. After studying all the Stone Core techniques of the Iron Vein Sect, you have created the Stone Core Condensation Technique]


    [You have Heaven Defying Comprehension. After seeing all the Stone Core techniques of Iron Vein Temple, you continue to perfect Stone Core Condensation Technique]


    The system¡¯s words rang in his mind like the tolling of a bell. Not only had he mastered the techniques, but his comprehension allowed him to perfect them. His path to the Stone Core Realm was set.


    Four Years Later


    In the Hall of Elders, Bo Chen, Sect Leader of Iron Vein Sect head, sat in conversation with Xu Zhi, head of the Discipline Court, and several other elders.


    ¡°It¡¯s been six years since Junior Brother Huzi secluded himself in the Scripture Pavilion, hasn¡¯t it?¡± Xu Zhi stroked his beard, a thoughtful expression on his face.


    After taking Mu Yang as his teacher, Xiao Huzi''s seniority in the Iron Vein Sect became the same as that of the Sect Leader of the Iron Vein Sect. Therefore, Bo Chen would refer to Xiao Huzi as his junior fellow apprentice.


    Bo Chen nodded. ¡°Yes. He hasn¡¯t stepped outside since the first year. To spend six years surrounded by books and techniques... such focus is rare.¡±


    ¡°Rare?¡± Xu Zhi chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s unheard of! Do you know how many disciples could endure that kind of solitude? And he¡¯s only twelve. At his age, most boys are running around causing trouble, not delving into martial arts texts for years on end.¡±


    Since Xiao Huzi moved into the Scripture Pavilion five years ago, he has only occasionally come out for a stroll in the first year. For the next four years, he never stepped out of the Scripture Pavilion again.


    "Junior Brother Huzi is a martial arts prodigy that only appears once in a hundred years. He truly has the patience to be surrounded by martial books all day." The Head of the Miscellaneous Services, Bing Huo, spoke.


    The others nodded. Junior Brother Huzi stayed in the Scripture Pavilion for five years, surrounded by martial arts books all day long. Many people do not have such concentration and patience.


    "I don''t know how Junior Brother Huzi''s training is going." A hint of curiosity appeared on the face of Bing Huo.


    Just at the age of seven, he was able to refine natural energy; now that he has been in the Scripture Pavilion for five years, everyone wants to know what level Xiao Huzi is at.


    The room grew quiet for a moment. Then Xu Zhi broke the silence. ¡°I¡¯d wager he¡¯s reached the peak of the Meridian Strengthening Stage by now. That would be an impressive feat for anyone, let alone someone his age."


    Bo Chen hesitated. ¡°Perhaps. But Junior Brother Huzi is still young. At twelve, his qi and blood are naturally weaker than older cultivators. Even with his talent, reaching the peak of the Meridian Strengthening Stage in five years seems... optimistic.¡±


    Although Xiao Huzi refined natural energy at the age of six, aside from his talent, frankly speaking, Xiao Huzi is just a child. Counting the time, he should be now twelve years old. A twelve-year-old child is normally deficient in Qi and blood.


    It would certainly take a lot of time to have sufficient Qi and Blood to enter the Meridian Strengthening Stage. In six years, Xiao Huzi might have just reached the threshold of the Meridian Strengthening Stage.


    "Perhaps he might be in the Meridian Strengthening Stage." Bo Chen pondered for a while and nodded slightly.


    He did not think that his junior brother Huzi would be able to make up for his foundation and reach the peak level of the Meridian Strengthening Stage. But Xiao Huzi was the disciple Mu Yang and of the same generation as him, so he could not be too negative in his words.


    "You two old fellows, do you have so little confidence in Junior Brother Huzi? Perhaps Junior Brother Huzi has already reached Stone Core Stage now." The head of the Martial Academy glanced in the direction of the Scripture Pavilion and said with a smile on his face. He was the most optimistic person about Xiao Huzi''s talent.


    ¡°Stone Core Realm?¡± Xu Zhi raised an eyebrow. ¡°Surely you jest.¡±


    The Martial Academy head shrugged. ¡°Do you think it¡¯s impossible?¡±


    ¡°I do.¡± Xu Zhi¡¯s tone was blunt. ¡°It takes years of preparation, even for a prodigy. The boy might be talented, but to reach the Stone Core Realm at twelve? That¡¯s... unprecedented.¡±


    ¡°Alright, enough about Junior Brother Huzi,¡± Bo Chen interrupted, his tone sharp. The conversation had spiraled into wild speculation, and it was starting to irk him.


    But before anyone could respond, a deafening boom resounded through the sect. An invisible yet overwhelming wave of power surged into the sky, rippling outward like a stone dropped into a calm lake.


    The elders froze in their seats, their expressions shifting to alarm.


    ¡°This... this aura¡ªcould it be Titanium Will Stage?¡± Bo Chen¡¯s voice trembled, his eyes wide with disbelief.


    Xu Zhi, the Head of the Discipline Court, was already on his feet, his face pale. ¡°Impossible! When did a Titanium Will Stage master appear in our sect?!¡±


    But then his gaze darted toward the source of the energy, realization dawning in his widened eyes. ¡°No... This power... it¡¯s coming from the Scripture Pavilion!¡±


    The others turned their heads in unison, their breaths catching.


    ¡°Wait. Are you saying...¡± Bing Huo¡¯s voice cracked, his disbelief morphing into outright panic. ¡°This is Junior Brother Huzi¡¯s aura?¡±


    The hall descended into stunned silence. Bo Chen¡¯s jaw dropped, his usually composed demeanor shattered. ¡°Junior Brother Huzi? A Titanium Will Stage expert? Are you insane?¡±


    Xu Zhi could only nod stiffly, pointing toward the Scripture Pavilion as if the waves of aura crashing over them weren¡¯t already proof enough.


    The Head of the Martial Academy let out a strangled laugh, though it sounded more like a gasp. ¡°You¡¯re telling me the kid who¡¯s been holed up reading books for five years has become... a Titanium Will Stage master?!¡±


    The words hung in the air, absurd yet undeniable. Bo Chen slumped back into his chair, muttering to himself. ¡°It was already crazy when he refined natural energy at the age of six. But now... Titanium Will Stage? At twelve? That¡¯s just... No. No!¡± He shook his head vigorously, as if trying to wake from a bad dream.


    Xu Zhi looked like he¡¯d swallowed a lemon. ¡°Do you know how rare a Titanium Will Stage expert is? Even in a hundred years, only one or two might emerge in the entire region. Most take decades to even dream of it! And yet, this kid¡ªthis child¡ªdoes it in five years? What is he, a demon in human skin?¡±

 Chapter 6 - Wish To See The Outside World

    In the secluded retreat of the back mountain, Mu Yang, the sect¡¯s strongest expert and Xiao Huzi¡¯s teacher, was meditating when the energy wave struck him like a physical force. His eyes snapped open, and for a moment, he simply sat there, stunned.


    ¡°This... could it be...?¡± His voice wavered as he rose to his feet, his gaze locked on the distant Scripture Pavilion.


    It took him a long moment to collect himself, but when he finally spoke, his words carried a mix of disbelief and resignation. ¡°Did Huzi... reach the Titanium Will Stage?¡±


    Mu Yang¡¯s mind raced. When he took the boy as a disciple six years ago, he had been astounded by his innate talent. Xiao Huzi¡¯s comprehension of martial arts was monstrous, to say the least. Mu Yang had privately speculated that his disciple might reach the Heavenly Ascension Stage within a century, perhaps even faster.


    But six years? Six short years, and the boy had already reached his own level?


    ¡°This isn¡¯t talent. This is... this is blasphemy,¡± Mu Yang muttered, his expression a mix of pride and envy. ¡°I¡¯ve spent decades clawing my way to the Titanium Will Stage, enduring countless hardships, and this brat does it before his voice even deepens. Is there any fairness left in this world?¡±


    He shook his head, a rueful smile tugging at his lips. ¡°If he keeps this up, he¡¯ll reach the Heavenly Ascension Stage by the time I need a cane to walk. What a monster.¡±


    Inside the Scripture Pavilion


    Xiao Huzi sat cross-legged, his young face calm but his eyes gleaming with wisdom far beyond his years. The storm of power that had erupted moments ago was now under his perfect control, restrained and compressed into his body. A faint, otherworldly glow seemed to emanate from him as he reflected on his breakthrough.


    "Is the spirit will similar to the Ascendant path of the ''Psyche Master'' of the human civilization in the main universe?" Xiao Huzi speculated in his mind. In the human civilization of the universe, Ascendants are no secret. Most of the Ascendant pathways are known to many citizens.


    The Ascendant path of the Psyche Master requires stimulating the nerves around the brain and tapping the consciousness of one''s mind through special means. Then the person can master the power of his mind and unleash many incredible abilities.


    But Xiao Huzi quickly dismissed the comparison. ¡°No... they are similar, but not the same.¡±


    Those who have ascended from the Psyche Master pathway have similar spirit wills, but they are generally weaker in physical bodies and can do illusions or read someone''s mind, provided that the opponent has a weak mind compared to the user.


    But the spirit will of the Titanium Will Stage is a pure offensive technique that targets the opponents minds, and the sense of oppression it creates is also greater than that of the Psyche Master. There is no need to say anything about the physical strength of the martial artists.


    Their physical body of martial artists has already surpassed that of an ordinary person and can perfectly control every bit of strength in his body.


    Xiao Huzi didn''t know the specific advantages and disadvantages of the Psyche Master Ascendant pathway. But he guessed that from what he had seen or heard, the Psyche Master should be weaker.


    "Martial arts, in the context of human civilization in the main universe, should be considered a completely new Ascendant pathway, right?"


    "If I push the martial arts of this world to a higher level in this world and submit it to the NovaSys for appraisal after returning, I will be able to get a huge amount of merit points. With the help of merit points, I will also be promoted to a higher level of citizen and gain exemption from compulsory military draft." Xiao Huzi thought in his mind.


    Xiao Huzi knew that NovaSys attached great importance to a new Ascendant Pathway.


    "Are all people waiting outside? Hmm, Master has also come. Do they know that I reached the Titanium Will Stage?" Xiao Huzi sensed Mu Yang, Bo Chen, and his group waiting outside the Scripture Pavilion with the help of his spirit will. When he broke through to the Titanium Will Stage, he condensed his spirit will, which inevitably led to the spread of the fluctuations in the surroundings. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    The higher the strength, the more likely the person will be able to sense the changes in the surroundings. It was normal that he was noticed by the higher-ups of the Iron Vein Sect.


    Mu Yang and the elders stood awkwardly, exchanging uneasy glances. The oppressive aura lingering around the Scripture Pavilion made even the most seasoned among them feel small.


    Bo Chen, trying to mask his nerves, muttered under his breath, ¡°A kid like that... It¡¯s unnatural. I swear it''s not some natural talent but some reincarnation of some ancient powerhouse.¡±


    Mu Yang and the other elders heard his words and couldn''t help but consider the possibility that he might be right. A sense of unease crept into Mu Yang''s heart as uncertainty gnawed at him¡ªhe had no idea what the mysterious ''senior'' intended to do.


    Before anyone could respond, a calm, youthful voice echoed in their minds. ¡°Please come in, everyone.¡±


    The elders froze for a second before scrambling to compose themselves.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Mu Yang said, leading the way with apprehension.


    The group climbed to the fifth floor of the Scripture Pavilion, their steps tentative. When they arrived, Xiao Huzi sat serenely at the center of the room, his presence radiating both maturity and unshakable confidence.


    Mu Yang, usually the most composed among them, bowed slightly. ¡°I greet Senior.¡±


    The others followed suit, their voices trembling slightly. ¡°We greet Senior.¡±


    Xiao Huzi¡¯s lips twitched in a faint smile. ¡°Senior?¡± he repeated, his tone amused. He didn¡¯t confirm nor deny the title, allowing their imaginations to fill in the gaps.


    Next, Xiao Huzi chatted with Mu Yang, Bo Chen, and other elders. He also took the opportunity to share his insights from the past few years. He explained the essence of spirit will, its formation, and the techniques he had devised to make the breakthrough simple and safe.


    The elders were initially skeptical, but they quickly found themselves awestruck. Every word Xiao Huzi spoke clarified concepts they had struggled with for decades.


    Even Mu Yang, who was already a Titanium Will master, felt his foundation strengthen as Xiao Huzi¡¯s explanations filled the gaps in his understanding.


    Bo Chen, the sect leader, trembled with emotion as he said, "How many years has it been since I stepped into the Stone Core stage? For so long, the path to the Titanium Will stage seemed like a distant mirage, an unattainable dream. Yet now¡­ now, I finally see a glimmer of hope to ascend to that exalted realm." His fists clenched tightly as determination flickered in his eyes, the yearning for a breakthrough surging like a tidal wave within his heart.


    Xu Zhi nodded with a grave expression. ¡°If this isn¡¯t the work of a peerless expert, then I¡¯ll gladly eat my boots.¡±


    Even Mu Yang couldn¡¯t hide his astonishment. Thoughts raced through his mind as he marveled at the profundity before him. "Could this be the opportunity I¡¯ve been waiting for to reach the Heavenly Ascension Stage? Perhaps¡­ I should consider taking him as my ''Master'' instead."


    As the session wound down, Xiao Huzi turned his gaze to Mu Yang, his voice softening. ¡°Master, your foundation is good, but the Titanium Will Stage is ultimately about the strength of one¡¯s mind, and it is quite difficult to increase the strength of mental will with the help of outside forces. Only through different life experiences can one temper his state of mind and increase the strength of mental will."


    ¡°Indeed, Senior. To increase the strength of my mental will, I need further tempering of my state of mind or have an opportunity for enlightenment." Mu Yang nodded humbly.


    Xiao Huzi¡¯s smile grew faintly mischievous. ¡°Fortunately, I anticipated this.¡±


    With a wave of his hand, a small jade scroll materialized, glowing faintly with spiritual energy. ¡°This is a martial art I created¡ªa technique to directly enhance mental capacity and strengthen Spirit Will. It¡¯s still untested, but I believe it will prove invaluable.¡±


    Mu Yang¡¯s eyes widened as he accepted the scroll, his hands trembling slightly. ¡°You¡­ created a technique for the spirit will?¡±


    Xiao Huzi nodded casually. ¡°Of course. Consider it a small token of gratitude for the guidance you gave me all those years ago.¡±


    Mu Yang could only laugh bitterly, shaking his head.


    You call this a ¡®small token¡¯? Mu Yang knew that techniques related to spirit will were very rare.


    Since ancient times, masters of the Titanium Will Stage had walked treacherous paths to temper their minds. They embraced emotions, both exalted and despairing, all to strengthen their mental will by the tiniest margin. Direct techniques to enhance spirit will were as rare as phoenix feathers. Even the royal family of the Great Dao Zhu Dynasty likely possessed only a handful of such treasures.


    "Alright, you all should leave now."


    Mu Yang, suppressing the excitement bubbling in his chest, bowed deeply. ¡°Yes, Senior.¡±


    The elders followed suit, their faces filled with reverence, before leaving the pavilion. As they departed, silence settled over the ancient building once more. Xiao Huzi ascended to the sixth floor, retrieving an ancient tome with practiced ease.


    Time passed quickly. Two years passed in the blink of an eye.


    Inside the Scripture Pavilion


    Waves of an inexplicable aura swirled in the air, yet they dared not breach the door, as though held at bay by an invisible force.


    Xiao Huzi opened his eyes. A faint flicker of white lightning arced through the sky outside, followed by the low hum of electricity forming from the void itself. He exhaled slowly.


    "Peak of Titanium Will Stage."


    The spirit will of the Titanium Will Stage can kill people with less mental strength than themselves, but it cannot shake the laws of matter with mental will alone. Since ancient times, no Titanium Will Stage master has been able to do this.


    But now, this iron rule has been broken by Xiao Huzi. Because Xiao Huzi''s mental will has surpassed every Titanium Will Stage present and has reached a level unprecedented in this world.


    Now, two years have passed, and it is not uncommon to break the shackles and achieve unprecedented achievements.


    ¡°It¡¯s time to explore the outside world,¡± he whispered. ¡°Seventeen years left in this world... I won¡¯t waste another moment.¡±


    Xiao Huzi calmed his breath and looked out of the Iron Vein Sect. After entering the peak of the Titanium Will Stage, Xiao Huzi had basically digested and absorbed the heritage accumulated by the Iron Vein Sect over thousands of years.


    Next, if Xiao Huzi wants to reach the Heavenly Ascension Stage, he has to comprehend a domain that belongs to himself. His experience of the outside world is too low. He now wants to travel around the world and learn more about other martial arts in the world.


    After all, Iron Vein Sect is just one of the three major sects of the Great Dao Zhu Dynasty. Compared to the outside world, it is just a small corner.

 Chapter 7 - To Tao, We Are Nothing

    In the Hall of Elders, Bo Chen and the elders of the Iron Vein Sect gathered to discuss their future path in martial arts. The room buzzed with an air of optimism that had been absent for decades.


    "I can already feel the bottleneck of the Titanium Will Stage loosening," one elder said with a hint of excitement. "Within the next decade, I am confident I can ascend to that level."


    Another elder nodded fervently. "I, too, sense the possibility. It''s a pity my duties here bind me. If not for the responsibilities of the sect, I would travel the world to temper my will and shatter this final barrier. Still, I must thank Senior. Without his guidance, this path would have remained a distant dream."


    The senior the elders were referring to was naturally Xiao Huzi. The elders exchanged glances, their expressions tinged with both excitement and gratitude. Xiao Huzi¡¯s presence had rejuvenated their martial aspirations, sparking hopes they had long buried.


    "Before, I would have accepted my limitations," another elder added. "But now, with the help of Senior''s insights, even I dare to dream of reaching the Titanium Will Stage within the next few decades."


    The other elders were equally enthusiastic, having benefited greatly from Xiao Huzi''s guidance. Even they now harbored hopes of reaching the Titanium Will Stage within the next twenty or thirty years.


    In this world, a martial arts master at the Stone Core Stage could easily live past two hundred years. Most of the elders of the Iron Vein Sect were in their seventies or eighties and still capable of making one last stand.


    Just as the room brimmed with hope, a disciple hurriedly entered, his face pale and sweat beading on his forehead.


    "Sect Leader! Elders! This is urgent!"


    Bo Chen''s expression immediately darkened with concern. "What is it? Speak slowly, and do not panic."


    The disciple tried to steady his breath, but his words came out in hurried gasps. "It¡¯s... it¡¯s the Chief Disciple..."


    Bo Chen¡¯s heart skipped a beat, and he stood abruptly. "What happened to him?"


    The Chief Disciple mentioned was naturally Xiao Huzi. Years ago, when Xiao Huzi was accepted as a disciple by Mu Yang, he was given the position of Chief Disciple of the Iron Vein Sect.


    The other elders leaned forward, their faces taut with worry. At this moment, in their eyes, Xiao Huzi was both a benefactor and the hope of the Iron Vein Sect.


    Any matter concerning him was a major event for the entire sect.


    The disciple quickly shook his head. "No, Sect Leader! He¡¯s not hurt. But... but he¡¯s gone down the mountain!"


    "Gone down the mountain?" Bo Chen froze for a moment, his mind racing. "Did he say why? What reason did the Chief Disciple give for such an abrupt decision?"


    The disciple swallowed hard, his voice trembling as he tried to mimic Xiao Huzi''s calm yet resolute tone. "The Chief Disciple said... he wanted to ¡®look at the world.¡¯"


    The room fell silent for a moment, the words hanging in the air.


    "Look at the world?" Bo Chen repeated, his voice a mix of disbelief and exasperation. "That¡¯s it? No further explanation?"


    "The world?" muttered Xu Zhi.


    "Does Senior intend to gain enlightenment through worldly experiences? It¡¯s not entirely unreasonable, but he¡¯s too young to wander the world alone!" The head of the Discipline Court seemed to have thought of something but swallowed his words before continuing.


    Bo Chen and the other elders exchanged glances.


    What a joke.


    Danger?


    Of course, they knew Xiao Huzi''s current state. Two years ago, Xiao Huzi had already reached the Titanium Will Stage.


    With the strength of the Titanium Will Stage, he could defeat an army of thousands single-handedly. It might take time to eliminate such a force completely, but at the very least, he could escape unscathed.


    In the absence of a Heavenly Ascension Stage cultivator, a Titanium Will Stage master could rule unrivaled in the world.


    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    Five months later


    In the bustling heart of the Dao Zhu Dynasty¡¯s capital, the Seven Heart Pavilion was alive with noise and energy. As the largest restaurant in the city, it brimmed with locals and travelers alike, all eager to savor its famed dishes or hear the latest gossip.


    Bang!


    On a raised platform in the center of the dining hall, a storyteller waved his arms dramatically, his voice rising and falling with theatrical flair.


    "Eight years ago," the storyteller began, "a young child was accepted as Chief Disciple by the illustrious Iron Vein Sect, one of the three major sects of the Dao Zhu Dynasty!"


    The audience leaned forward, hanging on his every word.


    "They say he was born with innate wisdom, destined for greatness. On the day he was chosen, a golden figure of the Immortal appeared above the sect, its light healing illnesses for miles around!"


    Gasps and murmurs filled the room.


    "And now," the storyteller said, pausing for effect, "eight years later, that child has¡ª"


    "WHAT?!" an impatient listener shouted.


    The storyteller chuckled, waving his fan coyly. "Come back tomorrow if you wish to know more."


    Coins clattered onto the stage as frustrated patrons tossed silver and copper his way. "Keep talking!" someone demanded.


    If you want a book to succeed, you must break it at the right place to spark readers¡¯ curiosity. Otherwise, how can you make money?


    The storyteller was obviously well aware of this. He collected the silver and coins on the platform before continuing his story.


