Luo Feng sat cross-legged atop the rooftop of his modest home, eyes closed in deep cultivation. His breathing was steady, his aura calm yet powerful. After a long silence, he slowly opened his eyes, gazing at the horizon.
"It has been one month since I was reborn here," he thought to himself. "This world… they call it the Xianxia World. Four great powers dominate this land, and among them, the Jade Dynasty stands at the very peak."
He exhaled, feeling the rich spiritual energy flowing through the air. "This is indeed a cultivation world—where body and mind are tempered to ascend to the summit. The aura here is so dense, so pure… far different from the world I once knew."
With a graceful leap, Luo Feng descended from the rooftop, landing lightly on the ground. At that moment, his sister stepped out of the house. Her silver hair shimmered in the sunlight, flowing like silk, and her golden eyes glowed with divine radiance.
"She is my sister, Xiao Xio," Luo Feng murmured inwardly. "It feels as though the world itself adores her. Wherever she walks, spiritual aura gathers protectively around her."
Xiao Xio clasped her hands together, her voice soft and reverent. "Dear Goddess of Life, I pray for our happiness."
Luo Feng's gaze deepened. "The Goddess of Life… the supreme deity, the Heavenly Empress. In this single month, I've learned she is worshipped across the land."
"Brother, come here and pray," Xiao Xio called gently, patting the space beside her. Luo Feng walked over, sat down, and joined her in clapping his hands in prayer.
"Hey, Xio, what's for food today?" Luo asked casually.
"Beef. Go and eat—it will strengthen you," she replied, still immersed in prayer.
"Aren't you eating?" Luo asked, standing up.
"I'll come later. You go first," she said softly.
Just then, a voice rang out. "Hey, Luo Feng, what's going on?"
Luo turned to see a man approaching. "Hello, brother-in-law," Luo greeted.
"Stop calling me that. I told you to use my name," the man said, patting Luo's shoulder.
"Fine, Sun. Aren't you a little late today?" Luo asked.
"I was busy," Sun replied with a smile, withdrawing his hand.
"Luo, go eat your dinner," Xiao Xio reminded.
"I was going. And stop treating me like a child—it's only five years' difference," Luo muttered as he walked inside.
"Still younger than me," Xiao teased, rising gracefully.
Sun laughed, scooping Xiao into his arms and kissing her. Luo poked his head out of the doorway, frowning. "Sis, where's my dinner again? And you two—can't you wait a little? Sun, you're impossible."
"Hey, it's not my fault she's this beautiful," Sun said, rubbing his nose against hers.
"You two are hopeless," Luo grumbled, retreating inside.
As he ate, Luo thought quietly. "Sun is strange. He visits every day, yet never stays long. His cultivation is nonexistent… just a mortal."
Later, Luo stepped outside. His sister sat on a bench, Sun resting lazily on her lap.
"I'm heading to my exam," Luo announced.
"Be careful. The forest has been unusual lately—monsters are gathering," Xiao warned, her fingers gently combing Sun's hair.
"I will. Take care of yourself, sis."
"Don't worry, Luo. I'll protect her," Sun said, raising a thumb.
"Yeah, like I believe you," Luo muttered, walking away.
"Take care, brother," Xiao called.
"I will," Luo replied, disappearing into the dense forest.
---
The Jade Forest stretched endlessly before him, its shadows alive with danger.
"This forest lies within the Jade Dynasty's lands. That's why they call it the Jade Forest," Luo whispered, scanning the surroundings. "I must be cautious. Monsters lurk everywhere."
Finding a quiet clearing, Luo sat cross-legged once more. "The aura here is dense. Perfect for cultivation."
Spiritual energy swirled around him, forming a faint circle of light. Hours passed, and when the sun reached its zenith, Luo opened his eyes.
"I'm close to breaking through," he said, determination flashing in his gaze. "But I must hurry to the Jade Dynasty, or I'll be late for the exam."
With swift movements, Luo leapt from tree to tree, his figure blending into the forest shadows.
---
The Jade Dynasty's capital was alive with energy. Merchants called out from stalls, children laughed in the streets, and cultivators walked proudly among the crowd. At the city's heart stood a colossal gate, towering above all—the entrance to the Jade Sect, one of the supreme sects of the Xianxia World.
"This place… it feels warm. The people are kind," Luo thought as he approached.
At the sect's reception hall, he waved politely. "Hello."
The receptionist looked up. "Greetings. State your name, age, and cultivation realm for registration."
"Name: Luo Feng. Age: fifteen. Cultivation realm: Qi Gathering, peak stage," Luo replied firmly.
"You are registered. Proceed inside—the exam will be conducted within," the receptionist said, pointing the way.
"Thank you, ma'am," Luo said, bowing slightly before stepping toward the Jade Sect's inner halls.