《The Exiled Cultivator: Tales of a Forgotten Star》


 Cast Away

    The Pure Quartz Sect shone under the sun, its crystal-like towers reflecting many colors across the landscape. It was a place of great beauty, yet its grandeur masked its hierarchy''s cold, ruthless nature. For Zeth Etheris, this day would mark the end of a life he had known and started Anew.


    The Pure Quartz Sect was one of the Big Three sects in the region, revered for its unique cultivation techniques centered around minerals and crystals. These methods involve gathering Qi from the earth and tempering the body and Soul using unyielding mineral stones. For the gifted, it was a path to power. For the untalented, it was a crushing reminder of inadequacy. Zeth had heard tales of the sect''s prodigies who could use the earth and properties of crystal shards or turn their skin into diamond-like armor. Such feats felt as distant as the stars to someone like him.


    In the courtyard reserved for lower-stage cultivators, Zeth sat cross-legged on the rough stone floor, his mind being in concentration. He clutched a small, pale crystal in his hand, desperately trying to channel Qi into his dantian. For two years, his progress had stalled, his peers soaring past him while he remained tethered to failure. The once-pristine crystal in his hands had grown dull from overuse, a reflection of his waning hope. Around him, the whispers of other cultivators cut through the silence like knives to the heart.


    "Still trying?" one muttered. "He''ll never advance."


    "Why does the sect even keep him?" another sneered.


    Zeth clenched his fists, willing himself to block out their voices. But the truth stung. He was an anomaly in a sect that valued progress above all else.


    A sharp "bam" jolted him out of his trance. A boot slammed into his side, sending him sprawling. Zeth coughed, gripping his ribs as he turned to see the smirking face of Tao Lin, the son of Elder Lin and a constant thorn in his side.


    "Didn''t I tell you to go fetch me some herbs, you useless weed?" Tao Lin sneered, crossing his arms.


    Zeth scrambled to sit up, glaring at his assailant. "Sorry. I haven''t had the time. I''ve been¡­ trying to cultivate."


    Tao Lin laughed, his voice echoing across the courtyard. "Cultivate? For what? Is this some kind of joke? You''re a failure, Zeth. Everyone knows it. You''ve been stuck in the same realm for two years! All your peers have already advanced."


    "I can still try, can''t I?" Zeth snapped, his voice rising in anger. "Unlike you, Tao Lin, I don''t freeload off the sect. You''re no better than a dog, lucky your parents birthed you here."


    Tao Lin''s face twisted with rage, and he raised a hand, but before he could strike, a deep voice cut through the tension.


    "Enough."


    An older man with black hair and a neatly trimmed beard stepped into the courtyard. His robes were the color of the sect and bore the insignia of being an elder, and his presence immediately silenced the confrontation.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    "Father?" Tao Lin asked, startled.


    "Zeth," Elder Lin said, his tone sharp, "you''re needed in the elders'' conference room. Now."


    Zeth blinked, his anger momentarily replaced by confusion. "Me? Alright¡­ I''ll head over."


    Elder Lin smirked. "Don''t worry, Tao. That useless brat won''t be bothering you anymore."


    The path to the elders'' conference room felt like a gauntlet. Every step weighed on Zeth''s shoulders, his mind racing with possibilities. Why had the elders summoned him? Was it to commend his effort? Or¡­ was it to pronounce judgment? Memories of his parents flooded his mind. They had been lower-stage cultivators taken into the sect, sacrificing their lives during a sect''s conflict to protect its territories. Their names had been etched into the current sect leaders but their noble actions felt increasingly hollow as Zeth struggled.


    He reached the grand doors and stopped a passing cultivator. This peer, a boy who had advanced well beyond Zeth''s current stage, eyed him with a mix of pity and disdain.


    "Do you know why Elder Lin called me?" Zeth asked.


    The cultivator only gave him a pitying look before entering the room to announce him. Moments later, the doors opened, and Zeth stepped inside.


    The room was vast, its walls lined with glowing quartz and seated figures radiating authority. The energy in the air was oppressive, each elder exuding the weight of their cultivation. Zeth bowed deeply. "Greetings, elders. You called for me?"


