《Journey of true Cultivation》


 Ghost Forest

    A forest shrouded in dense white mist stretched endlessly before him, swallowing the trees, the sky, and the very air itself. The fog was so thick that even the faintest outlines of the trees blurred into nothingness. The howling wind carried a strange, sorrowful melody, whispering through the trees like a ghostly lament.


    It was said that anyone who entered would never return their souls forever trapped in an endless, shifting maze of mist and shadows. No one knew what lay beyond the fog, nor did anyone dare to find out.


    Yet, at the edge of this dreaded place, a lone boy sat in silence.


    His black hair was unkempt, tangled, and streaked with dirt. His eyes dark and reflective held a quiet weight far beyond his ten years of age. Dressed in a plain, tattered robe stained with dirt and dried blood, he looked too fragile to belong to such a cruel world.


    And yet, this was his only path.


    His name was Yuan.


    A heavy sigh escaped his lips, his breath visible in the cold air. His hands, trembling from exhaustion, clenched into weak fists. His body ached, and his legs screamed for rest, but there was none to be found.


    He could not afford to stop.


    Slowly, he rose to his feet. His steps were unsteady, his limbs sluggish, but still, he moved forward. Step by step, he entered the Ghost Forest, vanishing into the endless white mist.


    The further Yuan walked, the more unnatural the world became.


    At first, the wind howled, filling the air with its haunting cries. Then, all sound vanished swallowed whole by the mist. His own footsteps became muted, as if the earth itself refused to acknowledge his existence.


    The cold seeped into his bones.


    His vision already limited blurred further. The mist thickened until he could see nothing. Not even the faint outline of a tree. It was as if he had been swallowed by a formless void.


    Yet, he did not stop.


    His mind drifted, memories surfacing through the haze of exhaustion.


    He remembered the villagers'' fear.


    They told tales of the Ghost Forest of lost souls who wandered until madness took them, their final screams merging into the howling wind. Others spoke of a world beyond the mist, where beings unlike any human lived in secret. The most terrifying rumor, however, claimed that if one were to conquer the Ghost Forest, the world itself would begin to crumble.


    But Yuan''s grandfather had told him something different.


    His grandfather spoke not of death, but of a forgotten past.


    "Long ago, our ancestors fled into the Ghost Forest," he had said, his voice low and filled with mystery. "Not to be lost¡­ but to hide from the outside world."


    Yuan had listened, wide-eyed, as his grandfather described a world beyond imagination a place of boundless skies, towering mountains, and people who could soar through the heavens like birds.


    But among all his grandfather''s tales, one had haunted Yuan more than any other.


    The legend of the Mist Tomb.


    "Deep within the Ghost Forest, past the endless mist, lies an ancient mansion a place known as the Mansion of Countless Tombs.


    "Beneath that mansion, hidden among endless stone chambers, lies a secret so great that those who seek it must sacrifice everything.


    "It is a path of no return."


    "The mist will deceive your eyes. The silence will devour your mind. The forest will make you turn back.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    "Only those who continue forward, even in absolute darkness, will reach the truth."


    "Many have tried. None have returned."Yuan had never forgotten those words.


    He could have lived a quiet life in the village, pretending to be a normal boy. But his body refused to let him.


    A sickness ate away at him a pain so deep, so relentless, that even his grandfather could not explain it. His head ached constantly, the dull pain creeping deeper into his skull with every passing day. Some mornings, he woke up unable to move, his limbs heavy as stone.


    And he knew, with a certainty that chilled him to his core if it got any worse, he would never wake up again.


    His body was dying.


    But the Mist Tomb¡­ was his only hope.


    He walked on.


    He ignored the pain in his chest, the way his vision darkened at the edges. The deeper he went, the less human he felt like a ghost drifting through a world without color, without sound, without time.


    His senses began to fade.


    First, the feeling in his hands dulled, his fingers growing numb.


    Then, his sight blurred, the mist consuming his vision.


    His ears heard nothing not even his own heartbeat.


    Until finally, even his thoughts began to slip away.


    There was nothing left but a single, fragile command echoing in his mind.


    Walk.


    And so, he did.


    Minutes passed.


    Then hours.


    Then eternity.


    Yuan forgot everything the village, his grandfather, even his own name.


    And then¡­ something changed.


    The mist around him began to fade.


    Slowly, the endless white fog thinned.


    First, he saw the faint outlines of trees. Then, the wind returned a soft whisper against his skin. His sense of touch returned, bringing with it a deep, gnawing pain. His body ached as if he had been walking for days without rest.


    Then, a metallic taste filled his mouth.


    Blood.


    Yuan coughed violently, crimson spilling from his lips. He staggered, barely managing to stay on his feet.


    When he looked down, his breath caught in his throat.


    So much blood.


    His hands trembled. His chest heaved. Had his body truly suffered this much?


    For the first time since entering the Ghost Forest¡­ he felt fear.


    His gaze drifted back to the mist behind him. What had just happened to him in there? How much time had passed?


    He didn''t know.


    And he wasn''t sure he wanted to.


    But one thing was certain.


    There was no turning back now.


    Lifting his head, he saw it.


    A massive stone gate loomed in the distance, towering over the landscape like a guardian of the unknown.


    It was colossal so large that his entire village could have fit within its walls. The stone was black and yellow, covered in intricate carvings unlike anything he had ever seen. Strange paintings lined the massive doors figures that seemed to move when he wasn''t looking.


    Flanking the gate were two enormous stone pillars, standing like silent sentinels. Beyond them stretched an endless wall, blocking any view of what lay behind.


    Yuan''s breath hitched.


    "Could this really be¡­ the Mansion of Countless Tombs?"


    His body screamed for rest. His mind begged him to turn back.


    But instead, he stepped forward.


    His back was straight. His eyes, though filled with exhaustion, held an unshakable resolve.


    He had come too far.


    There was only one path left to take.


    And so, without hesitation, Yuan approached the Stone Gate.


    Each step Yuan took, the world seemed to change around him.


    The first step the air grew heavy, pressing down on his young body like an invisible weight.


    The second step the wind, once howling, twisted into violent gusts, slashing at his skin as if trying to push him back.


    The third step the very ground beneath him felt heavier, as though the forest itself wished to bury him alive before he reached his goal.


    Yet, despite it all, he did not stop walking.


    Pain clawed at every part of his body. His legs trembled, his breath came in ragged gasps, and his head oh, the unbearable pain in his head! It felt as if a thousand knives were stabbing into his skull, twisting deeper with every beat of his heart. He wanted to scream, but even that took too much strength.


    And yet, he did not stop walking.


    The gates loomed before him now massive, ancient, and unmoving. He could barely lift his head to look at them. His vision blurred, dark spots danced at the edges of his sight, and his mind begged him to stop.


    But how could he?


    If he stopped now, it would all be for nothing.


    The stories his grandfather had told him of a world beyond this one, of endless skies and soaring beyond the clouds had kept him alive. They had filled his heart with a longing so deep it hurt more than his illness. Even now, as his body screamed in agony, as his vision blurred from exhaustion, his dream remained clear.


    "I have to reach it¡­" Yuan thought, his lips too dry to even whisper the words.


    Then, his body betrayed him.


    His knees buckled. His strength gave out. And before he could react, he collapsed his head slamming against the cold, unyielding stone of the gate.


    A sharp pain.


    A gasp.


    Then darkness.


    As Yuan''s small body crumpled against the gate, something shifted.


    The countless paintings carved into the ancient stone dark figures, swirling symbols, lifelike images of beasts and gods began to glow. One by one, they flickered to life, their colors shining like stars in the night. The light, golden and endless, pulsed like a heartbeat.


    And then, as if sensing his desperation, the glowing light rushed toward Yuan.


    It wrapped around his fragile body, swirling like mist, sinking into his skin as if devouring him whole. His tiny form vanished into the radiance, swallowed by an ancient force that had lain dormant for centuries.


    And then, as suddenly as it had started the light faded.


    The gate returned to stillness. The howling wind softened. The crushing weight of the air disappeared.


    It was as if nothing had ever happened.


    But Yuan¡­ was gone.

 Weird Dinning Room

    Light a beautiful, shining light illuminated the sky.


    Seeing this radiant glow, Yuan was stunned for a second, his mind dazed as he struggled to comprehend what was happening. His vision remained blurry, and all he could perceive was the dazzling brightness as he woke up. For a full minute, he lay there, simply admiring the mesmerizing sight.


