Li Xuan's eyes fluttered open as he gasped for air, his body lying on a bed of soft grass under the warmth of an unfamiliar sun. The world around him was vibrant, filled with an overwhelming energy that seemed to surge through the very air he breathed. For a moment, he struggled to grasp his bearings. This was no place he had ever known.
The last thing he remembered was being on Earth, living a simple life, away from the dangers of the world. How had he ended up here? This strange realm was so different. Everything— from the towering, ancient trees to the faint scent of blooming flowers in the air—felt mystical, almost otherworldly.
But that was only the beginning of the change.
A strange, quiet voice echoed in his mind, gentle yet powerful.
[Welcome, Host. You have arrived in the Immortal World. Your cultivation journey begins here.]
He immediately sat up, scanning his surroundings in a mixture of confusion and awe. This was no ordinary place. Strange stones lined the landscape, their surfaces glowing faintly with an ethereal light. The distant mountain peaks gleamed with snow, and waterfalls cascaded from their heights like liquid silver.
[Host Name: Li Xuan]
[Cultivation Realm: Mortal Realm - Body Tempering Stage (Stage 1)]
[Lifespan Remaining: 200 years]
Li Xuan's mind raced as he tried to process what was happening. He was in a new world, a cultivation world—immortal cultivators, spiritual powers, and a life beyond his comprehension. He had heard stories of such places in his old life, but to be in one was beyond his wildest imagination.
[System: Primordial Origin System Activated]
The voice continued in his mind, but he couldn't yet fully grasp what it meant. All he knew was that he was alive, and he was now part of something greater.
As he stood up, stretching his arms, he noticed a figure approaching in the distance—a young woman, walking with graceful steps. She wore a long flowing robe of white, her silver hair cascading like a river of moonlight. Her eyes were sharp and filled with determination, yet there was a certain softness to them.
Li Xuan couldn't help but admire her beauty as she drew closer, her presence commanding yet ethereal. She was the very image of a celestial being.
She stopped just a few feet away from him, and with a slight tilt of her head, she spoke, her voice like the chime of a distant bell.
"You're awake, I see. I'm Yue Qingxue, a disciple of the Azure Sky Sect. You must be the new recruit."
Li Xuan blinked, momentarily stunned. A disciple? He had no memory of joining any sect. But then, what did he expect in this world? The mysteries were endless, and he had to adapt quickly.
"New recruit?" Li Xuan echoed, still trying to piece together his situation.
"Yes. The sect has been waiting for you," she said, her gaze momentarily softening as if she recognized something about him, though she said nothing more. She stepped forward, offering her hand to help him up. "Come with me. We'll get you settled. You have much to learn."
Li Xuan hesitated only for a moment before accepting her help. As their hands touched, a strange energy surged through him—soft yet profound. It was as though her touch awakened something deep inside him. He couldn't explain it, but a deep connection stirred within his chest.
"Thank you," he said quietly, though he was still confused. It was clear she wasn't just any ordinary disciple—there was something extraordinary about her.
As they walked together, she led him toward the gates of a vast mountain sect. Massive stone walls surrounded the area, and cultivation energy seemed to pulse from every corner. From the peaks above, he could see wisps of qi flowing like mist, surrounding the entire area in a vibrant aura.
"Tell me," Yue Qingxue asked, her voice calm yet tinged with curiosity, "what is your background? Your cultivation… it's unusual. You have the aura of someone who's been through many trials, yet you're only at the Body Tempering stage."
Li Xuan kept his thoughts to himself, unsure of how to answer. This was his new life, and for now, he needed to learn more before revealing too much. He had no desire to attract unwanted attention—not just yet. He would stay quiet and observe, at least for now.
"I… don't remember much. I'm just trying to make sense of everything," Li Xuan said, forcing a small, reassuring smile. His mind was still processing his new reality, but for now, that would be enough.
Yue Qingxue regarded him for a moment before nodding. "You'll be fine. The Azure Sky Sect is one of the greatest sects in the region. If you're lucky, you'll even become a powerful cultivator in time. But first, you'll have to pass the Sect Trial."
Li Xuan's eyes widened slightly. A trial?
Before he could ask further, they arrived at a grand hall, the inner sanctum of the Azure Sky Sect. Ancient stone steps led up to an entrance, guarded by imposing stone statues of mythical beasts.
As they entered the hall, Li Xuan couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. Inside, many disciples were gathered, some practicing their techniques, others engaged in deep discussions. The atmosphere was one of energy, determination, and knowledge. Here, the cultivation world seemed to pulse with life.
Yue Qingxue turned to him, a faint smile on her lips. "Welcome to the Azure Sky Sect, Li Xuan. Your journey begins here."
Li Xuan couldn't help but feel a strange sense of fate weaving around him as he stepped into the sect, unsure of what awaited him. But he knew one thing for certain: he had just embarked on a path that would change his life forever.
And as he walked deeper into the sect, his eyes inadvertently met the gazes of several other disciples. There was something unmistakable about the way they looked at him—a mix of curiosity, intrigue, and… something else.
Fate, it seemed, was already in motion.