Chapter 2: The beginning

Wang Tian called out to his father and said, "Father, can you teach me how to become powerful like you?"

Wang Gui looked at his son with a complicated expression. He thought for a bit and said, "son, the path you will take is painful and tormenting. You will feel what is like to be in hell. You will experience what it feels like to be alone because hear my words, the path to unimaginable power is long and solitary. Time will pass and those you love will eventually leave you. Nothing is permanent in this world."

"knowing this my son, will you still take this path?" Wang Gui asked Wang Tian with a serious tone.

Wang Tian fell into deep contemplation. But he ultimately decided to still walk on this long and painful path. 'If I can't be decisive, how will I enjoy this life? How will I ever die without regrets? I shall choose this path and become a pinnacle existence. One who tramples gods and demons. This I swear to myself'

"Yes father." Wang Tian replied solemnly. Elation was written all over Wang Gui's face but he ultimately tried to maintain his composure. "Very well then my son. I shall talk to The Sect Leader and tell him your decision. In the meantime, let's head back home and get some rest. It's already dark. We'll continue tomorrow." Wang Gui said.

After Wang Gui said this, the two quickly went home and slept.

In the blink of an eye, it was already morning. Outside a pavillon, a figure could be seen clad in black with a boy who seems to be 10 years old. The boy was also clad in black and even though his face was filled with fat, he still is cute and a bit handsome. These two naturally were the father-and-son: Wang Gui and Wang Tian. Wang Gui exuded a dominating aura that could leave one to gasp in astonishment. Wang Gui was talking to a person clad in white. This person emanated an ancient aura. His gaze could destroy cities and can make one paralyzed. This was the almighty Sect Leader! A genius of his own era! He might not be the pinnacle existence in the Seven Star Sword Sect but he is still unnaturally powerful. The most powerful being is the sect's guardian. According to legends, a single flick of his finger could destroy a continent! A single punch could eradicate a planet! How dominating was this? But from 100,000 years ago to this day, no one has ever layed eyes on him or ever met him. Perhaps only the Sect Leader might know.

"Yi, are the preparations ready?" Wang Gui asked. The Sect Leader's name is Shangguan Yi (上官翼). The two were not blood brothers but a long time ago, the two swore an oath to become brothers-in-arms. Thus, Wang Gui called him using his first name. But Wang Gui would only do this when they were alone. If others were to hear of this, in one perspective, they would feel immense shock. Heavens! What powerful existence could actually make the Sect Leader call them his first name. In another perspective, the person who called the Sect Leader his first name would probably be executed this goes to show that calling someone his/her first name without them being that close or without permission from the other party could leave to peril. This act could be considered as disrespect. Hence, It is reasonable for an outsider to be angered and propose for Wang Gui to be executed.

"of course brother Gui" The Sect Leader replied with a happy expression. He was sincerely happy for Wang Gui because he truly deserved a great son. "I owe you" Wang Gui said gratefully. "No need to stand on ceremony, what are brothers for?" The Sect Leader smiled and let out a hearty laugh.

After a few moments of exchanging pleasantries, the Sect Leader sized Wang Tian up and said, "good" and then led them to a room where ancient artifacts were hidden. Inside the room, a big mirror could be seen. This mirror is called, "God's treasure: Detector". It is an artifact that could detect whether one is a houtian or a xiantian. "My boy, come here." The Sect Leader called out. Wang Tian walked towards the Sect Leader with a shocked expression. Wang Tian haven't been in this world for a long time so it was reasonable for him to be easily shocked. This kind of artifact easily blew Wang Tian's mind because even without telling him what the artifact was, judging by its appearance and the aura it emanated, one can easily tell that it was not ordinary. "Wang Tian my boy, call me Uncle when it's just the 3 of us." the Sect Leader said happily. Wang Tian cupped his hands, vowed and said, "Uncle!".

"Good lad" The Sect Leader replied. "Place your hand directly against the mirror." The Sect Leader said. Wang Tian hesitantly put his hand against the mirror and after a few moments he screamed. "Ow!"

The Sect Leader and Wang Gui chuckled. After that, a sound reverberated inside the room. "Ding!"

The word "Xiantian" appeared at the top of the room. "Father, what does Xiantian mean?" Wang Tian looked at Wang Gui and said. The Sect Leader fell into a daze. After a few moments he regained his composure and said heartily, "Brother! Your son! He is a Xiantian lifeform! This is truly a wonderful day for our Seven Star Sword Sect!"

