The ride was peaceful, the landscape passing in a blur of greens and browns. Just as Ying Shouren began to wonder if his surroundings would ever change, Yulong came to an abrupt halt, snorting and stamping his hooves.
Before him, the forest abruptly ended, revealing a clearing. In the centre stood a small, unassuming temple. The structure was ancient, its wooden walls weathered and covered in moss, but it was the only sign of civilisation thus far.
He could even sense a faint, almost imperceptible aura of cultivation energy around the temple.
Ying Shouren dismounted Yulong and took a few steps towards the temple to examine its structure. The temple appeared abandoned but not entirely ancient, which raised his suspicions. The world he awoke in could be a reflection of the one he previously knew. Furthermore, time travel to the past of one of the older dynasties. Before the Qing Dynasty, which he was familiar with.
He sighed. "I don't think we're in the China we know, Yulong. . . This place is strange."
Yulong whinnied softly in agreement, as if acknowledging the strangeness of the situation.
As he approached the temple, he could see that the structure looked like it belonged either to the Tang or Song dynasty, though its precise period is difficult to discern due to its weathered state.
The air around it can also be felt differently.
Denser.
Purer.
Like the air was free from the modern pollution the people of future generations did.
Yulong nudged his snout against his shoulder, his eyes gleaming at the doors of the temple with anticipation.
Ying Shouren took a deep breath and looked up at the sky. It was about to be the You Hour, the Hour of the Rooster.
Slowly, he pushed open the wooden doors of the temple as they creaked, revealing a small but surprisingly well-kept inner chamber.
Inside, a stone pedestal sat in the centre, surrounded by torches that flickered softly and steadily. A single scroll with what appeared to be ancient script was placed.
The air within the temple felt even denser and more electrified compared to the outside, as if this place was a sacred site of some kind.
He walked towards the pedestal and picked up the lone scroll. When he unrolled it and examined the ancient script, Ying Shouren could see that its writing style and syllables were similar to the Tang or Song dynasty, further confirming your suspicions about the temple's age.
The contents of the scroll were revealed to be the fundamentals of cultivation, describing in detail the nature of Qi, the importance of the meridians and the role of spiritual energy in the process of cultivation.
Interestingly, the scroll alluded to something known as the Dao – the way or path that every cultivator was supposed to take.
"Cultivation. . .?" Ying Shouren mumbled, a flicker of realisation glimmered in his eyes.
It was a word familiar to him. No wonder the air around here is so dense and pure. Qi was abundant here compared to his world when the modern people started polluting the place, which caused the Qi to be stretched thin.
At that time during the Republic of China, Xianxia novels began their popularity, and he would be lying if he said he hasn't read some of their novels during his spare time despite being busy as the emperor.
Even after his death and he became the Guardian Spirit, he continued reading the novels that evolved over the next 70 years.
The problem is that he rarely finds good cultivation novels nowadays because most of the novels he finds are trash and boring.
As Ying Shouren contemplated over the scroll and the dilemma he had crashed into, Yulong stood patiently behind him, his presence a familiar comfort.
The idea of being in a world based on cultivation novels he had read was both surreal and intriguing. The abundance of Qi and the clear signs of a long history of cultivation suggested that this was a world where this path was more than just a literary fantasy.
As he pondered his situation, a new question tugged at his mind.
How would his status as the Guardian Spirit factor into this world of cultivation?
Ying Shouren sighed. "My power may still be powerful, but my status may not hold the same weight here compared to my world. . ."
Yulong seemed to sense his uncertainty, and he nudged his shoulder with his snout, as if trying to offer some comfort.
Indeed. As a Guardian Spirit from another world, his power may not be as revered here as it was at home. The rules and laws of this world were most likely different, and his status could have a different weight.
The scroll then suddenly seemed to pulse softly in his hand, as if reacting to his thoughts.
As the scroll pulsed softly, Ying Shouren felt a strange energy stirring within it. The script seemed to be moving, the characters shifting and rearranging themselves in a subtle but noticeable way.
