《The Lost Dao》


 Chapter 1, The Heavens Stir

    In the ever-changing world of cultivation, every quake and natural disaster could be heard and felt across the land.


    Every living creature, big or small, felt this change as lightning storms fused with hurricanes, erupting and startling all the cultivators in the world as the earth itself continued to shake.


    Streaking through the air, golden lightning rained down, flattening mountains and tearing the sky apart.


    Heavenly Palace


    Inside a large pagoda, a woman adorned in simple red robes quietly sipped on fragrant tea. Her divine sense unrestrained, she observed the phenomenon occurring outside the palace.


    ¡°It seems like it¡¯s happening,¡± a deep voice said as someone approached the woman from behind.


    ¡°Disciple greets master,¡± the woman rose, bowing lightly.


    ¡°Come now, no need to be like this. You¡¯re already stronger than me, and you still feel the need to bow when you see this old man? Is this how the ruler of Heavenly Place should be acting?¡±A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    ¡°Master, I may be stronger and the ruler of Heavenly Place, but that doesn¡¯t mean you¡¯re not still my master.¡±


    ¡°Master? Hmph. I¡¯ve already taught you everything that I know, and you even improved on some of the things I taught you. Which master do you belong to?¡±


    Chuckling, the woman in red robes said, ¡°Master, be that as it may, there are still some things I¡¯m lacking in. Just having the knowledge isn¡¯t enough. I also need experience¡ªexperience that you have.¡±


    She smiled innocently at the tall man in front of her.


    Smiling back, the old man walked past her.


    Even though the entire cultivation realm was in an uproar, these two immortals were calm, even joyous.


    Stroking his beard, the old man continued, ¡°Do you know the location of where it¡¯s going to appear?¡±


    ¡°Regrettably, no. However, I have some of the immortals on standby, ready to be deployed for the search.¡±


    The old man stayed silent for a moment.


    Sensing something, he said, ¡°Don¡¯t think too much about it. The fact that you even managed to receive a revelation from heaven is praiseworthy in itself. You don¡¯t need to blame yourself for not being able to locate the child.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve already done enough. Now go rest; the injuries you suffered from still haven¡¯t healed. Let the rest of Heavenly Place take care of the rest of the work.¡±


    ¡°Once we find this child, Heavenly Place¡¯s strength will rise exponentially once again.¡±


    The old immortal spoke as he disappeared from the pagoda.

 Chapter 2 Early morning

    In a small, dilapidated building, a boy about 14 years old lay on a creaky bed.


    Sh¨© H¨¦ng Y¨¬, the boy in question, slowly rose from his sleep, his eyes unfocused.


    Leaning against the side of the bed, he rubbed his eyes, his body trembling slightly as he stepped onto the floor.


    Feeling something familiar, he glanced down and sighed. ¡°Flood again, huh?¡±


    Unbothered, he waded through the shallow water pooling across the floor and made his way to the desk. Picking up a cloth, he headed for the door, his feet still submerged.


    Outside his room, he bent down and grabbed a broken bucket lying on the ground. Bucket in hand, he began walking towards the nearby river, picking some fruit from bushes along the way.


    When he reached the stream, Sh¨© H¨¦ng Y¨¬ set the bucket down and began removing his tattered clothes.


    As each piece came off, scars and bruises were revealed across his thin, malnourished body. Some wounds were fresh, still oozing faint traces of blood. Despite this, his expression remained indifferent, as though he¡¯d long grown used to the sight.


    First his top, then his trousers¡ªhe stripped in mere seconds. His thin frame looked fragile, but there was a steely resolve in his posture that betrayed his physical state.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Moving into the stream, he submerged himself with a cloth in hand, letting the cold water shock his senses awake. Faint streaks of blood trailed down his back and into the current, but Sh¨© H¨¦ng Y¨¬ ignored the sting of his wounds. Carefully, methodically, he scrubbed every part of his body, the cloth sliding over skin both scarred and tender.


    Next, he took his worn top and soaked it in the river. Rubbing it together gently, he cleaned off the dirt and grime without risking tearing the already fragile fabric. He repeated the process with his pants, each motion practised and deliberate.


    Once done, he wrung the clothes out, placed them in the bucket, and began the walk back to his small cabin. Naked but unfazed, he didn¡¯t bother worrying about who might see him. The path was isolated, and even if someone did pass by, Sh¨© H¨¦ng Y¨¬ wouldn¡¯t care. He had no energy for embarrassment.


