The morning breeze was cool, and the first rays of the sun gently touched the skies of Duskwind Village. Zeravon sat silently on a small cliff, gazing out toward the endless sea. But his mind wasn't with the waves — it was lost… lost in memories of a simpler time.
> "Zeravon! Catch me!" — a small, giggling voice echoed in his thoughts.
He remembered how his tiny hand used to tug at the robes of his father, Lin Huo. His mother, Lin Yue, would simply smile and lock those moments forever in her heart. And with them was always his cheerful uncle — Lin Shan, the one who brought the loudest laughter into the household.
Young Zeravon would run into the forest, pretend to battle monsters, and sometimes hide just to scare his mother. The whole house echoed with his laughter. Back then, there were no worries, no pressure to cultivate... just a small, perfect world filled with love and beautiful smiles.
---
But time never stops...
When he opened his eyes, a 15-year-old boy stared back from the still waters — Zeravon.
His expression was calm, his eyes deep, and his presence radiated a strange, silent power. Was this really that same boy from the past?
Now, Zeravon had reached the 3rd Step of the Sacred Veins Realm — at just fifteen.
His Astral Core was the reason behind his rapid cultivation. But despite his speed, something felt... missing.
> "All the techniques I've learned in the clan," he thought, "they're either basic or low-level. I feel like they're holding me back."
One day, a strange book came into his hands. The cover was burnt, the inside pages stained with old blood. On the very first page, it read:
> "Only those who seek beyond reality shall touch the True World."
That sentence struck him. Something within began to awaken.
He clenched his fist.
> "It's time... I can't limit myself to this small world anymore. I need to join a real sect — one that can help me grow."
---
That evening, Zeravon returned home.
His family was sitting together in the courtyard — his mother Lin Yue, father Lin Huo, uncle Lin Shan, and his little cousin sister Lin Mei. Everything seemed normal on the outside... but inside Zeravon, a storm was rising.
"Father," he spoke directly, "I want to join a sect… a major one."
Silence fell. His mother's hands froze. Uncle Lin Shan stopped smiling. Lin Mei stared straight at him.
Lin Huo took a moment, then finally smiled.
> "Zeravon… that's what we always hoped for. For you to grow up strong and carve your own destiny. But… it'll hurt when you're gone."
Zeravon simply stood still, lowering his gaze.
Then Lin Huo walked inside, returning with a golden token — old, but pulsing faintly with spiritual energy.
On it, etched in ancient script:
> "StormHeaven Sect – Inner Core Access"
> "I received this token years ago, after saving the life of a StormHeaven Sect elder," Lin Huo explained. "He told me… if I ever found a truly deserving soul, I should send them."
Zeravon held the token tight. A new fire had been lit inside him.
---
That night...
Sleep evaded him. When he finally drifted off... something strange happened.
A dream... or perhaps, a vision?
He found himself trapped in darkness. Screams echoed around him. Flames danced across buildings. Blood painted the streets.
> "Duskwind Village was burning. The sky was red, screams tearing through the wind. He saw his mother, father, and Uncle Lin Shan — all lying lifeless among the corpses."
Unknown figures — cloaked and armed — were slaughtering without mercy.
A distorted voice echoed in the air:
> "The world is never fair... remember that..."
Zeravon screamed — "NO!!"
But no sound came out. He couldn't move. His body felt frozen in place.
One final scream… and his eyes shot open.
Drenched in sweat, his breath ragged. His heart pounded like a war drum.
> "Just a dream..." he whispered. But something deep inside said:
> "That wasn't a dream… it was a warning."
---
By morning…
Everyone was outside. Zeravon's departure had arrived.
Lin Mei handed him a small talisman, enchanted for protection. His mother lovingly packed his bag with dry fruit, an old photo, and a spare robe.
Uncle Lin Shan stepped forward, smiling through glassy eyes:
> "You've grown strong, kid. But remember, those who come from small places often have the biggest hearts. The world out there... it can be cruel. The powerful always try to crush the weak. But never forget where you came from."
Zeravon smiled faintly, though tears danced at the corners of his eyes.
His mother Lin Yue stepped in and hugged him tight, her voice barely a whisper:
> "Eat well... don't get into fights... and no matter how long it takes... come back to us."
Zeravon couldn't speak. He simply nodded, his heart heavier than ever.
Finally, Lin Huo placed a hand on his shoulder.
> "This path will be hard, son. There will be pain. There may be betrayal. But keep your heart pure. Become strong… and when you return, return as a true warrior."
Zeravon held his father's hand, the tears now falling freely — though he tried to hide them.
Everyone said one last thing in unison:
> "Come back soon!"
---
Zeravon turned away. Lifted his bag. And walked without looking back.
But as he walked, two silent tears traced his cheeks.
He wiped them, then looked up at the sky.
> "StormHeaven Sect... I'm coming. To shape my own destiny."
And so began a new journey — not just of cultivation, but of fate, pain, and the discovery of his true Astral Core power.
To Be Continued...