It was as if the scroll itself was reacting to his presence, or to the unique situation he found himself in.
Yulong gave a soft, curious nicker, his attention drawn to the scroll's unusual behaviour.
The shifting of the script stopped, and once again the scroll was covered in familiar characters. However, something was different now.
As Ying Shouren examined the text, he noticed that a new section appeared, written in a slightly different, neater hand. It was as if someone had added to the original text, possibly as a supplementary teaching.
Curious, he read the new portion of the scroll and found that the text spoke of the nature of Ghost Spirits and their connection to the Dao.
It went into detail about Ghost Spirits, or Ghost Cultivators.
It spoke of these beings as those who had a deep and unique connection to the Dao of Death, the path of the Ghostly Way. According to the text, a true Ghost Cultivator was one who had fully embraced the essence of death, harnessing the power of the Underworld to reach new heights of cultivation.
It also mentioned that Ghost Cultivators often possessed unique abilities relating to the manipulation of Yin energy and the communication with the spirits of the deceased.
It emphasised that Ghost Cultivators are considered to be among the most unique and mysterious among cultivators.
"So, in this world, I am a Ghost Cultivator rather than a Guardian Spirit?" Ying Shouren mused to Yulong as if trying to make sense of it.
Yulong whinnied softly in response, as if acknowledging the shift in his master's identity.
The revelation that he was no longer the Guardian Spirit of China here but a Ghost Cultivator brought a sense of both oddity and fittingness. It explained the way he felt upon his arrival, how the dense air – or Qi – around this world resonated with his very being.
"But the bigger question is. . . If those Ghost Cultivators were accepted here or not," he added as he turned back to the scroll.
It was a valid point. It was unclear whether Ghost Cultivators were accepted as one of them because cultivators exorcise spirits and slay demons.
However, he had to take into account the unique circumstances of your new environment, as well as the cultural norms and societal structures that might influence Ghost Cultivators' acceptance.
The scroll, with its ancient wisdom, offered some insight. The passage described how Ghost Cultivators had historically been misunderstood and even shunned by traditional cultivation sects. Their connection to the underworld and use of Yin energy frequently resulted in misinterpretation and fear.
However, the scroll stated that a few enlightened clans and sects had recognised the potential and power of Ghost Cultivators. Even though the general public remained prejudiced, these sects welcomed and treated such people with respect.
Ying Shouren let out a breath he didn't know he was holding, despite being dead. "That's good. At least there are some parts of this world to breathe without immediete persecution"
Yulong, sensing his relief, nuzzled his shoulder as if in agreement.
The knowledge that there were sects that might accept him as a Ghost Cultivator lessened the burden of his new situation, even if only slightly.
However, this newfound identity as a Ghost Cultivator also brought with it uncertainty. The path of a Ghost Cultivator, while potent, was often fraught with challenges, and he would have to tread carefully to navigate this new world.
As he contemplated on his next move, another thought struck him.
"I recalled there are cultivation stages, one of the key points in cultivation novels. It makes me wonder what they are since its system might be different here" he wondered while rubbing his stubbled chin as he glanced at the scroll once more.
He had noticed.
Ever since the script shifted, he had noticed that the scroll in his hand was different compared to the others on the shelves, as if it possesses a consciousness of its own, providing him answers tailored to his circumstances for the navigation of this world.
The scroll pulsed again in his grip, as if acknowledging his curiosity. Then, the characters rearranged themselves once more—this time forming a structured list of cultivation stages.[1]
Then a new section appeared below:
"For Ghost Cultivators. . . Yin Meridians open differently than mortal paths"
Ying Shouren rubbed his stubbled chin curiously at the list. "I figured Ghost Cultivators operate differently. Do they have their own cultivation stages or no?"