    Then, his thoughts slowly cleared. He let out a deep breath and remained on the ground, lost in reflection.


    What had happened?


    It all began two weeks ago the day his only family member, his grandfather, passed away. His last words still echoed in Yuan''s mind.


    In a modest wooden house, just large enough to accommodate four people, an old man lay on a simple bed. His gray hair, once thick, had thinned with age, and his dark black eyes had lost much of their youthful luster. Yet even in his final days, his face retained a certain handsomeness, a lingering trace of the strong man he once was.


    Beside the bed stood a young boy. His black hair and dark, gleaming eyes bore a resemblance to the elderly man, though his youthful gaze shone with a light yet untouched by time.


    But there was no joy in the boy''s eyes. No carefree laughter befitting his age.


    Tears streamed down Yuan''s face as he clutched his grandfather''s frail hand.


    "Grandpa... you can''t go away!" Yuan''s voice trembled with desperation. "What am I supposed to do without you? Why can''t you stay with me longer? Please¡­ just don''t go. Please don''t die¡­ Please!"


    A weak chuckle left the old man''s lips. "Hehe¡­ little Yuan," he whispered, his voice hoarse and frail, "you know I can''t stay much longer¡­ and neither can you."


    Yuan''s breath hitched.


    "You are smart, my boy," his grandfather continued with difficulty. "You must already know that your time is running out as well. Your headaches¡­ they''re getting worse. Soon, life itself will become unbearable for you. And yet¡­ I have failed you. I am a useless grandfather I don''t even know how to save you."


    Yuan immediately shook his head. His voice came out in a frantic plea.


    "No, Grandpa! Don''t say that! Don''t worry about my headaches they''re nothing! Just stay with me! We can find a cure together!"


    The old man smiled weakly, his cloudy eyes filled with sorrow.


    "Yuan, my boy... your father died before you were even born. Your mother followed soon after, leaving you at the age of three. And now, seven years later, you will lose me too." He paused, his breath shallow. "A cruel fate for such a young and bright child. The heavens must truly have cursed you."


    His grandfather''s expression darkened.


    "If only you had been born in the outside world like our ancestors," he murmured. "You could have become a great scholar¡­ or even a legendary town chief, like the ones I heard about and once dreamed of becoming. But I was a coward. I never even tried to leave this tiny village."


    His wrinkled hand squeezed Yuan''s weakly.


    "But the past is the past¡­ and now is now. None of that matters anymore. I only hope that somehow¡­ you will defy your fate. Just like the myths say."


    Yuan listened in silence, his heart pounding.


    "My grandfather once told me something that I never forgot," the old man said, his voice a mere whisper now. "There are people mythical people who can erase our entire village with a mere wave of their hand. They are the ones who defied their destiny, who refused to bow to the heavens¡­ and rose from nothing to challenge the very will of the gods themselves."


    His breath grew weaker.


    "Do you remember the story of the Mansion of Countless Tombs in the Ghost Forest?" He chuckled faintly, though it was laced with pain. "Some say¡­ one of those heaven-defying people built it. Or perhaps¡­ the heavens themselves placed it there. Who knows? I''m just a foolish old man who knows nothing¡­ but if you truly wish to escape your fate¡­ perhaps that mansion holds the answer you seek."


    His fingers trembled as he reached for Yuan''s hand one last time.


    "But before I leave, Yuan¡­ promise me one thing."


    Yuan''s tears fell freely now. He clenched his small fists, his entire body trembling.


    "Anything, Grandpa!" he sobbed. "I''ll promise you anything! Just say it!"


    The old man''s lips curled into the faintest of smiles.


    "Live a life you dont regret," he murmured. "I remember when you were little¡­ you once told me you wanted to fly through the sky¡­ to see the world beyond this village¡­ just like in the stories of The Adventure of the East."


    His breathing slowed. His eyelids fluttered.


    "And that Saja girl," he added weakly, "I saw how she looked at you¡­ with feelings beyond friendship..."


    His voice faded.


    Then, with the last of his strength, he whispered:


    "I loved the time we spent together, Yuan."


    And with that¡­ he was gone.


    Yuan knew, the moment his grandfather''s hand went limp in his own.


    Death had taken him.


    The pain that followed was unlike anything he had ever felt before. The grief. The loneliness. The weight of knowing that from now on, he had no one left.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    But through the haze of sorrow, one truth stood out.


    His grandfather''s last words.


    "You don''t have much time left either."


    Even though it was painful to hear, Yuan understood. His grandfather had said it with a heavy heart, but he had meant well.


    And so, without hesitation¡­ without looking back¡­ he had made his decision.


    That very night, he had left the village, slipping away unnoticed.


    And he ran.


    He ran toward the Ghost Forest.


    And here he was now lying on a cold floor, gazing at the shining lights above him. Somehow, these lights brought back memories of why he had come here in the first place.


    He wanted to defy his fate.


    Something no ten year-old should even think about. Something no ordinary person would dare to consider.


    After all, defying the heavens would bring their wrath upon him just like the mythical figures his grandfather once spoke of.


    With a deep sigh, Yuan''s vision cleared. No longer was the world a blurry haze. Instead, everything became sharp and vivid. A big smile formed on his face as clarity filled his mind, stronger than ever before.


    "Defying the heavens¡­ have I already taken my first step?"


    He let out a chuckle one that soon turned into laughter. A loud, heartfelt laugh, as if he had just realized something utterly absurd yet liberating.


    "Dying now or in five years¡­ does it really make a difference? The heavens already want me dead, so why should I care if they''re angry?"


    As he spoke, his laughter grew bolder, filled with unshaken determination.


    Then, as he stared at the shining lights above, he declared:


    "Yes! I, Yuan, shall face the heavens'' wrath! So what if the heavens want me dead? I refuse to obey! Why should I? I shall defy the will of the heavens! I will challenge the heavens themselves and rebel with all my might!"


    A few moments passed before realization struck him,he had spoken those words out loud.


    His face turned crimson.


    Blushing heavily, he let out an awkward chuckle. "Thank the damn heavens no one heard that... hehe."


    With one last deep breath, he slowly stood up, stretching his aching body. However, as he surveyed his surroundings, he realized something strange he was no longer standing before the massive stone gate.


    Instead¡­ he was in a room.


    The walls were made of the same black and yellow stone as the gate, but unlike the engravings he had seen before, these walls were plain and unadorned. They looked almost¡­ normal.


    Yet, the room wasn''t empty.


    There were decorations.


    At the center stood a grand table,massive in size, each chair placed at least a meter apart, with enough space for eleven people to sit comfortably. The craftsmanship was unlike anything Yuan had ever seen in his village. Countless intricate patterns were engraved onto its surface, making it seem almost¡­ otherworldly.


    Yuan''s gaze fell upon one particular pattern a symbol unlike any he had ever encountered.


    It resembled a square, though slightly twisted, with one edge pointing downward. In the center of this twisted square was a wavy line, drawn as if flowing like water.


    Was this some kind of insignia? A crest?


    Yuan couldn''t tell.


    Each chair was placed precisely at the location of these symbols. The chairs themselves were made of a strange material,something he couldn''t quite identify. It looked like white wood¡­ or perhaps a rare kind of polished stone. Whatever it was, it was unlike anything he had ever seen.


    And just like the table, the chairs, too, bore the same strange square symbols, one on each side of the handles. Every inch of the furniture was covered in countless intricate patterns.


    After studying the table and chairs for some time, Yuan turned his attention to the decorations atop the table.


    At its center stood five candles,one in the very middle, with the others positioned at the cardinal directions: east, west, north, and south. The spacing between them was wide enough that Yuan''s entire hand could fit between each one.


    But what truly caught his attention¡­


    Were the flames.


    They burned not with an ordinary yellow glow, but with a deep purple hue. The outer edges of the flames glowed a brighter shade of violet, while the center grew darker,almost black.


    And yet¡­ these flames did not burn as normal fire should.


    There was no smoke. No flickering embers.


    The flames swayed gently, yet not a single wisp of mist rose from them.


    It was unnatural.


    Other than the candles, there were two vases on the table, each holding flowers.


    Like the flames, the petals of these flowers were deep purple, fading to a brighter hue at the edges while darkening toward the center.


    A strange, eerie beauty surrounded them.


    Aside from these decorations, the table held nothing else.


    Yuan, having taken in the sight of the table, finally turned his attention to the walls.


    There, on each side of the table, Yuan saw two paintings.


    One of them depicted something he immediately recognized,a dense forest shrouded in thick mist.