    "By now, that disciple should be over fourteen years old. He¡¯s likely practicing martial arts in the Iron Vein Sect as we speak."


    The storyteller unfolded a paper fan and shook his head as he spoke.


    "What?"


    Many guests couldn¡¯t help but cry out in disappointment. They had been eager to hear about the amazing feats of the young prodigy, only to be met with such an anticlimactic revelation.


    However, after thinking it over, they found it reasonable. What could a teenager accomplish, no matter how great their potential?


    As for the strange phenomena the storyteller described, most assumed they were exaggerated tales designed to captivate the audience.


    What no one in the restaurant noticed was a young boy in a black robe sitting quietly in a corner with a peculiar expression on his face.


    "Am I this famous already?" Xiao Huzi shook his head slightly.


    He didn¡¯t find the attention surprising. The Iron Vein Sect was one of the three major sects of the Great Dao Zhu Dynasty, a sacred place for martial artists. Naturally, every move he made would attract attention from the outside world¡ªespecially since he had been accepted as a disciple by a master like Mu Yang.


    With the elders and Sect Leader Bo Chen making no effort to suppress the news, it was only natural for rumors to spread and evolve into various versions over time.


    Xiao Huzi enjoyed the delicacies of the Seven Heart Pavilion. After finishing his meal, he left some silver on the table and walked out.


    On the streets paved with blue stone slabs, the bustling crowd and the shouts of vendors created a lively atmosphere. Xiao Huzi moved among them, blending in seamlessly.


    He eventually arrived in a secluded area in the southwest corner of the city, where he rented a shop for three pieces of gold for an entire year.


    After tidying up the shop, he moved in. Five months passed during which Xiao Huzi traveled the world, enjoying the beauty of nature. For the first time since arriving in this world, his heart and mind felt completely at ease, unburdened by worries.


    During his travels, he deliberately suppressed his cultivation level and engaged in battles with monsters and martial artists alike. The outcome was always the same¡ªhe emerged victorious every time.


    Initially, he found inspiration in fighting other martial artists, observing their techniques and approaches. However, this interest waned as he quickly realized that no one could truly challenge him.


    Feeling uninspired by the lack of worthy opponents, Xiao Huzi decided it was time to attempt a breakthrough into the Heavenly Ascension Stage. He understood that reaching this realm required him to comprehend and establish a unique domain.


    To achieve this, he resolved to immerse himself in the mundane world, experiencing its intricacies and drawing inspiration to craft a domain that reflected his own path.


    The shop he had rented, tucked away from the main streets, was perfectly inconspicuous¡ªa characteristic Xiao Huzi found ideal for his purposes. Xiao Huzi decided he would sell paintings.


    The next morning, Xiao Huzi opened the shop¡¯s door, cleaned it like an ordinary shopkeeper, and then sat at the table.


    He unfurled a pristine white scroll, opened an ink bottle, and dipped his brush into the black ink.


    A faint whisper reached his ears. It was so subtle that it could easily have been ignored if he hadn¡¯t been focused. Concentrating his mind, Xiao Huzi listened carefully, and slowly, words formed in his mind.


    He murmured softly, "Heaven and Earth are impartial;


    They treat all creatures as straw dogs.


    The sage, too, is impartial;


    To him, the people are like straw dogs.


    The space between Heaven and Earth


    Is it not like a bellows?


    Empty, yet never exhausted.


    The more it moves, the more it yields.


    As Xiao Huzi spoke these words, he felt a strange sensation¡ªhe both understood something profound and felt he understood nothing at all.


    A few days ago, Xiao Huzi noticed a subtle but profound change within himself. He began to hear faint whispers in his ears. When he focused and listened carefully, he was astonished. The words he heard were profound and brimming with deep meaning.


    Only after fully comprehending one set of whispers would another emerge, revealing even greater insights. This mysterious phenomenon was one of the reasons he chose to embrace a mundane life, seeking to understand the whispered truths while grounding himself in simplicity.


    Clearing his mind of all distractions, Xiao Huzi picked up the brush and made the first stroke on the scroll, his thoughts completely blank and serene.


    He began by sketching a hawk. Its form was bold and sharp, soaring proudly through the sky. Its talons were extended menacingly, while its wings spread wide as if to shroud the world beneath them. The hawk¡¯s entire being radiated a fierce vitality, exuding both grace and death.


    Beneath the hawk, Xiao Huzi painted a rabbit¡ªa fragile creature oblivious to the predator above. Its eyes were filled with curiosity and life.


    Nearby, he added a snake, slithering silently, biding its time. Surrounding the scene was lush vegetation, detailed down to the smallest leaf.


    As Xiao Huzi painted, his mind immersed itself in the scene. The image was no longer mere ink and paper¡ªit became alive in his consciousness.


    The hawk¡¯s screech echoed in his ears. He felt the rabbit¡¯s fear, the snake¡¯s hunger, and the wind buffeting the hawk¡¯s wings. Each creature, with its desires and struggles, was bound by the same indifference of nature.


    For hours, Xiao Huzi painted, carefully refining every detail. The hawk¡¯s feathers glistened with a metallic sheen. The snake¡¯s scales shimmered under imagined sunlight. The rabbit¡¯s fur seemed to ripple with life, caught mid-leap.


    As the sun dipped below the horizon, he added the final stroke to the scroll.


    "Nature is indifferent," Xiao Huzi muttered, gazing at the cycle of life and death depicted in his painting. "It has no favorites, no enemies, no allies. It simply is."


    "Mortals cling to importance, yet to the Tao, we are no different from straw dogs¡ªtemporary, fleeting, and ultimately part of a greater flow."


    This realization struck him like a thunderbolt.


    The heavens and earth, vast and boundless, were unconcerned with the struggles of mortals. Their forces moved unceasingly, like a bellows, breathing life and destruction without bias.


    The more he meditated, the more his understanding deepened.


    The Tao treated all things equally, whether the mightiest warrior or the humblest insect. It nourished all creatures and phenomena but held none in special regard.


    The sage, seeking harmony with the Tao, mirrored the impartiality of Heaven and Earth. This impartiality didn¡¯t imply unkindness or apathy¡ªit reflected the ability to act without bias, attachment, or judgment. To treat people as "straw dogs" meant valuing them appropriately in the moment but not clinging to them or being overly swayed by their actions or opinions.


    </article>

 Chapter 8 - I Dont Want To Learn Fishing

    Like a bellows that generates wind through its emptiness, the void between Heaven and Earth is brimming with limitless potential.


    This emptiness is not a void of lack but a wellspring of endless creation, sustaining all life and phenomena without ever being depleted.


    At that moment, Xiao Huzi¡¯s internal energy began to stir, flowing seamlessly into the painting before him as though his very essence had become a part of it.


    In the blink of an eye, a month had passed. Xiao Huzi¡¯s shop, tucked away in the quiet streets, began to fill with his creations. The shelves were now adorned with paintings so vivid they seemed almost alive.


    His brush captured the essence of life¡ªmales and females, the young and old, vibrant landscapes, and serene depictions of nature.


    Throughout this time, not a single customer had stepped foot into his shop, yet Xiao Huzi didn¡¯t mind. Immersed in his art, he found joy and purpose. His dedication was so consuming that he had even set aside martial arts practice to fully focus on painting.


    One day, while he was absorbed in his work, the soft chime of the shop door opening echoed through the room. A young boy, no older than ten, stepped hesitantly inside, his wide eyes scanning the shop with a mix of curiosity and awe.


    The boy froze upon seeing Xiao Huzi, but his attention quickly shifted to the paintings that filled the room. His expression lit up as he asked eagerly, ¡°Big Brother, did you make all these? They¡¯re so pretty! Can I have one?¡±


    Xiao Huzi smiled warmly, setting his brush aside. He walked to the shelves and retrieved a painting.


    The painting was deceptively simple yet deeply meaningful. The upper half depicted swirling clouds, representing the nameless Tao¡ªthe boundless potential of the universe.


    Below, a serene landscape unfolded: mountains, rivers, and a solitary tree, symbolizing the named Tao¡ªthe tangible world of forms. Between the two lay a thin, unpainted space, a subtle reminder of the mysterious gateway connecting the unmanifested and the manifested.


    The boy¡¯s face lit up as Xiao Huzi handed him the painting. His excitement quickly turned to confusion as he noticed an inscription written in elegant characters on the bottom corner.


    Curious, the boy read it aloud, stumbling slightly over the unfamiliar words:


    "The Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao.


    The name that can be named is not the eternal name.


    The nameless is the origin of Heaven and Earth;


    The named is the mother of the myriad things.


    Therefore, constantly without desire, one observes its essence;


    Constantly with desire, one observes its manifestations.


    These two arise together yet are different in name. Together they are called the mysterious.


    The mystery of mysteries is the gateway to all wonders."


    The boy scratched his head in confusion. ¡°Big Brother, I don¡¯t understand a single word. Can you explain it to me?¡±


    Xiao Huzi chuckled softly, rubbing the boy¡¯s head affectionately. ¡°Child, listen carefully. When it comes to understanding ultimate reality, words and concepts are limited. The Tao, the essence of existence, cannot be fully captured by language.


    Think of the Tao like the ocean¡ªvast, boundless, and ever-changing. Words are like buckets of water drawn from it. They serve a purpose but can never encompass the ocean¡¯s entirety.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    The nameless Tao represents infinite potential, the source from which everything arises, like the stillness before creation. The named Tao is the world of forms and experiences, the expression of that potential.


    These two aspects, though seemingly different, are complementary. The unmanifested gives rise to existence, and the manifested world reflects its source. Together, they form the cycle of life.


    Without desire, one can perceive the Tao¡¯s eternal nature¡ªunchanging and infinite. With desire, one engages with its manifestations, the dynamic and ever-shifting world.


    Desire itself is not wrong; it¡¯s a natural part of existence. However, clinging to desire limits understanding, focusing only on the surface and obscuring the deeper truths.


    True wisdom lies in balancing these perspectives, recognizing the harmony between emptiness and form, between the eternal and the transient. To truly grasp the Tao, one must experience it directly, like feeling the warmth of the sun or the coolness of a breeze. This understanding opens the doorway to life¡¯s infinite wonder.¡±


    As Xiao Huzi finished speaking, he noticed the boy staring at him, mouth agape, a confused expression plastered on his face. A silent question mark seemed to hover above his head.


    Xiao Huzi chuckled to himself, unconcerned. Whether the boy understood or not was irrelevant. He had spoken his thoughts, and that was enough. If the boy gleaned even a fragment of wisdom, it would be worthwhile.


    Though the boy didn¡¯t comprehend a single word of Xiao Huzi¡¯s explanation, he instinctively knew the painting was valuable.


    The boy clutched the painting tightly, holding it like a precious treasure. With a bright, crisp voice, he said, ¡°Thank you, Big Brother! I¡¯m from the stall across the street. Goodbye!¡± Without waiting for a reply, he darted out of the shop, shouting excitedly, ¡°Father! Look! Big Brother gave me this!¡±


    Xiao Huzi stood up and walked to the entrance of the shop, curious about the commotion. Across the street, he saw a man emerge from a modest stall. The man looked at the boy with warmth in his eyes and took the painting from him.


    As his gaze fell on the artwork, his expression shifted¡ªhis eyes lit up with awe. Without hesitation, he walked toward Xiao Huzi, holding the painting carefully.


    ¡°Little brother,¡± the man said, his tone polite yet firm, ¡°kids don¡¯t always know the value of things. How much for this painting?¡±


    Xiao Huzi shook his head gently. ¡°I gave it to him. It¡¯s just a piece of art.¡±


    The boy¡¯s father hesitated for a moment, looking between Xiao Huzi and the painting. Then, he smiled, his demeanor softening. ¡°You¡¯re new around here, aren¡¯t you? I haven¡¯t seen you before.¡±


    Xiao Huzi nodded, returning the smile.


    The man¡¯s smile widened. ¡°Little brother, if you don¡¯t mind, come over for a meal. I¡¯ve got some homemade dumplings. I promise they¡¯re better than anything you¡¯ll find in the restaurants.¡±


    Xiao Huzi paused briefly before nodding in agreement. The man¡¯s genuine kindness stirred a rare warmth in his heart.


    Inside the modest stall, there was a simple square table set with a few homemade dishes. Xiao Huzi sat down, picked up his chopsticks, and tasted the dumplings. To his surprise, they were indeed delicious, just as the man had promised.


    Seeing that Xiao Huzi was enjoying the meal, the boy¡¯s father beamed with satisfaction. ¡°Told you,¡± he said with a chuckle. ¡°Nothing beats a home-cooked meal.¡±


    Xiao Huzi ate in silence, savoring each bite. The dumplings reminded him of something distant yet comforting. As he looked at the boy and his father chatting happily, a faint memory from his previous life surfaced. He had long forgotten the warmth of family meals, the simplicity of human connection.


    After the meal, the boy¡¯s father shared more about their life. Xiao Huzi learned that the boy¡¯s mother had passed away during a beast attack years ago. Despite the hardship of being a single parent, the man had poured his heart into raising his son.


    It was clear that he deeply cared for the boy, ensuring he grew up in an environment full of love and laughter.


    From that day onward, a new element entered Xiao Huzi¡¯s life¡ªdumplings. The boy became a regular visitor to Xiao Huzi¡¯s shop, often bringing a small container of freshly made dumpling.


    Each visit was filled with chatter and laughter as the boy watched Xiao Huzi paint. Over time, Xiao Huzi found himself anticipating these visits, the boy¡¯s youthful energy becoming a small yet meaningful part of his mundane routine.


    Gradually, Xiao Huzi¡¯s shop transformed. The once-bare walls were now adorned with countless paintings, each reflecting his growing understanding of the Tao. These weren¡¯t ordinary artworks; they carried a profound intent, infused with his mental will.


    While ordinary people admired their beauty, martial artists who passed by felt a faint, almost imperceptible aura of power emanating from the paintings.


    For those at the Titanium Will Stage, this power was terrifying¡ªa manifestation of an artist¡¯s unparalleled insight into the mysteries of the world.


    Xiao Huzi¡¯s life began to change subtly. Despite his extraordinary talent, he had seamlessly blended into the rhythm of mundane life. He rose early every morning, opened his shop, and spent the day painting in quiet contentment.


    The neighbors, charmed by his humble demeanor and exceptional artistry, grew fond of the quiet young man. They often stopped by to chat or admire his work, and their genuine warmth added another layer of richness to his days.


    As time passed, word of Xiao Huzi¡¯s paintings began to spread. Customers trickled in, drawn by the intricate details and lifelike quality of his work.


    While they couldn¡¯t perceive the deep intent infused in the art, they were captivated by its craftsmanship. Slowly but surely, Xiao Huzi¡¯s shop gained a modest reputation in the area.


    Three year passed in the blink of an eye. During this time, Xiao Huzi had devoted himself entirely to painting, immersing himself in the joy and tranquility it brought.


    He had temporarily set aside his identity as a martial artist and a transmigrator, losing himself in the simple pleasures of mundane life. Yet, within this simplicity, profound realizations about the Tao continued to take root in his heart.


    Though life seemed quiet and uneventful, Xiao Huzi knew that each stroke of his brush was paving the way for something greater. What he was creating wasn¡¯t just art¡ªit was the foundation for his breakthrough.


    At that moment, Ming Chen entered Xiao Huzi¡¯s shop, carrying a basket brimming with freshly made dumplings. Over the past three years, the young boy had undergone a noticeable transformation.


    He had grown a head taller and now stood with the physical stature of a boy much older than his thirteen years¡ªcloser to sixteen in appearance.


    Letting out a groan, Ming Chen plopped down beside Xiao Huzi, a disgruntled look on his face. ¡°Big Brother,¡± he began in an exasperated tone, ¡°you¡¯ve got to talk to my dad. I don¡¯t want to learn fishing! I want to paint, like you. But every time, he drags me to the river and gives me a long lecture about how important it is to catch fish.¡± He punctuated his complaint by placing the basket of dumplings next to Xiao Huzi with a resigned sigh.


    As he spoke, his gaze drifted toward the unfinished painting in Xiao Huzi¡¯s hands. His eyes sparkled with intrigue as he leaned in for a closer look.


    Over the past year, Ming Chen had become deeply captivated by the masterpieces adorning the walls of Xiao Huzi¡¯s shop.

 Chapter 9 - Experiencing Loneliness

    Each painting carried a sense of life, and held an otherworldly quality that never failed to fascinate him.


    Xiao Huzi chuckled, a warm and indulgent smile gracing his lips. He reached for a dumpling from the basket and took a bite. The dumpling was fresh, its thin dough encasing a flavorful filling of assorted vegetables, emitting a pleasant aroma.


    ¡°Your dad only wants the best for you, Ming¡¯er,¡± Xiao Huzi said after a moment, his tone light. ¡°Fishing teaches patience and persistence. Both are useful, even for painting.¡±


    Ming Chen pouted but didn¡¯t argue further. Instead, he continued to study the painting in Xiao Huzi¡¯s hand, the vibrant colors and intricate strokes capturing his attention. ¡°Still,¡± he muttered, ¡°I think painting is way cooler than fishing. You make something that lasts forever, not just a fish that gets eaten in one meal.¡±


    Xiao Huzi¡¯s laughter filled the shop. ¡°Maybe one day, Ming Chen,¡± he said, his voice tinged with a mix of humor and wisdom. ¡°But for now, learn everything you can¡ªeven from fishing. You might find inspiration where you least expect it.¡±


    The boy sighed but nodded, clearly unconvinced but unwilling to argue further. As Xiao Huzi continued working on his painting, Ming Chen sat beside him, quietly watching, his earlier frustration slowly melting away.


    Moments like these had become a regular part of their lives¡ªsimple, yet brimming with an unspoken bond that grew deeper with each passing year.


    Time flowed like a quiet stream, and before anyone realized it, another year had passed. This marked the fourth year Xiao Huzi had lived in the bustling capital of the Great Dao Zhu Dynasty.


    Ming Chen had grown taller and sturdier, his youthful frame now resembling that of a young man. His cheerful demeanor remained unchanged.


    The neighborhood around them had also evolved. New families moved in, bringing fresh faces and vibrant stories, while some old ones faded away. A shop nearby had been sold after its elderly owner passed, leaving behind a bittersweet emptiness.


    Ming Chen¡¯s father, though still in his forties, now bore a few more wrinkles, the subtle yet undeniable marks of time. His once vigorous figure had slowed slightly, but his care for his son remained unwavering.


    Autumn gave way to winter as the seasons continued to pass. Xiao Huzi observed the endless cycle of life¡ªthe birth of the young and the inevitable passing of the old. Though he sometimes felt wistful, his heart remained steady, unshaken by the passage of time. He had barely practiced martial arts in these past years.


    Strength and progress, now seemed trivial. Painting consumed his days as he sought the deeper truths of the Dao.


    Despite his detachment, Xiao Huzi¡¯s painting shop had become well-known in the imperial capital. Martial artists and merchants alike came seeking his work, drawn by the intricate strokes and profound intent in each piece.


    Yet Xiao Huzi cared little for the money his paintings brought him. To him, painting was a bridge to comprehend the Dao, not a pursuit of wealth.


    As the New Year approached, the city streets came alive with vibrant lanterns, decorations, and an infectious energy. Xiao Huzi sat on a wooden chair outside his shop, quietly watching the bustling crowd. Snow blanketed the ground, and the air was crisp and filled with laughter.


    From across the street, Ming Chen burst out of his home, a string of fireworks in hand, his face glowing with excitement. He darted through the snow, leaping and shouting, until his eyes landed on Xiao Huzi.


    With a wide grin, he ran over and called out, ¡°Big Brother Huzi! Why are you sitting here all alone in the cold? The whole street is celebrating! Look, I even brought fireworks for you. Let¡¯s go light them!¡±If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Xiao Huzi smiled faintly, the corners of his mouth barely lifting. ¡°Ming¡¯er, you go ahead and enjoy yourself with your friends. I¡¯m fine here. The snow looks better in silence.¡±


    Ming Chen frowned but didn¡¯t argue. Instead, he placed the fireworks beside Xiao Huzi and plopped down next to him. Xiao Huzi reached into his robe and pulled out a small pouch, handing it to the boy.


    ¡°Take this,¡± Xiao Huzi said, his tone warm. ¡°A New Year¡¯s gift from your older brother. Use it to buy something nice.¡±


    Ming Chen¡¯s eyes lit up with curiosity as he opened the pouch. A golden gleam spilled out, momentarily blinding him. When his vision cleared, he was stunned. The pouch was filled with gold coins¡ªmore than enough to ensure a lifetime of comfort for him and his father.


    ¡°Big Brother,¡± Ming Chen stammered, his voice trembling with shock. ¡°Other people give copper coins for New Year gifts, and you¡¯re handing me gold like it¡¯s nothing! Just how rich are you?¡±


    Recovering from his amazement, Ming Chen tried to return the pouch. ¡°I can¡¯t accept this,¡± he said, shaking his head. ¡°My father would kill me if he found out I took something like this.¡±


    Xiao Huzi chuckled, gently pushing the pouch back toward him. ¡°It¡¯s not for your father to decide. I¡¯m giving it to you, Ming¡¯er. You¡¯ve worked hard this year¡ªhelping me, supporting your father, growing into someone he can be proud of. I¡¯m proud of you too. Consider this a small recognition of your efforts.¡±


    Ming Chen hesitated, still unsure. ¡°But, Big Brother... This is too much. I don¡¯t know if I deserve it. And what about you? Won¡¯t you need this for yourself?¡±


    Xiao Huzi laughed softly and ruffled Ming Chen¡¯s hair. ¡°My shop does well enough, and my needs are few. As for whether you deserve it, that¡¯s for me to decide, not you. You¡¯ve brought laughter and company to this quiet shop of mine. That alone is worth more than gold. Now, take it. Unless, of course, you don¡¯t consider me your Big Brother anymore?¡±


    He finished with a mock frown, his voice playful. Ming Chen¡¯s eyes welled up as he clutched the pouch tightly.


