The wind carried the scent of old soil and blooming wildflowers as Chen Yu descended toward familiar ground. After weeks of battle, growth, and discovery, he had finally returned this time not as a lost soul, but as a cultivator reborn.
Beyond the green hills and sweeping plains lay Qinghe Village, the humble place where he'd first awoken in this new life. But he didn't stop there. His path led north, toward Fengjian State, the nearest and most developed region in this part of Tianxia.
A place of towering sects, sprawling cities, and rivers lined with jade bridges, Fengjian had long been a symbol of strength. If one wished to rise quickly, to find patrons and platforms for greatness, this was where they came.
Chen Yu arrived at the foot of the mountain where his old master had once trained him—the very man who had taken him in when he was just a confused wanderer washed up from the river. The training grounds were quiet, but the garden was well kept. The scent of herbs and burning incense lingered.
Sitting under a tall cedar tree was Master Ruo, his robes plain but his presence commanding. He opened his eyes the moment Chen Yu touched down.
"So, the river returns the dragon," Master Ruo murmured, a trace of pride in his voice.
Chen Yu bowed deeply. "Master. I've returned to take my next step. The sects of Fengjian—one of them must be ready to accept me."
A long silence passed.
Master Ruo slowly stood, his gaze heavy with unspoken truths. "Fengjian has grown cautious, Chen Yu. The great sects—Jade Sword Pavilion, Cloudglide Hall, Ironroot Temple—they've closed their gates to outsiders. No more new disciples. Not after the unrest in the outer states. They fear instability more than they seek talent."
Chen Yu frowned, his fingers tightening slightly around the hilt of his sword.
"No exceptions?" he asked.
"Not unless you have noble blood or ties to their inner circles," Master Ruo said with a shake of his head. "Which you don't—yet."
"Then I'll go somewhere that still recognizes strength," Chen Yu said firmly.
"There is one," Master Ruo nodded. "The State of Xuanming. A distant, colder place, but its sects still test the bold. In seven days, they will host the Gathering of Shadows—a grand tournament where talent speaks louder than name."
He handed Chen Yu a sealed jade scroll.
"This will allow you to pass through the fortified borders. But be warned—the strongest wanderers, mercenaries, and young elites from dozens of states will be there. It's no place for hesitation."
Chen Yu tucked the scroll into his robe and turned to leave.
"I don't need certainty," he said with calm resolve. "I only need opportunity."
As he rose into the sky, plum blossoms trailed in his wake, and Master Ruo smiled faintly.
"Go. Let them see the fire they tried to extinguish."