The scroll shimmered again, the characters shifting into a new section - this one titled:[2]
1. Bone Cultivation – Tempering skeletal essence to withstand underworld energy. (A precursor to higher Yin arts.)
2. Bone Cultivation – Tempering skeletal essence to withstand underworld energy. (A precursor to higher Yin arts.)
3. Necrotic Core Formation – A condensed heart of black flame, fueled by consumed spiritual energy from other spirits or demons
Then the fourth materialized:
4. "Soul Severance" — When a Ghost Cultivator severs their final tie to mortality… they become something beyond even immortals.
Like the fourth one doesn't sound so ominous. . .
"The fourth one. . . Care to elaborate?" Ying Shouren asked warily, as if dreading the fourth stage.
The scroll responded, its words materialising in a new section—this one entitled "Soul Severance—Yin Path Culmination"":
Prerequisites – Mastering the three stages above
Process – A Ghost Cultivator must sever their final tie to their mortal life to gain the ultimate power of their Yin Path
Outcomes – A Ghost Cultivator in this state becomes an entity with boundless longevity, near limitless power, and an ability to manipulate both the living and the dead in the worlds of men…
As the explanation concluded, the air in the temple felt heavy. The words carved into the scroll seemed laden with a mix of power and danger, and the flickering shadows near the altar darkened momentarily.
Yulong, sensing something in the atmosphere, snorted and stamped his hooves in agitation. Even without speech, the warhorse's uneasiness was palpable, as if he was picking up on the gravity of the Soul Severance stage.
Ying Shouren sighed. "It's basically like the Thunder Tribulation that cultivators had to go through to ascend, but with Ghost Cultivators losing their humanity to ascend"
The descriptive comparison was apt.
It was a drastic transformation that went beyond simply growing in power. When a Ghost Cultivator reached Soul Severance...they would fundamentally change on a very basic level.
Yulong, sensing his heavy thoughts, stepped closer, nudging his head against his shoulder, his dark eyes seeming almost sympathetic.
In that moment, the temple seemed even more solemn, the flickering torchlight casting eerie shadows on the already mysterious surroundings. He was standing at the gateway to a path of cultivation that was simultaneously powerful and profoundly lonely.
There is one last question that still lingers in his mind.
"How strong, my cultivation, am I here?" he asked.
The scroll pulsed sharply in your grip—then the characters rearranged themselves into a single, stark line:
"Nascent Soul Realm (Pinnacle)"
Yulong let out a sharp whinny, as if startled by the sudden declaration. The air around him shifted, and for an instant, you felt it—the dense weight of spiritual energy radiating from his very being. A true Nascent Soul cultivator in this world was no mere rookie; they were at least on par with sect elders or wandering immortals.
But then, another line appeared beneath:
"However... Ghost Cultivators do not follow standard mortal paths"
The scroll rearranged its characters once more in a slow, deliberate manner-as if reconsidering what to say next.
Then came the answer:
"Bone Cultivation (Pinnacle)"
"Shadow Meridian—fully opened."
"...You are on par with senior cultivators of sects that acknowledge Yin Paths."
Yulong snorted, and nudged Ying Shouren again as if to say "And?"
The temple's torches flared slightly brighter in an instant—almost like approval.
But then. . . Another line appeared beneath it:
"However... this is not your true potential. Your 'Necrotic Core' remains dormant."
The words seemed to echo through the silent chamber. His current strength was impressive, but according to the scroll, he still hadn't accessed his full potential.
Yulong seemed to sense this too. He whinnied softly, nuzzling his shoulder. The air within the temple grew denser once more, as if the very atmosphere felt the weight of his unrealized power.
Another line appeared on the scroll. It seemed to be providing a list of his current attributes:
Cultivation: Nascent Soul (Pinnacle), Bone Cultivation (Pinnacle), Shadow Meridian (Opened)
Core: Necrotic Core (Dormant)
Yin Energy Manipulation: Excellent
"Hold it. Let's just leave it at that" Ying Shouren stopped with a sigh. "If I get any more powerful here, those cultivators might have an aneurysm at the sight of me the moment their Qi senses sense me"
Yulong snorted as if in amusement and nudged him again as if to say "So what? Being powerful is a good thing"
He rolled his eyes at the horse's musings as he rolled up the scroll and tucked it into his robes. "You're coming with me, by the way, little scroll. You provided insightful guidance for my answers, so you're better off in my hands than the others"
The scroll seemed to shiver slightly in response almost as if agreeing with his decision. Despite its silent nature, there was a feeling of understanding that it didn't want to end up in just anyone's hands—and he could sense that it was pleased to be going with him.