    ¡°I¡­ Thank you, Big Brother Huzi. I don¡¯t know what else to say,¡± he murmured, his voice choked with emotion. His big brother was truly good to him.


    Xiao Huzi¡¯s smile deepened, and for a moment, the cold winter air seemed a little warmer. ¡°Then don¡¯t say anything, Ming¡¯er. Use it to lighten your father¡¯s burdens, or perhaps, if there¡¯s something you¡¯ve been longing for, use it for yourself. You¡¯ve earned it. Now go. Your father has been calling for you.


    Ming Chen hesitated, his reluctance visible in the way he shuffled his feet. But he eventually nodded, his youthful face a mixture of gratitude and unease. ¡°Thank you, Big Brother. I won¡¯t forget this.¡±


    With that, he turned and dashed toward his home, the string of fireworks bouncing in his hand. Xiao Huzi watched as the boy disappeared into the warm glow of his house, the door closing behind him and sealing him within the embrace of familial comfort.


    A faint smile lingered on Xiao Huzi¡¯s lips, but it soon faded, replaced by a distant look that seemed to pierce through the falling snow and into the unseen horizons.


    Snow fell in gentle swirls, blanketing the world in a fragile white stillness. He exhaled slowly, his breath forming ephemeral clouds in the chill air.


    A quiet sigh escaped his lips, and his eyes traced the snow-covered streets. "The path of immortality¡­ It is a paradox wrapped in infinite layers of truth and illusion. To seek eternity is to forsake all that is transient. Yet, how can one truly understand eternity without first experiencing the fleeting nature of life?"


    "People often mistake immortality for escape. Escape from death, from pain, from loss. But immortality is not freedom. It is a shackle of its own. To live beyond the cycles of life and death is to bear witness to an eternity of change. Empires will rise and fall, rivers will carve mountains and vanish into the sea. Faces will fade, laughter will become echoes, and even memories will erode under the weight of infinite time."


    "And yet, I choose this path. Not because it is easy, but because it is inevitable. To remain in the mortal coil is to accept decay. To seek the eternal is to challenge the heavens themselves. This is the ultimate defiance¡ªto claim for oneself what the cosmos denies. Immortality is not given; it is earned through struggle, through sacrifice, through unyielding resolve."


    His mind delved deeper into the heart of his pursuit. "What is the Dao? Is it the laws of the universe, the patterns of existence that bind all things? Or is it the essence beyond the laws, the eternal truth hidden beneath the illusion of reality? Perhaps it is both, or neither. The Dao is a riddle with no answer, a journey with no destination. Yet, I walk this path because I must. Because to not walk it is to deny my very essence."


    The snow outside grew heavier. Xiao Huzi watched it, a flicker of understanding dawning in his eyes. "The snow falls, unbidden, unbound. It does not ask why it falls or where it lands. It simply is. Perhaps that is the nature of the Dao¡ªnot a thing to be grasped but a state to be embodied. To live as the snow, to drift without fear, without attachment, yet with purpose."


    His thoughts drifted, unbidden, to the boy who had just left and the simple joys of their time together. "When I leave this plane," he thought, "what will I miss most? It won¡¯t be the people of Iron Vein Sect, nor the people I¡¯ve met while wandering, but the fleeting warmth of moments like these. In all my lives, I have never felt what I feel with him¡ªa bond as fragile and fleeting as the snowflakes falling now."


    Xiao Huzi felt cold. The cold he felt was not from the winter¡¯s bite but something deeper¡ªan ache rooted in his very soul.


    His heart ached, a sharp pain born of the memories he held dear. "Ah, this pain¡­ It is the weight of mortality. The longing for what must be left behind. But is it not this very pain that gives meaning to the pursuit? To sever these bonds is not to discard them, but to honor them."


    "For only by letting go can I hope to rise above, to become something greater than the sum of my fleeting experiences. This is the trial of the path¡ªnot the battles, not the power struggles, but the quiet moments when you must turn your back on the things that make you human."


    "To tread the path of immortality is to embrace solitude, not as a curse but as a crucible. Loneliness is the forge in which the soul is tempered, the fire that purifies the heart. And in this solitude, one discovers the self¡ªnot the self defined by others, but the self that exists beyond all definitions, eternal and unchanging."

 Chapter 10 - My Insignificant Dream

    He leaned back, the wooden chair creaking softly under him, and gazed upward at the dim heavens. "What a cruel paradox," he whispered, his voice lost in the wind. "The more I cherish these fleeting bonds, the more painful it becomes to sever them. But what choice do I have? To walk the path of immortality is to embrace the void within, to make peace with the shadow that no fire can dispel."


    Memories of laughter and quiet dinners with Ming Chen and his father floated to the surface of his mind.


    "Is the pursuit of immortality truly worth it?" he questioned, though he already knew his answer. "Perhaps. Perhaps not. Only those who reach the end of this path can say whether the price was justified. Yet I care little for such justifications."


    His fingers traced the grain of the wooden armrest. "I have felt the fire¡¯s warmth and the snow¡¯s bite, and I know them for what they are¡ªtransient sensations bound to a body that will one day crumble into dust. If I cling to them, I too will fall. But if I let them go, I may rise. The pursuit of immortality demands sacrifice, not because it is heartless, but because it is endless."


    The streets grew darker, and the snow continued to fall. Xiao Huzi¡¯s gaze softened, the faintest hint of sadness flickering in his eyes. "One day, perhaps, I will return to this city," he murmured. "But by then, centuries will have passed and no one will remember me. I will sit here again, surrounded by strangers in a world reborn. By then, I will no longer crave warmth or companionship. My heart will be like the heavens¡ªvast, tranquil, and eternal."


    He closed his eyes, letting the cold seep into his skin, though he did not shiver. "Until that day comes," he whispered, "I will carry this cold, this ache, this silence. For in this solitude, I will find my true Dao. Not for glory, not for power, but for understanding. To tread this path is to become a madman, perhaps, but it is the only path I choose."


    A faint ripple of energy radiated from him, so subtle it seemed part of the falling snow. The firelight from the houses around him dimmed and flickered.


    The snow fell heavier, blanketing the street in an untouched purity. Xiao Huzi opened his eyes, their clarity reflecting the stillness of his soul.


    And in the quiet of the winter night, the seed of his immortal resolve began to bloom.


    After some time passed, Xiao Huzi rose from his chair and went inside his house. With deliberate steps, he made his way to the small shelf in the corner of his house.


    From it, he retrieved a pristine white scroll, its surface untouched and smooth as fresh snow. He returned to the table and spread the scroll out with care.


    He uncapped a bottle of ink. Picking up his brush, Xiao Huzi dipped it into the ink, watching the bristles drink in the darkness. His hand moved almost instinctively, the first stroke flowing onto the paper like a stream finding its course.


    As his brush moved, his breathing slowed, and his gaze turned blank. The world around him faded into obscurity as he delved deep into the recesses of his mind.


    Each stroke carried a weight, an emotion, a fragment of something far beyond the tangible. Time slipped away unnoticed and only the faint sound of the ink brush bristling on the paper remained.


    Finally, the brush in his hand stilled. Xiao Huzi blinked, his eyes focusing on the creation before him. His breath hitched. The painting seemed almost alive, radiating an aura of unease, as though it were a portal to a world on the brink of collapse.


    On the scroll was a grotesque mountain made entirely of people. Twisted bodies writhed and crawled toward the peak, where a faint, almost imperceptible white light flickered. The mountain was a chaotic amalgamation of humanity, their limbs interwoven in a struggle that defied logic. If one didn¡¯t look carefully, the light at the peak would seem insignificant, almost swallowed by the painting¡¯s chaos.


    The figures in the painting were a study in madness. Some clawed their way upward with greedy expressions, eyes glinting with an insatiable hunger.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    Others wore masks of cold indifference, as though the struggle was beneath them. Yet, despair clung to many, their faces etched with hopelessness as they faltered on the mountain¡¯s slope.


    But it was the horrifying figures that seized Xiao Huzi¡¯s attention. Some were locked in brutal combat, stabbing and slashing without hesitation. Others had descended into madness, biting and tearing at flesh with their teeth, blood painting their faces in ghastly streaks of crimson. A few devoured the dead, their mouths stuffed with raw, mangled flesh, their eyes wide with frenzied delight. The expressions were grotesque.


    Above this nightmarish scene, the sky loomed blood-red, streaked with veins of black. The air in the painting felt suffocating, oppressive, as though the world it depicted teetered on the edge of annihilation.


    Despite the chaos, every figure shared one haunting trait¡ªtheir yearning. No matter how twisted, indifferent, or despairing, each pair of eyes was fixed on the faint, flickering white light at the mountain''s peak, as though it held the answer to their existence.


    Xiao Huzi took a step back, his heart pounding. He couldn¡¯t believe what he had created. His paintings had always been a gateway to understanding, a means to gain insights into the Dao.


    Yet this¡­ This was unlike anything he had ever painted. His previous works, though profound, had never carried this weight of dread, this sense of despair and futility.


    "What¡­ does this mean?" he muttered, his voice trembling slightly. The painting felt foreign, as though it had been created by a hand that wasn¡¯t entirely his own.


    He stared at the figures, at their desperation, their madness, their yearning. The faint white light looked small and unimportant next to the chaos and destruction of the mountain, yet it drew all the attention.


    He closed his eyes, forcing his racing mind to still. "What does this light signify? What truth lies hidden in this chaos?"


    As his thoughts delved deeper, he began to see the painting not as a simple depiction, but as a mirror. The mountain represented the path of immortality, a treacherous climb fraught with suffering and sacrifice.


    The figures were the countless people who had walked this path, their emotions laying bare the cost of their pursuit. Greed, indifference, despair, madness¡ªall were the trials that awaited those who sought to ascend.


    The white light at the peak¡­ It was the Dao itself. Small, distant, and almost obscured by the mountain¡¯s horrors, yet it was there. It was real. And it was enough to drive countless souls to madness, to despair, to destruction.


    A chill ran down Xiao Huzi¡¯s spine as he realized the painting¡¯s deeper truth. "The Dao is not a path of purity or perfection. It is a path of chaos, of struggle, of sacrifice. To seek it is to walk willingly into the abyss, knowing that it may consume you. The light may guide, but it will not save."


    The grotesque figures gnawing at each other, their faces smeared with crimson streaks of blood, sent a shiver coursing through Xiao Huzi¡¯s soul. The sheer savagery, the madness etched into their distorted features¡ªit was haunting. His fingers trembled slightly as he traced the outline of one such figure on the painting, his voice barely above a whisper.


    "Is this what I will become?" he murmured, his words laden with fear and reflection. "Will my yearning for immortality drive me to this madness? Will I tear apart others, lose my very essence, all for the faint hope of reaching that elusive light?"


    The thought lingered, heavy as a mountain pressing against his chest. Yet Xiao Huzi closed his eyes and steadied his breath. He understood that this question, as terrifying as it was, could not be ignored. "I must review myself," he thought. "The heart that seeks immortality must not waver. Am I prepared for what lies ahead?"


    He opened his eyes and looked deeper into the painting, into the chaos of the mountain and the faint glimmer at its peak. The truth came to him as sharp as a blade. He did not see himself as a savior, a saint who would sacrifice his dreams for the well-being of others. Nor was he a tyrant, a crazed murderer who revels in suffering, looking down upon all existence as if it were beneath him. No, Xiao Huzi was neither extreme. He was simply... himself.


    "The pursuit of immortality," he murmured, "is neither noble nor vile. It simply is. It is a path chosen not for others, but for myself. I walk it not to prove a point or to impose my will, but because it is the only path that resonates with my soul."


    "What I seek is not grandeur or power. I do not wish to live forever to dominate, nor do I long for eternal life as an escape from death. I seek immortality because it is my dream. My existence, insignificant as it may seem, dares to challenge the heavens themselves. It is not arrogance but a desire to witness something greater¡ªto see the scenery from the peak of immortality, to grasp the Dao that lies beyond the veil of life and death."


    His hand clenched into a fist, his nails digging into his palm. "I will not falter," he thought, his determination igniting like a roaring fire. "I refuse to live a life of regret, to stand on my deathbed and wonder ''what if?'' Even if the heavens crush me, even if the earth consumes me, I will walk this path. Let the world call me mad or selfish. It matters not. For me, this pursuit is worth the price of my entire being."


    "I may stumble," he admitted to himself, his voice soft but unyielding. "I may fall prey to greed, despair, or madness. But I will rise again, for my resolve is not born of fleeting emotions but of an enduring dream. Even if my body breaks, even if my soul falters, I will not stop. In my final breath, I will smile and say, ''I gave everything for my dream.'' And when death takes me, I will have no regrets."


    "I will carve my name into eternity," he thought, his heart pounding. "Not for others to remember, but for myself to know that I dared. An insignificant mortal reaching for the infinite¡ªit is absurd, laughable even. But it is mine."


    Xiao Huzi¡¯s lips curved into a faint, bittersweet smile. "Immortality may be a dream, a madness, or an impossible goal," he whispered. "But it is my dream. My madness. My impossible goal. And so, I will walk forward. Step by step, no matter how dark, no matter how treacherous. This is my path."


    He reached out and carefully rolled up the painting, his hands steady and resolute. The chaos in the painting mirrored the trials he would face, but the light¡­ the light was proof that the struggle was not in vain.


    As he placed the scroll back on the shelf, Xiao Huzi stood taller, his shoulders squared and his heart unshaken. The fire within him burned brighter now, its warmth dispelling the chill of doubt.


    "My path may be lonely, my steps may falter, but I will never stop walking. For at the end of this journey, I will see the results. And when I do, I will know that my life was not lived in vain."

 Chapter 11 - Farewell

    Xiao Huzi''s mind cleared as if a storm had passed, leaving the skies bright and tranquil.


    Suddenly, his internal energy surged uncontrollably, as though a gate within him had swung open. The meridians in his body began greedily absorbing the surrounding natural energy, drawing it in like a vortex.


    Feeling the storm within him, Xiao Huzi quickly focused, sitting cross-legged as he guided and refined the chaotic energy coursing through his veins.


    Beads of sweat trickled down his face, but his expression remained serene. Time passed in a blur, and two hours later, his eyes snapped open.


    Xiao Huzi clenched his fists, the sensation of immense strength coursing through him. "Heavenly Ascension Stage," he murmured. He flexed his fingers, marveling at the surge of energy within him.


    A chilling realization struck him¡ªhe could obliterate his previous self with a single move. The thought both terrified and exhilarated him, sending a shiver down his spine.


    His thoughts shifted, his plans changing like the winds after a storm. "I can''t remain here any longer," he murmured to himself. "I had planned to stay until I reached the Heavenly Ascension Stage, but now that I have, this place can no longer contain me. I must explore the world, temper my heart further, and seek the truths I have yet to uncover."


    Without hesitation, he quickly penned a note to Ming Chen, his handwriting steady and deliberate.


    "Little Brother, I am leaving the shop to you. Treat it as your own. I have set out on a journey to pursue my path. Take care of yourself and follow the life you deem fit."


    Leaving the note on the counter, Xiao Huzi stepped outside. The night greeted him with a crisp, cold breeze that kissed his face. He looked up at the black sky, where the moon hung resplendent, its silvery light bathing the earth in an ethereal glow.


    "I never noticed," he said softly, "how beautiful the moon truly is. Can I one day reach it?" His voice carried a hint of longing.


    With a flick of his sleeve, Xiao Huzi began to ascend. His body floated upwards, defying gravity¡ªa feat possible only because he had reached the Heavenly Ascension Stage. The cold wind rushed past him as he rose higher and higher, the earth shrinking beneath him.


    Eventually, he reached an incredible height, his breath hitching as he gazed at the moon. It seemed impossibly vast, dominating his vision. Its surface, so close yet unreachable.


    "The world is vast," he thought. "So much lies beyond what I have seen or known. But this only solidifies my resolve. There is so much yet to discover, so many challenges left to face."


    Pausing, he closed his eyes and allowed his internal energy to halt. The power holding him aloft dissipated, and gravity reclaimed him. He began to fall.


    The wind howled in his ears, tugging at his robes and hair as he plummeted toward the earth. Yet, within the chaos of the fall, Xiao Huzi found peace. His heart was unshaken, his mind as calm as a still lake.


    As the ground rushed to meet him, the image of himself splattered across the earth briefly crossed his mind. At the last moment, he reactivated his internal energy, his body slowing and stabilizing just before impact. He landed gently.


    Xiao Huzi stood for a moment but after some time, he vanished in a blink, reappearing silently in front of Ming Chen''s modest house. The stillness of the night enveloped him as he extended his spiritual will.


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    Through the faint walls, his spirit touched the peaceful scene inside¡ªboth father and son were sound asleep. Ming Chen lay curled up, a smile gracing his young face as he mumbled something inaudible in his dreams.


    A soft sigh escaped Xiao Huzi''s lips as he raised his finger. A gentle white light glimmered at its tip before piercing effortlessly through the wall, flowing like a stream of moonlight into Ming Chen''s forehead.


    This was his parting gift. The white light contained all of Xiao Huzi''s cultivation knowledge, techniques, and experiences¡ªa legacy sealed deep within Ming Chen''s subconscious mind. It would remain dormant, untouched, until the boy matured and was ready to inherit it.


    As the last traces of the light vanished, Xiao Huzi smiled faintly, a mix of longing and melancholy flickering in his eyes.


    "If I could," he murmured softly to the night, "I would have stayed here, watching over you until my last breath. But..." He paused, glancing at the moonlit sky, his gaze distant. "I have a dream to chase, a path to tread, one that takes me far from this quiet life."


    "I didn¡¯t want to burden you with this inheritance. The path of martial cultivation is vast, far beyond the ordinary joys of a peaceful life. But it is also a path of blood, hardship, and betrayal. There is beauty in simplicity, in the mundane pleasures of an ordinary existence. I wish you could live such a life¡ªsafe, content, and unburdened."


    He paused, his expression tightening. "But a selfish part of me hopes you¡¯ll choose to accept it one day. Not for power, not for ambition, but to live without regrets. To explore this vast world, to taste its bitterness and sweetness, and to grow into someone who leaves no dreams unfulfilled."


    Xiao Huzi stepped closer to the house, his voice lowering to a whisper as though speaking directly to Ming Chen''s sleeping form. "I wish I could see you grow up. To share drinks with you as an adult, to laugh with you as we reminisce about these days."


    The corners of his mouth twitched upward into a bittersweet smile. "Farewell, Little Brother. Take care of yourself."


    With those final words, he turned, his figure illuminated by the silvery moonlight. "It¡¯s time to go."


    Xiao Huzi didn¡¯t look back as he walked away. He had made his decision. The years he had spent living among ordinary people had taught him humility, simplicity, and the profound beauty of fleeting moments. But his journey wasn¡¯t over. His heart called him to wander, to experience, and to learn.


    .....


    Years flowed by like the ripples on the lake''s surface. Xiao Huzi sat by the serene waters, a fishing rod loosely held in his hand. The tranquil silence stretched on, the only sounds being the occasional rustle of the wind and the soft splashes of fish breaking the surface. Yet, he wasn¡¯t there to fish.


    He was here to hone his spirit, to temper the ever-restless heart that had weathered countless trials over the decades.


    Time was slipping through his fingers like sand. Of the many years granted to him in this world, only one remained. Over the past decades, he had traversed mountains and rivers, explored bustling cities and remote villages, and experienced life in all its myriad forms.


    Sometimes, he had been a lowly beggar, humbly bowing his head for a few coppers and understanding the fragility of existence. At other times, he was a heroic figure, cutting down beasts and bandits, earning the gratitude and admiration of the helpless.


    There were days when he donned the guise of an enlightened scholar, sharing the wisdom of his travels with those eager to learn. And in quieter moments, he lived as a simple farmer, toiling under the sun, feeling the earth in his hands, and witnessing the miracle of harvest.


    Each role, each path, had left an indelible mark on his soul. With every passing experience, his heart grew calmer, his understanding of the world deeper.


    Now, he stood at the pinnacle of the Heavenly Ascension Stage. Yet, as the end of his journey loomed, he felt a longing¡ªto return to the place where it all began, the Iron Vein Sect, and spend his final year there.


    With a thought, the fishing rod in his hand dissolved into shimmering particles, dissipating like a fleeting dream. It was a construct of his domain. Standing up, he brushed off his robes, his gaze briefly lingering on the tranquil lake, and then, with a wave of his sleeve, he vanished.


    In the blink of an eye, Xiao Huzi reappeared at the base of the mountain where the Iron Vein Sect stood majestically. Before him stretched the long, stone staircase leading to the sect, lined with hopeful aspirants eager to earn a place among its disciples.


    He ascended the steps leisurely, his gaze occasionally drifting to the surrounding scenery.


    At the summit stood the grand gates of the sect, flanked by disciples managing the registration of newcomers. Crowds of hopefuls bustled about, their faces a mixture of excitement and anxiety.


    As Xiao Huzi approached the gate, a young disciple stepped forward, blocking his path with a stern expression. But before the disciple could utter a word, his demeanor changed entirely. His eyes widened, and his posture shifted into a deep bow. "Elder..." the disciple murmured, his voice trembling with respect.


    Xiao Huzi merely nodded, his calm gaze passing over the young man as he walked forward. His steps were unhurried.


    Nearby, another disciple, curious about the interaction, approached the one who had bowed. "Who was that man? Why didn¡¯t you check his identification or stop him from entering?"


    The first disciple frowned, confused. "What are you talking about? No one passed without proper authorization."


