That morning radiated a soothing tranquility. The first light of dawn crept gently over the horizon, spilling its glow across the world. The soft rays seemed to seep into every living being, wrapping them in a serene warmth that calmed the heart.
This was the Tianxian Continent, the name given to the mortal realm. It was a stage upon which life unfolded — laughter and sorrow weaving endlessly together. Some walked the path of cultivation to extend their lifespan, while others were hindered by a lack of talent or cursed with congenital defects that made cultivation impossible.
Cultivation was the process of tempering one's spiritual and supernatural strength through training, meditation, and absorbing Qi — the vital energy flowing through the universe. Its purpose varied: to become stronger, to gain longevity, to seek enlightenment, or to ascend toward something greater. Some cultivated to protect the ones they loved, while others strayed, using their strength to oppress and slaughter without reason. Such was the world — beautiful yet cruel. Those who embarked upon this path were called cultivators.
The cultivation realms were divided into nine major stages: Heavenly Apprentice, Heavenly Master, Great Heavenly Master, Heavenly King, Heavenly Sovereign, Heavenly Ancestor, Heavenly Venerable, Heavenly Saint, and Heavenly Emperor. Each major stage was further divided into nine minor levels. The stronger one became, the rarer such cultivators were.
At the edge of a silent forest stood an old straw hut, weathered by time, lonely and secluded. Yet this morning, it was not entirely alone — seated before it was a young man in a black robe.
He was strikingly handsome, like an immortal who had descended to the mortal world, though unlike the usual image of white-robed immortals. His black robe was adorned with silver-white embroidery at the shoulders, adding a touch of mystery that only heightened his allure. His face was flawless, almost otherworldly. He looked to be in his early twenties, sitting upon a simple wooden chair. Before him rested a round wooden table, and a large tree spread its branches above, shielding the spot from the sun and casting a cool, welcoming shade.
Across the table sat a young woman in a flowing amethyst robe. Her beauty was like a flower in full bloom. The fabric clung to her just enough to hint at her graceful curves beneath. The amethyst robe rippled softly, occasionally revealing skin as fair as white jade. Amethyst earrings hung from her ears, and her red lips glistened like rose petals wet with morning dew. She appeared to be in her early twenties as well. Her bright, beautiful eyes gazed at the young man with quiet admiration. This young woman was Yun Xi.
The young man in the black robe across from her was Yifan. His eyes traced her from head to toe, and a faint blush colored Yun Xi's cheeks — a mixture of embarrassment and delight — though she did her best to appear composed. If it had been anyone else staring at her like that, she would have been furious. But under Yifan's gaze, she felt a shy kind of joy.
"Miss Yun Xi, your charm remains as captivating as the last time we met." Yifan's tone was casual, though his eyes were serious.
Yun Xi smiled softly, her voice as melodious as a soothing tune. She let out a light chuckle. "Young Master, so do you."
Yifan did not reply to that. Instead, he spoke again, "Miss Yun Xi…"
"Young Master," Yun Xi interrupted quickly, "why are you addressing me so formally?"
"Oh? Then how about I call you… Xi'er?"
"Yes," Yun Xi answered without thinking. But then her expression froze, as though she had just realized something.
"Hah?!" she exclaimed, her lovely face filled with surprise.
The morning breeze brushed her hair, making the moment feel as though it had slowed to a dreamlike pause. Yun Xi knew very well the meaning of that address — it was an intimate name, one used only by those closest to her. She quickly forced a smile, her lips curving into an awkward little laugh.
"Ah… ahaha… Young Master, you really do love to joke."
She shifted in her seat a little too deliberately. Yifan's eyes followed the movement, making Yun Xi all the more restless. A faint smile tugged at Yifan's lips.
"I was only teasing," he said, lightly patting Yun Xi's shoulder. Then his expression turned calm once again.
"Yun Xi, as the descendant of that person, have you felt any sign of guidance yet?"
"Not yet… I think it will take some time," Yun Xi replied.
Yifan nodded. Of course, someone like that would not be so easily found.
"That's fine. There's no need to rush. Come, let's take a walk."
At his invitation, Yun Xi nodded eagerly, like a chick pecking grain. Together, they rose and left the weathered old hut behind. Only the sounds of birdsong and the soft murmur of running water remained to keep the hut company.
---
In a bustling region filled with the noise of daily life, the morning had started off peaceful. Merchants hawked their wares while children laughed and ran through the streets. Dogs barked merrily, and birds sang from the trees, completing the harmony of the dawn.
But in an instant, an eerie silence blanketed the area. The barking stopped. The birds fell quiet. It was as if every living creature was holding its breath. The once-clear sky grew dark as heavy clouds crept over it, spreading like a shroud that sought to swallow the entire city. The air grew cold, and unease rippled through the hearts of the townsfolk.
"Why does this morning feel so strange?" murmured a man.
A bald man beside him replied grimly, "This reminds me of those rumors."
"You mean… the terror caused by that demonic cultivator?"
People exchanged fearful glances. Not long ago, a demonic cultivator had gone on a rampage through the Western Region, slaughtering countless innocents. Every appearance was heralded by the same omen — sudden, unnatural darkness in the skies. Many experts had been dispatched to hunt the cultivator down, yet each time, the fiend managed to escape. Rumor had it that the demonic cultivator had fled to the Northern Region — their region.
Panic shattered the peace. Townsfolk scattered. Merchants hurried to close their stalls, mothers pulled their children indoors, doors and windows slammed shut. The lively streets turned into a ghost town in moments.
At the far end of the now-empty street, two figures walked with calm, unhurried steps. They were none other than Yifan and Yun Xi. They too had heard the rumors and even suspected that the fiend's next target might be the Northern Region.
"Young Master, do you think… that demonic cultivator is truly as powerful as they say?" Yun Xi asked, her tone tinged with hesitation.
Yifan cast her a sideways glance, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Hmm? Are you afraid?"
"Hmph. As if I'd ever be afraid." Yun Xi said with a slightly arrogant huff.
Her sulky expression was so adorable that Yifan's lips curved upward again. To others, Yun Xi might look like a lioness when she was annoyed — but to Yifan, she was more like a kitten, irresistibly endearing, making anyone want to reach out and pinch her cheeks.
Several hundred meters ahead, a shadowy figure stirred in the middle of the deserted road. The sound of heavy footsteps echoed faintly, kicking up small clouds of dust. The air grew colder still, every breath tasting of shadow and frost.
"Hmph. Trying to look mysterious," Yun Xi said casually, her eyes fixed on the figure.
The figure slowly stepped out of the darkness, revealing its true form.