    "This¡­ this is the Ghost Forest!"


    Yuan was certain of it. He had seen this very sight before, but as he stared at the painting longer, something strange caught his attention.


    The mist¡­ was moving.


    At first, he thought it was a trick of his eyes. But the more he looked, the more he realized,the mist within the painting was shifting, swirling as if carried by an invisible breeze.


    A painting¡­ that moved?


    Curious, Yuan stepped closer, wanting to examine it more clearly.


    It was no illusion.


    The mist within the painting was alive, flowing like real fog trapped inside the frame.


    Shocked, Yuan reached out his hand, instinctively wanting to touch this bizarre painting. But just as his fingers were about to make contact


    His hand stopped.


    Only a centimeter away from the surface, an invisible force prevented him from moving forward. No matter how much strength he mustered, he couldn''t push through. It was as if an unseen barrier was blocking his hand.


    Yuan furrowed his brows.


    "What kind of sorcery is this¡­?"


    Since he couldn''t interact with this painting, he turned his attention to the other one.


    Perhaps it would give him more clues about his situation?


    As he stepped closer to the second painting, a strange sense of familiarity washed over him.


    He had seen something like this before.


    The painting depicted a grand pavilion built from gray and yellow stone. Before the pavilion lay a vast garden filled with towering trees, lush bushes, and even a small lake. Scattered throughout the garden were several statues, though Yuan couldn''t make out their details from where he stood.


    But something was¡­ off.


    Amidst the breathtaking scenery, there stood another structure,a small tower.


    Unlike the majestic pavilion or the beautifully designed garden, this tower looked utterly plain. It didn''t fit with the rest of the landscape at all.


    It was nothing more than a round block of stone with a simple wooden door.


    It seemed out of place¡­ yet it was there, included in the painting for a reason.


    Yuan glanced back and forth between the two paintings.


    Just like the Ghost Forest painting, he found that he couldn''t touch the pavilion painting either.


    A feeling of unease settled over him.


    He was trapped.


    A large dining table, two mysterious paintings, an eerie silence.


    That was all that surrounded him.


    Fear began to creep into his heart.


    "What is this place? Why am I here? And¡­ how do I escape?"


    For the first time since waking up, Yuan felt true despair.


    Minutes passed,ten, maybe more. He wasn''t sure.


    He had tried everything he could think of. Yet nothing changed.


    Letting out a frustrated sigh, he gave up thinking and simply began pacing in circles around the table.


    Maybe moving around would help him find something?


    After several rounds, his frustration only grew.


    His gaze fell upon the flickering purple flames and the strange purple flowers. He sighed once more.


    And then, on impulse, he pulled one of the chairs from the table.


    To his surprise¡­ it moved.


    Unlike the paintings, he could actually touch the chair!


    For the first time since waking up in this strange room, a faint smile appeared on Yuan''s face.


    "At least I can interact with something¡­"


    With nothing else to do, he decided to sit down and rest for a moment.


    But the moment he settled into the chair


    The countless patterns engraved into it began to glow.


    A brilliant light flooded the room, illuminating every corner with an intense radiance.


    Before Yuan could even react, the light engulfed him completely.


    And then


    It shot straight into the painting of the pavilion.


    The room, once filled with beautiful golden light, began to fade.


    Darkness crept in.


    The glowing ceiling dimmed¡­


    Until finally, the room was swallowed by eternal darkness.

 Dreadfull Forest

    At first, Yuan saw nothing but light,so much light that his vision blurred, and his eyes seemed to shine with its overwhelming radiance. And then, in a single breath, it vanished.


    Darkness.


    Only the flashing afterimages remained, flickering in his sight like dying embers. A sharp pain stabbed at his eyes, forcing him to shut them as he collapsed onto the cold ground.


    Taking deep, steady breaths, he clenched his fists and slowly reopened his eyes. The pain lingered, but he ignored it. Then, his voice, dry and rough, broke the silence.


    "Fuck that¡­ where am I now?"


    He cursed his situation endlessly, his mind still struggling to grasp reality. As his vision adjusted, he quickly realized something different.


    He wasn''t in that cursed stone room anymore.


    A weak chuckle escaped his lips. "What the hell kind of mess have I gotten myself into?" His voice was hoarse but tinged with relief. "I knew nothing from the start¡­ so I suppose surviving is my first goal. Who knows? Maybe there really are some profound secrets hidden here."


    Just knowing he had escaped that eerie stone prison was enough to calm him. But as he looked around, his breath hitched.


    A forest.


    But not the one he had known his entire life.


    This was not the Ghost Forest.


    For the first time, Yuan stood in a forest untouched by mist. The sight was so unfamiliar,so strange yet so normal,that he found himself stunned into silence.


    Towering trees stretched endlessly into the sky, their green leaves swaying gently in the breeze. Vibrant grass blanketed the earth, accompanied by an endless sea of colorful flowers, their petals shifting in the soft wind. The sky above was clear, a deep, beautiful blue, mirroring the stories his grandfather had once told him.


    A forest of life.


    His lips parted in shock. "Am I¡­ outside the Ghost Forest?" His voice was quiet, disbelieving. "Did I actually leave? Was it¡­ that easy?"


    He didn''t know.


    Yuan had heard of forests like these,but only in stories. Stories of lands untouched by the cursed mist, of worlds beyond the village he had been trapped in for his entire existence.


    Yet now, here he was. Seeing it with his own eyes.


    A small, almost childlike smile spread across his face. His feet, driven by pure instinct, moved forward. With each step, the joy inside him grew, blooming like the flowers around him.


    He walked.


    The thought of leaving the forest,or even questioning where he truly was,never crossed his mind. His body simply moved, lost in the moment. The pain in his skull reminded him he was alive, but his mind drifted further from his past, his purpose¡­ even himself.


    At some point, his steps became hollow, and his expression dulled.


    He forgot why he was here.


    He forgot where he had come from.


    He became nothing more than a lifeless puppet, drifting endlessly through the vibrant forest.


    Then, something changed.


    The trees thinned. The forest opened into a vast, serene lake.


    Yuan kept walking,but the sight before him forced his mind awake.


    The lake was a perfect mirror, reflecting the sky''s untouched blue with eerie clarity. But he wasn''t alone.


    Statues.


    Countless statues surrounded the lake.


    Sculptures of humans,men and women, frozen in place, expressions carved in eternal silence.


    Yuan''s dull eyes slowly regained their focus. His mind, once lost in the haze, suddenly snapped back.


    And then, it hit him.


    A sharp, splitting pain tore through his skull, forcing him to stumble. His body trembled, his breath turned ragged.


    Memories rushed back like a crashing wave.


    The Ghost Forest.


    The Stone Gate.


    The Pavilion.


    The strange dining hall.


    A choked breath left his lips as realization settled in. "I was¡­ about to lose myself?" His voice shook with terror.


    He turned,eyes darting back toward the forest he had just left.


    The once-beautiful greenery warped before his very eyes.


    It was no longer a peaceful forest,it was a trap.


    A horrifying, suffocating trap that had almost swallowed him whole.


    Yuan''s hands clenched into trembling fists.


    "So¡­ I''m not out of the Ghost Forest." His voice was barely above a whisper. "I came through the Pavilion¡­ so this must be¡­ the Garden on the Lake."


    His gaze swept across the garden.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    Scattered around the serene, glassy lake, figures of stone stood frozen,some half-sunken into the ground, others poised in mid-motion as if caught in time.


    Statues.


    That was what he assumed at first.


    They were arranged in no particular order, some facing the water, others staring off into the distance. Some stood side by side, while others were alone, their arms raised in strange, uncertain gestures.


    A strange unease crept over him.


    Yuan had seen statues before,but these felt different.


    Their expressions were¡­ unsettling.


    Statues were supposed to be blank, emotionless, yet these looked too lifelike, as though someone had captured a person''s final moment in stone.


    Some had furrowed brows, mouths slightly open, as if on the verge of speaking. Others looked like they had been mid-scream, their jaws frozen in unnatural tension.


    His fingers twitched.


    Something about them unnerved him,but he didn''t know why.


    Still, he dismissed the feeling.


    Perhaps the Pavilion''s builders had carved them to look like lost travelers, a warning to those who would tread this path.


    He shook his head. "This place is playing tricks on me."


    And yet¡­


    He stepped closer to one.


    It was a man, standing stiffly with his arms raised as if reaching for something unseen. The detailing was impressive,even the folds in his robes were etched with precision, and the texture of his hair looked so real that for a brief second, Yuan swore he saw it move with the wind.