    The questioning disciple scratched his head, a flicker of doubt crossing his face. "Strange... I could¡¯ve sworn someone just..." His voice trailed off, and he chuckled awkwardly. "Heh, I must¡¯ve imagined it. You''re right; no one passed."


    The first disciple shrugged and returned to his duties, dismissing the odd exchange.


    This was the subtle yet terrifying power of Xiao Huzi¡¯s spiritual will. With a mere thought, he had altered their memories without them even realizing it, leaving no trace of his presence behind.


    Such mastery was a proof of his control, a feat few could hope to achieve even at his level.


    Xiao Huzi wandered through the sect''s familiar courtyards and pavilions. Disciples practiced martial techniques in neat formations, their shouts filling the air with vitality and determination.


    He paused at the edge of a training field, watching as a group of young students sparred under the watchful eyes of their instructor.


    Their movements were earnest but clumsy, their spirits burning with the fire of ambition. A faint smile tugged at his lips¡ªa rare expression on his otherwise calm face.


    "Nothing has changed."

 Chapter 12 - Return To Main World

    After observing the disciples¡¯ practice for a while, Xiao Huzi quietly made his way to the backside of the mountain, where his master, Mu Yang, resided. It had been many years since he had last seen his master.


    As Xiao Huzi approached Mu Yang''s residence, he caught sight of a frail figure seated on a wooden stool outside. Mu Yang''s back was hunched, his body thin and frail, and his face was a map of wrinkles. His eyes were half-closed as though in perpetual meditation.


    Noticing a presence nearby, Mu Yang slowly opened his eyes. At first, his gaze was hazy with confusion, unable to recognize the figure before him. The person standing there was a tall and handsome man.


    His face was striking, with sharp, chiseled features that seemed almost sculpted. His high cheekbones and defined jawline gave him a noble and commanding presence, while his slightly curved lips held a gentle smile.


    But the most captivating feature was not his handsome face but his eyes¡ªdeep, almond-shaped pools of dark brown that sparkled with a profound depth, as though he could see through the illusions of the world and pierce the essence of truth.


    It took a moment, but then recognition dawned on Mu Yang''s face. His eyes sparkled with a faint light as memories from decades past surfaced. "Is it... you?" he whispered, his voice trembling.


    Xiao Huzi stepped closer, clasping his fists and bowing deeply. "Greetings, Master. It has been a long time."


    ........


    Xiao Huzi broke the silence first, his voice tinged with nostalgia, as he began recounting his journey over the years. His words painted vivid images of his battles, trials, and moments of enlightenment. When he mentioned that he had reached the Heavenly Ascension Stage, Mu Yang''s eyes widened in astonishment.


    "To have reached the Heavenly Ascension Stage at your age¡­ Truly, you are a monstrous talent." Mu Yang said, his voice trembling slightly.


    What Mu Yang didn¡¯t realize was that Xiao Huzi had achieved this stage long ago. If he knew just how far Xiao Huzi had progressed, one could only imagine the shock that might have overwhelmed him.


    In turn, Mu Yang shared his own experiences over the years. His voice carried the weight of regret and acceptance as he spoke of the rise and fall of talents within the Iron Vein Sect and the affairs that had unfolded during Xiao Huzi¡¯s absence.


    His tone darkened when he admitted, "I¡¯ve tried for decades to break through the barrier of the Titanium Will Stage, but I failed. My lifespan is nearing its end, and now I can only await my final moments in seclusion."


    Xiao Huzi¡¯s heart grew heavy as he listened. He sighed softly. "The path of cultivation is cruel. Not everyone can surpass the hurdle of the Titanium Will Stage to step into the realm of Heavenly Ascension. It is a sorrowful truth of our journey."


    After a moment of silence, Xiao Huzi spoke again, his voice steady. "Master, would you allow me to stay with you for a year? I wish to spend some time in quiet reflection."


    Mu Yang¡¯s expression softened, his weathered eyes glistening faintly. "Of course. It would bring me great joy to have your company. These days, the solitude weighs heavily on me. Perhaps the heavens have granted me this reunion as a final blessing."


    The seasons changed as the year passed, marked by countless conversations and quiet moments between master and disciple. Xiao Huzi immersed himself in his studies, his mind delving deeply into the complexities of martial arts. His eyes often grew distant as he pondered, his thoughts threading through the myriad techniques he had encountered.


    "The Path of Martial Arts," Xiao Huzi murmured.


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    Through countless hours of contemplation, he compiled a comprehensive martial arts system. Every stroke of his brush on parchment was imbued with his understanding and insights, refined by his own journey.


    In his spare time, Xiao Huzi pushed the boundaries of his knowledge, deducing theories about realms beyond the Heavenly Ascension Stage. The pursuit was invigorating, as though he were glimpsing fragments of the infinite heavens.


    As the final day of his stay arrived, Xiao Huzi sat quietly in the small study Mu Yang had prepared for him. His brush moved as he completed the last page of the martial arts system. With a long exhale, he set the brush down and gazed at the finished work.


    "This," he said softly, "can be given to Iron Vein Sect. It is also my way of severing karma with the Iron Vein Sect."


    The moment those words left his lips, his form flickered and dissolved into the air, disappearing without a trace.


    .......


    Michael''s eyes fluttered open, his vision blurry as a sharp, searing pain tore through his head. It felt as though an ocean of memories was crashing against his mind.


    He clutched his temples, groaning softly, as the torrent slowly subsided. Minutes later, clarity returned, and he surveyed his surroundings¡ªfamiliar yet strangely distant. Taking a deep breath, he murmured, "I''m back."


    A moment ago, he had been in the martial arts world, where he had spent twenty-five long years honing his skills and pursuing enlightenment. And now, he was back in his dormitory.


    "Oh, right... I need to check how much time has passed," he muttered, his heart pounding slightly as he looked at the clock.


    Logic told him he hadn¡¯t been gone long¡ªif his body had remained in a coma for years, he¡¯d surely be in a hospital by now, not sitting in the comfort of his dorm.


    The clock¡¯s display read only an hour past the moment he had "left." Stunned, Michael leaned back in his chair. "Only an hour? Twenty-five years there, and only an hour here..." His voice trailed off, disbelief in his tone.


    "So, the flow of time really differs between worlds," he speculated. His thoughts drifted to old sayings he¡¯d read about as a child¡ª ¡®One day in the heavens equals one year on earth.¡¯


    However, in this case, it seemed inverted¡ªthe martial arts world was the "lower" realm. After pondering briefly, he directed his consciousness inward.


    Within his mindscape, a towering, majestic gate hovered in a void. The Otherworldly Passage, loomed before him. Its surface shimmered faintly, its intricate patterns dim yet slowly re-illuminating, as though recharging. Michael instinctively knew what it meant¡ªwhen the gate was fully lit, he could travel again.


    As he stared at the gate, a flood of information surged into his mind. "What now?" Michael groaned as he braced himself for the influx. The new details revealed more about the Otherworldly Passage, including its functions and limits.


    His first journey had been a consciousness transfer¡ªhis body remained in the dormitory while his mind experienced a full lifetime in the martial arts world. The second method, however, allowed for both his consciousness and physical body to traverse worlds. But this method came at a cost¡ªit required far more energy and years of recharge time for the passage.


    "Ten months to a year for consciousness travel," he muttered, rubbing his chin. "But for full-body travel... several years. That¡¯s a heavy price."


    Though the second method offered advantages¡ªsuch as retaining his physical strength and cultivation¡ªit also came with significant risks. "If I die while physically there, I¡¯m dead for good," Michael thought grimly. "At least with consciousness travel, I can restart."


    Still, he couldn¡¯t entirely dismiss the value of physical travel. It could serve as an emergency escape if his life in the main world was threatened. Additionally, the slower time flow in another world meant he could train for decades there while only losing a few months here.


    More importantly, the passage granted another ability¡ªbringing items back from other worlds. The cost for such transport was high, but it was now within his grasp.


    Michael exhaled deeply, letting the revelations sink in. "First things first," he said to himself, his gaze hardening. "I need to rebuild my strength."


    Closing his eyes, he focused inward. Drawing on the natural energy of this world, he began refining it in his dantian with practiced precision. For two hours, he cultivated tirelessly, his body brimming with vitality. When he finally stopped, he had reached the Titanium Will Stage, a level that surpassed ordinary mortals.


    "If only the Heavenly Ascension Stage didn¡¯t require massive external energy, I could have broken through in one go," Michael mused. Despite his rapid progress, the next stage would require more time and resources than he could gather in this world.


    Circulating his internal energy, he smiled faintly. "So, I¡¯m officially an Ascendant now." In the Stellar Human Alliance, an Ascendant was someone who had awakened powers beyond human norms¡ªwhether it be internal energy, mental prowess, or supernatural abilities.


    Becoming an Ascendant exempted him from conscription, but he needed official certification to make it recognized. Without it, his strength could draw unwanted attention or suspicion from authorities.


    Michael decided he would visit the Ascendant Association tomorrow to obtain his Ascendant Certificate. With nearly half a month left before the conscription date, there was still time to secure his exemption.


    According to the Stellar Human Alliance charter, any Ascendant was exempt from conscription unless they voluntarily boarded a military warship. It was a rule that ensured the unique talents of Ascendants weren¡¯t wasted on the front lines unless absolutely necessary.


    "The most important thing right now is to restore my peak strength as quickly as possible," Michael muttered, sitting cross-legged on his bed, deep in thought.


    The natural energy in this world was a fraction of what it was in the martial arts world. Back there, energy seemed to flow like an endless river, nourishing every cultivation attempt. Here, the atmosphere felt barren in comparison, making rapid recovery a challenge.


    "If I want to compensate for the lack of natural energy, I¡¯ll need external sources," he thought. In this context, ''external energy'' referred to nutritional supplements and specialized tonics. The universe-spanning human civilization had developed countless such products, capable of enhancing recovery and aiding cultivation.


    However, there was a catch¡ªmoney.


    Michael sighed, rubbing his temples. As a student, his finances were limited to the occasional stipend and meager savings. The cost of the supplements he needed would be astronomical, far beyond what he could currently afford.


    "Another path," Michael murmured, his eyes narrowing in thought. His mind turned to the martial arts system he had perfected during his time in the other world¡ªthe Path of Martial Arts.

 Chapter 13 - The Path Of Martial Arts

    If he could formalize the martial arts system and give it to NovaSys, the Stellar Human Alliance would surely take notice. They actively encouraged the development of new Ascendant pathways, offering substantial rewards and prestige to those who contributed.


    "If I succeed, I¡¯ll not only get the funds I need but also establish a reputation for myself as an Ascendant Scholar," he mused. His fingers tapped rhythmically on the bedframe as the idea solidified.


    Michael had seen countless stories online about Ascendant Scholars who became renowned after creating new pathways. Their contributions earned them wealth, influence, and elevated status within the Alliance.


    "It¡¯s worth a shot," Michael said aloud, determination lighting up his eyes.


    Michael decided to connect to NovaSys, the core intelligence governing human civilization in the universe. Known for its impartiality and efficiency, NovaSys ensured absolute fairness in every transaction. By choosing to upload the Martial Arts Path through it, Michael eliminated any risks of interception or theft. NovaSys would evaluate the pathway''s value with precision.


    A minute passed, and then the familiar synthesized voice echoed in his mind.


    "Stellar Human Alliance First-Tier Citizen Michael, please state your request. Note: This is your fourth connection to NovaSys this month. You have one remaining session. Use it wisely."


    "I want to upload a new Ascendant Path," Michael stated.


    "Uploading a new Ascendant Path." The voice remained flat and emotionless, betraying no reaction to his claim. For NovaSys, this request was routine. Across the vast Stellar Human Alliance, countless citizens frequently uploaded what they believed were innovative Ascendant pathways.


    The idea of creating an Ascendant Path was alluring¡ªthese pathways were blueprints for achieving life-altering evolution. However, the overwhelming majority of submissions were flawed, unstable, or lacked scientific grounding. Even when a pathway showed potential, it often failed due to its one-dimensional nature or lack of viable application.


    Despite this, the Alliance incentivized creativity. A groundbreaking Ascendant Path could strengthen humanity''s position in the cosmos, and even flawed submissions contributed to a larger database of knowledge. So, NovaSys dutifully processed every claim, however unlikely its value.


    Michael took a deep breath and uploaded the Body Tempering, Meridian Strengthening, and Stone Core chapters of his Martial Arts Path.


    "Ascendant Pathway uploaded. Initial evaluation in progress."


    Almost instantly, NovaSys began simulating and analyzing the pathway using its immense computational power. Michael watched, his heart pounding.


    "Preliminary evaluation: The Ascendant Pathway is valid."


    "Preliminary evaluation: This pathway is original and unique."


    "Preliminary evaluation: This pathway demonstrates high compatibility with the human genome."


    Michael exhaled, his tension easing slightly. Still, he debated whether to include the Titanium Will and Heavenly Ascension chapters. Just as he was deliberating, NovaSys interrupted.


    "Deeper evaluation initiated. Please stand by."


    The tone of the synthesized voice changed subtly, gaining a weight of authority. Michael was taken aback.


    "Could this be the main consciousness of NovaSys contacting me?" he wondered. He understood that the NovaSys available to citizens was merely a minor subroutine, far removed from its true intelligence.


    Rumor held that the main consciousness only intervened in matters of great significance¡ªa phenomenon Michael had never experienced.


    Unbeknownst to Michael, in a distant region of the cosmos where the main consciousness of NovaSys resided, an immense crystalline light curtain began to shimmer. Streams of data, glowing with ethereal patterns, cascaded across its surface as countless sub-processes were deployed to evaluate the Martial Arts Path.


    Stage 1: Verification of Authenticity


    ? Cross-referencing with existing pathways:


    "No identical or similar pathways detected in current records across 4,736 known galaxies."


    "No historical submissions matching this structure found within the Ascendant Path Archives."


    Simulation of foundational principles:


    "Body Tempering Chapter principles verified: Physiological enhancements consistent with stable human biology. Potential for universal application observed."This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    "Meridian Strengthening Chapter verified: Constructs align with known energy channels. Development stabilizes under various conditions, with no immediate risk of systemic failure."


    "Stone Core Chapter verified: High-efficiency energy condensation model achieved. Observed energy outputs surpass standard Ascendant frameworks by 37.6% under similar resource conditions."


    Result: Pathway authenticity confirmed.


    Stage 2: Assessment of Theoretical Stability


    ? Simulated applications on diverse human sub-populations:


    "Testing on 12,987 genetic variations indicates adaptability across environmental and physiological conditions. No significant instability detected during transitions between chapters."


    ? Stress-testing pathway durability:


    "Model subjected to 1.4 trillion extreme scenarios:


    ? Gravitational anomalies: Path remains viable under conditions up to 120x standard planetary gravity.


    ? Energy scarcity environments: Reduction in progression speed noted but no collapse of methodology.


    ? High-energy disruptions: Path demonstrates resilience, with recovery mechanisms embedded in principles of Stone Core condensation."


    Result: Stability deemed exceptional, rated 94.82% under all known variables.


    Stage 3: Potential Ceiling Analysis


    ? Growth trajectory modeling:


    "Analyzing pathway progression from Body Tempering to Stone Core stages:


    ? Average life expectancy increased by 250¨C320 years with sustained adherence.


    ? Combat efficiency elevated to rank equivalency of Second-Level Ascendants in known frameworks.


    ? Resource-to-output ratio optimized at 1:5, significantly surpassing traditional methods requiring 1:2."


    ? Prediction of advanced stages (beyond submitted chapters):


    "Compatibility with Third-level Ascendant classification highly probable if theoretical advancements are incorporated."


    Result: Upper potential limit established at Third-Level Ascendant, with room for further evolution.


    Stage 4: Comparative Evaluation


    ? Cross-system ranking of pathways:


    "Martial Arts Path ranks in the top 0.01% of all submitted pathways in terms of adaptability, stability, and growth potential."


    ? Economic and social impact analysis:


    "Projected widespread adoption indicates a 2% increase in collective military capability across Stellar Human Alliance. Societal prosperity and workforce productivity projected to increase by 9.4% over 100 standard years."


    "Minimal resource wastage observed in cultivation stages, reducing strain on planetary ecosystems."


    Result: Pathway considered transformative. Reclassification to strategic-level resource pending approval.


    Stage 5: Protocol Activation


    Compliance check:


    "Pathway aligns with Article 72 of the Stellar Human Alliance Charter, permitting immediate resource allocation and high-priority evaluation."


    ? Emergency protocol execution:


    "Contact initiated with Lord Kaelthar Amathis, the highest-ranking authority in the Amethyst Star region, for authorization and further action."


    .....


    Meanwhile, across the vast expanse of the Stellar Human Alliance¡¯s domain, in the highest tower on Amethyst Star, Lord Kaelthar Amathis paused mid-step.


    He had just finished his daily duties, his sharp eyes scanning the sprawling cityscape of the planet he governed. The twin moons of Amethyst Star cast a serene glow over the glittering skyline, but his mind was heavy with fatigue.


    "Turn off all communications," Kaelthar had instructed his personal AI assistant moments earlier. "I need four hours of uninterrupted rest."


    The AI, obedient and efficient, confirmed his command. Yet, just as Kaelthar sat down and closed his eyes, the synthesized voice of his AI intruded.


    "Sir, a request for communication has been received."


    Kaelthar Amathis abruptly opened his eyes, his brows knitting into a frown. His voice was tinged with irritation as he muttered, ¡°Who dares disturb me at this hour?¡±


    The AI promptly responded, ¡°The request originates from the entity with the highest authority in the nearby planetary systems. It cannot be ignored.¡±


    Kaelthar¡¯s expression darkened further, but his tone grew steadier as he asked, ¡°Who holds such authority nearby? Is it one of the other planetary lords?¡±


    ¡°No, it is NovaSys.¡±


    The mention of NovaSys immediately erased his frustration, replacing it with a solemn gravity. NovaSys wasn¡¯t just the supreme intelligence overseeing the Stellar Human Alliance; it was a cornerstone of human civilization, wielding authority that spanned across countless galaxies. Even the mightiest apex existences and planetary rulers deferred to its decisions.


    He leaned back, exhaling slowly. ¡°If NovaSys is contacting me at this hour, it must be something critical,¡± he murmured to himself. NovaSys never acted without reason. Every decision was the product of unfathomable computations, and its calls were never frivolous.


    His mind raced. ¡°Could it be the alien threat?¡± His gaze hardened. Several months ago, traces of an alien fleet had been detected in the nearby star field. The Stellar Human Alliance had launched a conscription campaign in response, bolstering its forces to prepare for potential conflict.


    Before his thoughts could spiral further, the synthesized voice interrupted. ¡°Please respond.¡±


    Kaelthar hesitated for a moment, then nodded decisively. He knew there was no true choice in the matter. NovaSys had the authority to bypass any refusal.


    The practice of offering a "choice" to respond was little more than a symbolic nod to privacy laws implemented centuries ago. Even so, it provided the illusion of control, a small comfort to citizens.


    ¡°Connect the call,¡± he said firmly.


    The room filled with a faint chime. ¡°NovaSys has been connected,¡± the voice announced.


    Kaelthar straightened his posture, his demeanor calm but cautious. ¡°What urgent matter requires my attention at this hour?¡±


    NovaSys¡¯s response was as cold and precise as ever. ¡°According to Article 674 of the Stellar Human Alliance Charter, when a new Ascendant Path with the potential to reach the third level or above is discovered, the decision must be jointly reviewed by NovaSys and the individual with the highest regional authority.¡±


    Kaelthar¡¯s pupils contracted slightly. He leaned forward, his voice sharpening. ¡°Are you saying you¡¯ve discovered a new Ascendant Path with the potential to reach the third level?¡±


    As planetary lord, Kaelthar reviewed countless Ascendant Path submissions daily. Yet, most were lackluster, barely scraping the first level. A third-level potential was an extraordinary rarity.


    No wonder NovaSys reached out directly, even during his off-hours.


    If it were an ordinary path, NovaSys would have simply logged it for review the next day. The fact that it initiated immediate contact signified its extraordinary significance.


    Kaelthar knew well that a third-level potential didn¡¯t refer to the current capabilities of a path but to its projected upper limit, calculated through exhaustive simulations.


    NovaSys continued, ¡°Please review the submission.¡±


    Suddenly, layers of glowing screens materialized in front of Kaelthar, displaying the details of the path: Body Tempering, Meridian Strengthening, and Stone Core chapters of the Martial Arts Path.


    Kaelthar¡¯s sharp eyes scanned the information, his frown deepening into a contemplative expression. As a seasoned Ascendant himself, he instantly recognized the path¡¯s brilliance.


    ¡°This is¡­¡± he muttered, leaning closer. The path¡¯s simplicity was striking. Its requirements were minimal, making it accessible to the vast majority of humans.


    Unlike other extreme Ascendant Paths that demanded rare resources or innate talent, this Martial Arts Path had no such barriers. Even if one failed to ascend fully, the physical enhancements alone would yield significant benefits.


    He tapped his fingers against the armrest of his chair, his mind racing. ¡°A path like this... it has no glaring weaknesses. It doesn¡¯t rely on volatile elements or risky extremes. Its versatility ensures broad applicability.¡±

 Chapter 14 - Evaluation Of Martial Arts Path

    Even if one didn¡¯t ascend through this path, it can still be used to enhance your body. This path was incredible due to its simplicity, with minimal restrictions and no glaring weaknesses. Unlike more extreme Ascendant paths, which are often narrowly focused, this path offers broad utility with little risk.


    Kaelthar Amathis studied the details carefully. ¡°The Meridian Strengthening stage of this path seems to meet the requirements for an entry-level evolver,¡± he muttered.


    In the world of Ascendants, there are two categories: non-entered and entered Ascendants. Non-entered Ascendants possess power beyond ordinary humans, but they are still far weaker compared to their entered counterparts.


