DONG—— DONG——
The deep toll of bells echoed across the boundless sky. As the heart of the Three Thousand Worlds, the Five Continents of the Great Wilderness awakened to another dawn. The sun rose from the east, stars faded into the heavens, and light spilled upon the mortal and immortal alike.
In the northwest of the Eastern Divine Continent, near the border with Central Shenzhou, a hidden valley slumbered beneath a vast formation. Like an inverted crystal bowl, the grand array covered dozens of verdant peaks, its translucent walls shimmering faintly with seven-colored light as streams of spiritual energy coursed within.
Among the mountains, spirit birds sang and beasts of legend roamed; now and then, figures flashed between the drifting clouds, swift as falling stars. Smoke curled upwards, zither notes floated faintly, and cultivators could be seen meditating or soaring gracefully through the air, together painting a scene of celestial serenity.
Riding the morning glow, a white cloud drifted slowly from the Eastern Sea and came to hover at the formation's edge. Upon it stood two figures: one tall, one small. The taller was an elderly Daoist with hair white as frost; beside him, a girl of eight or nine, her features delicate, her gaze bright with spiritual light.
The old Daoist raised his head, his voice carrying in solemn song:
"Since the dawn of chaos, through dragon and phoenix tribulation,
Ages pass in but a flicker.
Immortal towers may fall to dust, yet songs of the Nine Heavens endure.
To cross the river of souls is to save both self and others.
The wise laugh, gods weep, calamities disperse.
Why cling to old lands?
For even sages break their bones to bear fate's burden…"
He turned to the child. "Ling'e, listen well!
Since the ancient war between gods and demons, the Heavens favored the human race. Cultivators of our kind spread through the Three Thousand Great Realms and countless lesser worlds. Only in the Southern Continent are we barred, for that land anchors the destiny of mankind.
This—this is the Eastern Divine Continent, a land foremost for cultivation. Look, child, at these mountains before us. Do they not brim with immortal splendor?"
The little girl nodded eagerly. Her round cheeks dimpled with a smile, and her eyes, clear as spring water, blinked with delight. "Mm! They're magnificent!"
Her master stroked his beard, pride shining in his eyes. "To secure such a spiritual vein so close to Central Shenzhou, our sect must be formidable indeed!"
The girl tilted her head. "But, Master… why not settle within Central Shenzhou itself?"
The old Daoist froze, then forced a laugh. "Ah, that land teems with mighty figures. To hold territory there would bring endless strife. Better to dwell here in peace… Ling'e."
"Yes, Master!" The girl bowed with practiced grace, her childish voice ringing with obedience.
"Today, I bring you into the immortal gate. From this day forth, you must cultivate with diligence, never slacking. Strive to ascend the immortal path, to seek longevity, and claim the Dao's freedom!"
The girl tilted her head again, whispering: "But Master… have you already become an immortal?"
Ahem! The Daoist coughed into his sleeve. "A small misstep in my past hindered me somewhat… but within a decade or two, I too shall soar into immortality!" He flicked his horsetail whisk. "Come. Let us enter."
He lifted a jade talisman, emerald light blooming as the formation parted, opening a path. Together they rode the cloud within.
Inside, a flock of white cranes swept low, ridden by young disciples clad in flowing robes. They bowed respectfully. "Uncle Qi Yuan." Learning that the girl was his new disciple, they saluted politely before riding away with elegant ease.
Ling'e's eyes followed the two graceful female disciples until they vanished. "Master, when will I be able to ride a crane like them?"
Her master chuckled. "Once you refine the five vital energies within your chest, you too may control treasures to soar through the skies. Those cranes, in truth, are artifacts given form. Do not rush—cultivation must be steady."
With a wave of his whisk, he pointed ahead. "That peak there is our Little Qiong Mountain."
Amid the towering ranges, their own peak was small and humble, its slopes clothed in forests where spirit beasts dwelt. Only a pair of thatched cottages stood by a quiet lake, beside small medicine plots. Compared to the ornate halls and golden towers of other sect peaks, it seemed almost forgotten—yet to the old Daoist, it was a source of pride.
They descended before the cottages. Ling'e's boots brushed the dew-soaked grass, the fragrance of flowers and trees filling her lungs. She could not help but sigh in wonder.
"Changshou!" the Daoist called. "Why don't you come greet your junior sister?"
Ling'e's heart leapt. Her senior brother! Surely he would be as the heroes of legend—valiant, radiant, the kind who cut down demons with a flick of the sword.
But the cottage remained silent.
"Changshou?" her master frowned. "What are you hiding for?" He pushed the doors open. A strange herbal scent flooded out—upon the bed lay… a paper effigy.
The old man's face darkened. "Tch! It's his Soft Immortal Incense again!"
Before Ling'e could react, the world spun. She stumbled, faint from the cloying fragrance—yet in that moment, a splash rang across the lake.
A figure burst forth from the water.
Tall, broad-shouldered, clad only in black trousers, muscles gleaming beneath the sun. Wet hair whipped droplets into the air like sparkling curtains. His features, still youthful, carried a rough yet striking charm.
Ling'e's face flushed crimson. So this… this is my senior brother…
But before she could finish the thought, the incense overcame her. She collapsed softly into unconsciousness, cheeks still burning.
Her last impression:
Truly… a heroic elder brother.