Chapter 1: The Rising Sun
The Mysterious Sun Sect of the Celestial Dragon Kingdom was perched on a towering mountain cliff. Rising high above the clouds, it was often wrapped in golden mist at dawn and bathed in a warm crimson glow by dusk.
Because the shape of the cliff resembled a dragon’s head, the locals called it the Sun-Chasing Dragon Cliff. From the dragon’s mouth, a crystalline waterfall cascaded down, vanishing into the sea of clouds below. And atop this majestic dragon’s head stood the Sect Master’s manor, a grand and tranquil estate surrounded by centuries-old pine trees and golden-leafed maples. The air was fresh, cool and crisp.
A young man stepped onto the manor’s wide stone terrace. The morning sunlight spilled across the garden. Birds chirped cheerfully from the treetops, while squirrels leapt between branches. Nearby, a small rocky pond bubbled gently, the soft murmur of flowing water adding to the serene atmosphere.
"Sect Master, you summoned me?"
He bowed low. His long black hair was tied in a neat queue, and his white robe fluttered in the breeze. At his waist hung a slender sword; its white-jade scabbard gleamed faintly in the sunlight.
The Sect Master, Yan Hao Yang, stood by the railing, eyes fixed on the horizon. Tall and broad-shouldered, with mane-like golden hair, he turned at last to face the youth. His golden eyes narrowed, and a faint smile tugged at his lips.
"Langtian, is it true? You’ve formed a 7th Grade Spirit Core?"
His voice rumbled like distant thunder rolling through the mountains.
Even after thirteen years of discipleship, Bai Langtian still felt the crushing weight of his master’s presence.
Yan Hao Yang had long since reached the peak of the True Spirit Realm. Simply standing near him felt like standing before a god clad in mortal flesh.
"Yes, Master. I have successfully formed the 7th Grade Core."
"Good. Very good!"