The morning mist curled gently around the azure peaks, shrouding the mountain sect in a veil of divine calm. From a distance, the towering halls of Azure Cloud Sect looked like temples built by the heavens themselves, each roof shimmering faintly beneath the first light of dawn.
Hundreds of new disciples stood gathered within the main plaza, their eyes filled with awe as they gazed upon the elders seated above the grand staircase. Among them stood Tian Shen, silent and observant, his robes fluttering lightly in the morning wind.
An elder in blue stepped forward. His hair was silver, yet his face bore no wrinkles — his eyes carried the calm weight of experience.
"Welcome, new disciples of Azure Cloud Sect," the elder's voice echoed, calm yet resonant. "From this day forth, you shall walk the path that defies the heavens themselves. But before you embark on cultivation, you must first understand the world you live in."
The plaza fell silent. Even the wind seemed to still.
The Eastern Continent — Heart of the Mortal Realm
"The world you dwell in is called the Azure Sky World," Elder Yuan began. "A realm vast and boundless, divided into five great continents. We stand upon the Eastern Continent, the cradle of mortals and the center of human cultivation."
His gaze swept across the gathered youths.
"At the heart of this continent lies the Huan Empire, the most powerful mortal empire known. It governs four great kingdoms — Huan, Tian, Shen, and Ling — each blessed with its own legacy and strength."
A murmur rippled through the crowd as the names were spoken.
Tian Shen's eyes flickered briefly at the mention of the Tian Kingdom. A faint warmth stirred in his chest — pride, perhaps, or something older… something buried deep within his soul.
"Each kingdom harbors countless sects and clans," Elder Yuan continued. "Some rise to prominence, others fade into dust. But all are bound by the same truth — only strength determines your place beneath the heavens.
The Sects of the Mortal Realm
The elder's tone grew firmer.
"The cultivation world is divided by rank. From the weakest family clan to the most exalted sect, all strive for immortality."
He raised a hand, conjuring faint motes of light that formed shifting symbols in the air. "There are five ranks of sects in the Mortal Realm. Remember them well."
Tier One – Sacred Sects:
"Legends among mortals. Their power borders the heavens themselves. Few ever see their gates."
Tier Two – Grand Sects:
"Dominant forces that oversee empires and continents. Azure Cloud Sect stands proudly among them."
Tier Three – Upper Sects:
"Formidable powers ruling provinces, nurturing talents and guarding mortal borders."
Tier Four – Common Sects:
"Training grounds for aspiring cultivators. The backbone of every empire."
Tier Five – Family Clans:
"Where most of you come from. Bloodlines rich in potential, waiting for their chance to rise."
The lights dispersed, fading into the morning air. "Cultivation is endless," Elder Yuan said softly. "From the mortal stages to immortality itself, each step is a rebellion against fate. Remember this — to cultivate is to walk a path of struggle."
The Boy Beneath the Clouds
As the lecture ended, the disciples bowed and dispersed, some whispering excitedly about sect rankings and empires.
Tian Shen, however, remained still. He gazed toward the distant horizon, where the sky met the mountain peaks. "Azure Sky World…" he murmured quietly, tasting the name as if it were familiar.
For a fleeting moment, he saw it — a vision of nine stars burning in darkness, a vast wheel turning through endless space, and a shadow watching from beyond the heavens.
His heart throbbed, and the vision vanished. "Strange," he muttered, rubbing his chest. "Why does it feel like I've seen this before?"
The wind carried no answer — only the faint ringing of a distant bell, calling the new disciples to their first cultivation session.
Tian Shen drew a long breath, calming his heart.
He turned toward the inner training grounds, his eyes steady.
"So this is where it begins…" he whispered. "The Mortal Realm — the first step on the path of defying heaven."
And as he walked beneath the azure clouds, an unseen ripple spread across the sect's spiritual formation — faint, but ancient… as if something sleeping within him had stirred once more.