The southern continent in this world is a vast and diverse landmass, spanning over 100 trillion square kilometers. Completely surrounded by oceans on all sides, it is a world in itself, isolated from other continents by endless seas.
Its terrain varies dramatically, ranging from icy polar regions in the south to lush tropical jungles in the north. Mountain ranges, especially Azure Mountain, stretch across its length, with towering peaks piercing the skies and jagged cliffs plunging into the abyss below. Deep valleys, open plains, rivers, lakes, and forests cut through the landscape like veins of life.
The climate is equally diverse, shaped by its immense size and geography. Near the poles, vast ice sheets dominate under freezing winds. Moving northward, the weather softens—temperate forests give way to subtropical zones, and eventually, tropical heat rules the central regions.
Despite its isolation, the continent is far from barren. Numerous cultures have flourished across its lands, each adapting to unique opportunities and challenges. Along the coasts lie many great cities—the most prominent being Phoenix Ridge, Heavenly Terrace, and Jade Harbor.
The Heavenly Hand Sect is based in Heavenly Terrace, in the north. They chose the coast to maintain easier contact with the distant continents.
Li Family Mansion
Li Gang knocked gently on the door.
"Come in, Gang'er," Song Yunlan's soft voice answered.
"You called for me, Mother?"
"Yes. There is something I need to discuss with you."
Li Gang blinked in surprise. It was rare for anyone in the family to discuss matters with him directly. Though his mother always cared for him, she rarely disturbed him about affairs—family or otherwise.
'What could be so important? It can't be about village matters—they never value my opinion there. So it must be personal. Either marriage… or they want me to abandon cultivation and take up family business. She knows I would never give up cultivation, so… marriage? Perhaps she wants me to settle down and forget cultivation on my own.'
As expected, she spoke:
"I have found a very good girl for your marriage. Yesterday, your father discussed it with me."
Li Gang frowned. 'Father wanted me to marry? Impossible. At this time, he should only be concerned about Wang Xiaoyan. Could it be Li Hao behind this? Still, I must confirm.'
He asked bluntly, "Is it Wang Xueyao?"
Song Yunlan's eyes widened. "Did you overhear us?"
Li Gang noticed the subtle movement of her eyes—an unconscious slip. 'So, Father is hiding here. With Mother's ability, that's not impossible. But the real player is Li Hao.' His mind moved quickly; outwardly, he looked calm.
"I don't need to eavesdrop to figure it out. Anyway, if you can truly convince the Wang family, I will gladly accept the marriage." He smiled faintly, glancing toward a certain corner.
Behind a spatial curtain, Li Minghui stiffened. 'Did he just notice me? Impossible. He can't see through this… it must be coincidence.'
Song Yunlan, thinking nothing of it, simply said, "Good. Then wait for the good news."
Li Gang nodded and left. Once inside his room, his smile deepened.
'So it was you, Li Hao. A single move that checks both Wang Xueyao and me. If I had rejected the marriage, you would immediately know my ambitions aren't small, and you'd tighten your leash. A clever ploy—killing two birds with one stone. Truly the mastermind of the Li family. Even my attempt to remain low-profile couldn't escape your suspicion.'
Li Gang had not remained entirely low-profile; otherwise, Li Hao would never have taken notice of him. Over the years, small slips had betrayed him. Once, he was even caught poisoning a family member and was punished harshly for it.
Wang Family Mansion – One Day Later
Village head Wang Jinlong sat at the head of the hall, elders gathered below. Li Minghui and Li Hao had come with a marriage proposal.
"What do you think, Brother Wang, about this proposal?" Li Minghui asked calmly.
Wang Jinlong sank into thought. One spirit stone mine as dowry, plus an alliance with the Li family—it was tempting. He, too, was ambitious, dreaming of expanding influence toward Jade Harbor, the eastern city at the foothills of Azure Mountain. Jade Harbor was famed for Flight Masters and Beast Tamers, and it was the closest of the three great southern cities to Azure Mountain.
