3 Zhou Yuan

In the tranquil courtyard, bathed in the gentle sunlight filtering through ancient, towering trees, stood a youthful figure, appearing no older than thirteen. His most striking feature was his pristine white hair, framing a face that, despite the trials he had endured, retained a hint of youthful innocence.

But what truly captivated any observer were his eyes—vividly blue and clouded, a testament to his blindness. Those familiar with the Zhou family would immediately recognize him.

"Zhou Yuan!"

The mere mention of his name carried a weighty significance—a reminder of the Zhou family's once illustrious talent, now navigating a path fraught with challenges.

Zhou Yuan released a soft sigh, his clouded eyes turning inward as he stood there, lost in thought. "Three years... has it truly been that long?"

In his solitary contemplation, Zhou Yuan's mind journeyed back to a time when his world had been vastly different, to his days as an eighteen-year-old. Memories of his life on Earth resurfaced, memories of a life marked by financial struggle yet filled with love and unwavering determination.

"Thirteen years have passed since my arrival here," he murmured softly, his voice tinged with melancholy. "I wonder how they are." His thoughts drifted to two faint figures from a distant past.

Thirteen years ago, Zhou Yuan had been a teenager on Earth, leading a modest life alongside his beloved mother and sister. Despite their meager circumstances, their bond had been unbreakable, and their shared moments had overflowed with laughter and warmth.

Zhou Yuan, however, had always carried the weight of physical ailments, a constant reminder of his fragility. Nevertheless, he had toiled relentlessly to provide for his family, resolute in his determination to shield them from the harsh realities of their circumstances. It was this very determination that had ultimately led to his tragic fate.

On one fateful day, sheer exhaustion had overtaken him, the result of ceaseless labor and self-sacrifice. It was a poignant irony that a life dedicated to supporting his loved ones would be cut short by the very act of trying to safeguard them.

In his final moments, his thoughts had been consumed by the faces of his mother and sister, their voices echoing in his ears. As darkness closed in, he had whispered a silent promise to them—a vow that now fueled his unwavering determination in the Heavenly Origin Realm.

Though his eyes could no longer perceive the world, the memories of Earth, the love of his family, and the echoes of his past served as an unwavering guiding light. They reminded him of the indomitable spirit of humanity and the inner strength that could be summoned even in the face of the most formidable challenges.

It had been nothing short of astonishing to discover himself reborn in a world where cultivation was a reality. Since the day of his rebirth, he had concealed the truth of his reincarnation. His remarkable cultivation progress was attributed to his prodigious soul power.

In this world, cultivation involved harnessing the world's spiritual qi into one's body. Children of the Heavenly Origin Realm typically embarked on their cultivation journey at the tender age of five. Following a coming-of-age ceremony to awaken the spiritual root, they engaged in constant meditation to draw spiritual qi into their bodies and connect their 8 meridian paths to their Dantian, allowing them to store spiritual qi and step into the Qi Refinement Realm.

The term "Spiritual Root" refers to a special aspect of a cultivator's innate potential and affinity for spiritual qi within the world of cultivation. It represents the foundation upon which a cultivator's cultivation journey is built and determines their aptitude and potential for growth in various cultivation techniques and paths. Spiritual roots were divided into several grades: low-grade, middle-grade, high-grade, and perfect-grade.

During Zhou Yuan's coming-of-age ceremony, it was revealed that he possessed a rare and exceptional fire spiritual root, indicating his natural affinity for fire-based cultivation. However, what truly astonished everyone was the discovery of his unique Heavenly Body, known as the Seamless Flame Heavenly Body. This legendary physique was spoken of only in ancient tales and was said to grant its bearer unparalleled mastery over fire and heat, surpassing the limitations of conventional fire-based cultivation techniques.

The Seamless Flame Heavenly Body granted Zhou Yuan an innate affinity for fire, allowing him to harness and control flames with extraordinary precision and intensity. His mastery over fire extended far beyond the capabilities of ordinary cultivators, enabling him to conjure scorching infernos, manipulate the temperature of his surroundings, and even shape flames into devastating weapons despite having a low cultivation Realm. 

It manifested as a shimmering, ethereal flame that danced around him, casting an otherworldly glow. It was a breathtaking display of power; unlike anything the Zhou Clan had ever witnessed. With such outstanding talent, Zhou Yuan was bound to surpass his grandfather and become a being that would one day look down upon the entire Central Continent standing as one of its Rulers. News of Zhou Yuan's spectacular awakening quickly spread beyond the territory of the Zhou Clan.