Chapter 1 – The Beginning of a Small Flame
On a tiny, forgotten planet, in a nameless village surrounded by mountains and rivers, a child was born.
His name was Shi Wang Yuan.
At the age of ten, he was still nothing more than a boy with bright eyes and an innocent smile.
"Mother, I'm hungry," he said softly.
His mother smiled warmly.
"Be patient, my son. The food will be ready soon."
Just then, his father entered from outside, brushing dust from his shoulders. The family sat together, sharing a simple meal.
But peace never lasted long.
That night, his father spoke with a heavy tone.
"Wife, I've heard that soon, the sect will come to our village to choose new disciples."
His mother's eyes lit up with hope.
"If our son can be chosen, that would be a blessing."
Excited, Shi Wang Yuan asked,
"Mother, can I really join them? Will they allow me?"
His mother stroked his head gently.
"If you are chosen, my child, you must work hard. One day, when you grow strong, you must protect us."
---
A week later, the day arrived. Fifteen children from the village stood in the center square, nervous yet eager. Among them was Shi Wang Yuan.
He turned to his mother, smiling bravely.
"Mother, I'm leaving."
"Take care, my son," she replied softly. "If things become too difficult, come home at any time. I'll always have your favorite sweets waiting."
---
The sect was not great by the standards of the vast cultivation world. But to villagers, it was a towering existence—the Sky Bamboo Sect, founded on the great Bamboo Mountain. Even the Sect Master had reached the Mortal Soul Realm, a stage unfathomable to common folk.
The Sect Master, Elder Xuan Feng, stood before the new disciples.
"Children, from this day onward, you walk the path of cultivation. This path has no end—it is filled with hardship, danger, and uncertainty. Once you step forward, there is no turning back. Have you decided?"
"Yes, Elder!" the children shouted in unison.
"Good," he said, his gaze sharp as a blade. "From now on, follow the instructions of your instructors. Your future lies in your own perseverance."
---
Among the instructors was Elder Yuan, a stern but kind teacher who treated his disciples like his own children.
"Follow me," Elder Yuan commanded.
He brought them to a small courtyard where six shabby huts awaited. Fifteen children would live here—two per room, with the girls sharing together. It was a simple, humble start.
The next morning, the training began.
"Every human body contains a core source of power," Elder Yuan explained. "Some are born with it, most are not. This source is called Primordial Energy. From it, Spiritual Energy is born—the true foundation of cultivation."
He raised his hand, and a strand of blue light shone from his palm, entering a disciple's forehead.
"I will now examine each of you. Step forward one at a time."
One by one, the children were tested. To everyone's disappointment, none showed signs of possessing a true foundation.
Finally, it was Shi Wang Yuan's turn.
"Shi Wang Yuan," Elder Yuan called.
The boy stepped forward nervously. The elder's light entered his forehead—
And suddenly, Elder Yuan froze. His eyes widened in shock.
"This… impossible!"
The courtyard fell silent. The other children looked on with wide eyes.
"He has both Primordial Energy and Spiritual Energy! This is… a dual foundation body! Such a talent appears once in a thousand years!"
Elder Yuan's voice trembled with excitement.
"From this moment, you are no longer just an outer disciple. I will personally take you as my direct disciple. Shi Wang Yuan, do you accept?"
Shi Wang Yuan's heart pounded. He bowed deeply.
"Yes, Master! I am willing!"
"Good. Very good!" Elder Yuan laughed with rare joy.
"With your talent, your path will be limitless."
---
Months passed, and Shi Wang Yuan's progress was astonishing. In six months, he had already reached the 8th Stage of the Mortal Realm, while others still struggled at the bottom levels.
The sect began whispering his name.
But shadows loomed. The rival sect, Poison Fang Sect, was preparing for the great tournament to be held within a year. Their genius disciple had already reached the 15th Stage of the Mortal Realm, a power far beyond ordinary children.
If Shi Wang Yuan wished to protect his sect, he would need to break through to the next great realm—the Immortal Soul Realm.
And so, he closed himself off in seclusion, determined to shatter his limits.
One night, thunder rumbled across the mountain. From his hut, a violent explosion burst forth—black and golden light shooting into the heavens.
Elder Yuan rushed over, his expression changing.
"That light… it's him. It's Shi Wang Yuan!"