Five more years passed quietly within the eastern lands of the Huan Empire.
The Tian Clan thrived under Patriarch Tian Yu's careful guidance, but one mystery continued to haunt him—the strange surge of energy his son had released years ago. No matter how much he searched, the answers eluded him.
He had traveled across libraries and archives, consulted scholars and wandering cultivators, even delved into the royal archives of the Huan capital. Yet, not a single text described the black-and-gold energy that had emerged from his son.
Tian Yu often found himself standing before the family altar late at night, the same place struck by lightning during Tian Shen's birth.
"Just what are you, my son?" he whispered into the darkness.
Still, he could not suppress his pride. Tian Shen, now ten years old, had grown into a graceful yet calm boy—disciplined, observant, and far more insightful than his age should allow.
He trained his body daily, though no master had yet taught him cultivation. His movements were sharp and precise, as though his instincts themselves had been tempered over centuries.
Servants often murmured in awe: "At ten, his balance and strength are already at the level of a trained warrior!"
"The heavens truly favored the Tian family this time."
But Tian Yu knew it was more than mere talent. There was a power buried deep within his son, one that neither mortal training nor simple discipline could explain.
That evening, Tian Yu called Tian Shen to his study.
The young boy entered quietly, bowing. "Father, you asked for me?"
Tian Yu smiled, motioning for him to sit. "You've grown, Shen'er. Do you know why I called you here tonight?"
Tian Shen shook his head.
"It is time," Tian Yu said softly. "Time for you to begin your cultivation journey."
The boy's eyes brightened. "Truly, Father?"
"Yes," Tian Yu replied, though a trace of worry lingered in his expression. "I can no longer delay your path. The world beyond our gates is vast, filled with opportunity and danger alike. You must learn to stand on your own feet."
He paused before continuing. "Tomorrow, an elder from the Azure Cloud Sect will arrive. They are one of the most respected sects in the Huan Empire. If you are accepted, you'll begin your training under their guidance."
Tian Shen bowed deeply, excitement and determination mixing in his gaze. "I will not disappoint you, Father."
Tian Yu smiled faintly, though a quiet unease gripped his heart. "Remember, Shen'er—cultivation is not merely power. It is understanding, restraint, and balance. You must never lose sight of who you are."
"Yes, Father."
That night, sleep eluded Tian Yu. He stood at the window of his chamber, gazing at the stars. A faint unease gnawed at him—the same feeling he had the night Tian Shen was born.
The heavens were watching again.
And indeed, far above, the Wheel of Fate turned once more. The Primordial of Time watched the threads of destiny twist and knot around the mortal boy.
"The path has begun," Time murmured. "The first step of fate's return."
From the depths of the sealed realm, a voice echoed through the void—ancient, calm, and darkly amused. "So, my successor begins his ascent. Let's see if the heavens remember the chaos they once feared."
The following morning, the Azure Cloud Sect envoy arrived in radiant azure robes, descending from the sky upon a spirit crane. The Tian Clan members gathered in awe, whispering in excitement.
The envoy's eyes, old yet sharp, landed on the young Tian Shen standing beside his father. He studied the boy in silence.
A faint smile curved his lips. "Interesting… the heavens themselves tremble slightly around him."
Tian Yu bowed respectfully. "This is my son, Tian Shen. I humbly request that he be evaluated."
The envoy nodded. "Very well. Let us see if the heavens favor his cultivation path."
He raised his hand, summoning a faint blue orb of spiritual light that hovered before Tian Shen.
"Place your hand on the Spirit Orb, and let your essence flow."
Tian Shen obeyed.
The moment his palm touched the orb, the air rippled violently. The orb flared from blue to gold—then shattered, releasing a pulse of power that sent everyone staggering backward.
The envoy's eyes widened. "Impossible! The Orb of Spirit cannot shatter—it measures essence, it does not react!"
Tian Yu shielded his son as dust and light filled the courtyard. When it cleared, the envoy was staring at Tian Shen with a mixture of awe and fear.
He whispered, "This child… is marked by something far beyond the mortal realm."
Far above, the Wheel of Fate spun faster.
And in the endless void, the sealed being laughed softly.
"The heavens can try to measure chaos—but chaos does not bow to fate."
The path had begun, and the first cracks in destiny had already appeared.