    ¡°This path could likely make it onto the Ascendant Path list of Amethyst Star, right?¡± Kaelthar asked.


    The Ascendant Path List of Amethyst Star was an impressive compilation, containing the most notable paths ever discovered in the planet¡¯s 220,000-year history as a habitable world.


    ¡°According to the statistics, the Path of Martial Arts would be ranked 37th on the Amethyst Star Ascendant Path List,¡± NovaSys replied.


    Kaelthar¡¯s expression shifted as he processed this information. The Ascendant Path List of Amethyst Star was considered a prestigious ranking, containing the one hundred most powerful Ascendants paths to have emerged throughout the planet¡¯s long history.


    These paths had stood the test of time and rarely changed. In fact, since Kaelthar had become the planetary lord, no new paths had entered the top rankings.


    ¡°To think that this path could make it onto the list,¡± Kaelthar mused.


    The Ascendant Path List had remained largely static over the years, a sign of strength of the paths included. The fact that a new path had earned such a high spot on the list was an impressive feat.


    NovaSys continued, its voice steady and informative. ¡°In accordance with Article 47 of the Stellar Human Alliance Charter, regarding the policy to support the development of new Ascendant paths, the developer of this path will be awarded 5,000 merit points.¡±


    Kaelthar raised an eyebrow. ¡°Five thousand merit points?¡±


    Merit points were the most valuable currency in the Stellar Human Alliance. Issued directly by NovaSys, they were highly sought after. Merit points could be used to upgrade ranks, access resources, and even command NovaSys itself¡ªdepending on how many one had accumulated.


    The distribution of merit points was strictly tied to an individual''s contribution to human civilization. The higher the merit points, the greater the person¡¯s impact and privileges.


    Kaelthar¡¯s mind began to race as he considered the implications of this reward. Merit points in the range of one thousand to two thousand were typically awarded for Ascendant paths reaching the third level of potential. Anything above that was exceedingly rare, and five thousand merit points? That was almost unheard of.


    The realization struck Kaelthar hard. He had clearly underestimated the true potential of this Martial Arts Path. If it warranted such a high reward, it was even more remarkable than he initially thought.


    After a moment of reflection, Kaelthar nodded decisively. ¡°I agree.¡±


    He trusted NovaSys¡¯s judgment implicitly. If the system deemed the Martial Arts Path worthy of such a reward, then it was beyond dispute. NovaSys didn¡¯t show favoritism; its assessments were always impartial and based purely on merit.


    Meanwhile, back in his room, Michael remained seated on his bed, still deep in thought.


    At this moment, a cold, mechanical voice echoed in Michael''s mind.


    "Dear First-tier Citizen Michael, the ''Path of Martial Arts'' ascendant path you uploaded has been evaluated."


    Michael''s interest immediately piqued.


    The Path of Martial Arts was the culmination of his efforts in the martial arts world. He had poured countless hours into developing and refining it. Now, he was eager to learn how much value the Stellar Human Alliance placed on this ascendant path.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Dear First-tier Citizen Michael, according to the evaluation, the theoretical potential of the martial arts ascendant path is level three. It is highly compatible and is valued at 5,000 merit points. Should I distribute them now?"


    "Five thousand merit points?" Michael¡¯s eyes widened in surprise and excitement. He knew exactly what the merit points represented.


    Merit points were awarded personally by NovaSys, the central governing system of human civilization. They were a symbol of great honor and could be used to upgrade a citizen¡¯s rank. Five thousand merit points was no small amount. Michael had heard rumors that merit points could be traded for restricted resources, opening doors to nearly anything a person could desire.


    In the underground black market, the value of merit points was astronomical. Even at a low conversion rate, five thousand merit points could be sold for hundreds of millions in Eclipcoins.


    "Merit points have been issued."


    The voice of NovaSys echoed once more, and Michael quickly checked his account. To his delight, a new column appeared, labeled "Merit Points," and beside it were the words: "5000."


    "Time to upgrade my citizenship," Michael muttered to himself with a smile. As valuable as merit points were, their most important function was to improve a citizen¡¯s rank.


    Using them as currency in the black market felt like a waste. Why bother when the true benefit of merit points was the ability to rise through the ranks of the citizen system? Citizens with higher ranks had access to far more resources, and the wealth that came with those resources was almost unimaginable.


    Michael knew that second-tier citizens could obtain interest-free loans of tens of millions of Eclipcoins from the central bank every year. In addition, registering as a high-level citizen in various regions could generate significant revenues, often in the tens or hundreds of millions annually.


    As he prepared to upgrade his citizenship, NovaSys voice chimed in again.


    "Dear First-tier Citizen Michael, 500 merit points have been used to promote you to Second-tier Citizen."


    A satisfied smile spread across Michael''s face. It only took 500 merit points to advance from first-tier to second-tier, but advancing to third-tier would require 5,000 merit points.


    Though he hadn¡¯t reached third-tier status yet, Michael felt satisfied. Second-tier citizens were a rare class, representing less than 0.1% of all citizens of Amethyst Star. There was one second-tier citizen for every several hundred thousand first-tier citizens. They were the privileged elite, a class apart.


    As Michael reveled in his newfound status, his inbox suddenly buzzed with incoming emails.


    "Emails?" Michael raised an eyebrow. He hadn¡¯t expected this. Without hesitation, he connected to the virtual network. A holographic screen materialized in front of him, displaying his inbox.


    In human civilization, technology had advanced to the point where external devices like mobile phones and computers were obsolete. As long as someone was a human citizen, they could access the vast network through specific consciousness fluctuations, a direct connection to the information infrastructure that spanned the universe.


    Through this system, NovaSys could contact any citizen at any time, directly and efficiently.


    "Open mailbox," Michael instructed, navigating to his inbox.


    The first email was from the Stellar Human Alliance. The message began with a congratulatory note, acknowledging Michael¡¯s promotion to second-tier citizen. It expressed hope that he would continue to improve the ascendant path and work closely with human civilization in the future. The email concluded with encouraging words for humanity¡¯s progress in the universe.


    At the end of the email was a pleasant surprise. Ten million Eclipcoins had been transferred into his bank account.


    ¡°They¡¯re really putting their money when it comes to Ascendant paths,¡± Michael mused, astonished by the generosity. He quickly checked his bank balance.


    Ten million Eclipcoins had just arrived. The currency of human civilization was highly valuable. In fact, this sum was enough to support a family of four for 500 years. Even a second-tier citizen wouldn¡¯t ignore such an amount. After all, who would complain about having too much money?


    "It seems like Ascendant Scholars are a lot more valued than others at the same tier," Michael thought. He had never heard of anyone receiving a direct transfer like this just for becoming an Ascendant.


    It made sense though. Ascendants could be created in many ways¡ªthrough purchasing specialized resources like genetic enhancements or physical development. It was typically a personal journey, unrelated to the Stellar Human Alliance.


    However, becoming a second-tier citizen required contributing to the Human Alliance, earning merit points through your efforts. Naturally, it would place a higher value on higher-tier citizens, who were seen as vital to its future.


    Michael glanced at his bank account again, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.


    With this enormous sum, he could now afford nutritional supplements and other health boosters. There were no more restrictions on his purchases, and regaining his full strength was now a matter of time.


    Next, Michael moved on to read the rest of the emails. These messages mostly contained explanations about the various privileges he now had access to as a second-tier citizen.


    Becoming a second-tier citizen opened up several advantages that ordinary citizens could only dream of. The main benefits were:


    1. Exemption privileges: This included exemptions from conscription, forced immigration, and other actions that involved coercion. He could refuse any of these actions unless he chose otherwise.


    2. Legal Immunity (Limited): In any region governed by the Stellar Human Alliance, even if a second-tier citizen committed a crime, local law enforcement had no right to arrest or harm them unless the citizen consented. They also have legal immunity against minor legal disputes, including civil suits or small fines.


    3. Purchase permissions: Many valuable resources in the Stellar Human Alliance couldn¡¯t be purchased just with money¡ªthey required a certain level of citizenship. With his new status, Michael could now access those resources.


    4. Exclusive Job Opportunities: Second-tier citizens have access to high-ranking positions within both governmental and corporate sectors.


    5. Priority Healthcare: Citizens of this rank are entitled to priority treatment in medical facilities, including access to the latest treatments, genetic enhancements, and even rejuvenation therapies that are out of reach for lower-tier citizens.


    6. Research and Development Support: Second-tier citizens have increased funding and resources for personal research, allowing them to experiment with advanced technologies.


    7. Housing and Land Privileges: Priority access to better living conditions, including luxurious housing in cities or the opportunity to own land in prosperous regions, providing a secure and comfortable lifestyle.


    8.Virtual World Access: Eligibility to enter the virtual world LAN, granting access to a unique digital realm.


    In addition to these privileges, there were other hidden benefits for second-tier citizens.


    ¡°No wonder people are so eager to climb the ranks of citizenship,¡± Michael thought.


    His gaze then fell on the last privilege which was virtual world authority.


    Michael could easily understand most of the privileges listed above, but the idea of entering the virtual world intrigued him. What did it really mean? What kind of place was this "virtual world," and what could he do there?

 Chapter 15 - Buying A House In Aurora Grove

    As Michael stared at the privileges listed before him, his attention was drawn to one in particular: access to the virtual world. Before he could delve into the details, the cold, mechanical voice of NovaSys echoed in his ears.


    "Connecting to the virtual world for the first time requires identity verification," NovaSys announced.


    Michael raised an eyebrow but nodded, curiosity sparking within him.


    "Applying to connect to the virtual world."


    The verification process began, a series of checks ensuring his authenticity.


    "Iris verification passed. Clone characteristics verified¡ªnegative. DNA verification passed. Life''s unique volatility matches the records¡ªverified."


    Michael stood still, letting the procedures unfold, though the sterile efficiency of the checks made him feel like a specimen under scrutiny.


    "Dear Second-Tier Citizen Michael, please do not resist the process within the virtual world," NovaSys instructed before Michael''s vision suddenly went black.


    His consciousness sank rapidly, and though he could resist this overwhelming pull, he refrained. Might as well see what this so-called virtual world has to offer, he thought.


    When he opened his eyes again, Michael found himself standing amidst a vast starry expanse. Beneath him was a luminous blue planet, slowly rotating in all its grandeur.


    "Is that... Amethyst Star?" Michael muttered, his pupils narrowing as he recognized the planet''s contours. The continents and oceans mirrored the real Amethyst Star with uncanny precision.


    "Dear Second-Tier Citizen Michael," a voice interrupted his musings.


    He turned to see a figure in a pristine white dress, its features genderless. It gazed at him with a neutral, almost unsettling calm.


    "I am NovaSys," the figure introduced itself. "Allow me to explain the functions of the virtual world. The version you are currently connected to is the Amethyst Star Local Area Network."


    NovaSys gestured towards the planet below, which zoomed in to reveal seven distinct regions.


    "The virtual world is divided into six zones :


    1. Education and Research Area


    ? A treasure trove of knowledge, this zone is filled with virtual libraries, workshops, and training grounds.


    ? Citizens can access historical archives, advanced cultivation techniques, and virtual simulations for training. It¡¯s a favored destination for scholars and Ascendant Path developers.


    2. Mission Hall


    ? This area is dedicated to tasks and assignments issued by the Stellar Human Alliance.


    ? Missions range from simple resource collection to complex virtual challenges.


    ?Completing missions can earn citizens additional merit points or rare items.


    3. Living Area


    ? A sprawling simulation of urban environments, the living area allows citizens to interact in a social setting. Homes, cafes, parks, and virtual offices are meticulously designed to replicate reality.


    ? Citizens can host meetings, relax in shared spaces, or even create personalized virtual homes. It''s also a place for leisure and informal gatherings.


    4. Trading Area


    ? The Trading Area is a marketplace bustling with activity. There are countless items displayed here. Real-time auctions and trade negotiations occur here, making it a hub of economic activity.


    5. Arena Area


    ? The Arena Area is where competition thrives. Citizens can engage in virtual combat simulations to test their skills, strategies, and pathways.


    ? It includes ranked duels, team battles, and even large-scale war simulations. Performance here can earn citizens reputation points and rewards.


    6. Central Area


    ?The heart of the virtual world, this area is a gathering place for announcements and displays of prestige. The towering Amethyst Star Ascendant Path Ranking stands here, showcasing the top 100 Ascendant Paths.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ? Citizens gather to celebrate milestones or witness significant events."


    As NovaSys mentioned each area, parts of the planet magnified to display their details.


    Michael''s attention was drawn to the bustling ''Central Area,'' where a towering stone tablet stood amidst a sea of people.


    "That is the Amethyst Star Ascendant Path Ranking," NovaSys explained. "It records the 100 most powerful Ascendant Paths in Amethyst Star''s history."


    Michael''s interest piqued. "What rank does my Martial Arts Path hold?"


    NovaSys paused briefly before replying, "The Martial Arts Path developed by Citizen Michael is ranked 57th."


    Michael nodded, his expression calm, though his mind whirled. Fifty-seventh? It wasn¡¯t bad, considering the Martial Arts Path was something he had spent just 25 years crafting in the martial arts world.


    Amethyst Star had nearly 220,000 years of recorded history, filled with brilliant minds and groundbreaking Ascendant Paths. It was no small feat to place within the top 100.


    Moreover, Michael hadn¡¯t yet submitted the advanced stages of his Path¡ªTitanium Will and Heavenly Ascension. He was certain that once these stages were added, his ranking would soar even higher.


    "The ranking will be updated tomorrow," NovaSys informed him. "Would you like to hide your citizen ID number from public view?"


    Michael considered this carefully. In the Stellar Human Alliance, a citizen¡¯s ID number was their true identity¡ªunique and irreplaceable. Revealing it would invite unnecessary attention.


    "Hide it," Michael decided.


    Better to lay low for now. The ranking must carry immense prestige, and attracting too much attention could be dangerous in my current state.


    Having familiarized himself with the virtual world¡¯s basics, Michael exited.


    "Is it dawn already?" he murmured, glancing at the sky.


    Back in his quarters, he browsed the virtual mall. The selection amazed him. Eerything from advanced genetic medicines to restricted resources was available, with prices to match their exclusivity.


    Michael''s search soon landed on Advanced Nutrient Solution.


    "Nutrient solution, huh?" he mused, reading the description.


    Low-level solutions could sustain a normal person for a month without food or water. Intermediate and advanced versions, however, were designed for high-energy users and exotic beasts.


    "The advanced one will do," Michael decided, his thoughts focused on recovering his strength quickly.


    Ordinary humans could never withstand the sheer energy contained in nutrient solutions of such high quality. For most, even a single drop would cause irreversible damage to their bodies.


    Michael stared at the screen, hesitating for a moment. "Let¡¯s try it first," he muttered and selected one bottle of advanced nutrient solution.


    With a click, he confirmed his purchase.


    The price appeared on the screen: 300,000 eclipcoins.


    Michael couldn¡¯t help but draw a sharp breath. That was the equivalent of an ordinary citizen¡¯s income for thirty years¡ªassuming they saved every penny without spending on food, shelter, or other necessities.


    Advanced nutrient solutions of this caliber weren¡¯t just expensive¡ªthey were a restricted resource. If not for his recent promotion to second-tier citizenship, he wouldn¡¯t even be able to see the option in the catalog, let alone purchase it.


    As the transaction finalized, Michael leaned back in his chair, his mind drifting. "My current strength... it probably places me at the Mid second-level ascendant rank," he mused, glancing at his hands.


    The Stellar Human Alliance had detailed classification standards for ascendants. According to that information, Michael made a framework:


    Early first-level ascendant: Equivalent to the Early to Mid Meridian Strengthening Stage in martial arts.


    Mid first-level ascendant: Equivalent to the Meridian Strengthening Stage in martial arts.


    Late first-level ascendant: Comparable to the Early Stone Core Stage in martial arts.


    Early second-level ascendant: Comparable to the Late Stone Core Stage in martial arts.


    Mid second-level ascendant: Comparable to Early Titanium Will Stage, where Michael currently stood.


    The Heavenly Ascension Stage was comparable to third-level ascendant.


    A third-level ascendant wasn¡¯t technically a "city destroyer," but they could achieve such devastation with time and effort. A casual strike could level towering buildings hundreds of meters high unless countered by equally powerful ascendants or advanced weaponry.


    The advanced nutrient solution would take half a day to arrive. High-grade resources like this were allocated from major cities, requiring special permissions and logistical arrangements.


    ¡°Half a day...¡± Michael murmured, considering how to make the most of the waiting time. His eyes scanned his surroundings¡ªthe cramped dormitory room he currently occupied. It was barely sufficient for everyday living, let alone for rigorous martial arts practice.


    "It¡¯s time to get a proper place," he decided.


    He opened the virtual marketplace and began browsing real estate options. Aurora Grove caught his attention almost immediately.


    Located in the serene suburbs of Neo Astralis City, Aurora Grove was a high-end residential area designed for those who valued tranquility and nature. Unlike the bustling city center, which was crowded and noisy, Aurora Grove offered open spaces, clean air, and lush greenery.


    In the interstellar age, the truly powerful and influential avoided city centers, preferring secluded communities like Aurora Grove, where privacy and peace were guaranteed.


    Michael studied the property details. The houses ranged between 10 million and 15 million eclipcoins, a staggering sum by ordinary standards. But as a second-tier citizen, he was eligible for a 40% discount, a privilege granted to higher-ranking contributors to human civilization.


    The pricing didn¡¯t surprise him. In the Stellar Human Alliance, citizenship ranks couldn¡¯t be inherited¡ªthey had to be earned through significant contributions. The perks were a way of rewarding those who advanced civilization.


    ¡°This is the one,¡± Michael decided after some browsing. He selected a 10-million-eclipcoin house, optimized for physical training and cultivation. It featured reinforced walls, soundproofing, and a private yard for practice¡ªperfect for his martial arts.


    .......


    Michael wasted no time. He booked a shuttle to the suburbs, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. The towering skyline of Neo Astralis City faded into the distance as the shuttle sped toward the outskirts.


    When he arrived at Aurora Grove, he was struck by its beauty. The houses were modern yet blended seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The streets were wide and quiet, lined with trees and flowers that swayed gently in the breeze.


    Standing before the property he¡¯d chosen, Michael felt a sense of satisfaction. The house was spacious, with an open courtyard and a private training hall. The interior was sleek and minimalistic, designed with both comfort and functionality in mind.


    ¡°This will do nicely,¡± Michael murmured, running a hand over the smooth surface of the wall.


    The transaction was smooth, thanks to his citizenship status. With the discount applied, the total came to 6 million eclipcoins, a hefty sum but worth every bit.


    Sitting in the underground training room, Michael leaned back with a satisfied expression. The serene environment and state-of-the-art facilities met all his expectations.


    "You get what you pay for," he muttered, glancing around the luxurious space.


    Suddenly, he remembered the purchase he had made earlier. "Oh, I need to update the delivery address." Opening the shopping mall app, he quickly changed the destination of his advanced nutrient solution order to his current address.


    Half a day later, a courier arrived at Aurora Grove, stopping in front of Michael¡¯s residence. The man handed over a sealed alloy box.


    "Hello, Mr. Michael. This is your item. Please verify your fingerprint to unlock it," the courier said before departing.


    Michael ran his finger across the top of the box.


    "Fingerprint verification passed," a mechanical voice chimed. As the alloy box opened with a soft hiss, Michael gazed at the bottle of advanced nutrient solution inside.


    He held the bottle in his hand, his eyes reflecting a mix of anticipation and determination. "Let¡¯s see how effective this really is."

 Chapter 16 - Ascendant Certificate

    Inside the test tube was a luminous, dark violet liquid that shimmered faintly under the light.


    "Truly deserving of its price¡ªthree hundred thousand per bottle," Michael murmured.


    Without hesitation, he uncapped the bottle and drank the Advanced Nutrient Solution in one smooth motion.


    Gulp.


    The liquid slid down his throat, cool at first, but a moment later, an intense heat erupted within his core. It felt as though a furnace had ignited in his body, and waves of energy surged through his limbs, threatening to tear him apart.


    "Refine," Michael whispered, quickly assuming a cross-legged position on the ground. His breathing slowed as he focused inward, guiding the raging energy within. The terrifying force flowed through his meridians, crashing like a tidal wave. Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead as he directed the energy to merge with his internal reserves.


    Time passed in a blur.


    An hour later, Michael opened his eyes, now sharp and gleaming with vitality.


    "I¡¯ve entered the Heavenly Ascension Stage," he muttered, his voice filled with satisfaction.


    "It seems I''ll need at least five more bottles to restore my full strength," Michael estimated, gauging the depth of his reserves. With decisive intent, he placed an order for five more bottles.


    Two days later, Michael finished digesting the additional Advanced Nutrient Solution. Every last drop of energy had been absorbed, and his strength was now fully restored.


    .........


    Ascendant Association


    A sleek black hovercraft hummed quietly as it glided to a stop. Michael stepped out, his expression calm but tinged with curiosity as his eyes swept across the unassuming white building before him.


    ¡°So, this is the Ascendant Association,¡± he muttered. The building was understated to the point of blending into its surroundings, with no signs or banners to identify it. Yet Michael could feel an invisible pressure emanating from it.


    "Mr. Michael?" A young man in a sharp black suit approached him tentatively.


    "That''s me," Michael replied with a nod.


    "Welcome. Please follow me," the man said, introducing himself as Ethan Cole. He was an Ascendant Association staff member tasked with guiding Michael through the certification process.


    Ethan led the way, occasionally glancing at Michael from the corner of his eye. He¡¯s so young, Ethan thought, trying to suppress his surprise. And yet, he''s already an Ascendant?


