As the energy emitted from the pyramid collided with an invisible barrier, a transparent shield appeared, covering the entire Earth. The energy couldn't penetrate it, but instead, it dispersed in the four directions of the pyramid, racing across the world faster than the speed of sound—glowing like a sudden flash that lit up the sky in an instant.
Everyone looking up at the sky, whether following the news or not, witnessed this mysterious energy that seemed to engulf the world. Some tried to flee, but it was pointless. Within just half an hour, the energy had flooded the entire planet, and the barrier surrounding Earth became clearly visible.
A Changed World and the Fear of the Unknown
Once the energy settled and merged with the Earth, everything changed. The world seemed to be reborn, like something out of fantasy, as if everyone had stepped into a new reality. But despite the strange beauty, humans couldn't help but feel fear—for fear of the unknown is in their nature.
The Emergence of the Hidden Lands
China – Lands of the Immortal Cultivators
In the heart of the Chinese mountains, where thick fog hides the land from human sight, the energy pierced through the natural veil, revealing secret cities filled with immortal sects. Every cultivator within these sects felt the energy's arrival and were overjoyed—they believed karma had returned, the path to immortality reopened, and the spiritual energy thought lost was flowing once again.
Europe – The Tower of Mages
In the Alps, where fog conceals a towering spire that reaches the clouds, a magical city surrounded by mysterious walls was revealed. Deep inside the tower, the mages watched the phenomenon closely, sensing the return of mana and feeling hope for the restoration of magic. Yet, they remained uncertain about the true nature of the energy before them.
South America – The Shaman Tribes
Deep in the forests, near the ancient Mayan pyramids, an invisible barrier once hid the lands of the shamans. When the energy arrived, it easily broke through, spreading everywhere. The shaman tribes—long connected to spirits and sacred beasts—sensed it powerfully. They believed it had reopened the bridge between worlds, that they could now summon spirits, gods, and revive ancient rituals.
The Great Shock
In one of the immortal sects, the sect master stood before his disciples, excitement in his eyes, as if a true era of immortality had finally begun.
He declared:
"The spiritual energy has returned! From this day forth, we shall seek true immortality. We will reach heights unseen for millennia! We will overcome the rival sects, destroy the demonic ones, and usher in an age of heroes!"
The disciples cheered and began meditating to absorb the new energy. But suddenly, screams of pain erupted—one disciple collapsed, then another. The pain spread like wildfire, as if the energy was burning their bodies from within. Even the sect master, despite his power, felt severe pain. He fought through it and shouted:
"This isn't spiritual energy—it's toxic! Stop absorbing it immediately!"
All sects ceased their attempts at absorption. The injured disciples were rushed to the sect's inner hospital, and the news spread like wildfire.
The Gathering of the Great Powers
The phenomenon wasn't limited to one sect. In the magical tower, the same happened—the mage lord had instructed his students to absorb the energy, only for them to collapse in pain. They realized: this wasn't mana at all.
He ordered firmly:
"Cease absorption immediately! This energy is something entirely different—we must understand it first."
Due to these events, all major powers—mages, shamans, immortal cultivators—convened in a historic gathering. For the cultivators, the meeting took place in a grand hall of ancient Chinese design, adorned with stunning carvings.
The sect leaders sat face-to-face, alongside leaders of trade towers and demonic sects. Everyone was present for this critical meeting.
The Golden Sect Master spoke with authority:
"What is going on?! Is this truly spiritual energy—or something else entirely? I want answers, not lies!"
He released his power. Though his strength had waned compared to the ancient times, he was still the strongest person of the past century—no one had reached the "Foundation Building" stage in 500 years.
The leader of the Heavenly Demonic Sect smirked:
"I see you're angry... but anger won't solve anything."
A fight almost broke out, but an old wise man interrupted with calm:
"I've read all ancient records, and found no mention of this event. It seems... our very history is flawed—perhaps even fabricated."
Silence filled the room. Everyone ordered an urgent search of ancient texts. Within an hour, shock appeared on their faces. The elder was right.
An Unprecedented Decision
A leader of the trade towers said:
"What if we ask the mages? Maybe they know something."
Some frowned—immortal cultivators had little respect for mages. But with no other options, they reluctantly agreed.
A message was sent to the mage leader. Not long after, a reply arrived:
"We were already in talks with other magical city leaders and were planning to contact you. This energy is not mana. We've also reached out to the shaman tribes."
Soon after, the leaders of mages and shamans appeared in a rare gathering of all major powers. After long discussions, they came to a shared conclusion:
No one knew what this energy truly was. No record of it existed.
Then, one of the mages cautiously asked:
"What if the source is… ordinary humans? Perhaps we must descend into their world to uncover the truth."
The room erupted in outrage. Most sneered at the mention of humans—weak, unworthy of attention. Yet the truth remained: they had no answers.
With modern technology, they now had evidence of past interference with humanity, despite not descending to the human world for centuries. Now, they agreed:
"We will go down to the human world."
And so, the next day, world leaders were shocked as mysterious figures appeared in China, Europe, Russia,and America—emerging from hidden lands, carrying questions that could alter the fate of the world.
Next stop: Understanding, Pressure, and Public Revelation…
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[Author's Note]
"Now that we've reached Chapter 8 and glimpsed the first hints of the story's true shape, I'd love to hear your thoughts!
- What do you think of the story so far?
- Any predictions about what's coming next?
I'll be waiting for your comments—your feedback truly matters. Is there anything you'd like me to improve? Anything you're particularly enjoying? Let me know!"