The Argent Moon Sect's fifth peak shimmered under the silver glow of three moons, their rare alignment casting an ethereal light across jade pavilions and cascading waterfalls. The air thrummed with spiritual energy, whispering secrets older than the mountains. Jian Feng stood alone in a courtyard of polished obsidian, his hand resting on the Nine Serenities Jade. At sixteen, he was no ordinary disciple. He was Heaven's Chosen Debtor, bound by chains only he could feel.
Born under the Triune Celestial Convergence, Jian Feng had been marked by the heavens from birth. A miraculous herb saved his dying mother; ancient scrolls found him in forgotten caves; at thirteen, he forged a Golden Core in the Core Formation realm, a feat that stunned the sect.
But every blessing was a debt.
He sensed them now—Debt-Bonds, ethereal chains coiling around his Golden Core, Heaven's tally of favors owed. Thin strands for minor gifts, like a wound healed by chance. Heavier chains for miracles, like the Nine Serenities Jade, a divine sword that chose him in a beast-haunted ravine. Its spirit, a jade-eyed woman, stirred in his mind.
"The debt grows heavier," she whispered, her voice like wind through ancient pines. "Heaven's tally never forgets."
Jian Feng's jaw tightened. "I didn't ask for this," he murmured, his gaze fixed on the moons.
The spirit's presence lingered, heavy with unspoken truth.
The Argent Moon Sect was a titan in the Celestial Gardens, its nine peaks a haven for those seeking immortality. Cultivation began in the Mortal Realm: Body Tempering to forge the flesh, Meridian Awakening to channel Qi, Qi Condensation to gather it, and Spirit Sensing to perceive the world's essence. Most disciples labored years in these stages. Jian Feng had soared past them, reaching Foundation Establishment, then Core Formation, his Golden Core a radiant beacon. Beyond lay Soul Resonance, uniting core and soul, and Nascent Emergence, birthing a near-immortal nascent soul.
Each step had been a gift, unearned and unwanted, adding to Heaven's tally. The sect called him Heaven's Favored Son, but their awe masked envy and fear. Jian Feng saw it—the elders' calculated smiles, the disciples' whispered doubts. He was a tool, a pawn in a game he didn't yet grasp.
The courtyard was silent, save for the hum of spirit springs. Jian Feng had come to meditate, to quiet the unease of his growing debts. Tomorrow's Blade Trial would pit him against Lin Zhao, a peak Core Formation disciple with a fearsome Thousand Gale Sword. Jian Feng had no desire to fight, not for glory or pride. Each victory tightened Heaven's chains, drawing its gaze.
"You cannot hide from the debt," the sword's spirit said. "Heaven is a creditor, and you are bound."
"What do they want?" Jian Feng asked, his voice edged with defiance.
Before the spirit could answer, the air shimmered. A paper crane materialized, glowing with starlit ink. It unfolded, revealing words in celestial script:
Seek the Veiled Star Marquis in the Court of Dust and Ashes. Your first debt awaits.
Jian Feng's heart stilled. The crane bore the seal of the Ministry of Karmic Ledgers, a celestial power from sect legends. He burned it with a flick of Qi, but its words burned brighter in his mind.
The Court of Dust and Ashes—a realm of secrets, where immortals and mortals traded fates. The Veiled Star Marquis, a name heavy with mystery. Why him? Why now?
Jian Feng stood, strapping the Nine Serenities Jade to his back. The moons watched, their light a reminder of Heaven's unyielding tally. The sect might see him as a prodigy, but he was a debtor first. He would face the Court, not as a pawn, but as one who would break Heaven's chains.
To be continued…
What lies in the Court of Dust and Ashes? Who is the Veiled Star Marquis, and what debt does Heaven demand? Drop a comment and join Jian Feng's fight against fate!
Author's Note: Hey, readers! What do you think of Jian Feng's Debt-Bonds? Is Heaven his ally or his jailer? Share your theories, and vote with Power Stones to help him defy fate!