The descent

When did I fall deeper without the strength to resist?

Once upon a time, a supreme monarch appeared and created all things. He built nine realms of heavens, occupied by heavenly beings that served him. He also established many universes. However, something happened. A high-ranking servant betrayed him and corrupted six universes among the many universes created by the supreme monarch.

Eighth realm of heaven, transportation room.

A supreme being stood in front of a portal. This portal appeared mysterious and incomparably threatening—it was fearful. In the doorway, there were mysterious inscriptions that depicted ancient mysteries. The face of the being seemed inconspicuous. At this moment, five elements entered the portal in their primary state (deadly thunder, glorious wind, dominant fire, Almighty water, and unstoppable earth).

The being sighed.

"You will start all over again, you will grow stronger on your own, and you will face trials and tribulations on your own; of course, I've left you guys with my divine sense; it will boost your understanding and compatibility of your element." The supreme being said calmly. His body exuded extreme light that could blind other gods. It was as though he was the source of light. At the same time, he exuded majesty—he was incomparable.

After a few seconds of silence, the supreme being stretched his hand and rotated it gently like a dial. The light in the portal shone without restraint. "Go!" he commanded. Immediately, a blinding light covered the whole room. After the light came darkness and silence. The entire eight realms of heaven became dead silent as if they mourn for the death of a king.

Yes, a king.

In the currently established eight heavenly realms: the whole being prostrated on the ground. There was no exception. Both high gods and low gods, they all bowed. After all, the five gods that transmigrated out of heaven were supreme commanders. They were second only to the supreme monarch, Sen Ateski. However, the other gods had not comprehended the mystery of these gods because they barely made an appearance in heaven. Only the supreme monarch sat in control. However, all rules came from the priest of heaven, who appeared to be the prince of heaven. The legendary elemental gods only executed missions that were delicate and mysterious, like contributing to organizing new universes created by the supreme monarch. Therefore only their legends were heard in heaven; people don't see them because they want to. In fact, they were like heaven's dogma.

At this moment, the same being that transported the elemental gods appeared in a throne room. The room was mysterious and bloomed with a unique power full of holiness. The phenomenal room was brighter than any form of light. An authoritative golden throne sat majestically—it was the center of connection of the throne room. A majestic sun hung above the throne and behind it was nothing but cloud. By the right of it were seven golden doors. These doors exuded life and mystery. To the left of the room were five empty smaller thrones, but the throne in the middle of those five thrones was more majestic. Also, a golden staff floated mysteriously around it. Behind these thrones was yet another cloud of mysterious smoke. South of the single grand throne was a thick golden wall that represented the entrance and exit of the throne room. This throne room positioned itself directly in the eighth heaven. In fact, it sat at the end of the eighth heaven. The being walked majestically to the single throne and sat. The sun above his head shone more majestically and sharply as though he induced it. In a few seconds, the being lost its form to the sunlight. This being was the supreme monarch—Sen Ateski, the god of all.

Jankao universe—first universe.

Jankao universe was a great universe divided into four regions (the north, the south, the west, and the east). Humans occupied this universe. However, two types of humans existed here, the humans that used the power of nature and elements and the humans that had the power of animals. The western and the eastern Jankao were ruled by humans that specialized in elemental energies, while the north and south were charged by people with animal spirits. The power was balanced, and therefore peace reigned. At the same time, two kinds of culture prevailed in the Jankao universe. The north and south specialized in the monastery service, and they lived a bit backward like cavemen. The western and eastern part of Jankao uses a monarch system. While these four divisions partner in two—north and south and west and east, they still continue their competitive nature. So every few years, they took part in competitions that demonstrated their status and strength.

At this moment, there were unprecedented changes in the west and east. Rain, lightning, arbitrary scorching heat, and landslide. This phenomenon continued to occur for the past few months. In west and east of Jankao, four pregnant women carried the elemental gods—they were due for delivery.

On this day, in the western cardinal, the pressure in the air increased tenfold—it wanted to rain heavily. These changes ensued in a particular village in Satou city. This Satou city was a few towns away from Skydrome city that housed the one and the only academy in the west—western school of element and technique. It was evening, and the wind was already moist and cold—the rain was already impatient. Somewhere in Satou city, there was a simple mourning ceremony. In a hall filled with few people that wore black mourning robes and gowns, the deceased picture stood in front of everyone. Burning incense stood beside the image. Everyone stood with a heavy expression—they were all pained.

A few meters away from the large picture stood a young woman; she was twenty years old, and a somber expression washed her face. Of course, it did not override her charming face. However, at this moment, any positive quality and aura that this lady embodied were all filled with loneliness. Beside this woman, left and right stood two older men with a dour expressions. Even without their cold and impassive face, they were still average in appearance. Besides, they were in their forties. There was nothing extraordinary about their appearance. In fact, these two men did not hide their anger toward the woman that stood in their midst. Closer to them was a much older adult in his seventies. His hair was completely bald, and he had a beard and mustache.

After the three of them paid their respect, they stepped aside for others to pay their respect, too. So people came over to bow three times; they dropped their flowers and consoled the deceased family before leaving. These people came to commiserate with the family; they also knew their task would be difficult moving forward. After everyone left the hall, four people remained. These four people were the same people that first stood in front of the picture.

"Elizabeth, you have to leave this family as well. Take care of yourself from now onward." The oldest man (Ching Xen) said impassively.

"But uncle Xen…." The words coming out of the woman's mouth were swallowed back. She couldn't believe her eyes and ears because these people couldn't wait a day to dispose of her. It was pitiful.

As though they knew what Karl Elizabeth would say, Ching Li and Chen Yang spoke more coldly: "Sort yourself out. Your problem is not our problem. When did we become your nanny?"

Karl Elizabeth watched these beasts postured before her; she was incredibly angered, yet she endured. Her eyes couldn't help turned red—tears dropped like a fragment of stones from her eyes. It was a pitiful sight. At the same time, a heavy downpour ensued. It was so thick that everyone heard nothing but the beating sound of the rain. Karl Elizabeth turned her back on the four men and sprauchled toward the exist.

The street was lonely as though it resonated with the sadness in Elizabeth's heart. The heavy rain slapped her without relenting. The lonely road only had dim street lights that couldn't light up more than a stretched hand. Elizabeth plowed her way through the heavy rain without caring about her body. After her hours of traik, she saw a lighted tea shop, but she didn't have the intention of disturbing anyone. In her mind, she wanted to leave towards the mountain and cave—somewhere far away from people. However, fate was not about to allow her to waste her time.

Inside the tea shop sat a plump young man in his thirties. He wore a simple ash color robe. In fact, this person had a peaceful air around him. He was calm and thoughtful: Sandy Maurita. On top of his table was a glass of tea and on his hand was some kind of record. As he read and peacefully drank his tea, he noticed the movement in the rain. Being kind-hearted, he had to invite the person inside at least.

"Please, my dear, come inside my tea shop—it is warm." Sandy Maurita invited the person.