The skies above Tianxu Mountain stretched endlessly, dyed in a deep indigo as the last remnants of daylight faded into the embrace of night. Ethereal mists swirled around the jagged cliffs, laced with spiritual energy so pure that even the air shimmered with power. At the very summit, carved from ancient jade, sat a solitary figure in meditation.
His long black hair flowed behind him like a river of night, trailing along the stone. His robes, though simple and without ornament, radiated a presence that commanded the wind to still and the clouds to part. His name… was Li Xuantian.
One million years ago, that name shook the heavens.
He was once the revered leader of the Eternal Heaven Sect, a being so powerful that demon lords knelt and immortal emperors sought his guidance. He stood above all, mastering ancient arts long since lost to time. He united realms, broke celestial barriers, and held the title of the Strongest Cultivator Under the Heavens.
But now… that world was gone.
The empires of old had crumbled to dust. Demonic forces had been sealed or forgotten. And Li Xuantian… still sat in meditation.
"I've cultivated for one million years… and my realm remains at Qi Condensation." His voice was soft but carried the weight of eternity. Slowly, his eyes opened—pools of starlight hiding endless knowledge. "Yet there is no one, not even the gods, who can match my strength."
Li Xuantian was a paradox.
He remained at the first stage of cultivation, the most basic, the realm children reached after their first awakening. Yet he had achieved mastery over everything: body, soul, essence, and will. His secret lay within the Jingwei Tianlun, a cultivation method passed down before the heavens themselves had rules. A method that did not elevate realms, but instead refined the cultivator endlessly—until every breath could crush stars, every glance could pierce illusions.
He had not ascended because he was no longer bound by levels.
"Power without realm is nothing to this world… so be it." He stood slowly, the movement causing a ripple to surge through the air, splitting the clouds above.
For one million years, he had watched civilizations rise and fall. He had seen the decline of spiritual practice and the rise of technology and structure. The kingdoms had faded, the sects had scattered, and now… a new era had dawned.
But something had changed.
A rift had opened in the heavens. The spiritual realm was shifting. Ancient energies began to stir once again.
"The Divine Realm…" he whispered. "It has returned."
His fingers tightened. Lightning crackled silently around his fist.
"My time has come."
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