Wang Gui glanced at him and said with a serious tone, "Do not let another person about this. I trust that you will heed to my request. I won't ask of you to make a Heavenly oath." Understanding what Wang Gui said, the sect leader nodded and then replied, "of course. Lead nephew to the Cultivation Pavillion. I'll tell Elder Su to let you in and make the lad choose one or two."

"I really am in debt to you brother." Wang Gui said with a hint of gratefulness. "What I'm doing is nothing compared to what brother did that yea-" The Sect Leader mouthed off but was instantly met by Wang Gui's glare thus, resulting in his words to come to a halt. "Hehe." The Sect Leader chuckled and said, "I'll take my leave." He quickly rushed off. Wang Gui looked at his son and said, "Come on son, let's go to the Cultivation Pavillion. This is where you'll pick a technique. Maybe one or two? Depends on your fortune."

After Wang Gui said this, the two quickly departed and went to the Cultivation Pavillion. Along the way, Wang Tian asked Wang Gui a few questions about what a Xiantian Lifeform is. Wang Gui explained to him and then Wang Tian quickly understood. He was internally shocked but nevertheless, he still tried to remain his composure. Seeing the way Wang Tian reacted, Wang Gui's eyes flashed. He never could have ever expected for his son to have this kind of temperament. 'Did something happen to him when he nearly died?' Wang Gui thought to himself.

After a few minutes, a big pavillion towering up to the skies could be seen at the top of a mountain.

"We're here" Wang Gui said. Wang Gui was flying while carrying Wang Tian, so it was understandable for the two to see the towering pavillion. After a few moments, the two landed outside the Cultivation Pavillion. Elder Su looked at them and said, "Are the both of you here to learn a technique?"

Wang Gui clasped his hands, vowed and said, "No Elder Su, I'm only here to guide my son." Wang Gui was extremely polite considering that Elder Su is of a higher status than him. Elder Su is a monster that has lived for thousands of years. Weathered countless tribulations, stood by the sect for millennias and has a monstrous cultivation. "Go inside. However, I'll only give you half the time of half an incense stick to burn." Elder Su said and then closed his eyes. The father and son duo went inside. "Pick whatever your heart desires." said Wang Gui. Wang Tian nodded and quickly observed the surroundings. The place emanated an ancient aura. There were thousands of books all over the place. They all had majestic symbols that could make one dazed. Wang Tian walked towards a book and then casually read it.

"Blazing Dragon Manual"

"One channels the Qi inside the body towards the hands and then visualises a dragon. The Qi is released and then a dragon capable of eradicating a country will appear before you"

'It's a good technique' Wang Tian thought to himself. But his father walked towards him and said, "It won't suit you. It's tier is low and you'll have a hard time in the future when using this technique since it only has 3 levels and it doesn't even reach a high stage."

Wang Tian nodded in enlightenment. He then walked looked towards a certain direction and his heart stirred. He walked towards that direction but suddenly a figure appeared in front of him. "This is a forbidden area. All cultivators under Wanxiang Adept cannot enter." He then gazed directly into Wang Tian's eyes, devoid of any emotions.

At approximately the same time the figure said that, the bell sounded. The time was up to pick so Wang Tian just straight up went to the nearest bookshelf and grabbed a manual that had the word "stone" on it. it was the nearest one so Wang Tian didn't hesitate and just picked it. The time was up so even if Wang Tian didn't want this manual, he really didn't have a choice.

Wang Gui called out to his son and signalled him to go outside. "Let's go son. Time's up. Did you get what your heart desired?" Wang Gui asked. Wang Tian looked at the manual and said, "I guess so." Wang Gui glanced at the manual but didn't say anything. He ended up supporting his son's decisions. Furthermore, with a glance, he could discern that while the technique was not that profound and amazing, it was indeed a bit rare. The father and son walked towards the door. Wang Gui then told Wang Tian that he should practice the technique everyday while cultivating.

Right after the two got out of the Cultivation Pavillion, Wang Gui grabbed Wang Tian and they then flew towards their house, the two ate and then slept.

In the blink of an eye, it was already morning. Wang Gui called Wang Tian so that they could talk. "Tian'er, when we tested you yesterday, the results showed that you're a Xiantian lifeform." Wang Gui said in a serious tone. 

"Father, what's a Xiantian Lifeform?" Wang Tian asked.

