Verdant Moon Courtyard, Radiant Sky Sect
Shen Yan sat calmly on a wooden chair beneath a swaying willow. His obsidian-black eyes shimmered with depth and untouched innocence, like still waters reflecting moonlight. His skin, pale as newly fallen snow, formed a striking contrast to the ink-black hair cascading to his shoulders.
Every feature of his face was carved with delicate precision — handsome, ethereal — yet an air of detachment lingered about him, as if he existed a step removed from the world itself. Draped in a flowing black robe embroidered with golden patterns, his relaxed posture and carefree aura made him seem almost otherworldly.
When he smiled — gentle and serene — it left others subtly unsettled, as though something unknowable lurked behind that quiet expression.
To his left rested a small table, upon which sat a porcelain teacup filled with a rare pink brew — one of the Four Illusionary Teas. Its color shimmered and shifted like an illusion, said to reflect the drinker's emotions. As Shen Yan raised the cup and took a slow sip, the flavor danced across his tongue — floral at first, then sweet, then finishing with a subtle bitterness. A tea layered like dreams.
The courtyard around him was peaceful. From his high perch on the cliffside, a cool breeze swept through, rustling the green grass and scattering the scent of blooming flowers. Below, a pond rippled gently as vibrant koi darted playfully beneath the surface.
In the distance, the five great peaks of the Radiant Sky Sect rose into the clouds, each shrouded in eternal mist — silent homes to the Five Great Elders.
He stood and approached the pond, gazing at his reflection. The handsome youth staring back at him looked calm, composed — and not entirely familiar.
"This body is absurdly handsome," Shen Yan muttered with a smirk. "No wonder Yue Lian tolerates him. It's not just duty… there's definitely admiration in her eyes."
He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Strangely enough, I can read and write the language here without issue. Could it be a benefit of transmigration?"
From conversations with Yue Lian and knowledge gathered from ancient scrolls, he had begun piecing together the truths of this strange world.
"This is a cultivation realm..."
A world where strength is the only law. Where cultivators bend the elements to their will — summoning fire, ice, wind, or thunder through mystical arts. Those with aptitude became cultivators, absorbing spiritual energy and defying mortality. Those without it remained mortals — limited, fragile, and ever dependent.
Though both human, their paths were worlds apart.
"This realm is divided into seven great regions," he muttered. "The one I'm in now is the Jueyin Continent — located in the northeast quadrant of the world."
He walked through his courtyard, hands folded behind his back like a wandering scholar.
"This continent is governed by the Seven Great Sects... and the one I belong to is the Radiant Sky Sect. A colossal force that has stood unshaken for over two hundred thousand years."
His voice lowered slightly.
"And my identity… I am the only son of Zhen Wuji — the Sect Guardian. A man whose status eclipses even the elders."
A shadow crossed his expression.
'Back on Earth, I was nothing more than a nineteen-year-old orphan. My parents died in an accident when I was a child. The word "father" was nothing but a faint echo in my memory.'
And yet, here he stood — occupying the body of someone with a powerful father.
'If Zhen Wuji ever discovered that his son had been replaced… would he grieve? Would he cry, not knowing when or how his real child vanished?'
Shen Yan clenched his fists for a moment, then exhaled and shook his head.
"No. I cannot let anyone learn the truth. In a world filled with mystical arts and soul-searching techniques, a single slip could cost me everything."
He calmed his heart and looked up toward the sky.
"Yue Lian said I should rest until the Awakening Ceremony... but what even is the Awakening Ceremony?"
He frowned, then shrugged.
"I'm growing bored. I might as well take a look around the sect."
With that thought, he stepped from the courtyard and made his way to the teleportation platform.
He remembered seeing Yue Lian emerge from this platform, her figure enveloped in radiance as the array activated.
Shen Yan casually reached into his robe and pulled out a lustrous jade emblem—the Core Disciple Emblem of the Radiant Sky Sect. The emblem shimmered faintly with golden runes, proof of his status within the sect's inner circle.
Without a word, he held it in his palm and closed his eyes.
"Teleport."
The word echoed silently within his mind.
In the next instant, a gentle ripple of light spread from the emblem, surrounding his figure in a soft glow. With a faint flash, Shen Yan's figure vanished from the backyard, leaving only a drifting petal where he once stood.
When he opened his eyes again, he found himself in a different place altogether.
'Even though I expected it, this sensation is… amazing. Teleportation is so casual here. Truly, this world is magical.'
He walked forward. Other disciples in elegant robes passed by, their presence proud yet serene. To the side stood a pavilion surrounded by spirit trees, their leaves shimmering with soft light. Ahead was a large stone slab inscribed with glowing golden words:
"Inner Sect."
He raised an eyebrow.
'Inner Sect? So this is where the Inner disciples train…'
Before he could look around further, a gentle voice called out.
"Lord Shen, is that you?"
He stopped mid-step and turned.
"Huh? Lord?" he echoed, surprised. A girl around his age was approaching.
She was like a spring breeze — fair-skinned, dressed in a soft pink robe embroidered with lotus blossoms. Her obsidian-black hair flowed down her back, tied with a silk ribbon, and her eyes gleamed with familiarity and warmth.
'She must've known the previous owner of this body…' Shen Yan thought inwardly.
"You… I remember your face," he said hesitantly, rubbing the back of his head. "But I'm afraid I've forgotten your name."
The girl pouted in protest.
"I'm Su Yanyu! Don't tell me you've forgotten we used to play hide and seek in the gardens just a few months ago!"
"Hide and seek…?" Shen Yan blinked.
First Yue Lian, now Su Yanyu.
'Damn, this guy had a fiancée and childhood friends like this? He's already surrounded by women?'
And he plays hide and seek!?
Shen Yan gave a slow, almost reverent nod.
"Oh Heavens… thank you for this opportunity," he murmured with a small, devious smile.