    The longing in the statue''s face unsettled him.


    His fingers twitched again.


    Almost without thinking, he reached out,just to see how the stone felt beneath his fingers.


    The moment his skin made contact


    A scream.


    A wretched, soul-piercing scream tore through the air.


    Yuan jerked back violently, his breath hitching. His eyes darted around.


    But there was no one.


    Nothing but the lake.


    Nothing but the statues.


    His heartbeat thundered in his chest. Had he imagined that?


    He took a shaky breath. His mind was playing tricks on him again. Maybe it was just the wind through the trees, or a distant echo from somewhere in the Pavilion.


    But¡­


    A cold sweat dripped down his back.


    I have to be sure.


    Hesitantly, his trembling hand reached out again,this time, toward a different statue.


    The moment his fingers brushed against the stone


    Another scream.


    Louder.


    More anguished.


    Yuan yanked his hand back, his entire body shaking.


    This wasn''t his imagination.


    This was real.


    His stomach churned as his eyes slowly trailed up.


    Then


    His breath caught.


    The statue''s eyes had moved.


    They were open now.


    Wide. Horror filled.


    A violent shudder ran through him. He stumbled back, nearly falling. Then, almost against his will, he tested another.


    And another.


    Each time,a scream.


    Each time,the same horror filled eyes staring back at him.


    His breath came in ragged gasps. A cold dread seized his chest.


    "These statues¡­ they¡­ they''re alive?"


    They had walked the same path.


    They had reached the Pavilion.


    And then¡­


    They lost themselves.


    Just like he almost had.


    His body trembled. His vision blurred.


    If he had taken even one more step¡­ if his headache hadn''t reminded him he was still alive¡­


    Would he have become one of them?


    A cold shudder ran through him.


    His voice was barely a whisper. "What a cruel fate."


    He exhaled shakily. "Thank the damn heavens that I survived."


    But now¡­


    He had to move forward.


    He turned, eyes locking onto the forest path ahead,the westward path.


    It would lead him back to the Pavilion.


    A bitter chuckle escaped his lips. "Of course. I have to go back."


    He took a deep breath, glancing one last time at the lake of statues.


    Doubt whispered in his mind. Was this truly the right path?


    But then, he muttered to himself, his voice steady.


    "It doesn''t matter. Right or wrong¡­ I know nothing."


    "Death is already waiting for me."


    "So I will walk forward, survive¡­ and defy it."


    With that, he turned away from the lake and stepped into the dreadful forest ahead,his resolve unshaken.


    No hesitation.


    No regrets.


    Only the path forward.


    Walking through the dreadful forest toward the west, Yuan''s mind was now clear, allowing him to observe his surroundings with sharper awareness.


    The forest itself was dimly lit,the thick canopy of leaves and towering trees blocked most of the sunlight, letting only a few scattered beams pierce through. Yet, despite the lack of light, the scenery was strangely pleasing to the eye.


    From time to time, clusters of berries caught his attention, growing in abundance along the bushes. Some were deep red, others dark blue, and some even had a strange violet hue. Yuan had seen berries before, but these¡­ they seemed different.


    His stomach tightened. Hunger slowly crept in.


    Yuan carefully examined the berries, picking out the ones he recognized¡ªones he knew were safe to eat. After ensuring they were not poisonous, he hesitated only for a moment before putting a few into his mouth.


    A sudden burst of flavor spread across his tongue.


    These berries¡­


    "They''re delicious!"


    Compared to the ones he had eaten back in his village, these were far juicier, sweeter, and far more refreshing. He couldn''t help but take a few more, savoring their taste as he felt a bit of his strength return.


    After eating to his satisfaction, Yuan gathered a handful more, storing them inside his small pouch before continuing his journey.


    Now with a full stomach, his body felt more at ease,at least for the time being.


    For what felt like an hour, he walked steadily forward, the icy wind brushing against his skin, whispering through the trees. Other than the violent gusts of wind, nothing else happened. No strange figures. No eerie voices. Just the endless, dark forest stretching before him.


    Then, in the distance


    A break in the trees.


    Yuan''s heart skipped a beat.


    An exit.


    A sudden rush of excitement overtook him, and without thinking, he ran toward the clearing. A small smile formed on his face as he finally stepped out of the forest.


    And what awaited him left him breathless.


    There was no lake this time.


    Instead


    A massive pavilion.


    It stood before him like a silent giant, its towering structure far larger than he could have ever imagined. Yuan tilted his head back, trying to see its peak, but it stretched so high that it nearly touched the sky itself.


    And yet¡­


    It was not the same pavilion he had seen in the painting from the eerie dining hall.


    No,this pavilion looked ancient, forgotten, and dangerously fragile, as if a single touch could send it crumbling into dust. The once grand pillars were now cracked and chipped, covered in layers of moss and vines. Deep carvings of countless patterns lined its walls,patterns that had not been present in the painting.


    Most unsettling of all


    The square shaped symbol.


    It was etched everywhere.


    The moment Yuan laid eyes on it, a wave of familiarity hit him.


    "Where have I seen this before¡­?"


    His mind raced, searching through his memories,until suddenly, it clicked.


    Two years ago. His village.


    There had been an old, crumbling pavilion,one of the three ancient buildings left abandoned for generations. The adults had long deemed it too old and unstable to use, so they tore it down, planning to rebuild something new in its place.


    And now¡­


    Yuan''s breath hitched.


    This pavilion looked exactly like it.


    His hands clenched into fists. "What is this place¡­? How is it connected to my village?"


    But no answer would come.


    Not until he left this place.


    Determined to find out the truth, Yuan began to circle the pavilion, searching for an entrance. He walked almost an entire round before finally spotting a set of doors at its base.


    Slowly, cautiously, he stepped closer.


    The patterns on the doors began to glow.


    A soft, golden light pulsed through the intricate carvings, spreading outward like ripples on water. Moments later, the entire pavilion began to glow as well.


    Yuan''s eyes widened.


    For the first time since arriving, he felt genuine shock.


    As the glow intensified, the massive doors trembled and then, with a deep, rumbling groan, they began to open.


    A sudden dread crept into Yuan''s chest.


    This could be the right path.


    Or it could be a deadly trap.


    But in the end, it didn''t matter.


    He didn''t know what was right or wrong.


    And with no hesitation left in his heart, he stepped forward.


    Crossing the threshold, he entered the pavilion,into the unknown.

 Who am i?

    Yuan crossed the door cautiously, his eyes scanning every corner of the Pavilion with nervous anticipation. Yet, he saw nothing only a vast, endless darkness stretching before him.


    As he walked forward, a sudden bang echoed behind him. He flinched, whipping around, only to see that the door had shut tight.


    For a moment, shock paralyzed him.


    Then,another change.


    The once impenetrable darkness began to fade as lanterns flickered to life, their pale flames illuminating the vast space. As the glow spread, the true nature of the corridor was revealed.


    A long, dark hallway stretched before him, its walls lined with hundreds of stone tablets, each engraved with strange symbols he had never seen before. At the far end of the corridor, a staircase ascended, disappearing into the shadows above.


    Without any other choice, Yuan stepped forward, his cautious footsteps echoing through the silent hall.


    His eyes wandered restlessly, scanning his surroundings with deep wariness. He had seen what happened to those who failed the trials,the statues at the lake were proof of that. Whatever this place was, he would not let himself become one of them.


    The lanterns, flickering with a strange purple fire, cast eerie shadows along the walls. Yuan recognized these flames,they were the same as the ones in the dining room.


    Then, he noticed something else.


    A weak wind brushed against his skin, barely noticeable, yet present. If there was wind, then perhaps there was an opening ahead? Maybe a window or an exit?


    Or maybe... something else.


    But that didn''t matter right now. He would see for himself soon enough.


    And so, he walked on, without any care for how much time had passed.


    After what felt like an eternity, the corridor stretched on without end.


    Then, a faint whisper brushed against his ears.


    Yuan stopped in his tracks. His eyes darted around, but the hallway was empty.


    Was it just his mind playing tricks on him?


    Shaking his head, he continued forward, dismissing the sound as a product of exhaustion.


    Yet, the whispers did not fade.


    Instead, they grew clearer.


    The voices were calling names,countless names.


    Yuan frowned, shaking his head again. "It''s nothing. I''m just imagining things." He told himself firmly. After all, he could see his surroundings clearly. There was no illusion this time.


    Right?


