For the first time since awakening in this new world, Zhao Tian walked a road not lined with beasts or bandits, but cobbled stone and civilization.
Stonewind City stood ahead like a sleeping dragon—massive, ancient, and alive with Qi. Its walls towered like gray mountains, pulsing faintly with defensive formations. Cultivators soared overhead on spirit tools, and great beast-driven carriages rumbled along the road.
Tian stopped a few steps from the main gate, silently observing the flow of traffic.
Compared to the wilderness where he'd hunted beasts and leveled up through battle, this was a different battlefield—one of politics, status, and knowledge. His enemies here would not leap at him with claws and fangs but drown him in influence and bloodless schemes.
I've reached Peak Spirit Awakening, he thought.
One more realm and I step into Foundation Establishment. But without understanding this world's hierarchy, I'll just be another strong bumpkin waiting to be squashed.
He walked through the gates, ten low-grade spirit stones lighter, and entered a city alive with Qi.
The City of Stone and Wind
Inside the city walls, the streets bustled with activity.
Vendors shouted the prices of spirit-forged weapons, refined beast cores, and Qi-condensing pills. Cultivators in flashy sect robes strutted through the streets, while rogue cultivators eyed them with thinly veiled resentment.
Tian kept his aura retracted and wore a simple black cloak. Flashy behavior was for those who had someone powerful to back them. He had no master, no sect, and no clan. Only the Boundless Ascension System pulsed within him—silent, waiting.
As he walked deeper into the city, his ears caught wind of conversations.
"The Moonshadow Sect is recruiting again—but only those at Foundation Establishment or with rare physiques."
"Did you hear? A disciple from the Ten Thousand Thunder Hall killed a core member of the Jade Flame Sect in a duel. They're on the brink of war."
"Tch. None of that matters. Unless you're backed by one of the Heavenly Sects, you're still nothing."
Zhao Tian made a mental note of everything.
He needed more than rumors. He needed structure, history, and clarity.
Crane Whisper Pavilion
On a quiet side street near the heart of the city stood a teahouse called the Crane Whisper Pavilion. Its windows glowed with soft lantern-light, and the air smelled faintly of spiritual herbs and roasted lotus seeds.
Inside, the crowd was subdued. Merchants, traveling cultivators, and sect retirees sipped tea and whispered stories—sometimes of battle, other times of betrayal.
Zhao Tian found a corner seat and called over a young server.
"I need information," he said, sliding over a small pouch of spirit stones. "Bring me someone who can talk."
The girl blinked, then smiled. "You'll want Elder Guo. Third table on the left."
The Nine Above, the Ten Below
Elder Guo looked like he hadn't drawn his sword in decades, but his aura was still deep and refined. Wrinkles framed his eyes, and his white beard fell to his chest. He sipped tea slowly and looked Zhao Tian over with sharp yet sleepy eyes.
"You're not from around here," he said. "Your steps are too light for someone raised in a sect. Rogue cultivator?"
Tian didn't deny it. "I want to understand the world. The real structure. Not street gossip."
Guo chuckled. "Good. Most young ones think swinging a sword means they deserve a throne. You're smarter than that."
He leaned forward, lowering his voice.
"Above all in this world stand the Nine Heavenly Sects. Each one controls vast territories, ancient bloodlines, and is rumored to be led by True Immortals. These sects don't just dominate—they shape history itself. Their sect masters are said to have walked through calamities, and their disciples can kill saints in their youth."
Zhao Tian's eyes gleamed. True Immortals?
Guo continued.
"Below them are the Ten Earthly Sects—giants in their own right. They command continents, lead mortal empires, and cultivate Saint Ancestors or half-step immortals as their pillars. Their prestige isn't much lower than the Nine, but they lack that 'divine' pressure."
"And beneath them…" he chuckled, "...is the rest of us. Thousands of minor sects, clans, rogue schools, and alliances. We are the dust beneath their thrones. Some rise, most fall. But none escape the laws of hierarchy."
Zhao Tian processed it silently. The words were simple, but behind them was a crushing truth: he was not even on the map. He was a leaf, floating at the bottom of a waterfall.
And yet...
He smiled.
Good. The higher they stand, the better it'll feel to surpass them.
Tiers of Power
Guo, now in a more talkative mood, elaborated further.
"Each major sect territory is called a Dao Domain, surrounded by protection arrays and natural spirit formations. The Nine control the heavens. The Ten shape the earth. If you're not under a banner, you're prey."
"And unless you're born with a legendary bloodline, rare spiritual root, or heavenly destiny… your path to those towers is blocked."
He leaned back. "So tell me, boy. Why are you asking?"
Zhao Tian looked at his teacup. "Because I plan to climb."
Guo laughed, long and hard. "You and every other hot-blooded youth who walks through these doors. Just don't die too quickly."
Tian stood, bowed respectfully, and left.
But his smile lingered long after he stepped outside.
That Night: Quiet Resolve
Zhao Tian sat atop a tall building as Stonewind City slumbered beneath him. The stars glittered like cold gems in the sky. Somewhere out there, nine sects ruled everything—untouchable and unquestioned.
But what if someone could touch them?
What if someone could look a True Immortal in the eyes… and be stronger?
The system still pulsed silently within him. His foundation was laid. All that remained was a trigger—someone stronger attacking him. Then, he would rise again.
"So this is the world," Zhao Tian murmured. "Good. The mountain is high. That means there's more to crush."
He closed his eyes and smiled.
"Let them all come. I'll be waiting."