    The two entered the building and soon reached an elevator. Inside, Ethan began explaining. "Before the certification process is complete, all ascendants are required to undergo a strength assessment. The results will determine your official rank, which will be reflected on your Ascendant Certificate."


    Michael simply nodded. He already knew the procedure, but Ethan''s professionalism kept the conversation brisk.


    After a short ascent, the elevator stopped with a chime, and the doors opened to reveal a corridor lined with doors. The walls gleamed with a metallic finish, and the air carried a faint scent of antiseptic.


    ¡°This way,¡± Ethan said, leading Michael to the innermost room.


    Stopping at the door, Ethan gestured toward it. "This will be your assessment room."


    Michael raised an eyebrow, glancing at the plain exterior. ¡°This is it?¡±


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    ¡°Yes and no,¡± Ethan replied cryptically. Pushing the door open, he revealed a minimalist room with a single centerpiece: a sleek, silver capsule. Its surface shimmered under the room''s fluorescent lights.


    ¡°This is a virtual world cabin,¡± Ethan explained. ¡°The assessment will be conducted entirely in the virtual world.¡±


    Michael¡¯s gaze lingered on the capsule, curiosity flickering in his eyes.


    ¡°Why not in the real world?¡± he asked.


    Ethan smiled knowingly. ¡°Ascendants like you can easily destroy buildings¡ªor even entire cities. Can you imagine the cost of resources to assess someone of your caliber in the real world? Instead, we use this cabin to scan your body and create a virtual model that replicates your strength, down to the finest detail.¡±


    Michael nodded in understanding. The logic was undeniable. A single careless strike from a powerful ascendant could obliterate their surroundings. By conducting the assessment virtually, not only was the process safer, but it also allowed for more comprehensive tests¡ªsimulating battles, landscapes, or even entire star systems.


    "Impressive."


    "Please, lie down inside," Ethan instructed. "Once the scan is complete, you¡¯ll enter the virtual world where your assessment will begin."


    Michael complied, reclining into the cushioned interior of the cabin. The lid began to close, and the last thing he saw was Ethan¡¯s reassuring smile.


    "Good luck, Mr. Michael," Ethan said before the lid sealed shut, and the world went dark.


    ...........


    A faint vibration rippled through the air.


    Michael¡¯s skin tingled slightly before a soft, mechanical voice spoke in his ears.


    "Replication complete. Please connect to the virtual world, Ascendant."


    Opening his eyes, Michael found himself in a strange, pristine environment. Standing before him was a stern man with sharp features.


    "Welcome to the world of assessment," the man said.


    Michael¡¯s brow furrowed slightly as he assessed himself. He clenched his fists, feeling the familiar flow of internal energy through his meridians. His domain shimmered faintly around him, its presence undeniable. It was a perfect replication of his real-world body.


    ¡°The Stellar Human Alliance¡¯s methods are terrifying,¡± Michael thought, a flicker of unease crossing his mind. ¡°To replicate everything so perfectly... it¡¯s as if I have no secrets left.¡±


    But then his thoughts shifted, and his gaze turned inward. He focused deeply on the recesses of his mind¡ªthe space where the Otherworldly Passage resided.


    "Strange," he muttered, his eyes narrowing. The place where the passage should have been was empty.


    ¡°Even with their advanced technology, they couldn¡¯t replicate it? Or... they don¡¯t even know it exists?¡± Relief washed over him, but it was tinged with caution. If they¡¯re unaware of the passage, I must ensure it stays that way.


    "Ascendant, please choose your assessment scenario," the stern man interrupted his thoughts.


    Michael looked up, and scenes flickered into view before him: a desolate desert with endless yellow sands, an ancient forest filled with towering trees, and a futuristic cityscape brimming with skyscrapers.


    ¡°The forest,¡± Michael decided, pointing toward the ancient forest with towering trees.


    The stern man nodded, and with a wave of his hand, the surroundings morphed. Soil replaced the floor with towering trees stretching infinitely in all directions, while a blazing sun loomed overhead.


    "Based on your energy readings, the assessment will begin at the First Level Ascendant stage," the man explained, his tone matter-of-fact. "You will face an opponent at this level. Defeat him to proceed to the next stage. Do you understand?"


    Michael nodded. ¡°Understood.¡±


    The man disappeared without another word, leaving Michael alone in the forest. Not far away, the soil stirred. Grains swirled upward, forming a humanoid shape that solidified into a tall, broad man.


    "Die for me," the figure growled, charging forward with unrestrained aggression.


    Michael¡¯s expression remained indifferent. "Faster than a typical Meridian Strengthening martial artist, but still no threat," he murmured.


    The figure lunged, but before it could even raise its fist, its eyes dimmed. Without moving a muscle, Michael had crushed its spirit with a mere flicker of his mental will. The figure crumbled back into soil and was swept away by the wind.


    A low hum signaled the start of the next round. The soil churned once more, reforming the same figure. This time, however, its aura was stronger, nearing the peak of a Meridian Strengthening martial artist.


    Michael didn¡¯t bother waiting. His gaze sharpened, and the opponent disintegrated before it could take another step.


    Round after round, the process repeated. Each opponent grew stronger, their aura more menacing. But it made no difference. Michael crushed the first six effortlessly, his movements calm, efficient, and decisive.


    Then came the seventh.


    The sand figure materialized again, but this time, its demeanor was different. Its eyes glinted with intelligence, and it stood still, measuring Michael carefully.


    ¡°An Ascendant who specializes in mental attacks, are you?¡± the figure sneered. "This time, I¡¯ve strengthened my soul defenses. I¡¯m immune to 78% of your mental assaults." A cruel smile curled on its lips. "Let¡¯s see how you fare now."


    Michael raised an eyebrow, unfazed. It has emotions? How amusing.


    The figure strode forward with confidence, its posture exuding arrogance. "Die for me!" it roared, its voice echoing across the forest.


    In the blink of an eye, Michael vanished.


    The next moment, his hand was wrapped tightly around the figure¡¯s neck. Its body trembled as Michael¡¯s grip tightened, and with a swift motion, he twisted sharply.


    Crack.


    The figure froze, disbelief etched on its face.


    "Who told you I only rely on mental attacks?" Michael asked, his tone calm, almost bored. He released the lifeless form, watching as it crumbled into soil once more.


    "For those who walk the martial path," Michael murmured, brushing grains of soil from his hand, "the body is the foundation. Strength flows from it. Spirit will is merely an extension of that power."


    The figure¡¯s voice echoed faintly as it disintegrated. "You... you¡¯re not a Ascendant like a Psyc Master?"


    Michael shook his head, stepping back as the wind carried the last of the soil away. "No," he said quietly, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "I am far more than that."


    Psyc Masters were known for their uncanny mental attacks. They possessed frail physical bodies. Even those who attempt to supplement their weakness through genetic enhancements or dual-path Ascendant training rarely achieve true balance. Their bodies remain fragile, a fatal flaw they cannot entirely overcome.


    .............


    In the quiet halls of the Ascendant Association, Ethan Cole stepped out of the assessment room and returned to his workstation. His thoughts lingered on Michael, his curiosity growing with every passing moment.


    "I wonder what level Mr. Michael''s Ascendant rank will reach," Ethan mused, his eyes fixed on the display screen before him.


    The Ascendant Association had strict rules to safeguard the privacy of Ascendants. Battle scenes during the assessment were never shown, even to internal staff. The only visible indicator of progress was the number of illuminated beams on the central display. Each beam corresponded to a stage the Ascendant had successfully passed.


    Ethan leaned forward slightly, his fingers drumming on the desk. "Just how strong is he?" he whispered to himself.


    His musings were interrupted by the sudden approach of a figure.


    "Ethan, has Mr. Michael begun his assessment?"


    Ethan turned swiftly, startled to see the president of the Ascendant Association standing behind him. The president¡¯s presence was unusual; someone of his stature rarely involved himself in individual assessments.

 Chapter 17 - Amethyst Star Arena Tournament

    "Ah, President!" Ethan stammered, quickly rising from his seat. He fumbled for words, his nervousness evident. "Yes, sir. Mr. Michael has already entered the assessment chamber."


    The president smiled faintly, his demeanor calm and approachable. "No need to be nervous," he said reassuringly. "I¡¯m just here out of curiosity."


    Ethan nodded and sat back down, though his hands still trembled slightly. The president¡¯s interest made sense¡ªMichael wasn¡¯t just an Ascendant; he was a second-tier citizen. Second-tier citizenship carried immense prestige, rivaling the status of high-ranking officials. A second-tier citizen registering as an Ascendant was a rare and noteworthy event.


    "Which level do you think Mr. Michael will achieve?" the president asked casually, leaning against the edge of Ethan¡¯s desk.


    Ethan hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Sir, considering Mr. Michael¡¯s status as a second-tier citizen, I believe he¡¯ll have First Level Ascendant strength." He paused, adding thoughtfully, "For people of his status, becoming Ascendant is often straightforward. Some simply take genetic enhancement drugs to follow the Gene Warrior path."


    The president nodded in agreement. "True. Though the Gene Warrior path has its limitations, it¡¯s still enough to qualify as an Ascendant."


    Before the president could leave, the display screen flickered. A single beam of light lit up, signaling Michael¡¯s progress.


    "He¡¯s begun," Ethan noted aloud, his voice tinged with anticipation.


    The president, who had been ready to leave moments earlier, decided to stay. He leaned closer, intrigued. "Let¡¯s see how far he gets."


    The atmosphere grew tense as the second beam of light appeared almost instantly after the first.


    Ethan blinked, his heart skipping a beat. "That was... fast."


    Before they could process it, the third light illuminated, followed immediately by the fourth. The lights continued to appear in rapid succession, each one brighter than the last.


    By the time the seventh beam lit up, the room had fallen into stunned silence.


    Ethan''s mouth went dry. He struggled to form words, his gaze glued to the screen. "Seven beams... That¡¯s¡ª"


    ¡°Seven beams? That¡¯s¡­ late Second-Level Ascendant?¡± Damien muttered, his voice laced with confusion. Second-Level Ascendants weren¡¯t unheard of in Neo Astralis City, but they were exceedingly rare. What truly shocked him wasn¡¯t just the level but Michael¡¯s age¡ªa mere 19 years.


    Most Second-Level Ascendants Damien had encountered were in their forties, seasoned individuals who had spent decades honing their strength.


    Meanwhile, Ethan Cole sat frozen, his mouth slightly agape. A peak Second-Level Ascendant¡ªit was a title reserved for legends. In Ethan¡¯s five years at the association, this was his first time witnessing one.


    ¡°In Neo Astralis, even an early Second-Level Ascendant is a rarity. A peak Second-Level Ascendant, and at his age¡­¡± Ethan¡¯s thoughts raced, his heart pounding.


    He glanced at the display screen, envisioning the destructive potential Michael held. According to official combat standards, a peak Second-Level Ascendant could level an entire block of towering skyscrapers with a single strike.


    Damien broke the silence, his tone firm. ¡°Ethan, let¡¯s go. We¡¯re greeting Mr. Michael in person.¡±


    Ethan blinked in surprise but quickly nodded. The president of the Ascendant Association himself personally welcoming someone? It was unheard of. Damien, however, had already made his decision. Initially, his intent was to establish a casual rapport with a promising Ascendant. But now, realizing Michael¡¯s potential, Damien knew he needed to approach with utmost respect.


    ............


    The Assessment RoomThis book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Michael opened his eyes as the virtual cabin released its hold. He stood, his expression calm but thoughtful.


    ¡°Close, but not enough.¡± He shook his head slightly. After defeating the seventh opponent, the system had generated a Third-Level Ascendant for the next challenge. Michael, curious about the gap between himself and the next realm, engaged the opponent using only his Titanium Will Stage power. At first, he held the advantage. Gradually, the balance shifted, and he was ultimately defeated.


    ¡°If that figure was an early Third-Level Ascendant, then my true strength might already be at its peak,¡± Michael mused. He hadn¡¯t used his full capabilities, preferring to keep his trump cards hidden.


    He pushed open the door to the hallway, his sharp gaze landing on two figures waiting for him¡ªEthan Cole and a middle-aged man whose air of authority was undeniable.


    ¡°Mr. Michael, allow me to introduce President Damien Voss,¡± Ethan said hurriedly, his tone deferential.


    Michael¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly as he studied Damien. The president of the Ascendant Association was one of the top five figures in Neo Astralis City, wielding influence and resources that few could match.


    Damien stepped forward with a friendly smile. ¡°Mr. Michael, it¡¯s an honor to meet you.¡± His tone was warm, almost humble, a contrast to what Michael expected.


    Michael raised an eyebrow but nodded politely. ¡°President Voss.¡±


    Damien chuckled lightly. ¡°No need for formalities. If it¡¯s alright with you, just call me Brother Damien.¡±


    Michael¡¯s lips twitched slightly at the familiarity but didn¡¯t comment further.


    In a well-furnished room within the association, Michael and Damien sat across from one another.


    ¡°Mr. Michael, I¡¯ll get straight to the point,¡± Damien began, his expression serious. ¡°I¡¯m here to request your participation in the upcoming Amethyst Star Arena Tournament on behalf of Neo Astralis City.¡±


    Michael tilted his head, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes. ¡°Arena battles?¡±


    Damien nodded. ¡°Yes, one of the most prestigious events across the Stellar Human Alliance. Ascendants from various cities compete in one-on-one battles, broadcasted live to millions. It¡¯s both a test of skill and a spectacle of power.¡±


    Michael leaned back slightly, his expression unreadable. ¡°Why me?¡±


    Damien didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°Because you¡¯re perfect for it. The tournament is limited to Ascendants under 100 years old, and your strength¡ªalready nearing Third-Level¡ªplaces you among the strongest in Neo Astralis. To put it bluntly, if we don¡¯t send you, our chances of success are slim.¡±


    Michael nodded slightly, his sharp mind piecing together the significance of Damien¡¯s words. The tournament wasn¡¯t just about entertainment. It was a statement of a city¡¯s strength, a way to showcase its Ascendants and secure recognition within the alliance.


    Damien¡¯s expression turned grim. ¡°Our rankings in recent tournaments have been abysmal. If this trend continues, I¡¯ll likely have to resign. The Stellar Human Alliance views these rankings as a measure of a city¡¯s potential. A poor performance reflects poorly on all of us.¡±


    Michael considered this in silence, weighing the implications.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be honest with you, Mr. Michael,¡± Damien continued. ¡°We¡¯re not expecting miracles. Even making it to the top 4,000 would be a victory for us. If you agree to participate and achieve that, the association will reward you with 200 million Eclipcoins.¡±


    Michael¡¯s eyes flickered at the mention of such a substantial sum. He wasn¡¯t immune to the allure of wealth, especially given his current financial strain. High-grade nutrient solutions, essential for maintaining and advancing his strength, weren¡¯t cheap. And as his power grew, so would his need for rarer, costlier resources.


    ¡°Two hundred million,¡± Michael repeated, his tone contemplative.


    Damien nodded eagerly. ¡°That¡¯s right. And Neo Astralis will cover all additional expenses for your preparation.¡±


    Michael¡¯s decision was swift. ¡°I¡¯ll think about it.¡±


    Damien smiled, sensing the unspoken agreement. ¡°Take your time, Mr. Michael. There¡¯s still a year before the tournament. Just know that we¡¯re here to support you.¡±


    With that, the two men stood, leaving the room together.


    ............


    Half a Year Later


    Aurora Grove, House No. 69


    In the dimly lit underground training chamber, Michael sat cross-legged on the cold, metallic floor. The room was silent, save for the faint hum of energy radiating from the walls. His breathing was steady, but a subtle shift in the atmosphere drew his attention.


    Something had changed.


    Michael¡¯s mind plunged deep into the recesses of his consciousness, navigating the intricate pathways of his psyche. At the core he saw it¡ªthe Otherworldly Passage.


    Majestic and towering, it shimmered with a surreal brilliance. Its colossal frame seemed both infinite and incomprehensible, a gateway defying the very fabric of reality. What truly caught Michael¡¯s attention, however, was the faint glow now encircling its outer edges, a glow that had not been there before.


    ¡°It¡¯s ready,¡± Michael murmured, a flicker of excitement breaking through his composed demeanor.


    The Otherworldly Passage, Michael had learned, was a mysterious construct that allowed him to traverse time and space. But its power was not without constraints. Each journey required an accumulation of energy, which was reflected in the gradual illumination of the passage:


    1.Outer Edge Lighting: Enables consciousness-only travel.


    2. Inner Area Lighting: Allows physical travel.


    3. Core Area Lighting: It may bring about a profound transformation in the passage itself.


    When Michael had returned from his first journey, the passage had revealed these rules to him. The energy required for each phase varied significantly¡ªwhile the outer edge took roughly 10 to 12 months to charge, the inner area could take years or even decades, and the core area might take centuries.


    ¡°Consciousness transport, huh?¡± Michael¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile. He wasn¡¯t bothered by the restrictions.


    Traveling physically was far too risky. The energy buildup took too long, and the danger was exponentially greater¡ªif he died while traveling in his physical form, there would be no coming back. Consciousness travel, on the other hand, was safer and more practical.


    Still, he wouldn¡¯t act recklessly. ¡°I need to prepare,¡± he thought.


    Michael opened his eyes and stood. The training chamber¡¯s cold air brushed against his skin as he left the underground room, his mind already formulating a plan.


    He considered the risks. ¡°What if the flow of time in the other world is too similar to this one?¡± he pondered. ¡°If I stay there for decades, I can¡¯t afford to lose years here. Too much is at stake.¡±


    The thought gave him pause, but it didn¡¯t deter him.


    Stopping at a door down the hallway, Michael pushed it open. Inside was a workspace cluttered with notes, diagrams, and models.


    Michael¡¯s gaze drifted toward his scattered research. ¡°After this trip, I should be able to deduce the next stage beyond the Heavenly Ascension Stage of the martial path,¡± he mused.


    For months, Michael had been refining his understanding of martial arts, combining his experiences from his last journey with the knowledge stored in NovaSys. Once he finalized his deductions, he planned to upload them to the system in exchange for merit points, the universal currency of advancement in the Stellar Human Alliance.


    ¡°If I can accumulate enough merit points, I¡¯ll advance my citizenship rank,¡± Michael thought, his eyes gleaming. Ascending through the ranks was not just a matter of status¡ªit meant access to greater resources, privileges, and power.


    Michael took a deep breath, his thoughts crystallizing into resolve.

 Chapter 18 - A New Journey

    "Let''s begin."


    Michael murmured to himself as he pushed open the door to the underground chamber. His steps were steady as he approached a sleek, two-meter-long nutrient tank that dominated the room. The metallic sheen of the tank reflected faint light from the overhead fixtures, giving it an almost ominous glow.


    Standing before the tank, Michael let out a slow breath. The memories of his first journey flickered through his mind. Back then, he had no choice. The looming threat of forced conscription had cornered him, leaving him with only one desperate option: to travel through the Otherworldly Passage.


    It had been a leap of faith, one fraught with uncertainty and danger. To his immense fortune, he had spent twenty-five long years in the martial arts world. When he returned to the main world, barely an hour had passed.


    But this time, things were different. This time, Michael had the luxury of preparation.


    The nutrient tank was no ordinary device. Of military-grade quality, it had cost Michael a fortune to acquire. It was an investment he considered invaluable. Once activated, the tank could sustain his physical body for no less than a hundred years.


    Michael ran his hand over the tank¡¯s surface, its cold touch grounding him in the present. "With this, I can rest easy," he thought. The last thing he wanted was to return to the main world only to find his body starved and emaciated, or worse¡ªdead.


    He visualized the process once more, ensuring he missed no detail. The tank would provide his body with all necessary nutrients while he was away. As long as he didn¡¯t exceed the century-long limit or voluntarily exit the tank, his physical form would remain stable and untouched.


    Satisfied, Michael opened the hatch, a soft hiss escaping as the tank depressurized. The interior glowed faintly, a pool of translucent liquid rippling gently within. Without hesitation, he stepped in, submerging himself fully. The liquid was cool and viscous, enveloping him in a cocoon-like embrace.


    Michael closed his eyes, steadying his breathing as his body relaxed into the tank¡¯s cradle.


    ¡°Time to travel,¡± he whispered.


    His consciousness plunged inward, delving deep into his mind where the towering Otherworldly Passage awaited. The monumental gateway stood as it always had¡ªmajestic and awe-inspiring, its edges now fully illuminated, signaling it was ready for another journey.


    The moment Michael¡¯s mind connected with the passage, an invisible force tugged at him. It felt like the ground beneath him had vanished, and his consciousness began to fall, spiraling downward through an endless void.


    The sensation was overwhelming yet exhilarating, as though every fiber of his being was being unraveled and reassembled.


    Michael surrendered to the pull, a faint smirk crossing his lips. "Let¡¯s see what lies beyond this time."


    And with that, his consciousness was swept away, disappearing into the unknown.


    ..............


    Michael eyes fluttered open, greeted by the soft glow of early morning light filtering through a cracked wooden window. The scent of aged wood and faint incense hung in the air. He blinked a few times, disoriented. His body felt unfamiliar, his limbs weaker, smaller, as though he had shrunk.


    "Where...?" Michael murmured, his voice scratchy and youthful.


    Memories surged into his mind like an unrelenting tide, not his own but belonging to someone else¡ªa boy named Yu Xuan.


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    Yu Xuan, a young boy from Azure Haven City in the Silver Horizon Kingdom, was burdened with a Low-Grade martial talent, the lowest classification.


    In a kingdom where the vast majority of citizens lacked martial talent entirely, even Low-Grade talent was technically a step above the rest. But it was far from enough to rise above mediocrity.


    In Silver Horizon Kingdom, those with Mid-Grade or High-Grade martial talent could dream of a future on the martial path, perhaps even entering the prestigious Azure Cloud Combat Sect. For Yu Xuan, however, this dream was a distant star¡ªbeautiful but unreachable.