Flight Masters were skilled in aerial movement, either through rare flying-type Spiritual Imprints or by mastering secret techniques. Since flight Imprints were exceedingly rare, most relied on techniques instead. Though Imprints were superior, no method was flawless.
Indeed, nothing in the world was absolute. Spiritual Imprints amplified a person's element, but also locked their path within it. For example, Song Yunlan's space-type Imprint barred her from cultivating water or fire techniques. She could still learn them through secret arts, but compatibility was low—she could only display 5–10% of their true power. Even with compatible attributes, showing 100% was nearly impossible. Most people managed only 50–60%.
Suddenly, Wang Jinlong frowned. 'This old fox… has he already guessed Xueyao's potential? If I refuse, he'll realize she isn't ordinary!'
In pursuit of gain, one must always measure the loss. Smart people do not ask, 'What will I win?' but 'What will it cost me?'!
Before he could answer, a cold voice cut in: "I agree."
It was Wang Xueyao. Standing beside her, Wang Xiaoyan looked like a pure-hearted maiden, her innocence radiating through sparkling eyes and gentle smiles. Xueyao, however, stood tall and distant, graceful like a swan, her gaze cold and supreme.
Wang Jinlong looked at her in shock, asking with his eyes, 'Are you sure?'
Xueyao nodded once.
Immediately, Wang Jinlong's expression shifted into laughter. He rose and announced loudly:
"From today, the Wang and Li families are allies! With great joy and pride, I also announce the union of my beloved daughter, Wang Xueyao, with Li Gang. May their bond endure eternally!"
Li Minghui laughed with satisfaction. Li Hao, however, narrowed his eyes. 'Was I wrong? Impossible!'
Mountain View Village
Bamboo forests surrounded rice fields, villagers working under the spring sun. A stone path wound into the square, where a majestic cherry blossom tree stood in bloom. Tea houses lined the streets, where mortals sold pottery, textiles, spiritual pills, and even low-grade weapons.
Wang Xiaoyan and Wang Xueyao strolled leisurely, speaking softly. Suddenly, Wang Haoran rushed over.
"Elder Sister, why did you agree to the marriage?" He blocked their path.
"You've grown bold. Must I explain my decisions to you?"
Haoran flinched, shrinking under her gaze. He remembered his father's words from two years ago: 'Whether you obey me or not, never offend your eldest sister. If she becomes an enemy, not even all of Azure Mountain could withstand her.'
'At that time, she was only eleven…' he thought nervously.
Xueyao ignored him, her eyes like an endless abyss. She smiled faintly and murmured: "I never expected to meet a Wanderer here. Let's see what ability you possess."
Li Family Mansion
Li Gang opened his eyes after meditation.
'It seems I'm about to break through.'
Three years ago, he had stepped into Rank 1 Warrior. Now, he was approaching the late stage of that rank. Each rank was divided into Early, Middle, Late, and Peak stages. Li Minghui stood at peak Rank 5, while Li Hao was at late Rank 5.
To reach Rank 1, one must sense spiritual essence within the body and circulate it through the meridians. Rank 2 required cleansing and strengthening the organs. Rank 3 meant refining nerves, muscles, and bones. Rank 4 awakened the Heavenly Core. Rank 5 compressed essence into liquid, and Rank 6 solidified it into crystal.
Li Yuxong had reached Rank 2 even before his awakening, thanks to his talent. Judging by how deeply Wang Xueyao concealed herself, she was likely at least Rank 3 already.
Li Gang sighed. 'The road is slow, but slow steps are still steps!'
The past ten years had been arduous. Starting cultivation late—at five years old—he made three preparations before seriously beginning: sharpening his mind, studying poisons and pills, and mastering archery. Poisons were easier to make than pills, which is why alchemists were so rare. Still, crafting high-grade poisons was no easy feat.
Knowing he lacked talent, he aimed to cover his weakness with cunning and precision. Drawing on insight from his past life and the rapid growth of childhood, he honed his archery to an exceptional level through a decade of relentless practice.
He recollected his thoughts as a familiar figure entered.
"Mother."
Song Yunlan nodded silently.