    The sect leader, Jian Lin, sat at the head of the table. His eyes were as cold as the minerals his sect revered. "Yes, boy. Sit."


    Zeth hesitated but obeyed, his every nerve on edge. Jian Lin continued, "We took you in thanks to your parents. They''re gone now, as you know, and frankly, you''ve failed to live up to our cultivation standards even worse than them. You cannot cultivate. It seems you''re a lost cause."


    Zeth''s fists clenched. The mention of his parents stung, but it was the dismissive tone that truly cut deep. "What are you trying to say, Sect Leader?"


    Elder Lin leaned forward, a cruel grin on his face. "Silence, boy. Trash should be respectful."


    Jian Lin''s voice hardened. "We''ve decided to expel you from the Pure Quartz Sect."


    The words hit Zeth like a hammer. He stood up and began to speak. "What? After everything my parents did for this sect? They sacrificed themselves! And this is how you repay me?"


    Elder Lin''s smirk deepened. "They were trash, just like you. Be grateful we''re letting you leave alive."


    Before Zeth could respond, Elder Lin raised a hand, and a surge of Qi struck Zeth in the chest. He gasped in pain as his meridians shattered. Blood trickled from his lips as he fell to his knees.


    The pain was indescribable, like a thousand needles piercing his body. Zeth felt the Qi he had painstakingly gathered for years dissipate in an instant, leaving behind an aching void.


    "I''m sorry," Elder Lin said mockingly, "but trash like you doesn''t deserve to be cultivated."


    Jian Lin rose, his expression unyielding. "As a token of respect for your parents, we''ll transfer you outside the sect''s borders. Consider it a mercy, so Tao Lin and the others won''t kill you outright."


    Zeth''s vision blurred with pain and fury. The betrayal cut deeper than the Qi attack. "Damn you all!"


    Elder Lin''s laughter followed him as the sect leader activated a teleportation array. The runes beneath Zeth glowed with an otherworldly light, their intricate patterns a stark contrast to the chaos in his heart. In a flash of light, Zeth was hurled through space.


    When Zeth regained consciousness, he was lying on a patch of rough, unfamiliar ground. The sky above him was an endless expanse of grey, the air thick with the scent of damp earth. His body screamed in pain, his shattered meridians a constant reminder of his defeat.


    He tried to sit up, only to collapse back onto the ground. Tears welled up in his eyes, but he refused to let them fall. His parents had raised him to be stronger than this. He crawled to a nearby tree and fell unconscious once more.

 The Heavenly Cloud Sect

    Zeth''s consciousness returned slowly, a dull ache spreading across his body. His vision was blurry, but he noticed a girl kneeling beside him as it cleared. Her concerned expression softened slightly as she noticed his eyes flutter open, her delicate features framed by strands of jet-black hair.


    "Ah, you''re awake now," she said softly, a hint of relief in her voice. Turning her head, she called out, "Elder Zhang, can you carry him back to the sect?"


    An older man with a steady, authoritative presence approached. His robes, bearing the insignia of an elder, swayed slightly in the breeze. His sharp eyes examined Zeth intently. "It should be fine to do so," he replied. As Elder Zhang placed a hand on Zeth''s shoulder, his brow furrowed deeply. "Hmm¡­ this boy''s meridians are shattered. Who could have done such a cruel thing?"


    Zeth''s lips moved, but no sound escaped. His injuries had rendered him mute for the moment. The girl furrowed her brows, her voice tinged with both curiosity and anger. "Shattered? And left out here? Whoever did this must have truly despised him. To hate someone enough to destroy their cultivation path¡­"


    Elder Zhang sighed deeply, his voice heavy with empathy. "Poor child. He''s so young, just like you, young miss. From what I can tell, you''re about the same age."


    The girl nodded thoughtfully, her expression hardening with determination. "We''ll find out more once we get him back to the sect."