    Still, the deeper he walked, the more persistent the whispers became.


    And then,he saw it.


    Among the countless indecipherable symbols on the stone tablets, one caught his eye.


    A name.


    A name he recognized.


    His breath caught in his throat.


    "Elliot."


    The moment he whispered it aloud, something changed.


    The corridor around him shifted, the air growing strangely heavy. His mind¡ªhis very thoughts¡ªbegan to blur.


    Memories surfaced.


    Elliot.


    A man from his village. A kind soul who had cared for both the young and the old. The one who had taught Yuan how to read and write, introducing him to the ancient language. Though Yuan had only learned a few words, he had always found it fascinating.


    He hadn''t thought about Elliot in years.


    Why was he remembering this now?


    Then


    A voice.


    Low. Hoarse. Cold.


    It spoke the name again.


    "Elliot."


    Yuan froze.


    His heart pounded violently in his chest.


    He looked around frantically, but there was no one there. Only the endless, dark corridor.


    Yet, he could feel it.


    Something was watching him.


    Something was approaching.


    Every nerve in his body screamed at him not to look back.


    Run.


    The thought crashed through his mind, raw and desperate.


    And without hesitation, he ran.


    Yuan''s small legs moved on instinct, pushing forward without care for exhaustion or caution. He did not dare stop.


    But something was wrong.


    His body was changing.


    His fingernails,they were¡­ shifting.


    Yet, in his blind panic, he didn''t notice.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    The whispers, once faint and distant, now surrounded him, calling more names,endless, countless names.


    Each one weighed on his mind, sinking into his thoughts, erasing something else in return.


    His body blurred.


    His memories twisted.


    He couldn''t remember why he was running.


    He couldn''t remember who he was.


    The corridor around him darkened into nothingness.


    And then


    A soft, gray light shone above him.


    When Yuan opened his eyes, he was no longer in the corridor.


    Instead


    He stood in a village.


    A strange village he did not recognize.


    Beside him, a young boy sat on a wooden chair, reading a book. He had shining green eyes and blond hair, his expression shy but curious.


    The boy looked up at him.


    "Excuse me, but¡­ who are you? I''ve never seen you before."


    He opened his mouth to respond.


    "Oh, yes. My name is¡­ I am¡­"


    He paused.


    His mind went blank.


    His stomach dropped.


    "Who am I?"


    The boy''s expression turned concerned. "You don''t know who you are? Are you okay? I can call the village doctor."


    He felt a surge of anger at the suggestion. "What nonsense. Of course, I know who I am! I just¡­ forgot. That''s all."


    The boy blinked in confusion, then smiled smugly. "That''s funny. I know who I am."


    He straightened his back and announced proudly, "My name is Alucard! My mother is the homeroom teacher for teenagers, and my father is the village historian!"


    He felt irritation rise in his chest. "Tch. Whatever. I''m leaving."


    But as he walked, every person he passed asked him the same question.


    "Who are you?"


    Again.


    And again.


    And again.


    Until the words began to break him.


    His memories blurred further. He remembered his mother,but then she was gone. He remembered his father,but then he never existed.


    Nothing made sense.


    Desperate, he ran into an old, broken pavilion, collapsing against its walls, staring blankly at the ceiling.


    "Who am I? Why can''t I remember?"


    His thoughts began to collapse.


    Then


    A voice.


    A cold, knowing voice.


    "Did you forget who you are, child?"


    His eyes widened. He turned to see an old man standing in the doorway, his dark green eyes eerily similar to the boy from earlier.


    The old man chuckled. "Then you don''t want to remember? That''s fine as well. Goodbye."


    Panic surged through Yuan. "No, wait! Old man,tell me how to remember!"


    Hearing this, the old man''s face twisted into a knowing smile. He raised a hand and pointed to the side.


    Yuan followed his gesture, and his breath caught.


    A dark hallway stretched before him, lined with hundreds of towering doors and stone tablets, their surfaces inscribed with symbols he couldn''t recognize. A few purple flames flickered weakly, illuminating the room with an eerie glow.


    Yuan''s body tensed.


    This wasn''t here before.


    When he had arrived, there had been no hallway, no doors, no glowing flames.


    His mind reeled. Had he simply not noticed? Or had the world around him shifted the moment he spoke to the old man?


    But before he could think further,his thoughts vanished.


    The moment the doubt surfaced, it was erased,as if something had reached into his mind and plucked it away.


    A chill crawled down his spine.


    The old man''s cold laughter echoed through the room, breaking the heavy silence.


    "Walk this hallway and follow the voices," the old man said, his tone both mocking and ominous. "They will guide you to one of the doors. And that door will tell you who you really are."


    With that, the old man vanished, as if he had never been there in the first place.


    But Yuan couldn''t care less. His mind was now fully consumed by one thing.


    Finding out who he was.


    He turned toward the hallway, taking in the sight of the endless doors before him.


    Then, the wind stirred.


    A whisper brushed past his ear.


    "Come inside, child. You belong here."


    Yuan''s body stiffened.


    A strange warmth filled his chest, and his vision blurred for a brief moment. The voice was so soft, so gentle,like a mother calling her child home.


    Without realizing it, his feet moved forward.


    His eyes dulled.


    One step. Then another.


    Slowly, he began to forget.


    His father,forgotten.


    His mother''s death,forgotten.


    The neighboring children he once played with,forgotten.


    Where he came from,forgotten.


    Why he came,forgotten.


    Step by step, the memories slipped away, dissolving like mist.


    Yet, amid the overwhelming pull of the voice, another whisper cut through.


    This one was different.


    Sharp. Urgent. Filled with clarity.


    "Don''t go! Don''t go, or you will die!"


    The words flickered across his fading mind,but they were faint, like a distant echo.


    Too soft. Too weak.


    He forgot them instantly.


    Again, he heard the gentle voice calling him forward.


    "Come inside, child. You belong here."


    His pace quickened.


    The hallway seemed endless, but his feet carried him effortlessly. Before him, one door glowed faintly, its wooden surface covered in blurred symbols he couldn''t recognize.


    His hand lifted.


    Just a few more steps, and he would reach it.


    He would know who he was.


    He would


    "That''s what the last guy said before he forgot himself."


    The voice cut through his mind like a blade, cold, hollow, and filled with cruel amusement.


    Yuan froze mid step.


    His body tensed, an uneasy chill creeping up his spine.


    Who¡­ who had spoken?


    His mind wavered, torn between the gentle, inviting whisper leading him forward and the sharp, urgent warning pulling him back.


    Who was telling the truth?


    The old man had said to follow the voices, to listen to the call of the door to find himself.


    And yet,this other voice, the one that now echoed in the back of his mind, was telling him the exact opposite.


    A sharp breath left his lips.


    He didn''t know who to trust.


    His gaze flickered between the glowing door ahead and the darkness behind him.


    His thoughts blurred, his own name slipping further away.


    "Who am I?"


    The question came unbidden, unfamiliar, as if spoken by someone else.


    "Where am I?"


    His vision swayed.


    "Why am I here?"


    The more he questioned, the clearer his mind became,but with clarity came pain.


    Pain.


    A sharp, splitting headache shot through his skull.


    Yuan staggered, clutching his head as a dull, throbbing ache pulsed inside his mind.


    The pain was so intense, so unbearable, that it shattered the haze clouding his thoughts.


    And suddenly


    He remembered.


    His eyes snapped open, wide with realization.


    The Mansion of Countless Tombs.


    His grandfather''s death.


    His escape into the Ghost Forest.


    His illness.


    The gentle voice was a lie.


    This place,these doors,they weren''t meant to help him remember.


    They were meant to make him forget.


    His eyes widened in shock.


    Memories crashed back like a flood, overwhelming his senses.


    Yes. That''s why he came here.


    To get rid of this terrible headache.


    And then, more memories rushed in.


    His father.


    His mother.


    Elliot, teaching him to read.


    The children in his village.


    His grandfather''s countless stories.


    His illness.


    His grandfather''s death.


    His escape into the Ghost Forest.


    And finally


    The Mansion of Countless Tombs.


    Everything clicked into place.


    The voice calling him forward was a lie.


    His body trembled, his breath ragged. His fingers curled into tight fists as he turned his gaze to the glowing door before him.


    This was a trap.


    A beautiful, honey-laced trap meant to erase him.


    His lips curled into a small, defiant smirk.


    He raised his head, his voice calm, clear, and unwavering.


    "I reject this door."


    His heart pounded in his chest, but his words carried unshakable resolve.