    Back at his cabin, he paused outside and hung the wet clothes on a line fashioned from old ropes. The morning sun glinted weakly off the water still pooled on the ground, but Sh¨© H¨¦ng Y¨¬ paid it no mind.


    inside, he retrieved his only other set of clothes¡ªa simple light green robe with black trousers. Though worn and covered in patches, they were in better shape than the ones he¡¯d been wearing.


    After drying himself with a smaller cloth, he slipped into the fresh outfit and pulled on a battered pair of shoes. Standing by the doorway, he glanced up towards the hill in the distance.


    He sighed.


    Today was a special day¡ªone that would determine the futures of every 14-year-old in the village. It was the day of the aptitude test.


    For those with outstanding aptitudes, life could change dramatically, whether they were born into wealth or poverty. For better or for worse, this test was pivotal.


    Sh¨© H¨¦ng Y¨¬¡¯s expression remained calm, almost detached. He hadn¡¯t shown much emotion all day, and now was no different.


    Taking a deep breath, he began circulating the faint spiritual essence within his body. Then, with a burst of speed, he dashed up the hill, the cold morning breeze brushing against his scarred skin.

 Chapter 3 The aptitude test

    In the cold weather Sh¨© H¨¦ng Y¨¬ moved ignoring the cold, The hill was not particularly steep, but the path was uneven, littered with loose stones and overgrown roots.


    Sh¨© H¨¦ng Y¨¬ moved with practised ease, his bare feet skimming over the terrain as though he had traversed it a thousand times before.


    The morning air was crisp, carrying with it the faint scent of damp earth and wildflowers. Birds chirped in the distance, their songs a stark contrast to the tension coiled within him.


    spider web villager:


    As he neared the top, the sound of voices reached his ears. The village square was already bustling with activity. Parents stood in clusters, their faces a mix of hope and anxiety, while children his age milled about, some nervous, others brimming with confidence.


    The centre of the square was dominated by a raised platform, upon which stood a large, crystalline structure¡ªthe Spirit Testing Stone.


    Sh¨© H¨¦ng Y¨¬ slowed his pace, his expression unreadable as he approached the gathering. He received a few curious glances, but most ignored him. He was used to being invisible, a shadow in the periphery of their lives. His tattered clothes and scarred body marked him as an outsider¡ªa beggar even.


    A tall, stern-looking man stepped onto the platform, his presence commanding immediate silence. Elder Mo, the village¡¯s spiritual guide and the overseer of the aptitude tests, surveyed the crowd with a critical eye.


    ¡°Today,¡± he began, his voice resonating with authority, ¡°you will all undergo the Spirit Aptitude Test. This is a pivotal moment in your lives. Your results will determine your path forward¡ªwhether you will remain here, toiling in obscurity, or ascend to greater heights, harnessing the power of the spiritual essence that flows through our world.¡±


    The children exchanged nervous glances, their earlier bravado fading under Elder Mo¡¯s imposing gaze. Sh¨© H¨¦ng Y¨¬, however, remained impassive. He had long since learned to mask his emotions, to bury them deep inside his heart.


    ¡°We will begin shortly,¡± Elder Mo continued. ¡°Line up in an orderly fashion. Each of you will step forward, place your hand upon the Spirit Testing Stone, and channel your spiritual essence into it. The stone will reveal your aptitude.¡±


    The crowd shuffled into a rough line, the children jostling for position. Sh¨© H¨¦ng Y¨¬ hung back, content to wait at the rear. He watched as the first child, a boy from a wealthy family, stepped onto the platform. The boy placed his hand on the stone, his face scrunched in concentration. The crystal glowed faintly, then emitted a soft, blue light.


    ¡°Low-grade aptitude,¡± Elder Mo announced, his tone neutral. The boy¡¯s shoulders slumped, but he stepped down without complaint. The next child, a girl, followed suit. Her result was the same¡ªexcept she wasn¡¯t as accepting of the results as the first boy.


    ¡°Low-grade? This can¡¯t be right,¡± she said, her attitude distasteful. ¡°How can I, Wang Li, have low-grade aptitude? This crystal is clearly broken!¡±


    Elder Mo¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. There hadn¡¯t even been that many people tested yet, and someone was already complaining?


    His eyes bearing a slight pressure, he looked at the girl. ¡°Oh? Then are you calling *me* incompetent, since I was the one to handpick this crystal?¡±


    Elder Mo¡¯s voice deepened slightly.


    But before Wang Li could answer, a voice from the back could be heard. It was Wang Li¡¯s father, Wang Hao.