    The Azure Cloud Combat Sect represented the pinnacle of martial prowess in the kingdom, boasting centuries of martial skills and resources.


    Entry into the sect was a gateway to strength, status, and prosperity. Those who reached the Marrow Refinement Stage, the turning point in the martial path, gained increased lifespans and noble titles, ensuring comfort for themselves and blessings for their descendants.


    Yu Xuan''s heart burned for the martial way despite his limitations. He dedicated himself with a fervor unmatched by his peers, training relentlessly to reach the Flesh Forging Stage of Body Tempering. His parents, managing a small restaurant under the Yu Family¡¯s ownership, supported him with what little they had, sacrificing their savings for his dream.


    Michael sat up slowly, the memories settling in his mind like dust after a storm. He gazed down at his calloused hands, smaller than he was used to. The body was wiry, hardened by labor and relentless training, yet it lacked the strength Michael had grown accustomed to in his own form.


    "So, this is Yu Xuan," Michael muttered, the boy¡¯s feelings and ambitions intertwining with his own. He could feel the desperation, the yearning to rise above his station. A surge of respect welled within him for the boy¡¯s unyielding determination despite the odds stacked against him.


    Michael swung his legs off the narrow bed, his feet landing on the cool wooden floor. A faint ache pulsed through his limbs¡ªa sign of the countless hours Yu Xuan had spent pushing his body to its limits.


    He crossed the room and stood before a cracked mirror. The reflection staring back at him was that of a fifteen-year-old boy with sharp features, tanned skin, and piercing black eyes filled with grit and resolve. Strands of unkempt black hair framed his face, giving him a slightly disheveled appearance.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take it from here, Yu Xuan,¡± Michael whispered, a wry smile forming on his lips.


    Michael took a deep breath, organizing his thoughts. Yu Xuan¡¯s memories painted a bleak picture. The boy¡¯s family depended on the Yu Family¡¯s favor to survive, and their livelihood hung by a thread.


    The upcoming entrance test for the Azure Cloud Combat Sect was Yu Xuan¡¯s only hope to escape mediocrity. Yet with Low-Grade talent and no resources for auxiliary herbs or advanced martial skills, his chances were slim to none.


    But Michael was not Yu Xuan. He had decades of experience from his first journey, where he had climbed from nothing to the peak of the martial path of that world.


    ¡°Talent is important, but it¡¯s not everything,¡± Michael muttered, his eyes narrowing.


    .............


    Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.


    In the Black Fang Mountain, a lone figure moved within a serene glade. The wind howled, carrying the scent of pine and earth, but it was the rhythmic sound of fists cutting through the air that dominated the environment.


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    Yu Xuan¡¯s fist collided with a sturdy tree trunk, the impact echoing sharply through the forest. Though the tree had weathered decades of storms, it splintered with a single punch, breaking in half. Before the debris could settle, Yu Xuan¡¯s leg descended like a whip, splitting the fallen trunk cleanly in two.


    His chest rose and fell with exertion as he steadied his stance. "Although I haven¡¯t reached the Heavenly Ascension Stage, I¡¯ve advanced to the peak of the Stone Core Stage. That should be comparable to this world¡¯s Marrow Refinement Stage."


    Yu Xuan wiped the sweat from his brow. Over the past two weeks, he had trained relentlessly, pushing his limits in this secluded mountain range. The memories he had inherited from the original Yu Xuan painted a clear picture of this world''s martial path.


    The Body Tempering Stage marked the foundation for martial artists, divided into six grueling stages: Power Conditioning, Flesh Forging, Vital Essence, Muscle Transformation, Bone Strengthening, and finally, Marrow Refinement. Beyond that lay the Primal Assemblage Stage, further separated into the Post-Celestial and Pre-Celestial stages.


    However, Yu Xuan¡¯s progress was hindered because he lacked resources. Without herbs, pills, or elixirs to aid his cultivation, he relied on the spiritual energy of the mountains. "If I continue like this, it¡¯ll take at least another month to break into the Heavenly Ascension Stage," he muttered. "But I don¡¯t have that kind of time. The Azure Cloud Combat Sect¡¯s entrance exam is tomorrow."


    "I¡¯ve done everything I can. Passing the exam shouldn¡¯t be a problem."


    He picked up his worn clothes from a nearby rock and made his way to the river. The water was crisp and cool, washing away the grime of his training. As the sunlight danced on the surface, it illuminated his body.


    His muscles, though lean, exuded a coiled power, and his youthful skin gleamed with vitality. It was hard to believe that this was the frame of a fifteen-year-old boy.


    After dressing, Yu Xuan prepared to leave the mountains. He launched himself forward, his movements fluid and precise, like a falcon diving for prey. His figure blurred as he dashed through the forest, until he vanished into the endless expanse of trees.


    The Azure Cloud Combat Sect¡¯s entrance exam was a beacon of hope for countless young martial artists in the Silver Horizon Kingdom. Held twice a year, at the turn of spring and fall, it was the ultimate dream for those seeking to carve a future in the martial world.


    For the youths, the sect represented an unparalleled opportunity. Resources were valuable, but what truly made the Azure Cloud Combat Sect legendary were its martial manuals. These tomes, crafted through generations of accumulated wisdom, were priceless treasures.


    Without such guidance, cultivating the martial path was akin to groping in the dark. The manuals condensed centuries of trial, error, and success, and they formed the backbone of the sect''s dominance. However, these manuals were not freely given. Each was heavily guarded, and the sects imposed draconian punishments for leaking their contents.


    The lightest penalty for betrayal was the destruction of one¡¯s cultivation base; the worst was execution without trial. This ironclad enforcement ensured the manuals¡¯ secrecy, making them all the more coveted.


    It was no wonder the Azure Cloud Combat Sect inspired such fervent ambition. Yet the path to entering the sect was treacherous. Every year, countless hopefuls flocked to the exams, but only a select few ever succeeded.


    Yu Xuan follows his own martial arts path, so the Azure Cloud Combat Sect¡¯s inheritance held no allure for him. His purpose for entering the sect lay elsewhere. He sought to uncover any insights or techniques that might help him comprehend the stage beyond Heavenly Ascension.

 Chapter 19 - Emerald Reflection Terrace

    On the first day of fall, the Azure Cloud Combat Sect''s square was already teeming with people. The crowd was so dense that it seemed like the entire city had gathered. Due to the overwhelming number of candidates applying to join the sect, the entrance examination always began at sunrise and continued until dusk.


    Yu Xuan hadn¡¯t entered the square yet. Instead, he stood on the main road just outside, where the throngs were slightly thinner. Even so, the air was alive with chatter, the noise buzzing in his ears.


    ¡°I heard some top-tier talents are participating this time,¡± a young man¡¯s voice carried over the din. ¡°Including Liang Shen, the number one talent of Jadefall City. Fourteen years old, mid-grade talent, and already at the Seventh Layer of Vital Essence Stage. Truly extraordinary.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t he join the Azure Cloud Combat Sect earlier?¡± someone else asked. ¡°Why wait until now? He could¡¯ve participated in the previous exams.¡±


    ¡°I think he waited just to claim the first-place prize for this round. A calculated move,¡± another speculated.


    As they spoke, Yu Xuan¡¯s gaze turned toward the center of the square. Three massive stone pillars loomed over the area. These pillars were vital for the Foundation Strength Trial, the first of three rounds in the entrance exam.


    Each candidate would approach one of the pillars, where their strength would be measured by the intensity of a beam of light. Success or failure was determined in an instant, and for many, this moment could seal their fate.


    Soon, a old man in his seventies stepped onto a raised platform at the front of the square. His presence immediately silenced the crowd. Dressed in elegant white robes that hinted at hir status as one of the exam supervisors, he surveyed the gathering with a calm, authoritative gaze.


    ¡°Welcome,¡± he began, his voice steady and clear. ¡°I am one of the supervisors for the Foundation Strength Trial. The Azure Cloud Combat Sect¡¯s entrance examination consists of three parts. Those who qualify will be evaluated based on their age, talent, and performance. The top ten participants will receive special rewards, with the first-place candidate earning the Azure Phoenix Essence Pill.¡±


    The crowd erupted in whispers.


    ¡°An Azure Phoenix Essence Pill?¡± someone gasped. The news left their jaws hanging and hearts pounding.


    The weaker candidates visibly deflated, their expressions tinged with regret and resignation. They knew they had no chance of claiming the top spot. Meanwhile, eyes of those with greater confidence were gleaming with determination.


    Yu Xuan, listening quietly, recalled what he knew about the Azure Phoenix Essence Pill. This rare pill was crafted by combining the Blazing Sunflower Seeds, Draconic Amber Sap, Azure Lotus Petals and many more precious herbs. The resulting concoction could strengthen the body, enhance cultivation, and even help overcome bottlenecks.


    The supervisor continued, his expression as composed as ever. ¡°The second and third candidates will receive the Moonshadow Energy Pill, while fourth to tenth place will earn five Stone Blossom Strength Pill.¡±


    The crowd stirred again.The Moonshadow Energy Pill was a mystical elixir crafted to enhance the cultivation of Yin energy and sharpen one¡¯s spiritual perception under the influence of moonlight. It was refined from Starlight Dewdrops, Nightshade Crystal Powder, Lunar Silverleaf and Moonshadow Lotus.


    Though it paled in comparison to the Azure Phoenix Essence Pill, it was not bad. As for the Stone Blossom Strength Pill, though useful, they were relatively common and paled beside the rewards for higher ranks.


    The extravagant prizes heightened the anticipation, especially among the stronger candidates. Some shifted impatiently, eager to prove themselves.


    On the platform, the supervisor raised his voice again. ¡°The first round of the entrance exam will now begin. The stone pillars will measure the strength of your attack. One inch of light represents 50 kg of force. To pass this round, you must exceed 500 kg of force. Each candidate will have three attempts. As long as you qualify once, you may proceed.¡±


    His gaze swept across the crowd. ¡°To demonstrate, Zhao Tianlan, please step forward.¡±


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    A tall, gaunt man emerged from the crowd and ascended the stage. His sharp eyes gave him an intimidating presence, and the murmurs among the crowd stilled as all attention focused on him.


    "Is that Zhao Tianlan?"


    "I heard he broke through to the Eighth Layer of Muscle Transformation Stage last year," another whispered.


    Zhao Tianlan, a tall figure with a composed demeanor, stood before the stone pillar. Without a hint of urgency, he raised his right hand and delivered a casual strike.


    Boom!


    The pillar shook violently, and the light beam surged upward before stabilizing at one hundred thirty inches (10.83 foot)¡ªa staggering 6,500 kgs!


    The crowd erupted in astonishment.


    "If he used his full strength, wouldn¡¯t he surpass even that?" someone exclaimed, their voice tinged with disbelief.


    Yu Xuan, observing from the sidelines, nodded in silent acknowledgment. For someone at the Eighth Layer of Muscle Transformation Stage, which rivaled the Mid Stone Core Stage, Zhao Tianlan¡¯s feat was remarkable. While the average Mid Stone Core cultivator boasted strength between 5,000 and 9,000 kgs, Zhao Tianlan had reached 6,500 kgs with casual ease.


    The elder overseeing the trial raised his hand and declared, ¡°The Foundation Strength Trial begins now!¡±


    The candidates were brimming with excitement, their eagerness palpable. However, their enthusiasm quickly turned to frustration as many faltered.


    "400 kgs, 450 kgs, 470 kgs. Three attempts failed. Next!"


    "472 kgs, 429 kgs, 487 kgs. Failed. Next!"


    The stone pillar became a silent arbiter of dreams and despair. Many of the participants were barely at the Vital Essence Stage, their strength wavering between 400 to 500 kgs. Nerves and exhaustion dulled their performance, dooming most to failure.


    Occasionally, a candidate¡¯s success broke the monotony:


    "672 kgs! Qualified!"


    A young man who passed the test celebrated wildly, his joy contagious.


    "598 kgs! Qualified!"


    "499 kgs! Failed!"


    For every cheer of success, there were far more sighs of defeat. Those who succeeded exuded elation, while others walked away, their spirits crushed.


    Suddenly, a commotion rippled through the crowd. Yu Xuan¡¯s attention was drawn to a youth in simple grey robes standing before the stone pillar, gathering his strength.


    "That¡¯s Ren Kaiyang from Hundred Miles City," someone whispered. "Fourth Layer of Vital Essence Stage. They say his strength is fierce!"


    Ren Kaiyang stepped forward, his movements sharp and deliberate.


    Bang!


    The impact reverberated through the square, and the light beam surged upward, stopping at twenty six inches (2.16 foot)¡ª1,300 kgs!


    Gasps and exclamations filled the air.


    ..........


    Just like that, the test continued. Then came a name that turned every head in the crowd.


    "It¡¯s Liang Shen from Jadefall City!"


    The name carried weight, and a ripple of anticipation spread through the candidates. At just fourteen, Liang Shen wasn¡¯t only younger than most; he also possessed a High-Grade talent.


    All eyes were on him as he approached the pillar. His calm, focused demeanor silenced the murmurs. Liang Shen exhaled deeply and struck the pillar with fluid precision.


    Bang!


    The stone pillar shuddered, and the light climbed steadily before halting at twenty four inches (2 foot)¡ª1,200 kgs!


    The crowd erupted into chaos.


    "Fourteen years old and this strong?" someone muttered in awe.


    As the trial progressed, more candidates stepped forward. The Azure Cloud Combat Sect maintained strict rules: participants had to be between thirteen and eighteen years old.


    Now, it was finally Yu Xuan¡¯s turn.


    Stepping forward, his gaze was calm. His movements were measured, his breathing steady. As he stood before the towering stone column, his body seemed to transform¡ªhis relaxed posture coiled into a taut spring, every muscle brimming with latent energy.


    Lowering his waist slightly, Yu Xuan channeled the power of his legs into his core. In one explosive motion, he struck the column.


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    The impact reverberated through the square like a thunderclap. All eyes snapped to the column as the light beam soared upward, climbing with relentless momentum before stabilizing at a dazzling height: 1,700 kgs.


    Gasps rippled through the crowd.


    ¡°My god, 1,700 kgs!¡±


    "That¡¯s insane! He¡¯s not just strong¡ªhe¡¯s like a beast in human form!"


    ¡°This kid came out of nowhere. How did someone this powerful not make a name for himself before?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know where he¡¯s from, but he¡¯s definitely not ordinary. Who could have trained him to this level?¡±


    ¡°If he pushes just a bit more, he could rival someone at the Sixth Layer of Vital Essence Stage!¡±


    Even Liang Shen, who had previously stood as an unchallenged figure among the participants, couldn¡¯t hide his frown. His eyes narrowed, studying Yu Xuan with suspicion.


    "Where did this guy come from?" Liang Shen muttered under his breath. A cold gleam flickered in his eyes. "So he wants to steal the spotlight? Hmph. There are still two more trials. Let¡¯s see if he can keep up."


    Despite the whispers and scrutiny, Yu Xuan remained composed.


    It was clear he hadn¡¯t used his full strength. If he had, his force would easily exceed 25,000 kgs. Such a strike would completely destroy the pillar. Instead, Yu Xuan chose to display just enough power to surpass Zhao Tianlan, keeping it reasonable for someone his age while ensuring he secured the top spot in the Foundation Strength Trial.


    The Trial concluded by noon. Candidates who had passed were given a short rest before the next stage of the entrance exam was announced.


    The old supervisor, his voice steady and authoritative, addressed the crowd. ¡°We will now proceed to the second trial: the Soul Reflection Trial. This test will measure the strength of your inner heart.¡±


    The crowd buzzed with curiosity and apprehension.


    ¡°The Soul Reflection Trial?¡± Yu Xuan murmured, somewhat interested. He had heard of such tests existing in this world¡ªtrials that delved into a cultivator¡¯s inner psyche, testing their resolve and exposing their fears.


    The old man gestured for the group to follow him. ¡°Come with me. We¡¯re heading to the Emerald Reflection Terrace.¡±


    The group of passed participants trailed behind the old man as he led them through the towering gates of the Azure Cloud Combat Sect. The gates themselves were monumental, carved with intricate patterns of soaring clouds and martial figures, exuding a sense of awe and solemnity. Every step beyond them felt like entering another world.


    The sect sprawled across the rolling hills, its beauty both simple and profound. There were no ostentatious towers or grand palaces, only endless expanses of verdant land and streams, punctuated by elegant pavilions.


    The flowing curves of the roofs, the smooth texture of the walls, and the surrounding natural scenery blended seamlessly.


    As the group walked, the soft rustling of leaves and the distant melody of a flowing stream accompanied their footsteps. The journey took ten minutes before they reached their destination.


    Before them stretched a lake, its surface a vibrant shade of green, like living jade. The water was unnervingly still, a perfect mirror reflecting the sky.

 Chapter 20 - For The Dream, Not The Conquest

    At the heart of this emerald expanse was the Emerald Reflection Terrace, an altar that seemed to hover above the water. Four narrow bridges extended from the terrace to the shore, their graceful arches giving them the appearance of floating. The entire scene resembled a dream, a world out of reach of the mundane.


    The old man leading the candidates stepped forward, his voice steady and commanding. ¡°This is the Soul Reflection Trial. You will sit upon the platform, defend your mind, and face the seven tribulations. Only those who endure shall pass.¡±


    The candidates exchanged uneasy glances. Despite their pride as the brightest talents of their generation, their confidence wavered. The Soul Reflection Trial was infamous¡ªits elimination rate was brutal, often as high as 90%.


    Yu Xuan stood at the edge of the altar, his face serene, though a sense of anticipation stirred within him as he wondered what the trial would entail.


    ¡°Sit upon the terrace. In five breaths, the trial will begin!¡± The old man¡¯s voice cut through their thoughts.


    Yu Xuan sat cross-legged on the smooth altar. As he closed his eyes and took a deep breath, the world around him began to change.


    When his vision cleared, he found himself standing alone in a vast and empty expanse. The sky above was dark and oppressive and the ground beneath him was cracked. The silence was suffocating.


    ¡°Where am I?¡± Yu Xuan whispered, the words barely leaving his lips before they were swallowed by the emptiness.


    Suddenly, a figure appeared before him. It was a man, though his features were obscured by a thick fog. The man stood with his back turned, motionless.


    "Who are you?" Yu Xuan called out, but the figure did not respond.


    A voice echoed in his mind. "You are nothing. You will never be more than you are now. Your efforts will always be futile. Why do you continue to struggle?"


    The figure slowly turned around, revealing a face Yu Xuan knew all too well. It was his own face, but twisted, distorted by the shadow of self-doubt. The image of himself smirked cruelly, its eyes full of disdain.


    ¡°What is the purpose of your struggle, Yu Xuan?¡± the apparition asked, its voice dripping with derision. ¡°You fight, you strive, but to what end? Are your efforts not but a fleeting speck of dust in the wind?¡±


    Yu Xuan regarded the doppelganger with a mix of intrigue and skepticism. It seemed the trial revolved around facing questions and providing answers that resonated with the core of one¡¯s heart. On the surface, it resembled a simple question-and-answer session, though shrouded in a grim and oppressive atmosphere. If the trial turned out to be nothing more than this, Yu Xuan knew he would feel deeply let down.


    However, since this illusion posed the questions, Yu Xuan knew he had to answer them. Only by doing so could he hope to pass the trial.


    He paused briefly, contemplating the question, before voicing his thoughts in response.


    "Struggle is not the pursuit of victory, but the affirmation of life itself. To struggle is to proclaim, ''I exist.'' The universe is vast and indifferent, its silence deafening, but in the throes of struggle, struggle defy that silence. My efforts carve meaning into the void, and in each moment of resistance, I become more than just a fleeting peck of dust."


    "You ask why I struggle, why I persist. Must one have a grand purpose to justify the fight? For me, purpose is not some distant goal but a reflection of the self. I do not struggle for an end, but for the journey itself. The wind moves, and in its flow, I learn to adapt, to grow. The dust rises only to settle, yet in its brief ascent, it affirms its existence. To fight is to declare that I am here, that I live. To exist without purpose is to drift like a leaf carried aimlessly by the current. Perhaps I do not know the end, but I know that my steps must continue.¡±Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    The reflection¡¯s smirk deepened, its expression challenging. ¡°What if your path is another step toward failure? Can you still walk the path knowing it leads to defeat?¡±


    Yu Xuan¡¯s gaze did not falter. "Failure is not the enemy¡ªit is the teacher. If my path leads to defeat, then I will embrace that defeat as fiercely as I embrace victory. Failure tempers the soul, teaching lessons victory never could. To walk a path knowing it may end in ruin is not foolishness; it is courage. It is the willingness to face the abyss and take the next step regardless.¡±


    "If my steps lead to failure, then I will fail gloriously, leaving no regrets. True defeat is not in falling but in refusing to rise again. I would rather stumble forward, bloodied and unbroken, than stand paralyzed at the edge of fear. Even if my steps lead only to failure, I will walk. To walk, even toward defeat, is to live.¡±


    The reflection¡¯s sneer deepened, its voice laced with mockery. ¡°Tell me this¡ªif you push everyone away, who will mourn you when you fall? Can a path walked in solitude truly hold any meaning if no one is there to share it?¡±


    Yu Xuan¡¯s lips curled into a faint, enigmatic smile. His gaze turned inward, as though peering into the deepest recesses of his soul. When he spoke, his voice was soft, yet every word carried the weight of unshakable conviction.


    "To walk a path alone is not to reject others, but to embrace the solitude necessary for understanding. Companionship is a gift, fleeting and cherished, yet the truest journey is one that no other can share. Who will mourn me when I fall? Perhaps no one. But does the bird sing for the applause of the forest? Does the sun rise for the gratitude of the earth? Their existence is their purpose, and so too is mine. My path matters because it is mine to walk, not because others tread it with me."