    "I already know who I am."


    His fingers trembled, but his voice did not falter.


    "I am Yuan."


    His chest tightened, but his determination burned brighter than ever.


    "I traveled to the Mansion of Countless Tombs to search for a cure for my illness. I have nearly lost myself in these illusions"


    He exhaled sharply, his vision clear.


    "But I have woken up from this hopeless dream."


    He lifted his hand


    And shattered the illusion.


    A loud crack echoed through the air.


    The hallway began to break apart,not like a collapsing structure, but like shattered glass, crumbling into pieces that dissolved into the void.


    The countless doors collapsed, returning to hundreds of stone tablets.


    The voices,those whispers that once called to him,let out a final, wretched wail before fading into silence.


    The illusion was gone.


    Yuan exhaled slowly, his body still shaking from the near loss of himself.


    He turned his gaze toward the stairs ahead.


    One step at a time, he ascended calmly, his footsteps silent against the stone.


    When Yuan reached the second floor, he saw no hallway, no doors, no illusions.


    Instead


    A figure floated in the air before him.


    It had two arms, a torso, and a head, resembling a human, but its form was not of flesh.


    Its body flickered like a pale blue flame, shifting and flowing, as though it barely held onto the shape of a man.


    It wore a fine azure robe, embroidered with black and yellow snake patterns, flowing as if moved by a wind Yuan could not feel.


    Yuan stared at the strange being in silence.


    Then, the ghost opened its eyes and the sharp, clear voice that had saved him spoke once more.


    A small smirk tugged at the ghost''s lips.


    "You almost lost yourself there. I just saved your life. You''re welcome."

 Azure Ghost

    Gazing at the silhouette of the azure ghost who had saved him from truly losing himself, Yuan felt a mix of emotions. After all, who wouldn''t? Standing before him wasn''t a human but a ghost-like being, an existence he had never encountered before.


    For a moment, he simply stared, his mind processing what had just happened. Then, taking a short breath, he spoke with sincerity, lowering his head slightly in gratitude.


    "Senior, this child must sincerely thank you for your help. But... how could Senior be in this lonely place?"


    Hearing Yuan''s probing question, the azure ghost let out a light chuckle.


    "Hehe... Child, there''s no need to test me with your words. If you wish to know, I can simply tell you who I am. But how ironic... to be so distrustful toward the very person who just saved your life! Do I need to prove that I mean no harm? Hehe... well, that isn''t much of a problem."


    The ghost''s tone was calm, yet there was a hint of amusement as it continued.


    "I am just a ghost, a spirit of a cultivator who failed a trial and is now trapped here, waiting for more fellow Daoists to challenge this cursed inheritance. Maybe... just maybe, one of my clansmen will come and set me free. Yes, that is who I am."


    Cursed inheritance? Spirit of a cultivator who failed a trial? One of my clans? Now trapped?


    So many new pieces of information struck Yuan at once. He lowered his gaze, touching his chin in thought.


    What is a cultivator? Is this place the cursed inheritance? How could someone who has already died still be trapped here?


    Again and again, he turned these thoughts over in his mind, yet no matter how much he tried to make sense of them, he found no answers. These were all words, all concepts, that he had never heard before.


    "Thought enough?"


    The ghost''s voice pulled Yuan back to reality. Embarrassed, he quickly looked back at the azure ghost and tried to explain himself.


    "Apologies, Senior! It''s just that... I don''t understand anything you are saying. I have never heard of cultivators, nor do I know where this inheritance is! I just" Yuan hesitated before finishing with admiration, "This child is truly impressed by Senior''s knowledge!"


    Hearing Yuan''s words, the azure ghost froze, staring at him in complete shock.


    "You don''t... know what a cultivator is? Or where we are?"


    The ghost''s tone had lost its amusement. It was no longer chuckling, no longer treating this as a lighthearted exchange. Instead, it fell silent for a long moment, as if struggling to process this revelation.


    Finally, after gathering itself, the ghost asked in a slow, cautious voice, "Could it be... that you are not someone who challenged this trial for the inheritance of the Crowned Ghost Prince?"


    "Crowned Ghost Prince?" Yuan repeated, tilting his head in confusion. "Never heard of him."


    Yuan blankly spoke the name,a name that was once feared across the cultivation world,shocking the azure ghost beyond belief. The ghost''s flames flickered as he processed Yuan''s words before finally asking,


    "Then why are you here if you don''t seek his inheritance?"


    Yuan exhaled sharply, frustration laced in his voice.


    "I don''t even know where I am! I was trying to escape the Ghost Forest and reach the Mansion of Countless Tombs, but I somehow ended up here instead! I know nothing about this so-called inheritance or the Crowned Ghost¡­ whatever! I just want to find the Mansion of Countless Tombs and uncover the secrets of those who defied fate!"


    Hearing Yuan''s outburst, the azure ghost gave him a strange look. Then, as if recalling something, he muttered,


    "The Mansion of Countless Tombs...? I think¡­ I''ve heard of that place before. Hmm¡­"


    For a moment, the ghost seemed lost in thought, his flickering form shifting slightly. Then, as if speaking the name aloud unlocked a buried memory, he suddenly gasped.


    "Ah! Now I remember! The Mansion of Countless Tombs... It did exist once. But that was long ago. This place,was once its foundation, its core. However, it was later discovered and overtaken by the Crowned Ghost Prince!"


    The ghost let out a cold chuckle.


    "So, boy¡­ congratulations. You''ve already reached your so-called ''destined goal.'' Only, this place is no longer what you were searching for. The Mansion of Countless Tombs no longer exists. What stands before you now is the Palace of Ghosts."


    Hearing this, Yuan felt his thoughts spiraling into chaos.


    The Mansion of Countless Tombs¡­ no longer exists?


    Shock hit him like a thunderclap. Everything he had endured,every pain, every near-death trial, every step forward,was for nothing?


    His hands clenched into trembling fists. If the Mansion was gone¡­ then how could he defy his fate?


    The azure ghost noticed the shifting expression on Yuan''s face, the way his body tensed, the slight tremble in his hands. His fiery eyes narrowed in thought.


    "Hmph¡­ judging by your face, I take it you were after something specific in the Mansion? Perhaps¡­ these so-called ''secrets'' of defying fate?"


    Yuan remained silent, his mind still struggling to process the revelation.


    The ghost chuckled, folding his arms across his spectral chest.


    "Tell me, boy¡­ you''re worried about defying fate? About these ''secrets'' you spoke of?"


    Yuan hesitated, then slowly nodded.


    The ghost smirked.


    "You don''t need to search for some ancient secret to defy fate. After all¡­" The flames surrounding his form flickered wildly as he continued, "Isn''t that exactly what cultivation is?"Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    Yuan''s breath hitched. He looked at the ghost, his voice uncertain.


    "Defying fate¡­ is cultivation?"


    The azure ghost let out a small chuckle, a knowing glint in his fiery gaze.


    "Yes. If there''s one definition that fits us cultivators, it''s that we go against fate. We live longer than ordinary mortals. We break past the limits of our bodies. We grow stronger beyond what was intended. The heavens gave us a lifespan of 100 years, and yet, we refuse to accept it. We cultivate. We defy this fate and forge our own path!"


    He took a step forward, his form growing sharper, his voice filled with undeniable conviction.


    "Let me tell you more about the wonders of cultivation. But before that¡­"


    His smirk faded, replaced with a rare, serious expression.


    "I must warn you."


    The air around them grew heavier. The flickering flames along the walls dimmed, casting long shadows over Yuan''s face.


    "Cultivation is not something you can do half-heartedly. It must come from the depths of your soul, from your very existence. To cultivate is to walk an endless path,one filled with sleepless nights, grueling years, and bitter failures. There will be times when you struggle for decades, only to face death at the doorstep of a breakthrough. You may dedicate everything¡­ only to fail in the end."


    The ghost''s fiery eyes bored into Yuan''s own, as if peering into his very soul.


    "So, tell me, boy¡­


    Are you truly ready to walk this path? To dedicate your life to cultivation, even if it means spending countless years striving for power, for freedom¡­ knowing you may die trying?"


    "Tell me¡­ would you regret it?"


    As the azure ghost began to preach about cultivation, the world around him began to shift, reflecting his words.


    The once,dark space,where only an azure flame and a young boy stood,suddenly lit up with a myriad of lights, all radiating from the ghost''s spectral form. These lights flickered and danced, illuminating the void¡­ but in their brilliance, they cast an even deeper shadow, one that Yuan could not comprehend.


