Master Yun Zhenhai stood frozen, his sharp eyes locked onto Lu Tianming as if staring at a mythical beast rather than a mere human.
> "Peak of Level 2… in a single session…" he muttered under his breath.
His mind raced, pounding with thoughts that refused to settle.
How monstrous must his talent be?
Even in all his years, Yun Zhenhai had only heard of such a phenomenon once—Gu Xueyan, the young heiress of the Gu Clan. She was known across the Great Empire as a prodigy among prodigies. At the tender age of fourteen, she had stepped into the Fourth Level of cultivation—a feat that left even the Supreme Beings speechless.
Even for those exalted existences at the top of the cultivation world, the leap from Level 3 to Level 4 was a daunting trial. It demanded not just comprehension, but a sheer, forceful will—tempering the body, soul, and spirit in perfect harmony. For them, it would take five, sometimes even ten years.
For ordinary cultivators?
Decades.
Lifetimes.
Or never.
Yet Lu Tianming, a boy from the imperial palace who was a mere mortal just hours ago… had reached the Peak of Level 2. And he showed no signs of slowing.
> "Could it be…" Yun Zhenhai narrowed his gaze, trying to pierce the layers of mystery that cloaked the youth before him. "Is this what they call... a once-in-a-millennium destiny?"
He could feel it—Lu Tianming wasn't just ta
lented.
He was dangerous.
As Lu Tianming steadied his breath, Master Yun finally spoke, his voice still layered with disbelief.
> "Tianming… you've reached Peak Level 2."
Lu's brows furrowed slightly, feigning confusion.
> "Peak… Master, is that good?"
Yun Zhenhai chuckled dryly, though his gaze remained sharp.
> "Good? You've crossed what most struggle for years to achieve—in a single session. Let me explain something to you…"
He raised his hand, drawing a glowing diagram of ten levels of cultivation, each divided into four sub-stages—Early, Middle, Late, and Peak.
> "The journey from Level 1 to 10 is what defines a cultivator's life. The gap between stages grows exponentially. Reaching Level 3 takes years. Reaching Level 4 is a mark of genius. Anything beyond... is legend."
Lu listened silently. In truth, he already understood much more than Master Yun imagined, thanks to the ancient memories slowly awakening within him. But seeing his master so shaken, Lu made a decision:
"I won't reveal more… not now."
He had felt it earlier—his qi was swirling restlessly, on the brink of breaking through to Level 3. But showing that now? In front of Yun Zhenhai?
No. Even if his master meant no harm, caution was survival.
---
Night soon fell over the Sky Pavilion, its lofty spires bathed in moonlight. After a few more words of instruction, Master Yun quietly departed, leaving Lu alone with the hum of the stars above and the faint glow of his cultivation scroll.
Sitting cross-legged, Lu began circulating his qi again, this time far more carefully, focusing on refining control rather than leaping ahead.
That's when he heard it—a pair of hurried footsteps echoing down the corridor.
A young servant appeared at the door, face pale, body slightly trembling. His eyes met Lu Tianming's for just a second—then he dropped to one knee, forehead touching the ground.
> "Y-Young master… your humble servant has brought you tea…"
Lu blinked.
He hadn't said a word. He hadn't released any aura intentionally. But the servant was shaking—as if standing before the head butler himself.
And then it struck him.
The pressure I'm giving off… it's too much.
In the Imperial Palace, most servants were mere Level 1 or 2 cultivators. Guards were stronger, typically Level 3 or 4, supervised by rare Level 5s. The Palace Elite Guard, however, was a force feared across the continent:
Level 5 (Mid to Peak) made up the core.
Level 6 cultivators acted as captains.
And at the top, three rare Level 7 cultivators, two in the early stage, one—the General—in mid-stage.
This setup was no accident. Even the ancient families of old dared not provoke the empire, and it was this very structure that ensured the Lu Clan's rule remained unshaken across the continent.
Lu Tianming sighed lightly.
> "You may leave."
