In this vast world, an endless sea stretched beyond sight, its true boundaries unknown to even the most ancient records. Scattered across these boundless waters were countless islands, each a lone speck of land amid the eternal waves.
At the pinnacle stood the Seven Sovereign Isles, immense landmasses whose power and influence held supreme sway. These seven islands formed the Azure Dominion Pact, an ancient alliance created to uphold balance and enforce order across the scattered territories. All other islands, smaller and less influential, were bound to these sovereign lands by duty and bloodlines.
To maintain control over the vast sea, each Sovereign island appointed Supervisors — cultivators responsible for overseeing the islands within their jurisdiction. On Tier Three islands, a single Supervisor held authority. Tier Two islands, larger and more prosperous, were led by a Supervisor and several Deputy Supervisors. The governance of the Seven Sovereign Isles, however, remained shrouded in secrecy, controlled by Greenwood Academy and ancient noble clans whose influence spanned centuries.
...
A gentle breeze stirred the shallow waves that lapped against the sandy shore of Mistveil Island, carrying the faint scent of salt and morning mist. Silver tendrils of fog clung to the rocks and palms, weaving through the thatched roofs of Jiangshi Village as the sun's first rays painted the horizon in rose and gold. In this hushed world of water and sky, a lone figure lay asleep on the beach, his face half-covered by unruly black hair.
"Brother Bai! Brother Bai, wake up!"
A sharp voice cut through his sleep. Bai Tian groaned as something poked his side — a small, calloused finger. He opened one eye to see a girl, no older than ten, her bright eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Xiao Ya…" he grumbled. "Can't a man sleep in peace?"
"Hmph! Didn't Granny tell you not to sleep near the sea? What if a monster attacks you?" rebuked Xiao Ya, her hands on her hips.
"You little bandit. Fine, fine — but don't tell Granny, alright? I'll take you fishing tomorrow," replied Bai Tian with a helpless smile.
The little girl began counting with her small fingers, then raised four fingers and huffed, "Hmph! This is the fourth time I've caught you sleeping here. You promised to take me fishing four times already, but only did it once! There are still three times left!"
"Alright, alright, I'll take you three times," sighed Bai Tian, ruffling her hair. Then, he asked curiously, "But why are you here? Don't you usually play with your friends at this time?"
At this, the girl's eyes widened. She hurriedly grabbed Bai Tian's hand and started dragging him along. "Oh! I forgot — Father just came back today from MistyRain Island! He and Granny are waiting for you. Come on, let's hurry!"
Bai Tian let out a sigh and scooped up the little girl onto his shoulders.
"Alright, alright, let's go. You're too bossy for your age, you know that?"
Xiao Ya giggled and clung to his hair. As Bai Tian sprinted down the sandy path toward the village, the familiar sight of home unfolded around them.
The village — known simply as Jiangshi Village — sat on a small island, surrounded by the endless stretch of ocean on all sides. Dozens of weathered wooden huts lined the narrow, winding paths, their roofs patched with reeds and dried leaves. Nets hung from poles, drying in the morning sun, while strings of fish and herbs swayed gently in the breeze.
Children chased each other barefoot across the sandy paths, their laughter rising over the cries of seabirds. Old men sat by the wooden piers, mending nets with weathered hands, while a cluster of women gathered by the shore to wash clothes, chatting softly as they worked.
Not far from the village's edge, a massive river spilled into the sea like a silver serpent, its far bank lost in drifting mist. The villagers often whispered of monsters and ancient beasts swimming in its depths, though Bai Tian had only ever seen lazy carp and stubborn turtles.
...
In the heart of the village stood the largest house, its aged timbers thick with years and eaves curling proudly like the wings of a resting bird. Xiao Ya tugged Bai Tian to the heavy wooden door, and with a breath to steady himself, he stepped inside.
An elderly woman with a crown of silver hair — Granny Yu — sat cross-legged on a woven mat, opposite a broad-shouldered man whose stern eyes softened the moment they landed on the two children. Nearby, a young woman in pale blue silk moved gracefully, pouring steaming tea into jade cups.
Bai Tian went straight to the man, his heart thudding.
"How did it go, Uncle Xiao? Was I… was I accepted?"
The man chuckled, his face easing into a rare smile.
"Yes, you're accepted. You'll need to report to Misty Rain Island before the next month's end. The Disciple Induction Ceremony happens on the first day of every month — a grand event, especially in the Tier 1 cities. You won't want to miss it."
Relief warred with doubt in Bai Tian's chest. He hesitated.
"But, Uncle Xiao… I still haven't sensed the astral energy."
Granny Yu's voice was gentle, like mist settling over the sea.
"Innate talent isn't everything, child. How many in our village have ever sensed it? You'll find your way, as long as you persist. Cultivation's path belongs not just to the gifted, but to those who endure."
Uncle Xiao grinned, a rough hand clapping Bai Tian's shoulder.
"She's right. Look at me — there were many more talented than I ever was, yet here I stand, at the Great Circle of Qi Refinement, while they remain trapped in the lower stages. Even Greenwood Academy accepts all kinds of talents, for strength comes in many forms. And with your inborn strength, boy, even if you progress slowly, you'll stand taller than those ahead of you."
In this world, an invisible force known as astral energy flowed through heaven and earth, a power only a rare few could sense. Those blessed to perceive it were called cultivators, mortals who walked the path toward transcending human limits. By drawing astral energy into their bodies, they could temper flesh and bone, manipulate elements, and in time, even soar through the skies.
Yet, this path was treacherous. Most mortals spent their lives without so much as brushing against that unseen current. Even among those born with the gift, countless hours of toil awaited before strength could be claimed. For every prodigy, a hundred more fell into obscurity.
Very soon, a woman arrived carrying a simple meal of steamed buns, dried fish, and warm rice porridge. The fragrant scent made Xiao Ya's eyes light up as she eagerly tugged at Bai Tian's sleeve.
"Come, eat quickly! Granny Yu's porridge is the best," she beamed.
They gathered on a woven reed mat spread over the wooden floor. The air inside the house was warm, the scent of herbs and old timber lingering as steam rose from the bowls. Bai Tian sat cross-legged beside Xiao Ya while Uncle Xiao and Granny Yu took their places, and the simple meal brought a sense of calm to the room.
After the last morsel was eaten and tea was poured once more, Uncle Xiao cleared his throat.
"Tian'er," he began, his tone firm but carrying a trace of warmth, "there are ten days left before you leave for Misty Rain Island. It's a rare chance, and though you can't yet sense astral energy, you must be ready. Starting tomorrow, I'll personally train you every day until you depart."
Bai Tian straightened his back, his chest tightening both in excitement and nerves. "Yes, Uncle Xiao!"
The man nodded approvingly. "Good. Strength isn't always about what you were born with — it's how you forge yourself through hardship."
The mist outside thickened, night creeping upon the village. The faint crash of distant waves could be heard beyond the walls, and the house grew quieter. Bai Tian glanced toward the window, a strange mix of fear and hope rising in his heart.
Misty Rain Island. Greenwood Academy. A world beyond the sea.