    Buffeted by the ethereal glow, Yuan found himself drawn toward a single light among the many. Something about it called to him.


    Something told him that this light held his fate.


    Without a second thought, he ran toward it.


    But as he did, the light moved away, as if fleeing from his grasp,as if it feared what would happen should it fall into his hands.


    Yet Yuan did not stop. He did not hesitate.


    He reached out with all his might and


    He grabbed it.


    Slowly, the light dimmed, its radiance fading as it settled within his grasp.


    Taking a deep breath, Yuan slowly opened his hand,his gaze locking onto something unlike anything he had ever seen before.


    It was small, yet perfectly shaped.


    A knife.


    No¡­ it was too small for a knife.


    It was green, its handle crafted from a material that felt both warm and cold at the same time, sending a strange sensation through his palm. A few black serpents coiled around the hilt, their bodies carved with unsettling precision,or so he thought.


    Because then, he noticed something.


    Their eyes were moving.


    Not just moving¡­ but looking somewhere.


    Not at him.


    At something beyond him,as if guiding him toward something unseen.


    Yuan''s blood ran cold.


    With a shudder, he let out a startled yell and dropped the knife, stepping back in fear.


    His breath quickened, his heart pounding against his chest.


    And then


    Laughter.


    Loud. Deep. Amused.


    It echoed from behind him.


    Yuan spun around.


    There, standing where he had been moments ago, was the azure ghost.


    But something had changed.


    It was smaller now,its once looming form now no larger than Yuan''s arm.


    Yet, despite its reduced size, its smile had only grown wider.


    Seeing Yuan''s shock fade into wary confusion, the azure ghost let out another chuckle before speaking.


    "So¡­ now that you''ve glimpsed the mysteries of this world, tell me


    Do you wish to walk the path of cultivation?"


    Its voice deepened, filled with undeniable weight.


    "Do you wish to pursue the Great Dao? To seek eternal life, power, and freedom,knowing that you may die trying?"


    The ghost''s fiery eyes bore into Yuan''s soul as it took another step forward.


    "Or do you reject this path entirely?"


    It spread its arms wide.


    "Answer me! Tell me, child


    What do you truly desire?"


    "Walk the path of the Great Dao¡­?"


    His voice trembled.


    "What¡­ do I want?"


    "What do I truly desire?"


    The ghost''s flame-like body flickered, its voice pressing further into Yuan''s mind.


    "Yes, Yuan! Say it! Say what you truly desire!"


    The words pulsed like a heartbeat inside his skull.


    Yuan''s lips parted, and in a voice barely above a whisper, he answered.


    "I¡­ I want to survive."


    Silence.


    Then


    "You want only to survive?"


    The ghost''s voice was neither amused nor mocking. It was simply¡­ questioning.


    "Is that truly the extent of your desire?"


    Yuan froze.


    A thought struck him.


    "Is¡­ is that really all I want?"


    "Just to survive?"


    "Is that my only desire?"


    He clenched his fists.


    No.


    That wasn''t the truth.


    That was never the truth.


    The voice echoed endlessly in his mind.


    "Say it, Yuan! What do you truly desire?"


    The weight of the words pressed down on him, forcing him to confront himself.


    Yuan gritted his teeth, his hands clenching into fists. What did he want?


    For so long, he had only thought about survival, about escaping his inevitable death. But now¡­ now he understood.


    Surviving wasn''t enough.


    He didn''t just want to live,he wanted to experience.


    His mind filled with visions.


    A sky, vast and endless, free from mist.


    Mountains so high, their peaks pierced the heavens.


    A great ocean, stretching beyond the horizon, its waves crashing against the land.


    He imagined standing above the clouds, looking down on the world from beyond mortal reach.


    His body shuddered.


    It wasn''t enough to dream.


    He wanted to see it all with his own eyes.


    A fire ignited in his chest, burning away the hesitation, the doubts, the weakness.


    Yuan lifted his head, his gaze unwavering.


    "What I truly want¡­"


    His voice started as a whisper, but with each word, it grew stronger.


    "I want to walk the world. To see the places my grandfather once spoke of. To witness a crystal-clear sky without mist. To gaze upon mountains so vast that I cannot comprehend their size. To stand before an endless ocean and taste the salt in the wind."


    His breathing was steady, his heart pounding with unshakable resolve.


    "I want to leave this Ghost Forest. To leave the village. To see the real sky, the real mountains, the real world. I don''t want to imagine anymore. I want to live it!"


    His fists tightened, his voice ringing with mad determination.


    "And beyond that,I want to see what lies above the clouds! I want to witness what only the heavens themselves have seen!"


    Yuan''s words echoed through the darkness, ringing with absolute certainty.


    The voice did not laugh this time.


    There were no more echoes,no more illusions.


    Only a cold, absolute truth.


    "Then you know what you must do."


    Yuan took a slow breath, the last of his hesitation crumbling into nothingness.


    "Yes¡­ now, everything is clear."


    His gaze hardened, filled with a new fire that could never be extinguished.


    "I now understand how to defy fate. To defy fate¡­ one must face the heavens. And to face the heavens, I must become powerful,strong enough to break free from their grasp!"


    Silence.


    The world itself seemed to hold its breath.


    Then, with absolute conviction, Yuan declared his path to the heavens.


    "I will walk the path of the Great Dao!"


    "The path toward power and freedom!"


    "I will not regret it. And I will gladly die trying!"


    "Yes,I will cultivate!"


    "I will rise to great power and break free from the chains of fate!"


    His voice thundered through the void.


    The world began to shift.


    As his words filled the emptiness, the darkness that once blinded him peeled away.


    Light rushed in.


    The once,shadowed hall now appeared before him in radiant clarity,the details sharper, the colors more vivid, as though he had been blind his entire life and was only now able to see.


    "So many lights..."


    Yuan''s breath hitched as he gazed at the spectacle before him.


    Countless glowing orbs floated in the air, flickering like tiny stars, shifting through endless colors and shapes, spinning slowly as if dancing through the space before him.


    Without thinking, he reached out.


    One of the lights descended into his palm, hovering gently just above his skin.


    It twisted, changing shapes, shifting hues, as if alive,a toy of the heavens themselves.


    A wide smile broke across his young face.


    For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Yuan looked like a real ten year old child, filled with pure wonder.


    His admiration was interrupted by a familiar voice behind him.


    "Congratulations."


    Yuan froze.


    He knew that voice.


    The azure ghost chuckled.


    "You have taken your first step on the path of the Great Dao. From this moment forward... you are now a cultivator."

 Royal Keys

    "Congratulations," said the Azure Ghost.


    Yuan closed his eyes, took a deep breath, then slowly opened them. His gaze turned sharp as he looked at the Azure Ghost with suspicion.


    "What just happened? Why did I suddenly begin questioning my own desires? Was that truly my own voice¡­ or was it yours? I can''t tell. Senior, it would be kind of you to clear this child''s doubts with your wisdom."


    Chuckling, the Azure Ghost spoke in an amused tone.


    "What happened, you ask? That is something I can easily answer. You have just undergone the second trial of this inheritance stage."


    He paused for a moment before continuing.


    "The first trial was meant to ensure that you would never lose yourself. But to be honest, you only passed that one because I stepped in and saved you."


    His flickering gaze studied Yuan before he let out a knowing sigh.


    "Now that I know you haven''t even begun cultivating, everything makes sense. After all, these trials were designed for cultivators. That you managed to arrive here, without the guidance of a sect or a powerful cultivator opening the way for you, is already a miracle in itself."


    The ghost''s voice turned more serious as he explained further.


    "This second trial, however, is something special. To most cultivators, it wouldn''t even make sense, as it is not a trial in the traditional sense,it is an examination of one''s own path, a test to ensure you do not walk in the wrong direction."


    The ghost''s flames flickered as he smirked.


    "But this illusion is not without its rewards. Because it assesses the path you have chosen to walk, it grants a reward accordingly. However, the choice of the reward is yours to make first."


    His smirk deepened, his tone turning ominous.


    "The greater the reward you seek, the harsher the trial that follows. If you are not worthy of the reward you desire, you will fail¡­ and be swallowed by the darkness forever."


    "So¡­ I have truly become a cultivator, Senior?" Yuan asked, his voice calm and composed.


    "Hehe, yes. You have cleansed your eyes, allowing you to see the spiritual energy of the world. The light floating above your palm,that is spiritual energy. Isn''t it beautiful?" The Azure Ghost chuckled, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.