The servant stumbled backward, bowing again before fleeing, leaving the tea tray trembling on the stone floor.
Just as Lu Tianming was about to close his eyes and resume cultivation, he felt a presence behind him—strong, steady, and awe-inspiring.
Before he could react, a figure dropped to one knee, his voice respectful yet resonant with power.
> "Your Highness, congratulations on advancing to Level 2."
Lu turned slightly, recognizing the man instantly.
He was none other than Wei Shuren, a Level 7 cultivator—early stage—and Tianming's personal guardian.
A moment later, more pressure filled the room. One after another, shadows moved from the darkness around the Sky Pavilion and dropped to their knees.
Ten Level 6 cultivators, each standing like steel statues.
And behind them, a hundred Level 5 elite guards, their armor glinting faintly under the moonlight.
They all spoke in unison:
> "We offer our respects to the Crown Prince! May your cultivation soar beyond the heavens!"
Their voices echoed like thunder through the night.
Even Lu, though used to protocol, found it excessive.
This… is too grand. Even for me.
In the Great Empire, even high princes were typically guarded by 2 to 4 Level 6 cultivators, supported by a few dozen Level 5s. To have a Level 7 expert at one's side was unheard of—a privilege even the imperial princes of ancient dynasties wouldn't dare expect.
But Lu Tianming was different.
He wasn't just a prince.
He was the Crown Prince.
The sole heir to the Great Empire's throne.
Where other empires had multiple princes vying for power—sons from concubines and consorts, born into rivalries and chaos—Lu Wuyue, the current emperor, had only one son.
And to protect that singular hope for the empire's future, he deployed a force that even ancient clans would fear to provoke.
> "Father… you've gone too far," Lu thought silently, suppressing a sigh.
Yet in his heart, a fire burned.
He would not squander such protection.
He would earn it. Surpass it.
And rise above even the emperor himself.
Just as Lu Tianming was sorting through his thoughts beneath the moonlit pavilion, a voice echoed softly in his ear—not spoken aloud, but carried through a spiritual transmission only possible from someone with immense cultivation.
> "Tianming… come to my personal chamber."
His father.
The next moment, Lu stood before the Emperor of the Great Empire, Lu Wuyue, in the heart of the imperial palace—the secluded Celestial Jade Chamber, where only those closest to the throne were ever allowed.
The Emperor sat silently for a while, his eyes studying Tianming with warmth, pride… and a trace of weariness.
> "Father," Lu Tianming said, bowing. "You called for me?"
Lu Wuyue hesitated for a moment, as if weighing words heavier than stone. Then, he exhaled softly.
> "The demon borders are growing unstable. Tensions are escalating faster than expected. We've managed to hold the lines for years, but now…"
"Now, I fear we may not hold them much longer."
Lu Tianming's fists clenched by his sides. His blood stirred—not with fear, but with burning hatred.
The demons. Those cursed beasts. They dare push this far?
The Emperor continued, walking slowly to stand beside his son.
> "Tianming, I don't say this to scare you. But it's time you go into closed-door cultivation. Effective immediately. I want you to stay hidden, stay safe… until you reach at least Level 4."
There was silence. Heavy. Final.
> "At Level 4, you'll be able to fly. To escape, if need be. That alone… gives me peace."
Lu's heart roared in protest.
Run? Hide? Is that all I can do now?
But as he looked up at his father, he saw no weakness—only sorrow wrapped in strength. A ruler who had stood tall for decades, yet now carried the crushing weight of uncertainty for his only son's survival.
The Emperor placed a firm hand on Tianming's shoulder.
> "And… congratulations." He smiled gently. "Peak of Level 2. I'm not surprised… only proud. It means… even if I'm not here someday—at least you'll survive this world."
That struck deeper than any sword.
Lu Tianming lowered his gaze, nodding once.
But inside, a fire was already growing.
> "Survive?"
No.
I will rise.
And the demons will kneel in ashes for daring to threaten my empire… and my father.