Chapter 1 - Wu Tiangong

A gargantuan beacon of light had hastily rose from the earth and reached far into the sky. This beam of light emitted an aura of holiness and sent forth multiple waves of oscillations to its surroundings, wreathing and slowly morphing into an extensive earthquake.

"Run, run! The gods are descending!"

"A calamity has struck down upon us. Everyone evacuate now if you value your lives!"

The current scene was bizarre. The Tiantang Kingdom was very powerful, however one earthquake had single-handedly put the entire Kingdom in a state of distraught.

Hopeless.

Some people had already given up on the realistic thought of escaping this catastrophe - among the shrieks and squalls, the sound of wails were visibly audible.

The area was in absolute peace just a moment ago, but what had just happened? The giant beacon of light had solely formed an earthquake capable of scaring even sorcerers.

However, when everyone thought all hope was lost. The blinding beacon of light had started to dissipate.

The earthquake which was once violently shaking the ground had also calmed down at an abnormal rate until it eventually stopped.

If the fact the suspicious beacon of light and earthquake wasn't enough to confuse those who were unlucky enough to have been present, then the disappearance of both almost simultaneously surely was.

Not long after, an infant was born from the point of origin of the beacon of light, however, this infant was definitely not ordinary - he had illuminating scarlet eyes and lustrous, thick jet-black hair.

A flushed crimson crest with the outline of the legendary Qilin was engraved on this infant's chest. The aura emitted from it could cause trauma to even the highest tier sorcerers. However, the crest was only revealed for a split second before it thoroughly vanished from sight.

Sorcerers would usually have to wait till the age of six or at least an age where their common sense had reached a level high enough for them to start producing sorcery power. However, this child was shrouded by a pure layer of sorcery power almost cocooned around him.

This infant was born into the prestigious Wu Family (one of the four major families), famous for their multiple ground-breaking discoveries in the field of alchemy. However not only was he born into the Wu Family – his father was the clan chief.

The Wu family's clan chief (Wu Jing, someone at the apex of the Tiantang Kingdom) rushed into the room right after the beacon of light had dissipated.

Bean-sized beads of cold sweat covered his face. In fact, Wu Jing's entire body was covered in sweat. His gaze filled with worry and concern, yet the second he saw everyone was unscathed the corners of his mouth rose up into a smile.

"This child – his Aura! There's no mistaking it, he's already stellar rank one – a first-rate talent!"

Wu Jing was in awe; this is the first time anyone was ever born with sorcery power at birth – it defied all logic.

Wu Jing had planned to hide the birth of his son, however, that was clearly not an option anymore - the beacons of light which struck on the Wu clan's territory would need an explanation and it was highly unlikely the three other major families would let him go till he provides one; therefore, it is undebatable that news of this genius-level existences birth would become a hot topic in this Kingdom.

It was later decided that the infant would be named Wu Tiangong after a renowned sorcerer as well as the Wu clan's ancestor who helped them obtain the glory and prosperity they possess today.

Time had passed since the birth of this child chosen by the heavens. He was now 6 years old. Wu Tiangong was naturally the number one genius in the Wu Clan and worshipped by virtually everyone in the clan. Even the arrogant sovereign elders of the Wu Clan, who were considered second to only the clan chief would have to bow in his presence.

Sorcerers in the Wu clan were without question much more talented and capable than the average sorcerer, however, even their talent was much inferior to Wu Tiangong's. No one in his age group could compare in the slightest to him.

Wu Tiangong's very existence was seen as a threat to the balance of the four most powerful clans in the Tiantang Kingdom – leaving them with no option but to strengthen their relationship before Wu Tiangong's rise. These four powers consisted of the Yang clan, Tang clan, Zhou clan, and the Wu clan.

Today was the fabled day of the battle between the Wu clan's top two geniuses. Wu Tiangong was naturally one of them and the other was his childhood friend – Wu Zetian; she was the daughter of a distinguished sovereign elder called Wu Tianyi, someone who was second only to the clan chief in the Wu clan.

The outcome of the battle could easily be guessed by anyone. Wu Tiangong sorcery was rank 2 Stellar realm whereas Wu Zetian was only a rank 5 Planetary realm sorcerer. The Planetary realm was the lowest realm in sorcery, however, being a rank 5 Planetary realm sorcerer at such an early age was extremely hard and could only be achieved by a genius.

"Elder brother Tiangong, don't be too harsh. I'm afraid I am trash in comparison to you."

Wu Zetian was a delightful young girl about the same age as Wu Tiangong. She had lustrous black hair and a sweet innocent face. She was like a ray of sunshine and could easily turn a gloomy setting into an upbeat one. It was worth nothing she was Wu Tianyi's most precious treasure.

"Little sister Wu Zetian. Don't compare yourself with others. You are naturally still a genius and will one day grow up to become a powerful woman!"

The corner of Wu Tiangong's mouth was lifted up into a smile. Even though he was the number one genius in the Wu clan he was very humble. He did not take victory to heart and could also take a loss with grace. Wu Tiangong's scarlet eyes were flickering with avidity – he could not wait any longer to battle against Wu Zetian.

Wu Tiangong and Wu Zetian were currently standing in an arena. A vast amount of people nearing the thousands stood outside of the arena huddled up. These people were all very privileged and were born into high positions in the Wu clan, however, one person immediately stood out - the father of Wu Tiangong and the clan chief of one of the four strongest powers in the Tiantang Kingdom – Wu Jing.

Wu Jing was a handsome middle-aged man. He stood 2.5 meters tall. Just standing there, Wu Jing unconsciously emitted airs of absolute superiority.