    Yuan gazed at the shimmering energy in his palm, his dark eyes reflecting its soft glow.


    "Yes, indeed, Senior. This light is truly beautiful." He paused before asking in a curious tone, "But¡­ what exactly is cultivation?"


    The Azure Ghost let out a deep chuckle before shaking his head.


    "What is cultivation? That is the wrong question to ask,or rather, it is not properly worded." His flickering form wavered slightly as he continued. "Cultivation is many things, but at its core, it is power. It grants both strength and understanding. There exist countless definitions of cultivation, but for you, a simple one will suffice."


    His voice grew firmer.


    "You wish to defy fate, don''t you? Power will grant you the strength to do so. However, the further you cultivate, the more you must understand,not only your own power, but also the world itself."


    He paused, letting his words settle before continuing.


    "Now, you may be wondering, how does one even become powerful? At the beginning,at the Mortal Awakening Stage,you will be only slightly stronger than a normal mortal. But the higher you ascend, the stronger you will become. With enough cultivation, you will even be able to control spiritual energy, and in time¡­ cast spells. But for now, that is merely a distant dream."


    Yuan listened intently as the ghost went on.


    "For now, what you need to know are the most important stages of cultivation. The stage you are currently in is called the Mortal Awakening Stage. As I said before, here you cleanse your five senses Sight, Hearing, Smell, Taste, and Touch,to perceive and interact with spiritual energy."


    The ghost''s voice carried a hint of amusement as he continued his explanation.


    "After this comes the Purification of Blood Stage, followed by the Meridians Awakening Stage. The final important one for you to know now is the Bone Fusion Stage. Everything beyond that is far too distant for you to even comprehend at your current level."


    His flames flickered, and he smirked.


    "However¡­ since I am in a generous mood, I will tell you about the next stage after Bone Fusion. It is called the Marrow Essence Stage. The higher your cultivation, the stronger you become. But for now, you stand at the very bottom of the path, at the very first step."Stolen novel; please report.


    He gave Yuan a knowing look.


    "But do not be discouraged. Every cultivator, no matter how powerful, once started at the Mortal Awakening Stage,just like you."


    So many things¡­ Yuan didn''t know what to say other than, "Amazing."


    Yes, that was the only word Yuan could voice aloud. He was completely captivated by the beauty of cultivation. And the more he listened to the Azure Ghost, the more certain he became that stepping onto the path of the Great Dao was the right choice.


    Once more, Yuan turned his gaze toward the beautiful and mysterious spiritual energy,now knowing what it truly was. But after admiring it for a moment, he shifted his focus back to the Azure Ghost and asked,


    "Then, Senior, how is it that I became a cultivator?"


    "Hehe, that is quite easy to explain. The reward you chose was rather special¡­ in fact, it was unique in its own way."


    The Azure Ghost chuckled before lifting a portion of his flickering, flame-like body and directing a small wisp of azure fire toward the fallen small green knife. The blade, seemingly responding to the energy, slowly floated up and drifted toward them until it reached the small hands of the Azure Ghost, who now held it firmly.


    "This is called the Royal Key of Ghosts. Hehe¡­ and this little thing may prove to be very useful in the future, as it is a key to the Royal Chamber of the Crowned Ghost Prince, kid."


    The ghost''s voice carried an amused yet knowing tone.


    "But aside from that, the trial of this Royal Key is unique, as I mentioned before. After overcoming the True Self Trial, a portion of the Crowned Ghost Prince''s spiritual energy was sealed within it to aid its next wielder in stabilizing their cultivation. According to one of the past holders of these Royal Keys, the trial was designed this way to prevent cultivators from succumbing to inner demons after facing it."


    His flaming eyes flickered as he smirked.


    "However, in your case, something unusual happened. Instead of stabilizing an already-existing cultivation base, the energy within the key began cleansing your sight¡ªand as I can tell, you are already close to cleansing your hearing as well. That must be why you have stepped into the Mortal Awakening Stage."


    He let out a small chuckle before giving Yuan a meaningful look.


    "Consider yourself lucky, boy. Very few people receive such a smooth start to their cultivation journey."


    Looking toward the Azure Ghost''s hands, Yuan focused on the small green key and asked curiously, "Senior, you mentioned that there were more of these Royal Keys? What other keys exist?"


    The Azure Ghost chuckled. "Oh, you''re curious about the other keys, huh? Well, I know of three others besides yours. The first is the Red Royal Key, then there''s the Blue Royal Key, and lastly, the Black Royal Key."


    His flaming eyes flickered with amusement as he continued, "The people who held these keys were from some of the peak-tier Clans and Sects. If I remember correctly, they were the Royal Abyss Clan, the Blue Star Sect, and the Vermilion Dragon Court. At the time, there were rumors that each key had a corresponding Royal Chamber,one dedicated to cultivation, one for weapons, and one for spells and martial arts. But of course, none of those big shots ever confirmed it publicly."


    The Azure Ghost then smirked, his voice brimming with excitement. "But now that you hold the Green Royal Key of Ghosts¡­ this could be a huge opportunity! A chance for a much smoother cultivation journey! If you manage to reach the end of this inheritance, you may even get the chance to step into the Meridian Awakening Stage! Wouldn''t that be something?"


    "Reaching the Meridian Awakening Stage¡­" Yuan muttered the words under his breath before taking a deep breath. It was too much to think about all at once. His mind drifted into fantasy,imagining all the things he could do as a Meridian Awakened cultivator. The power, the possibilities...


    But then, snapping himself out of his daydreams, Yuan clenched his fists and declared with determination, "Enough of dreaming! I, Yuan, will definitely become a Meridian Awakened cultivator! And to do that, I must reach this Royal Chamber! Let''s go!"


    Without any hesitation, his gaze sharpened with resolve.


    Yuan then turned toward the Azure Ghost, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Where is the next trial?"


    The Azure Ghost let out a small laugh at Yuan''s enthusiasm. "Heh, eager now, are we? Come, I''ll guide you there!"


    And so, without further delay, the human and the ghost set off toward the third trial.


    After some time, they arrived at a winding staircase that led to the next floor. Yuan stepped forward without hesitation, his thoughts consumed entirely by the Royal Chamber. He didn''t even consider what kind of trial awaited him next,his mind was filled only with visions of treasures and the endless potential that lay ahead.


    Silently, he followed behind the small Azure Ghost, his heart pounding with anticipation.


    Entering the next floor, Yuan instinctively looked toward the exit. But as his eyes adjusted to his surroundings, he realized something was wrong.


    The Azure Ghost was gone.


    A sudden emptiness surrounded him, the lingering warmth of its presence now replaced with a heavy silence.


    Floating near him, untouched by gravity, was the Green Royal Key.


    Yuan frowned in confusion. What just happened?


    His first instinct was to grasp the key, tucking it safely into his pouch. But as he turned his gaze forward,he froze.


    His breath hitched.


    A cold shiver ran down his spine.


    Not the kind of unease he had felt in the Dreadful Green Forest, where his instincts screamed of lurking dangers. No.


    This fear was different.


    It was the kind of terror that came when faced with something beyond comprehension.


    The kind of fear that came when you realized,you had no control.


    Before him stood a black bear, but it was unlike anything he had ever seen.


    Massive. Four meters tall. A walking nightmare.


    Its thick, jet-black fur seemed to devour the dim light, making it look like a living shadow, a beast pulled from the depths of a forgotten legend. It exuded nothing but raw, unrelenting menace.


    Its shoulders were broad, its limbs rippling with monstrous muscle. Every step it took sent tremors through the ground, a testament to the sheer weight of its existence.


    And then there were the horns.


    Short, jagged protrusions jutted from its skull, looking as if they had been carved from obsidian. But the worst part wasn''t their appearance. It was the crackling energy coursing through them,an ominous power waiting to be unleashed.


    The beast''s breath was visible, a dark mist escaping its maw with every slow exhale, as if the very air around it was rejecting its presence. Its cold, piercing eyes locked onto Yuan¡ªunblinking, calculating.


    A predator.


    A beast that knew it was superior.


    Yuan''s body stiffened. His hands clenched into trembling fists, his breath ragged. Is this how I die?


    But then


    A whisper.


    Soft, carried by the wind, yet unmistakable.


    A voice he had already grown familiar with.


    "Hehe¡­ Don''t worry, child. I am here."


    The Azure Ghost.


    Yuan''s heart, still pounding in terror, steadied,just a little.