Yulong snorted softly, as if expressing his own acceptance of his choice. He was his trusted companion, and he had no objections about the new addition to his ensemble.
With the scroll secured in his robes, Ying Shouren picked up one of the weathered but well-preserved scrolls on the shelves to read about this world's history.
Although this world is a mirror of his own, he can't really rely on the knowledge of his world's history.
As he unrolled it, the text revealed an entirely different historical narrative.
World's History
Ancient Dynasty: The Great Jade Court ruled for centuries—an empire of cultivators who shaped reality itself through laws carved into celestial stones. Their fall marked the beginning of sect warfare
Current Era: Now known as The Fragmented Ages, when rogue sects and wandering immortals carve out domains across fractured lands—no unified rule since the Jade Court's collapse millennia ago
A section highlighted: "Ghost Cultivators were once advisors to Jade Court emperors… before being branded traitors after attempting to rewrite Death's Dao"
Ying Shouren placed his head on his forehead helplessly. "What a joke! No wonder the Ghost Cultivators were prejudiced and persecuted here. Were these Ghost Cultivators of the past had their heads kicked by donkeys?"
The scroll remained silent, but it seemed to vibrate slightly, agreeing with his disbelief. It was indeed baffling how the Ghost Cultivators' past actions could cause such long-standing prejudice and persecution in this world.
Yulong whinnied his agreement, his dark eyes reflecting the same sense of incredulity. It did seem like the actions of the past Ghost Cultivators had set a terrible precedent.
He continued reading the scroll, the next section detailing various sects and their affiliations:
Five Great Sects: Formed after the fall of the Jade Court, these five sects became the major powers of the Fragmented Ages
Eight Great Clans: Powerful families associated with sects for centuries. Each clan specializes in their own path and often rivals one another
It was a stark contrast.
The Five Great Sects and Eight Great Clans held power in this world, but the Ghost Cultivators, though powerful, were ostracized almost universally. The scroll's description painted a picture of misunderstanding and fear towards the Ghost Cultivators, despite their unique abilities.
Yulong snorted quietly in disapproval, his dark eyes reflecting his disdain at this prejudice.
Ying Shouren shook his head and sighed as he placed the scroll back on the shelf and walked out of the temple. "Come on, Yulong. We have what we need"
Yulong let out a sharp, agreeing snort and followed him out of the temple without hesitation. The moment he stepped into the open air, he nudged his shoulder with his head—a silent demand to mount up.
The clearing was quiet again. No sign of other cultivators or dangers yet… but something in this world felt like it was watching.
"Where to now?" his dark eyes seemed to ask as he shifted impatiently beneath him.
Ying Shouren mounted Yulong and nudged him forward. "We wander. With the prejudices of this world against Ghost Cultivators, I don't think we can walk through civilization any time soon. . ."
Yulong neighed in agreement and darted forward into a gallop, his hooves kicking up a cloud of dust in his wake.
The landscape before him was vast and seemingly endless. Mountain peaks loomed in distant horizons, their silhouettes sharp against the azure sky. The terrain was a mix of forests, fields, and open plains—perfect grounds for wandering.
The air was crisp and fresh, and Yulong's strides were smooth and easy. With no clear destination in mind, the open road seemed to call out for exploration.
Ying Shouren sighed. "What does Fate want to do with us?"
No one answers, not even the scroll could answer.
[1] The cultivation stages for mortals will be in the auxiliary volume for your reference
[2] Cultivation stages for Ghost Cultivators will be referenced in the auxillary volume