    The journey to the Heavenly Cloud Sect was a quiet one, broken only by the soft murmurs of conversation between the girl and Elder Zhang about Zeth''s condition. The girl''s name, Zhang Jingyi, was mentioned several times in passing. The steady motion of the Elder Zhang carrying them offered Zeth a fleeting sense of calm amidst his pain. Occasionally, Jingyi would glance back at Zeth, her eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and compassion, as if trying to understand the story behind his battered body.


    When they arrived, the grandeur of the sect was unmistakable. Towering structures adorned with intricate carvings reached into the sky, surrounded by lush gardens that exuded an aura of serenity and power. The soft hum of cultivation energy seemed to linger in the air, invigorating all who stepped within its boundaries.


    "Let''s head to the recovery room and treat him," Elder Zhang said.


    Under the elder''s skilled hands, Zeth''s wounds were tended to. The potent medicinal salves burned slightly against his skin but brought a soothing coolness afterward. Hours later, as the evening sun cast its golden rays, Zeth''s consciousness fully returned. He opened his eyes to find himself lying in a comfortable bed in a modestly decorated room. The air carried the faint aroma of medicinal herbs, soothing his senses.


    "Where¡­ am I?" he rasped, his voice barely a whisper.


    Before Elder Zhang could respond, the girl from earlier stepped forward, her voice light yet commanding. "Don''t worry about that right now. We found you near death. What happened to you?"


    Zeth''s gaze shifted to her, his voice still hoarse. "You are¡­?"


    The girl smiled faintly, a polite yet warm expression. "My apologies, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Zhang Jingyi, a disciple of this sect."


    "I see¡­" Zeth replied. "My name is Zeth Etheris."


    Zhang Jingyi tilted her head, her red eyes filled with curiosity. "As I asked before, what happened to you? Why were you in such a state?"


    Zeth''s expression darkened, the weight of his memories pressing on him. "I was banished from my sect. They called me useless trash¡­ said I didn''t deserve to cultivate."


    Both Elder Zhang and Zhang Jingyi looked taken aback, shock flashing across their faces.


    "How can they be so cruel?" Zhang Jingyi muttered, her tone indignant.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    Zeth''s fists clenched weakly. "They always hated me because I wasn''t originally from their sect. They sacrificed my parents in a conflict with another sect, and that damned elder destroyed my meridians. They wanted me dead."


    Elder Zhang''s eyes narrowed, his tone grave. "May I ask which sect this was?"


    "The Pure Quartz Sect," Zeth spat, his voice dripping with anger.


    Elder Zhang''s expression darkened. "Hmph. Them. I''m not surprised. They act noble in public but are vile at heart."


    Zeth looked at the two of them, his curiosity piqued. "What sect is this? Where am I?"


    Elder Zhang chuckled softly, his demeanor lightening. "You can''t tell?"


    Zhang Jingyi smiled, her tone teasing. "This is the Heavenly Cloud Sect, run by the Zhang family."


    Zeth''s eyes widened, disbelief washing over him. "The Zhang Family? Wait¡­ are you talking about the Heavenly Cloud Sect?"


    Zhang Jingyi giggled, covering her mouth with her hand. "That''s correct."


    Zeth bowed his head, his voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you for healing me. I¡­ I''ll leave now. I have no use, but I''m grateful for your kindness."


    Zhang Jingyi''s smile faded, replaced by a determined look. "What''s with that? We''re not the Pure Quartz Sect. You''ll be staying here, of course. You''d die out there. Besides, I need someone to carry my things. My uncle here always complains."


    Elder Zhang''s brow twitched, his tone tinged with exasperation. "That''s because I have sect matters to attend to, young miss." He turned to Zeth. "In any case, this isn''t her decision to make. You''ll meet the sect master, and he will decide."


    The trio made their way to the sect''s main hall. As they entered, Zhang Jingyi was greeted with deference by the disciples, many bowing respectfully. The grand corridors exuded an air of majesty, their walls adorned with celestial motifs that seemed to hum with hidden energy. Zeth couldn''t help but notice the reverence in the eyes of those they passed, their gazes lingering on Zhang Jingyi with a mixture of awe and respect. It was clear her standing in the sect was significant.


