A world steeped in cultivation, alchemy, and ruthless politics. Power is everything, and morality is a tool, not a virtue. Only the clever, the patient, and the merciless survive. The world is divided into sects, clans, and rogue factions, all vying for dominance. Forbidden techniques, cursed treasures, and ancient secrets litter the lands, waiting for the daring or the insaneto seize them.
Chapter 1: A Calculated Beginning
The sun had barely risen over the Mistfall Mountains, yet the clan courtyards were already alive with the noise of cultivation. Xian Li stood in the shadows of the ancient hall, his eyes glinting like obsidian.
He had been born the weakest of the clan, shunned, underestimated, a pawn for others' schemes. But weakness, he had learned, was merely an opportunity for those willing to seize it.
A hushed voice came from behind. "Xian Li, the elders request your presence."
He smiled faintly. "Of course. I wouldn't want to disappoint them."
Inside the hall, elders exchanged cautious glances. "Xian Li," the head elder said, "your progress is... unusual. How do you cultivate so efficiently?"
Xian Li bowed, concealing the slight smirk. "I merely follow the path laid before me."
The elders laughed, not realizing the truth: Xian Li's path was not theirs, nor was it even fully human. Every step, every breath, every glance had been calculated through the Mirror of Infinite Schemes. They could not see the storm brewing beneath his calm facade.
Later that night, Xian Li returned to his secret chamber, opening the Mirror. Countless futures sprawled before him like a celestial chessboard. He selected one thread thin, risky, but with the greatest yield.
A shadow fell across his map. "The world doesn't care who you are," he murmured. "It only answers to power. And I intend to command it all."
The first move had been made. The game was beginning.