    ¡°No, no! We wouldn¡¯t dare say that, Elder Mo!¡± The man rushed forward, frantically shouting. Reaching her, he quickly grabbed his daughter¡¯s head before forcing her to prostrate alongside him.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    ¡°Elder Mo, please forgive my daughter for her slight outburst,¡± Wang Hao said, his body shaking. ¡°She¡¯s still a child, you see. Please don¡¯t be too harsh on her.¡±


    Elder Mo watched this scene in silence. ¡°Very well, Wang Hao. I will let this matter slide for now. But remember¡ªthere will be no next time,¡± he said, his voice growing deeper.


    ¡°Yes, Elder! Yes, Elder!¡± Wang Hao said, quickly bowing three times before leaving the platform.


    Elder Mo watched them for a brief moment before shifting back to the crystal. [Sigh. I really cannot stand wealthy children and their attitudes. They are always so arrogant.] He looked at the rest of the children lined up. ¡°Next!¡±


    One by one, the children took their turns, the results varying only slightly. Most were low-grade, with a handful achieving mid-grade. The crowd¡¯s initial excitement waned, replaced by a sombre realisation of their limitations.


    Finally, it was Sh¨© H¨¦ng Y¨¬¡¯s turn. He stepped onto the platform, his movements deliberate and unhurried. The crowd¡¯s murmurs grew louder, their curiosity piqued by the boy who seemed so out of place.


    Though the aptitude test wasn¡¯t restricted to anyone¡ªthe only qualification being that one had to know how to circulate spiritual essence¡ªit was still surprising to see a beggar from the streets able to manipulate their spiritual essence. Though surprising, it wasn¡¯t rare.


    Elder Mo¡¯s gaze remained neutral as Sh¨© H¨¦ng Y¨¬ approached the stone. ¡°Place your hand on the stone and channel your essence,¡± he instructed, his voice tinged with scepticism.


    Sh¨© H¨¦ng Y¨¬ nodded, his hand hovering over the crystal for a moment before making contact. He closed his eyes, focusing on the faint thread of spiritual essence within him. It was weak, almost imperceptible, but he had spent years honing his control over it.


    The stone remained inert for a long moment, the crowd¡¯s murmurs growing into outright laughter. ¡°Looks like he¡¯s got no aptitude at all!¡± someone jeered.


    But then, a flicker of light. The crystal began to glow, faintly at first, then brighter, the light shifting from blue to a deep, vibrant purple.


    Elder Mo¡¯s eyes remained neutral as he read the scores. ¡°Low-grade aptitude,¡± he said, unsurprised at all.


    The crowd erupted into chaos, their laughter spreading like a wave. Sh¨© H¨¦ng Y¨¬ opened his eyes, his expression still calm, though a bit disappointed¡ªit didn¡¯t concern him too much.


    Sh¨© H¨¦ng Y¨¬ himself had never really concerned or cared much for what aptitude level he might get. Heck, he was even slightly relieved that he had gotten a low-grade aptitude.


    He had only come to confirm if he could cultivate.


    Ever since he became able to control his spiritual essence, he had practised diligently for the past four years, continuously circulating it around his body to the point where he could move all of it to a certain spot to increase its capabilities.


    Meagre in its amount, it was also how he managed to run up the hill without stopping. Otherwise, he would have to stop every so often, possibly missing his chance to test his aptitude.


    Even though he did not understand much about the cultivation world, he still remembered quite a few novels he had read back in his past life. And if there was one thing he remembered from most of them, it¡¯s that a world with cultivation was filled with endless possibilities.


    So even if someone like him was born with a low-grade aptitude, what was stopping him from finding or using a technique to snatch someone else¡¯s talent?


    After all, that was what he had planned to do if the results he got from the test weren¡¯t good.


    Elder Mo turned around, directing Sh¨© H¨¦ng Y¨¬ to the place where those with low-grade aptitudes were gathered, before then disappearing.


    [Sigh. It seems like the heavens are on my side today,] Elder Mo thought as he appeared above everyone.


    ¡°Twenty-six A-grade, fifty-six B-C grade, and eighty-nine D-grade. Hmm. There¡¯s more A-grade aptitude users compared to last year¡¯s,¡± he mused, stroking his beard.


    Garnering everyone¡¯s attention, he spoke, his voice loud but calm.


    ¡°In front of you all are gates. These gates are based on your aptitude level¡ªA-grade being green, while D-grade being grey.