    They were soon led to a chamber with massive double doors, intricately carved with the sigil of the Zhang family. Inside, the Heavenly Cloud Sect Master sat upon a raised platform, exuding an air of calm authority. His white and light-blue robes shimmered subtly, and his piercing blue eyes assessed Zeth with quiet intensity. His aura, though restrained, radiated a profound strength that commanded respect.


    "Jingyi," he began, his voice steady and commanding, "what is it this time?"


    "Father," Zhang Jingyi said with a smile, "I want this boy to join the sect."


    Zeth''s mind raced. "Father?" he thought.


    The sect master''s gaze shifted to Zeth. "This boy¡­ his meridians are shattered. Why would you suggest such a thing?"


    Zhang Jingyi explained how they had found Zeth and the state he was in. The sect master listened intently, his expression inscrutable, before nodding slowly. "Very well. I will allow this exception. Elder Zhang, prepare a room for him."


    Elder Zhang bowed and left to make arrangements.


    Zhang Jingyi turned to Zeth, her smile returning. "Come on, let me show you around."


    As Zhang Jingyi guided Zeth through the sect, he couldn''t help but marvel at its beauty and the strength of its disciples. Towering pagodas seemed to reach the heavens, while courtyards buzzed with cultivators training diligently. The sect exuded a sense of purpose and unity, something Zeth had never felt in the Pure Quartz Sect. His eyes lingered on the sparring disciples, their movements sharp and precise, each strike resonating with cultivated energy.


    When they reached the library, Zeth paused. "Senior Sister, may I go in?"


    "Why?" Zhang Jingyi asked, curious.


    "I don''t want to be a burden. If I can learn about herbs and minerals, I can gather them to repay your kindness."


    Her expression softened. "I see. Very well, but don''t take too long. I need to register you with Elder Zhang."


    Zeth bowed deeply. "Thank you, Senior Sister."


    Inside the library, Zeth approached a male cultivator. "Excuse me, Senior Brother. Can you point me to books on herbs and minerals?"


    The cultivator gestured to a section in the corner. "Over there."


    "Thank you, Senior Brother," Zeth said, bowing respectfully.


    As he delved into the texts, he absorbed as much knowledge as he could. His focus was unyielding, driven by a determination to repay the kindness he had received. Each page revealed a wealth of information about medicinal properties, gathering techniques, and cultivation-enhancing mixtures. Zeth''s fingers traced diagrams of rare herbs, their intricate details sparking a glimmer of excitement despite his grim circumstances.


    When Elder Zhang returned, he found Zeth deeply engrossed in a book.


    "I see you''re gaining knowledge already," Elder Zhang said with a chuckle. "Come, your room is ready."


    Zeth followed the elder to a small cabin on the sect''s outskirts. He frowned slightly but quickly masked his disappointment.


    "This is it?" he asked.


    "Sorry, sect rules. You don''t have the strength for better accommodations," Elder Zhang explained. "But make the most of it."


    Zeth nodded. "Thank you, Elder."


    As Zeth lay on the bed, he stared at the ceiling, determination hardening his resolve. "I''ll make the most of this second chance. Tomorrow, I''ll start gathering herbs and minerals. I''ll prove that I''m not useless."


    With that thought, he closed his eyes, drifting into a restless sleep.

 A nest and a scroll

    The dawn light barely brushed the peaks of the Heavenly Cloud Sect''s towering mountains. Zeth Etheris stirred from his sleep, the faint warmth of the rising sun spilling into his modest cabin through its rusted window frame. After the chaos of recent days, the simple rest had been a relief to him.


    Zeth sat up, stretching his body and muscles. "It''s early," he yawned, his voice rasp and tired. "But the others should already be training. I need to make myself useful. Senior Sister has done so much for me; I should gather herbs for her while she trains. Perhaps I can find minerals too something to express my gratitude."


    He pushed open the creaky wooden door of his cabin and stepped outside. The crisp morning air carried the faint hum of Qi-infused cultivation in the distance. Zeth took a deep breath, savoring the tranquility before heading toward the sect''s main gate. His thoughts were interrupted by the familiar voice of the Heavenly Cloud Sect Master.


