Chapter 1 : Prologue : Heaven Vault World.

The Heaven Vault World is an immense and unparalleled realm, so vast that a lifetime would not suffice to explore its entirety.

The inhabitants of this world have only scratched the surface of its vast expanse. A multitude of diverse life forms thrives within the Heaven Vault World, each belonging to distinct races.

Among these races, there exist disparities in strength and power. The Demon race, Beast race, Elven race, and Human race, among others, coexist within this world. Each race possesses unique characteristics that set them apart from one another.

Of all the races, the Humans stand out as one of the strongest on the Heaven Vault World. Not for their physical prowess, but for their insatiable greed for power and their cunning nature. Renowned for their unquenchable thirst for more, Humans are infamous for their manipulative and deceitful ways.

Driven by an inherent greed and ambition, Humans constantly seek to expand their influence. Their duplicitous nature and relentless pursuit of power have alienated them from other races.

Throughout history, Humans have attempted to dominate other races, only to meet with failure. Their lack of trust in one another, coupled with their propensity for betrayal, has led to strained relations with other races.

Despite their discord, Humans do unite in the face of grave threats.

The Heaven Vault World comprises twelve vast continents, each inhabited by a variety of races.

Remarkably, each continent is uniquely suited to the needs and characteristics of its inhabitants.

In this world of endless possibilities and deep-rooted rivalries, the intricate dynamics between races shape the very fabric of the Heaven Vault World.

For example, the Elven race and other races that cherish nature and peace reside in a continent teeming with lush forests and vibrant wildlife.

Conversely, the Demon race and other races predisposed to causing destruction leave a trail of devastation wherever they tread, imbuing their continent with an aura of chaos.

The Demon race typically dominates the largest landmass.

It is almost as if a higher power has meticulously allocated continents to each race based on their inherent traits and tendencies.

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The Sky Continent, the fourth largest continent in the Heaven Vault World, is a land of perfect living conditions where the Human race thrives. This continent is tailored to the aesthetic tastes and characteristics of the Human race.

The Sky Continent is divided into nine major domains, each controlled by various factions such as empires, powerful Cultivation sects, kingdoms, and clans. These factions have divided the land according to their strength, with each domain varying in size and density of spirit energy.

Spirit energy is a divine energy bestowed by the Heavens, granting those who can harness it miraculous and supernatural abilities. With the ability to fly, shatter mountains with a single punch, or even achieve eternal life, those who master spirit energy hold immense power and potential.

An individual who harnesses spirit energy is known as a Martial Cultivator. The density of spirit energy significantly impacts the speed of cultivation; the location with the highest density of spirit energy facilitates faster cultivation.

Consequently, the various factions in the Sky Continent are constantly engaged in scheming and fighting to secure the best locations with abundant resources and high spirit energy density. In a world where survival of the fittest prevails, power is paramount, and the strong have the ability to dominate the weak.

As a result, mortals who are unable to harness spirit energy often bear the brunt of this power struggle.

There is a common saying that when Cultivators engage in conflict, it is invariably the mortals who suffer the consequences.

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The Sky Continent, known as the Desolate Domain, is a vast and unparalleled territory spanning billions of miles.

Within this expansive domain, numerous Cultivation sects, empires, kingdoms, powerful clans, and smaller countries are dispersed.

Among the myriad factions within the Desolate Domain, nine stand out as the most dominant and influential.

All other factions either fall under their rule or are closely associated with them. It is widely recognized that challenging these nine powerful factions within the Desolate Domain is a perilous endeavor.

Despite being the weakest and smallest of the nine domains within the Sky Continent, the Desolate Domain is still of unimaginable size. The scarcity of spirit energy within this territory further emphasizes its inferiority.

Nevertheless, the sheer vastness of the Desolate Domain remains awe-inspiring.

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Located within the territory of the Sun Devouring Empire, one of the nine hegemons of the Desolate Domain, lies a small Kingdom known as the Black Sun Kingdom .

This Kingdom is just one of many under the rule of the powerful empire. Within the Black Sun Country, there exists a medium-sized city called Star River City.

Star River City is encircled by imposing city walls, boasting four grand entrances that face each cardinal direction: east, west, south, and north. What sets this city apart is its unique feature that comes to life at nightfall.

As darkness descends, the stars above the city shine with exceptional brilliance, casting a dazzling light that resembles a river of stars cascading from the heavens. It is this breathtaking sight that inspired the city's name, Star River City.

Each entrance to the city is guarded by massive bronze gates, while towering above the walls are four formidable arrow towers.

The defensive capabilities of Star River City are truly impressive and comprehensive, ensuring the safety and security of its inhabitants.

The city is divided into four main districts. The Northern district is home to the nobles and powerful Cultivators, while the Eastern district is where the commoners and mortals reside.

The Western district serves as the city's bustling business area, housing numerous restaurants, auction houses, gambling dens, brothels, and more.

In contrast, the Southern district is where the city guards and army are stationed.

Life in the Eastern District district is particularly challenging for commoners and mortals who are unable to harness spirit energy. They must toil tirelessly to make ends meet, with some struggling to afford even three square meals a day.

Tragically, some individuals are forced into slavery by the nobles and Cultivators in order to survive another day.

This stark divide in society highlights the harsh realities faced by those without access to spiritual power.

For many mortals and commoners in this world, the concept of "tomorrow" is a luxury beyond reach.

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The Eastern district of Star River City is home to the commoners, mortals, and beggars.

The roads in this area are riddled with potholes, garbage strewn about, and even excrement, creating a foul odor. Occasionally, one may come across a malnourished commoner or beggar wandering aimlessly.

Hidden within the small, dilapidated alleys of the Eastern region lies a courtyard overrun with weeds and walls marred by cracks.

Within this unassuming building resides an individual destined to become one of the most powerful and feared Cultivators in the history of the Heaven Vault World.