    ¡°Once you step through these gates, you will have to test your skills to see if you are worthy to join our sect.


    ¡°Those with A-grade aptitudes have no need to worry about this. Once they enter the gate, they will be sent straight to the sect, where they will be given cultivation manuals to learn from.¡±


    ¡°However, the rest of you¡ª¡± Elder Mo said, smiling towards Wang Hao, ¡°¡ªwill not be as fortunate.¡±


    ¡°Once you pass through those gates, you will have to make your own way to the sect, proving yourselves.¡±


    ¡°If you are unfortunate, you will die. If you are fortunate, you might make it to the sect with your body intact, where you will receive medical attention¡ªfor a small fee.¡± His smile widened as he turned back towards the children.


    ¡°You have a month to get there. After which, the sect¡¯s doors will be closed, and any more attempts to enter will be futile.¡±


    Saying those final words, the man disappeared, walking through the green gate.

 Chapter 4 A Bloody Encounter (1)

    A couple hundred li away from Spider Web Village, a shrill cry echoed through a desolate forest, sending birds scattering into the sky.


    Inside that eerie forest, a young boy wearing a green Daoist robe stood in front of a petrified girl, his expression indifferent as he wiped blood off his cheek.


    Turning back, he looked toward the black-haired girl who had tried to attack him earlier, his vision shifting to the corpse below him. Thinking for a moment, he glanced at his robe and frowned.


    ¡°Sigh¡­ Why did this have to happen as soon as I entered through the gate? Tsk. Now I need to hurry up and find a stream to wash this.¡±


    ¡°P-please¡­ s-spare me! I-I didn¡¯t mean to come after you, I swear! I-I¡¯m sorry¡ªit was all my cousin¡¯s idea, not mine!¡± the young girl pleaded, her eyes meeting the boy¡¯s gaze.


    Her lively face before stepping into the gate was now replaced with one of fear.


    She had never been in a situation like this after all she was only 14, and truthfully, it wasn¡¯t her fault; it was her cousins persistent nagging that brought them here. But now they were stuck¡ª she was stuck.


    He looked at her. ¡°You didn¡¯t mean to come after me?¡±


    He raised his hand, streaking it across his blood-stained chin. Raising it, he felt his face. On it, a new wound had been made. A fresh cut marred his right eye, blood still trailing out.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Thinking for a moment, Shi Heng Yi smiled. He looked at the sword in his hand, then at the girl.


    He met her gaze with an eerie smile while raising his sword.


    ¡°You said you didn¡¯t want to die, right? You said you wanted to live, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Pointing his sword at her chest, he paused for a moment, moving closer.


    ¡°Give me your clothes.¡±


    The girl froze. ¡°W-what?¡±


    ¡°I need them. Take them off,¡± Shi Heng Yi said, his tone as indifferent as if he were asking for directions.


    The girl flinched, clutching her robes tightly. Her breath hitched. She had assumed the worst.


    Not hearing an answer, Shi Heng Yi sighed. He took a step forward. ¡°Or would you rather I take them?¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡±


    The girl trembled, her knees nearly buckling.


    ¡°I-I¡¯ll do it¡­ just, please¡­¡± she stammered, her voice cracking.


    Tears burned at the edges of her vision as she unfastened her pink robes, her fingers fumbling with the fabric. The white undergarments beneath clung to her, her small frame trembling.


    Her hands hovered over the final layer.


    Shi Heng Yi frowned. ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡±


    The girl looked up, confused.


    Ignoring her reaction, he strode over to the corpse of her cousin . With practised ease, he wiped his blade clean on the dead girl¡¯s robes before crouching to rummage through her belongings. Finding a pouch, he tied it to his waist.


    Satisfied, he turned back to the half-dressed girl and pointed his blade toward her.


    ¡°Pick them up.¡±


    Still stunned, she hesitated before bending down to retrieve the bundle of discarded clothing.

 Chapter 5 A Bloody Encounter (2)

    The moment she straightened, a sharp pain slammed into her gut.


    Her eyes widened. A choked gasp escaped her lips.


    Shi Heng Yi withdrew his fist, watching her crumble. Her body folded over, arms clutching her stomach as she dry-heaved in pain.


    Stepping forward, he grabbed her by the wrist and dragged her toward a tree.


    Although she struggled, it was useless. Her body was still weak from the punch, and his grip was like iron.


    Shi Heng Yi bound her to the trunk with quick, efficient movements. Once satisfied the knot was secure, he turned away.


    Without hesitation, he began removing his own tattered robes.