    "Zeth?" the sect master called, his tone both curious and authoritative. "Are you perhaps about to head out?"


    Zeth immediately bowed deeply. "Greetings, Sect Master," he said respectfully. "Yes, I plan to gather herbs for my Senior Sister. She has shown me great kindness, and I hope to repay her in some small way."


    The sect master''s sharp eyes studied him for a moment as if weighing Zeth''s sincerity. "Hmmm, I see," he said thoughtfully. "Be cautious. The forest beyond the gate is no place for carelessness. I must speak with you before you leave. Follow me."


    Zeth nodded, curiosity and trepidation blooming within him. He followed the sect master to the grand hall, the air growing heavier with each step. Upon entering the private office, the sect master gestured for Zeth to sit.


    "Zeth," the sect master began, his tone measured, "your dedication to my daughter and the sect has not gone unnoticed. Despite your current limitations, you possess a strength of character that is rare. I cannot fully repair your shattered meridians, but I can mend them enough to allow you to perform basic tasks. However, you must promise not to overextend yourself. If these repairs are pushed too far, they may break beyond any hope of recovery."


    Zeth''s heart raced. This was the opportunity he had dreamed of, however faint the hope. "Yes!" he said, his voice firm despite the emotions swelling within him. "I''ve always longed to walk the path of cultivation. Even a slim chance is worth taking."


    The sect master gave a slight nod. "Very well."


    Zeth sat cross-legged on the floor, his back to the sect master. The elder''s hands glowed faintly as he directed precise threads of Qi into Zeth''s meridians. Pain shot through Zeth''s body, a searing agony that made him grit his teeth. Every nerve in his body seemed to ignite, and his breaths came in ragged gasps. Sweat poured down his face as he fought to remain still.


    "Just a little longer," the sect master said, his voice steady yet tinged with effort.


    Minutes felt like hours, but finally, the pain ebbed, replaced by a faint warmth. Zeth''s body trembled as he gasped, his breath ragged. For the first time in years, he felt the flow of Qi within him a fragile, tenuous thread of hope.


    "Remember," the sect master cautioned, his tone grave, "this is only a temporary solution. Push yourself too hard, and this gift will be for naught. May the Heavenly Way guide your Path."


    Zeth bowed deeply, his voice trembling with gratitude. "Thank you, Sect Master. I won''t forget this kindness."


    With newfound resolve, Zeth left the grand hall and made his way to the sect gate. The dense forest loomed ahead, its shadows stretching long and mysterious in the early morning light. Zeth took a moment to steady his breathing before stepping beyond the boundaries. He gathered herbs diligently, his movements careful and purposeful. Each leaf and root he picked was selected with care, his mind focused on repaying his debt to his Senior Sister. He picked extra, thinking he could sell them for money to ease his burden on the sect.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    As he ventured deeper, the forest grew denser, its air thick with the hum of life and the faint pulse of Qi. He stumbled upon a cluster of unusual fruits, their faint glow hinting at Qi-enhancing properties. Zeth hesitated for a moment, then reached out cautiously, marveling at the treasure he had found.


    A sharp voice shattered the stillness. "Stop right there! Who are you, and why are you stealing from our grove?"


    Zeth spun around, his heart pounding. A young female cultivator stepped forward, her expression stern and unyielding. "I''m sorry," he said quickly, bowing in apology. "I didn''t realize I had wandered into someone''s territory. My name is Zeth Etheris, a disciple of the Heavenly Cloud Sect."


    The girl''s eyes narrowed. "I am Shen Yue. Your robes don''t match their current style, but I''ll give you the benefit of the doubt. Leave now, or I will take action."


    Zeth''s face flushed with embarrassment. "Ah, I forgot to collect new robes from the training hall," he thought. Aloud, he said, "Thank you for your understanding," and bowed again before turning to leave.


    Before he could take more than a few steps, a mocking voice cut through the air. "Hold on, Junior Sister. This one might be a spy."