"Xiantian lifeforms are those beings that can be called the children of the heavens. They are very talented and powerful. They are deemed to have photographic memory. Some might be born as a Xiantian Lifeform like you but in most cases, they're achieved through the use of heaven-defying means. The majority of the human population are Houtian Lifeforms. Only 6% are born as a Xiantian lifeform. Many people might not even become a Xiantian Lifeform even when using heaven-defying means! This explains how hard it is to find, and become one. However, those Xiantian Lifeforms are deemed to become an existence that could rock the whole world!

Wang Tian gasped and then fell into deep contemplation. 'Wow, i'm that awesome?' he thought to himself. 'But if i'm a Xiantian lifeform then that means father was also a Xiantian lifeform when he was born!'

"Father, were you also a Xiantian Lifeform when you were born?" He asked but in his mind, he already knew the answer.

"No..." Wang Gui answered. "I was only a Houtian Lifeform. The weakest of the weak" he continued.

"But then how could I be a Xiantian Lifeform if you weren't one father?" Wang Tian asked.

Wang Gui's eyes flickered with pain as if he recalled something. The pain only appeared in a split second but Wang Tian easily saw it. Wang Gui laughed and then said, "Must be a stroke of luck! I may have or may have not prayed to the heavens back then! Hahaha" 

Wang Tian found his father's reply strange but he didn't insist on it. 'This world is divided by realms and levels. Apparently, a Houtian Lifeform is the lowest of existence. However, I was born as a Xiantian Lifeform. But what is after the Xiantian Lifeform? What comes next? I should ask father. 

"Father, what comes after the Xiantian Lifeform?"

"Zifu Realm!" Wang Gui exlaimed.

"Zifu Realm?" Wang Tian asked.

"Yes, Zifu Realm. But you shouldn't think about it right now. You're still very far from becoming a Zifu Realm expert. I will first explain to you the different levels of being a Houtian and a Xiantian Lifeform." 

"Houtian and Xiantian have 9 levels. 1,2, 3 being the early stages of these realms, 4,5,6 being the middle stages of these realms and 7,8,9 being the late stages of these realms." 

"One can advance in levels by sensing the Qi in the atmosphere and fill it inside your body. Tian'er, you're a Xiantian lifeform so it won't be too hard for you. Try sensing it now." Wang Gui said all of this in one breath. Wang Tian listened very attentively and then nodded when his father gave him an order. He then instictively closed his eyes as if he already knew what to do and then tried to sense the Qi. After the span of half of an incense stick burning, Wang Tian finally sensed the Qi!

'is this the Qi that father was telling me about? This is wonderful' Wang Tian thought to himself.

Wang Gui stared at Wang Tian when he was trying to sense the Qi. He couldn't help but become shocked because of how quick his son sensed it. He then said, "now son, direct it into your body. Fill your body with the Qi. Only then will you be able to become a Cultivator."

Wang Tian heard his father's words and then controlled the Qi into his body. Being a Xiantian lifeform, it was easy for him to sense the Qi so it would make sense if he could control it easily too since he's one of those which could be considered as "the child of the heavens".

Wang Tian practiced for an hour straight while Wang Gui just stared at him with affection. Wang Tian then was overwhelmed by a horrendous smell. He opened his eyes and then looked towards the smell was coming from. It was his own body! He was covered in black liquid. 

Wang Gui laughed when he saw his son musing at the black liquid and said, "those are the impurities in your body. Although you're a Xiantian lifeform, you still have impurities. You've already broken through level 1. Go and take a bath.

...

The day passed in the blink of an eye.

A small silhouette standing could be seen. That silhoutte was clad in black and was holding a book. Indeed, this was Wang Tian! 

Wang Tian grasped the manual and read it.

"To be able to grasp this technique, one must control their Qi and lead it towards a part of their body. Once one focuses it to a part of their body, one must imagine that the Qi is something very hard. This would allow the cultivator to turn their skin as hard as stone."

Wang Tian's eyes lit up in excitement. He read carefully and upon finishing, he felt enlightened.

This technique...can grow along with the cultivator?

How fantastic was that?!

"This technique has 10 levels" Wang Tian uttered.

"1-copper, 2-bronze, 3-silver, 4-gold, 5-platinum, 6-diamond, 7-Calcite, 8 - obsidian, 9-hellrock, 10-Heavenstone." Wang Tian continued.

'These are the said initial levels. Each one's gap is of heaven and earth. Surpassing level 10...' He fell into deep thought. After a few moments, he regained his composure. After reading the manual carefully, he quickly tried to learn it. Day and Night he cultivated in his house. He only stopped cultivating when about to eat.