Chapter 1
POV: Elias
I knelt upon the cold, hard wooden floor of my dwelling, my hands joined together as I prayed before a wooden cross.
The only sound was that of my quiet prayers, while the flames of the surrounding candles swayed in a gentle, rhythmic dance.
A feeling of solitude and peace encompassed me, yet I knew I wasn't alone—for God would always be by my side.
As I continued my prayer, someone knocked at the door.
I gracefully made the sign of the cross and stood up, adjusting the robe I wore and the necklace around my neck, from which a small cross hung.
Then, I opened the door. Seeing the person standing outside, I smiled.
"Little Yun, good morning."
I greeted the girl, roughly sixteen years old, dressed in a robe embroidered with flowers that accentuated her youthful figure.
"Good morning to you too, Uncle," she replied cheerfully.
I smiled again and stepped back inside to retrieve a book from my table, then returned outside to join Little Yun.
"Come on then, let's go. We don't want to be late."
She simply smiled and followed as we began walking toward her home.
"Anyway, Little Yun, didn't I already tell you not to come pick me up?"
We passed through the bustling streets of Green Jade City. Men and women mingled as children frolicked about.
But that wasn't all. All around us, I saw people with swords strapped to their backs, exuding a tough and rugged aura.
Noticing my gaze lingering on them, Little Yun spoke with excitement.
"Oh, you must be wondering why there are so many rogue cultivators in the city today, right?"
I gave a simple nod as we continued our steady pace.
"Well, today's the day the Blue Sky Sect accepts new disciples. A lot of cultivators have come into town hoping to get in. Look!"
She pointed upward. I followed her finger, and above us, I saw people flying through the sky on swords, descending toward the city.
"Some young masters from noble families are coming to get accepted too—my family included."
I turned my head back to her after hearing that.
"Oh? Who's going, then?"
She smiled and sighed.
"You should already know—it's my stupid big brother."
"Oh, Li Yun?" I asked, unsurprised. I had been his tutor since he was a child and knew well what he was like.
"How has he been lately?"
She pouted.
"Hmph. He's been really annoying. He's been locked up in his room, cultivating all day. Even though you've taught us that cultivation is a path of eternal sin and loneliness, he's obsessed with it now."
She crossed her arms in frustration. My expression shifted to worry at her words, but I simply sighed and responded,
"We don't have the power to control his choices—only God does. And I know Li Yun—he's devoted to God. If he pursues cultivation, then perhaps it is a path God has placed before him."
I said this solemnly as I held the cross on my necklace. Little Yun nodded slowly and made the sign of the cross.
Seeing that, I gave her a gentle nod and added,
"I'll talk to him later, don't worry."
She relaxed at my words as we continued walking toward her home. After a 30-minute walk, we finally arrived.
Her home was modest—not too big, not too small—with a pleasant courtyard fit for a family of five.
"Uncle!"
As we entered, a small child—barely six years old—ran up and hugged me tightly around the waist.
"Good morning, Little Xu," I said with a smile as he beamed up at me and tugged me along toward the house. Little Yun followed close behind.
"Come, Uncle! I want to hear more stories about Ca-in and Ab-biel!"
Hearing his excitement, I sighed and patted his head.
"Sorry, Little Xu. You can't hear the rest of that story just yet—you're still too young. Maybe when you're older."
His face fell.
"What? But Ca-in and Ab-biel are good brothers! I just want to hear more about what they did as the first children of Ad-dam and Eive!"
I shook my head gently, gripping my book a little tighter as I recalled how that story ended.
Seeing my expression and hearing my refusal, he lowered his head in sadness. I sighed once again and offered,
"Why don't I read you another story later, okay? For now, lead me to your parents. I need to speak with them about Li Yun."
Hearing there would be another story, his expression brightened again. He nodded and eagerly led the way.
I turned to Little Yun.
"Little Yun, prepare the study room. I'll come by with Little Xu to start our lesson shortly."
She nodded and went off while I followed Little Xu to where his parents were.