    A male cultivator emerged from the shadows, his smirk dripping with malice. "Why would the Heavenly Cloud Sect accept someone as weak as him? He''s barely in the Mortal Qi Realm."


    "Bai Jingting," Shen Yue said sharply, her voice tinged with frustration, "there''s no reason to suspect him."


    "Better safe than sorry," Bai Jingting retorted, his voice laced with cruelty. Without warning, he struck Zeth, sending him tumbling to the ground. Zeth groaned in pain, clutching his side. The impact rattled his already fragile body, and a bitter taste filled his mouth.


    "I''m telling the truth!" Zeth protested weakly. "Why are you doing this?"


    Bai Jingting sneered. "Even if you''re telling the truth, no one in your sect would care about someone as weak as you."


    The words struck a chord of doubt in Zeth''s heart. "Maybe he''s right," he thought bitterly. "Would they even notice if I disappeared?"


    "Stop it!" Shen Yue shouted, stepping between them. Her eyes burned with indignation as she faced Bai Jingting. "I''ll report you to the sect."


    "So what?" Bai Jingting snarled, his voice dripping with disdain. "They won''t care about trash like him."


    Before Zeth could respond, Bai Jingting grabbed him by the collar and dragged him to the edge of a nearby cliff. The wind howled around them, the abyss below dark and foreboding. He held Zeth over the precipice, a wicked grin on his face.


    "Put me down!" Zeth shouted, his voice filled with frustration and fear. He knew he couldn''t risk using his fragile meridians to fight back.


    "Oh? Talking back now?" Bai Jingting sneered. With a final laugh, he released his grip, sending Zeth plummeting.


    Shen Yue''s voice rang out in alarm. "Senior Brother, stop! What if he dies?"


    Bai Jingting shrugged. "He''s just trash. They''d have banished him eventually."


    Zeth''s body struck the rocky cliffside as he tumbled downward, each impact driving pain through him. When he finally came to a halt, he lay bruised and battered, barely clinging to consciousness. "If not for the sect master''s repair, I''d be dead," he thought grimly, tears pricking at the corners of his eyes. The weight of his helplessness crushed him as he lay motionless.


    Summoning what little strength he had, Zeth tried to crawl toward trees for shelter. Suddenly, a shadow loomed over him. He looked up to see a massive jade-colored bird descending. The Jade Skylark, a creature old as its Legend, snatched him in its talons and took him to the sky.


    "What now?" Zeth groaned, his voice filled with despair. "Am I food for this thing?"


    The Skylark carried him to its nest atop a towering mountain. It deposited Zeth among its young before flying off. Struggling to stand, Zeth''s eyes fell on an old scroll partially buried in the nest. Despite his injuries, curiosity drove him to reach for it. Stuffing the scroll into his robes, he began to search for a way out of the nest.


    As he moved, Zeth caught a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. Mountains pierced the sky, their peaks shrouded in mist. The sun bathed the world in a golden glow. For a moment, the beauty of it all gave him a sliver of peace, a fleeting balm to his bruised spirit.


    Finding a cavern nearby, Zeth settled in for the night. His injuries demanded rest before any further action. As he sat, he couldn''t resist the pull of the scroll. He unfurled it, revealing faded characters written in a language he barely recognized however a voice began to ring through his head.


    "I write this in my final moments," the scroll began. "I hail from a distant land, but my destiny ends here. I could not inherit that power left behind. To you who read this, I leave my hopes. May you succeed where I have failed."


    Suddenly, visions flashed through Zeth''s mind: The location of ancient ruins, a battlefield strewn with shattered weapons, and a power that called to him. The scroll disintegrated, its essence merging with the heavens.


    Zeth gasped, his mind reeling. "What was that?" he whispered. Despite the pain and exhaustion, a spark of determination ignited within him. "If the ruins are nearby, I have to investigate. There might be something there to heal my wounds or help me rebuild my strength."


    With that thought, Zeth began to lay down, allowing the pull of sleep to overtake him. Tomorrow he would set out to find the nearby ruins that shot in his mind.