"Elder brother Wu Tiangong. My father has recently spent a fortune to buy me this treasure. This is a legendary pill from the divine beast era. It is said that once it's consumed it will purify your body and make future breakthroughs in sorcery far easier. This is my gift to you."

Wu Zetian was holding a jade box in her delicate hands. The jade box itself was a treasure worth an entire city, however, the pill inside the jade box was far more appealing. The pill was glimmering with holy light. Potent natural energies were visibly leaking outside of the pill. Countless people in the audience simultaneously started drooling from one look. One would have to be stupid if they weren't jealous of Wu Tiangong at this moment.

"I appreciate the gift; however, I cannot accept it. Like you said your father had spent a fortune on it for you. It wouldn't do if I were to steal this precious gift from you."

Wu Tiangong would always strive to get stronger, but he held true to his friendships. He would never accept gifts from his friends if it would stagnate their development.

Behind Wu Jing stood 4 sovereign elders. Each of them asserting airs of dominance. Among them was Wu Tianyi – Wu Zetian's father. His expression had turned to one of difficulty. Almost as if his plans were on the verge of failing.

"Wu Tiangong. I feel like what my daughter said was correct. You should accept her gift. As the number one genius, it would be a lot more beneficial to you than her. If you feel guilty accepting this gift it would do if you pay me back when you grow up. Please give me some face and accept this gift."

Wu Tianyi called out.

"Son. I also agree with what he says. You should receive this gift."

Wu Jing was the father of Wu Tiangong. All fathers wanted to see their children prevail and Wu Jing was no exception, besides Wu Jing had practically ogled the treasure to make sure it was safe for Wu Tiangong to take and wouldn't harm him in any way.

"It seems like I'll have to accept this generous gift. I will do my best to pay you back for this opportunity in the future."

Wu Tiangong closed the gap between him and Wu Zetian and received her gift. He was eager to consume it but it would serve an unfair advantage if he took it before the fight had started.

"Elder brother Wu Tiangong. The outcome of this battle is already determined. Please let us all bear witness to you consuming the treasure and further increasing your talent,"

She urged Wu Tiangong.

"Very well junior sister."

Wu Tiangong was already very much yearning to take it and now that he had been given an excuse to consume it, he would not be dumb enough to deny it.

Wu Tiangong had picked up the mysterious pill and from up close it looked even more invaluable. Wu Tiangong's mouth was agape and he hastily threw the pill in and consumed it. Natural energies were flowing all around his body almost as if dragons were curling around him, however, that only lasted for a second. Wu Tiangong was immediately hit by surges of pain like he was struck by lightning continuously.

(Wu Tianyi) The plan succeeded! If Wu Jing didn't urge him, I'm sure he wouldn't have swallowed the poison, I suppose he is useful for something. Hahaha. I can now be the number one genius in the Wu clan!

Wu Tiangong's expression was one filled with endless regret. Others might not have known but as Wu Tiangong was the one experiencing the torture, he could easily tell he was fed a poison – one that would seal his sorcery and it was far superior to any poison from the Tiantang Kingdom, so finding a cure would be incredibly hard.

The pain had eventually subsided and Wu Tiangong had regained control of his body, however, it was now far weaker than it was before. Wu Tiangong now had the body of a cripple – far weaker than even a sorcerer at the Planetary rank one.

He felt completely dejected. Like he had to swallow a thousand needles. Sorcery was the pride of all Sorcerer's, and Wu Tiangong as someone who's sorcery is sealed naturally wasn't able to use it.

Wu Tianyi and Wu Zetian revealed expressions of joy – like a scheme they had been working on had succeeded. In fact, it did. Wu Zetian was always in Wu Tiangong's shadow, no matter how much progress she made, Wu Tiangong would always by leaps and bounds ahead of her. The only thing in the way of Wu Zetian being the number one genius was Wu Tiangong, and now he had his sorcery sealed. Calling him trash would serve as a compliment.

However, Wu Zetian was arguably far less happy than her father – Wu Tianyi had always been in constant competition with Wu Jing for the position of the clan chief, but this all changed when Wu Jing had a fated encounter with a mysterious sorcerer whom he saved from the brink of death. He received a series of benefits from the sorcerer – one of which was enlightenment, which made his sorcery rank soar through the sky, and leaving Wu Tianyi far behind.

(Wu Tiangong) Damn it, I thought Wu Zetian was someone I could trust. This pill wasn't a treasure, it was a goddamn poison. Even after growing up with her for all these years, was she just pretending to like me? I have never mistreated her, why would she do this to me?

Questions were wriggling through Wu Tiangong's head like snakes - he had always had a high tolerance, but getting poisoned by his most trusted friend was truly unexpected.

"Wu Zetian. I never thought you would stoop this low."

Wu Tiangong felt like he had been stabbed.

Wu Zetian exhibited an innocent giggle, before dashing towards Wu Tiangong and throwing a palm towards his chest. Wu Tiangong in the mind of the audience was a cripple – he could not even see the attack let alone react to it and his father had not caught on to the changes in his body, so he could not protect him from this attack.

Wu Tiangong was struck and was sent flying back hundreds of meters before eventually hitting the audience wall and coughing up multiple mouthfuls of blood. Wu Tiangong had not only lost. He had lost miserably.

From once the most powerful genius to have been born into the Wu clan to the weakest. Wu Jing instantly left the audience and came to his aide. Wu Jing was convinced that the pill Wu Tiangong had consumed was a treasure. The thought of one of the sovereign elders poisoning someone from the same clan would never cross his mind. Not to mention he had exhausted a lot of effort scanning the pill for any lethal substances. However none of that mattered now, his main concern right now was healing his son.