    The girl watched in growing horror, her mind still reeling from the humiliation.


    When he removed his pants, she screamed.


    ¡°You! What do you want to do?!¡± she cried, her voice breaking as she instinctively tried to curl up. But her arms were bound, leaving her exposed.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Shi Heng Yi didn¡¯t even look at her. He simply picked up the clothes she had removed and began putting them on, using the memory of how she took them off to dress himself properly.


    Unlike what some might think, he wasn¡¯t interested in the girl¡¯s body in the slightest.


    Rather, he needed clothes, and hers¡ªthough female¡ªwere better than the rags he had before.


    Once he had fully dressed, he sighed.


    [Ha¡­ finally, shoes to wear.]


    Shi Heng Yi flexed his toes inside the small pair of shoes. Although a little tight, they were better than walking barefoot or wearing makeshift bamboo sandals.


    Behind him, the girl sobbed.


    ¡°Hic¡­ hic¡­ why¡­ why don¡¯t you believe me? I said I had nothing to do with the attack, so please just let me go!¡±


    Her voice trembled, thick with tears. She tugged at the restraints, her wrists raw from struggling, but the ropes held firm.


    ¡°I never even wanted to do this stupid test, but my cousin and family wouldn¡¯t stop pushing me to do it,¡± she said, her emotions spilling over. ¡°If I¡¯d known it would turn out like this¡­ I would have never come.¡±


    Watching her sob, Shi Heng Yi remained quiet.


    ¡°Do you want money? I can give you that¡ªjust please don¡¯t kill me! I-I don¡¯t want to die¡­ I miss my family¡­ I just want to go home,¡± she choked out. Her sobs turned to gasps, panic setting in as she realised her words weren¡¯t reaching him.


    Hearing this, Shi Heng Yi did nothing but watch. The exchange lasted a moment before he reached into his ¡°new¡± pouch.

 Chapter 6 A Bloody Encounter (3)

    Closing the distance, Shi Heng Yi grabbed the girl¡¯s calf.


    ¡°Ah! What are you doing?¡± she yelped, her voice pitching higher in a mix of fear and confusion.


    [Is this how you do it?] He thought injecting he spiritual essence


    The touch sent a shudder through her¡ªpart of her recoiled, but another part, shamefully, felt her face heat up. She had never been touched by a boy before, and the sheer absurdity of that thought, given her situation, made her want to scream.


    Then, she felt it.


    Her eyes widened, breath hitching as a sudden warmth spread from her calf. A sickening realisation dawned, and her heartbeat pounded in her ears.


    What was on her calf were her cousins green talisman.


    No¡­ no, no, no!


    Before she could react, Shi Heng Yi pulled away, and in that instant, a brilliant purple flame erupted from her skin.


    A bloodcurdling scream tore from her throat. Fire¡ªsearing, hungry, merciless¡ªcrawled over her body, sinking into her flesh like a thousand burning needles. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    She writhed, her body slamming against the tree she was bound to, but the fire didn¡¯t care. It devoured her dress, her skin, her very being, using her as fuel.


    ¡°It hurts! It hurts! PLEASE¡ª¡±


    Her voice cracked, turning to ragged screams, then to pitiful whimpers as her throat burned raw. Tears streamed down her blistering cheeks, evaporating before they could fall.


    She tried to crawl away, desperate to escape the agony, but just as her fingers clawed at the dirt, something sharp and cold drove into her back.


    Her body jolted. A choked gasp escaped her lips.


    She didn¡¯t need to look up to know who it was.


    Of course, it was him.


    Shi Heng Yi had driven a stolen machete straight through her spine, pinning her in place like an insect on display.


    A strangled sob left her lips, but she no longer had the strength to fight or scream. Her vision blurred as pain consumed her entire being.


    Shi Heng Yi said nothing. He simply grabbed the other girl¡¯s corpse, tossing her into the flames to suffer the same fate as her cousin.


    The fire roared, uncaring.


    Her consciousness flickered. In her final moments, she thought of home¡ªher mother¡¯s warm embrace, the laughter of her younger siblings, the quiet comfort of her bed. For a fleeting second, she felt safe. She couldn¡¯t even cry as those too were consumed by the flames.


    Then, darkness swallowed her whole.


    Shi Heng Yi tossed his old clothes and straw shoes into the fire and walked away without a glance, disappearing into the forest.


    [Curse you¡­ you demonic bastard¡­]


    A thought barely formed before it, too, was consumed by the flames.