    Yu Xuan paused, the silence between his words heavy with meaning. "The meaning of a path is not in its witnesses but in its traveler. Mourning is for those left behind; for the one who walks, it is the journey that defines them. If my fall goes unnoticed, it does not diminish the steps I took. The mountains climbed, the storms weathered, the stars glimpsed in moments of solitude¡ªthese are the truths that give the struggle meaning."


    "To walk with others is a blessing, but it is not a necessity. A path shared is one of mutual growth, yet a path walked alone is one of profound discovery. The absence of mourners does not make the life unlived; it makes the journey purer, untethered by the expectations of others. I do not push others away to reject their warmth, but to ensure that my fire burns from within, not as a reflection of another''s light."


    "The struggle matters because it transforms me. It shapes the clay of my being, chisels away the falsehoods, and reveals the truth beneath. Whether others bear witness or not, the sculptor¡¯s art remains. And when I fall, it will not be the mourning of others that gives my life meaning, but the fact that I dared to rise, to walk, and to fall again. That, in itself, is enough."


    The reflection''s tone turned sharp as it posed another question, as if it doubted Yu Xuan¡¯s ability to answer. "Do you believe you are truly worthy of your aspirations? What have you done to deserve the heights you seek?"


    "To speak of worthiness is to misunderstand the nature of aspiration. Worthiness is not a birthright, nor is it bestowed by the world. It is not something I claim¡ªit is something I create. The heights I seek are not rewards; they are challenges, mirrors that reflect my willingness to strive, to endure, and to transform. To ask if I deserve them is to ask if the seed deserves the towering tree it will one day become."


    He paused, letting the words linger. "I have done nothing to deserve the heights I seek, nor do I expect to. The summit does not ask who is worthy to climb it¡ªit simply stands, waiting for those who dare. My worthiness is not measured by past accomplishments but by the steps I am willing to take now, in this moment, and the steps I will take after that."


    Yu Xuan¡¯s voice deepened, carrying the weight of a soul unafraid to face the unknown. "If someone demands proof, let my struggle be the answer. Let every failure and every rise stand as a proof to my resolve. I do not seek the heights for the sake of conquest, nor for the approval of gods or men. I seek them because they are there¡ªbecause to stretch beyond my grasp is to affirm the boundlessness of my spirit."


    His gaze lifted, as though piercing the heavy, darkened sky above him. When he spoke again, his voice carried the quiet strength of unshaken belief. "I do not claim to be worthy, yet I walk forward. Worth is not granted to the hesitant; it is build by those who dare to reach. And if, in the end, I fall short, it will not be failure but a proof to the courage it took to dream. For it is not the heights that define me¡ªit is the act of striving for them that reveals who I truly am."


    The reflection¡¯s sneer darkened, and it spoke again. "If you were to fail today, what would you have left to show for all your struggles? Can you bear the thought of being forgotten?"


    Yu Xuan closed his eyes briefly, his expression softening with a contemplative calm. When he opened them, his gaze held a depth that seemed to reach beyond time.


    "If I were to fail today, there would be no monuments, no tales etched into the annals of history. But what would I have left? I would have the journey¡ª the wisdom seared into my soul, and the fire of existence that burned, however briefly, against the infinite void. To strive and fail is not a tragedy; the true tragedy is never to have strived at all."


    "What remains of a flame once extinguished? Not the warmth, not the light¡ªbut the memory of its defiance against the darkness. My struggles may vanish like the morning mist, my name may dissolve like ripples in a forgotten pond, but what matters is not the permanence of what I leave behind. It is that I burned brightly, that I stood against the abyss and declared, ''I was here.''"


    A faint, bittersweet smile graced his lips. It was neither boastful nor sorrowful but carried the serenity of one who had made peace with his truth.


    "As for being forgotten, let it be so. Does the mountain weep when the wind erases the footprints of those who climb it? Does the river mourn the passing of a single drop into the endless sea? The universe moves on, indifferent and eternal. To be remembered is not the goal. To have lived authentically, to have embraced the struggle, is enough."


    Yu Xuan straightened his back as he said. "My struggles are not for others to see or remember. They are for me, for the sharpening of my spirit, for the creation of a self unyielding to despair. If the world forgets me, I shall not mourn, for in every step I took, every storm I endured, I proved to myself that I existed. That alone is enough.¡±

 Chapter 21 - Lust Is The Biggest Enemy Of Heroes

    As Yu Xuan responded to the doppelganger''s questions, it gradually dissolved into wisps of smoke. The oppressive stillness of the previous trial faded, replaced by a serene and almost otherworldly atmosphere.


    He now stood in a grand hall where the walls were covered in luxurious velvet and embellished with shining gold. The air was heavy with the scent of exotic perfumes that filled the space with their sweet fragrance, enveloping him in a haze that dulled his senses and clouded his thoughts.


    Before him stood a group of women, their beauty beyond mortal comprehension as they danced with flawless grace. Their movements were fluid and mesmerizing, as if they defied the very limitations of the human form. The sight of them reached deep into his being, stirring an almost primal heat, an insistent pull of desire. Their laughter, soft and melodic, echoed like a siren¡¯s call, tempting and irresistible.


    Their garments, crafted from delicate silk and lace, barely clung to their figures. With each fluid motion, the fabric slipped away, revealing bodies sculpted to perfection. Yu Xuan felt the pull of their allure, a temptation that seemed to strip away reason itself.


    So this is the trial of lust, Yu Xuan thought, his expression remaining composed. A test designed to cloud the mind and undermine one¡¯s resolve. How many before me have faltered here, drowned in their desires, unable to rise above their own weakness?


    He could feel the heat rising within him, the pulse of blood quickening beneath his skin. His body, drawn to the promise of pleasure, screamed to give in. But his mind was detached and sharp, observing it all with clarity. He clenched his fists tightly, grounding himself in the moment. This fleeting sensation, this illusion, is nothing but a lie¡ªa hollow promise of fulfillment.


    The women drew closer, their eyes shimmering with longing, their forms moving toward him like the tide. Yet, as they closed the distance, Yu Xuan shut his eyes. He stripped away the fa?ade with the force of his will. He understood that these figures were not real, mere projections conjured from his desires, crafted to ensnare him.


    The women before him, their beauty fading into shadow, began to step back as if retreating into the void.


    But the trial was far from over.


    A soft yet powerful voice broke the silence. "You deny yourself, Yu Xuan. Is this the life you choose to lead? Alone, without warmth, without the joys of companionship or the intimacy of another¡¯s embrace? Why tread this endless path of struggle if not for the solace such moments bring?"


    Yu Xuan turned towards the source of the voice. Standing before him was a woman of breathtaking beauty, her presence both magnetic and serene. Every detail of her being, from the curve of her lips to the depths of her gaze, seemed to pull at the very fabric of his resolve. If Yu Xuan were to define what he considered the perfect woman, she would be the embodiment of that ideal. Her form was the ultimate manifestation of his deepest desires.


    Her voice softened as she stepped closer, the silk of her dress brushing against the floor. "You have endured so much pain," she said, her tone both tender and sorrowful. "Would it be so wrong to let yourself feel? To let yourself be loved, if only for a moment?"


    As he gazed at her, his mind remained steadfast, though his body betrayed him. Had it not been for his ironclad mental resolve, he might have succumbed to temptation.


    "Do you not yearn for connection?" she whispered, her hand brushing lightly against his arm. "Is it not human to crave? To want? You are not a god, Yu Xuan. You are flesh and blood. Do you truly believe you can transcend what you are?"


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    Yu Xuan¡¯s expression did not waver.


    For him, lust was but a temporary hunger that could never truly satisfy. It was nothing more than the body''s mindless craving, a desire that would only burn briefly before turning to ash. What is the value of indulging in such fleeting pleasures? In the end, the body, with all its beauty and allure, would decay into dust. What remained? Nothing more than the remnants of an impermanent existence.


    The world might tempt him with its carnal pleasures, but Yu Xuan¡¯s heart remained unmoved. He sought something greater, something eternal. Flesh, after all, was only that¡ªflesh. And when it returned to the earth, it left nothing behind but ashes. True temptation, the kind that stirred the very core of his being, could not be found in the ephemeral embrace of lust. It was only in the eternal, in the pursuit of transcendence, that his heart would truly be stirred.


    For what was lust, but the shackles of desire that bound one to the cycle of birth and death? Yu Xuan sought to break those chains. Only the eternal could tempt his soul, and in that pursuit, he would leave behind the hollow satisfaction of the flesh.


    Yu Xuan''s gaze hardened as he took a step forward. The illusion before him, with its intoxicating beauty, held no sway over his mind. He reached out, his fingers closing around the delicate neck of the naked figure before him.


    With a swift motion, he squeezed, his grip tightening. The woman¡¯s eyes widened in shock and pain, but there was no mercy in Yu Xuan¡¯s heart. He did not hesitate. With a sickening crack, the sound of her neck snapping echoed in the air. The illusion faltered.


    The grand hall vanished, the golden drapes and intoxicating perfumes fading away like mist before the sun. Yu Xuan stood alone once more, the room returning to its quiet emptiness.


    "I wonder what the next trial will be," Yu Xuan mused quietly, his gaze fixed on the shifting darkness before him. "The first trial was self-doubt, the second... lust. Each of these trials has refined my mental will. But to truly gain the full benefits, I must lay my mind bare to whatever comes next. To experience the trials in their entirety, I must allow them to take root in my thoughts and emotions."


    His words, barely a whisper in the silence, were laced with an intensity that few would understand. If anyone had heard him, they might have cursed him for his stupidity. To most, defending one''s mind in the face of such trials was paramount. People would fortify their mental barriers to ward off illusions, using every tactic to shield themselves. They might take pills or meditate beforehand, preparing themselves for what was to come.


    They would block out the temptations of lust, the fear of self-doubt, and whatever else the trials could conjure. The idea of indulging in the illusion to temper one''s mind seemed utterly foolish. No sane person would ever allow themselves to be swallowed by such illusions, nor would they let their mind be tested through the very thing they feared or longed for.


    But Yu Xuan was different. He wasn¡¯t interested in merely surviving the trials. He wasn¡¯t content with half measures. For him, it was never about avoiding the challenge¡ª it was about embracing it fully, laying his defenses bare to experience everything the trials had to offer. He didn¡¯t just want to pass through them unscathed; he wanted to transform, to refine himself in the baptism of these trials.


    As the fading remnants of the second trial fully dissolved into the air, Yu Xuan could feel a subtle shift in the atmosphere.The faintest trace of warmth that had clung to his skin vanished, leaving behind a cold, palpable stillness.


    Then, the oppressive silence cracked.


    A sudden searing agony bloomed in his abdomen. He looked down in shock as his stomach began to swell unnaturally, veins bulging and skin stretching to its limit. A wet crack echoed through the void as his stomach ruptured, blood and viscera spilling out. The pain was indescribable¡ªa raw, primal agony that tore through every fiber of his being.


    "Aaaaaaaaghhh!"


    A brief moment passed, and his body began to regenerate, as though time had reversed itself. His legs gave way as he collapsed to his knees, struggling to breathe. His vision blurred at the edges as the memory of the pain lingered in his mind. However, the fleeting relief was short-lived¡ªbefore he could even gather his thoughts, another wave of agony struck him, assaulting his mind once more.


    "Aaaaaaaaghhh!"


    An invisible force crushed his knees. The bones splintered with a sickening crunch, shards piercing through his flesh.


    As he tried to push himself up, his hands trembled, and the pain surged anew. His teeth began to rattle in his mouth, one by one being ripped from his gums. The metallic taste of blood filled his senses, and he gasped as the sharp stabs of torn nerves shot through his jaw.


    The agony reached his arms as the bones within them were snapped in sequence. His shoulders dislocated and his fingers bent back unnaturally. He started crawling in the ground, pulling himself forward inch by agonizing inch.


    A searing heat engulfed his back, and he cried out as invisible flames licked at his skin. The fire didn¡¯t consume him entirely; it burned just enough to sear his nerves while leaving his flesh intact. The acrid stench of charred skin filled his nostrils.


    The flames extinguished abruptly, only to be replaced by an icy cold that seeped into his bones. His body convulsed uncontrollably as frost spread across his skin, turning it blue and brittle. He felt his joints stiffen, the cold gnawing at him like thousands of tiny knives. His mind screamed for warmth, but he forced himself to focus.


    The ground beneath him gave way, and he plummeted into a pit of jagged spikes. The impact sent sharp pain through his body as the spikes impaled him, tearing through muscle and bone. Blood poured from his wounds, pooling beneath him.


    His torment was not yet done. His spine arched violently as an unseen force tore into his back, snapping vertebrae and severing nerves. His screams echoed in the void, raw and guttural.


    Yu Xuan¡¯s vision blurred as tears mingled with blood. His mind reeled, trying desperately to push back against the waves of suffering that crashed over him, but they came faster, harder, more relentlessly with every passing second. His resolve¡ªhis ironclad will¡ªwas being tested, stretched to its breaking point.

 Chapter 22 - How Much Can I Endure?

    His body convulsed uncontrollably as his muscles twitched and jerked with violent intensity, moving as though they no longer obeyed his will. Every breath he drew felt like inhaling shards of glass that tore through his lungs, igniting a fresh wave of searing pain with each desperate gasp for air.


    Yu Xuan instinctively reached out, searching for something¡ªanything¡ªto ground himself. But there was nothing. No anchor, no comfort, only the crushing reality of pain. It consumed everything. It fractured his thoughts, filling every corner of his mind, invading every fiber of his being.


    Yu Xuan¡¯s thoughts, now barely coherent, flickered like dying embers in the vast ocean of torment. Why? Why had he chosen this path? Was this really what he sought? Was this the price of his dream? The pain, the agony, the relentless assault¡ªit was too much. His mind screamed for respite, for release from the constant onslaught, but none came.


    And yet, in the deepest recesses of his soul, something stirred. It wasn¡¯t pity for himself, nor was it a wish for the suffering to end. It was a deep, consuming desire to continue¡ªto push through it all, no matter the cost.


    This was the price.


    Yu Xuan¡¯s breath shuddered, his body still trembling, as he clung to that thought, his only anchor in a sea of darkness. Pain was the trial. And he would endure it. There was no other choice. The very thought of surrendering, of allowing the pain to break him, was more unbearable than the agony itself.


    No matter how much it hurt. No matter how much he suffered. He would endure.


    Suddenly, the torment escalated. His eyeballs burst in their sockets, leaving hollow caverns that wept crimson tears. His tongue was severed, filling his mouth with the coppery tang of blood. His ears were torn away, leaving only the ringing silence of agony. Again and again, his body was ravaged, only to regenerate moments later. The cycle repeated endlessly¡ªhis flesh restored only to be destroyed anew.


    Yu Xuan¡¯s body twisted on the ground, reduced to his upper torso as he dragged himself forward with trembling arms. His shattered form should have been lifeless, but he remained.


    He did not scream, even as his body screamed for him. There was no voice left to give sound to the suffering, no teeth to grit against the pain¡ªonly the iron will of a man who refused to falter.


    Still, he crawled. Blood smeared the ground beneath him, leaving a trail of crimson that spoke of unspeakable torment. His heart slowed as if surrendering to the void, but in the depths of his despair, a faint smile touched his lips.


    "This... is nothing," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "The Dao is greater. My pursuit is greater. Let this flesh perish if it must. My will is eternal. My resolve..... unbroken."


    If anyone had witnessed this scene they would have been overcome with horror and revulsion. It was the embodiment of a nightmare. His face was twisted into a grotesque mask of agony that bore no semblance of humanity. His gums were raw and exposed where his teeth had once been and they glistened with blood. His empty eye sockets wept crimson streaks while the stumps of his ears oozed with fresh wounds. His hair was torn out in ragged clumps that left his scalp a patchwork of raw flesh.


    The figure before them was unsightly and a grotesque mockery of what once might have been human. Yet even in such a wretched and broken state his lips curled into a smile that was a defiant expression seeming to mock the very depths of his suffering.


    The scene was like a vision from Hell itself. One could only wonder¡ªwhat horrors had this man committed in life to deserve such punishment? Or perhaps, what unshakable dream had driven him to endure it?


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    Slowly, the surroundings shifted, and Yu Xuan''s body began to regenerate. His flesh and bones reformed seamlessly, as if nothing had happened. To an observer, he appeared unscathed, but only Yu Xuan knew the profound awareness this trial had brought him.


    He had once believed himself capable of enduring any suffering, convinced that his willpower was unshakable. But this trial had stripped away that naive confidence, revealing the depths of his ignorance. Words alone could never truly encompass the weight of pain; only through enduring it firsthand could one grasp its raw, harrowing truth.


    Yet, was Yu Xuan broken by this realization? Absolutely not. If anything, the trial had ignited an even fiercer resolve within him. His dream felt closer than ever, burning brightly against the backdrop of his newfound understanding.


    The trials pressed on relentlessly. The fourth was a trial of illusion.


    Yu Xuan found himself in a world where he was revered as a powerful and wise leader, his every word held in awe and respect. Crowds cheered his name, and his wisdom guided nations. The illusion painted a life of grandeur, filled with admiration and warmth he had never known before. For a moment, he felt the intoxicating pull of fulfillment, the sensation of finally having everything.


    But Yu Xuan was no ordinary soul. He saw through the shimmering veneer. This was not the life he sought, not the path he had chosen. With an unyielding will, he shattered the illusion.


    And so, the trials continued, each one testing his heart, his resolve, and his understanding of himself. With every step, he grew stronger and determined than his previous self.


    At last, only the final trial remained. As Yu Xuan arrived at the last trial, the world around him turned dark, not with the oppressive blackness of night but with a muted gray void that stretched endlessly in all directions.


    There was no sound, no wind, no scent¡ªonly emptiness.


    At first, Yu Xuan remained composed. He had endured trials that tested his resolve, his desires, and his physical limits. This, he thought, was no different. But as the moments stretched into what felt like an eternity, he realized how wrong he was. There were no illusions to fight, no pain to endure, no temptations to resist. There was only himself, standing alone in a boundless void.


    Time lost meaning. Seconds blurred into minutes, minutes into hours, hours into days¡ªor so it seemed. Yu Xuan walked forward, but there was no destination.


    The silence pressed against his ears like a suffocating force, making his own breathing sound deafeningly loud. His steps felt heavier with every passing moment, as if the emptiness itself sought to drag him down.


    "Is this it? Is this the ultimate test? To confront... nothing?"


    Yu Xuan walked forward without pause, each step echoing in the boundless void. Time felt meaningless, as if an eternity had slipped by unnoticed. His feet ached, his mind grew weary, but he pressed on, driven by the faint hope of finding an end to this endless trial.


    Finally, in the distance, he saw it¡ªa lake. Its surface was still and calm, but it wasn¡¯t filled with water. The liquid shimmered a deep red, thick and viscous, like blood. Yu Xuan paused at the edge, peering into its depths. The reflection staring back at him was distorted, warped by the crimson fluid.


    At first, he assumed it was blood, the sight unsettling yet strangely mesmerizing. But curiosity pushed him further. He knelt down, dipped a finger into the liquid, and brought it to his lips. It wasn¡¯t blood. It was something else entirely¡ªits taste unfamiliar, neither sweet nor bitter, a flavor that defied description.


    Without hesitation, Yu Xuan stepped into the lake, the red substance lapping against his legs. It was warm, almost soothing. He moved deeper until the lake embraced him entirely. With a single motion, he let himself float, his body surrendering to the strange liquid.


    He drifted on the surface, his face turned upward toward the sky. The sky wasn¡¯t blue; it was a muted gray, heavy and oppressive, as though burdened by untold sorrows. The color reminded him of ash, of emptiness, of the void.


    Yu Xuan stared at it for what felt like hours, his thoughts quiet but not at peace. The stillness of the lake mirrored the stillness within him, yet beneath that calm lay a storm of emotions. Was this the end? Was there more to endure?


    He closed his eyes, letting the weight of everything settle over him like a shroud. His body floated, but his mind sank deeper into reflection.


    When he finally opened his eyes, the world around him began to shatter. Cracks formed in the sky, spreading like fractured glass. The grayness splintered, pieces of the scene falling away into nothingness. The lake beneath him rippled violently, its red surface bubbling and dissipating into vapor.


    Yu Xuan remained still, watching as his surroundings dissolved into fragments, leaving behind only a blank, endless void. But this time, he felt no fear. The emptiness was no longer his enemy; it was a part of him now.


    With a final, resounding crack, the world shattered completely.


    Yu Xuan reappeared on the surface of the Emerald Reflection Terrace. As he opened his eyes, he noticed the number of participants had dwindled¡ªnearly 15% were missing. Now, only a fraction of the competitors remained on the altar.


    He wasn¡¯t surprised to find that he hadn¡¯t emerged as the first to complete the Soul Reflection Trial. After all, he hadn¡¯t defended his mind or resisted the illusions. Instead, he had chosen to lay his consciousness bare, allowing the visions to delve deep into his thoughts and emotions. While others might have safeguarded themselves, Yu Xuan had embraced the torment, fully immersing himself in the trials'' purpose.


    But Yu Xuan wasn¡¯t here to compete against others. His only rival was himself, the weaker version of who he had been. And in that regard, he had achieved success. These trials had pushed him beyond his limits, forcing him to endure, grow, and transform. It felt as if he had been reborn seven times.


    His spirit¡¯s willpower had grown immensely. If his strength of will before could be measured as a mere one, it now surged to an eight¡ªa staggering eightfold increase.


    Following the supervisor¡¯s instructions, Yu Xuan stepped off the altar and made his way to the resting area. The second trial had ended, but the final trial still loomed ahead. He sat down in quiet meditation, focusing on absorbing and understanding the profound insights he had gained during the trials.