Chapter 1: A Not So Normal Day in the Life of a Geek
Rohan was a 25-year-old young man with a passion for both the intricacies of mathematics and the enchanting realms of fantasy. By day, he worked tirelessly at a game development company, utilizing his keen intellect to craft intricate mathematical models for a groundbreaking new physics engine.
His dedication to his work was unmatched, and his colleagues often marveled at his ability to solve complex equations with ease.
But outside the office, Rohan led a double life of sorts. In the evenings, he retreated to the sanctuary of his local library, seeking solace amidst rows of dusty tomes and weathered manuscripts. It was here, surrounded by the comforting scent of old paper and ink, that he felt most alive.
Rohan's love affair with books began at a young age, sparked by a chance encounter with a tattered copy of "The Lord of the Rings." From that moment, he was hooked, devouring everything from epic fantasy sagas to cutting-edge scientific theories with equal fervor. As he made his way through the library, his eyes lit up with excitement at the sight of new arrivals and forgotten classics alike.
He would lose himself for hours in the pages of his favorite novels, immersing himself in worlds of magic and adventure that felt more real than the mundane realities of everyday life. Amidst the sea of books, one sight never failed to catch Rohan's eye – the librarian. She was a vision of grace and beauty, with flowing locks and a captivating smile. Rohan found himself drawn to her like a moth to a flame.
Every time he entered the library, his heart raced at the prospect of seeing her, and he would steal furtive glances in her direction whenever he thought she wasn't looking. He longed to strike up a conversation with her, to learn more about the woman behind the desk who held his heart in her hands. But fear held him back, and he remained rooted to the spot, unable to muster the courage to approach her.
What if she rejected him? What if she already had a boyfriend? These doubts plagued Rohan's mind, filling him with a sense of insecurity that threatened to consume him. Yet, despite his inner turmoil, Rohan couldn't shake the feeling that fate might have brought them together for a reason. As he stood there, gazing at the object of his affection from across the room, he vowed that one day, he would find the courage to make his feelings known.
On this particular evening, as Rohan perused the shelves of the library, his heart skipped a beat when he spotted the librarian, her gentle smile lighting up the room. Summoning all his courage, he made his way over to her desk, his palms sweating and his heart pounding in his chest.
"Excuse me," he said, his voice coming out as a nervous squeak. "I was wondering if you could recommend any good fantasy novels? I'm looking for something new to read."
The librarian's eyes sparkled with interest as she looked up from her book cataloging. "Of course!" she exclaimed, her voice warm and inviting. "Do you have any particular preferences? Epic quests, magical realms, or perhaps something a bit more grounded in reality?" Rohan's mind raced as he struggled to articulate his thoughts.
"Um, I guess I'm open to anything," he replied, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I just love getting lost in new worlds and experiencing grand adventures." The librarian's smile widened, and she began to rattle off a list of recommendations, her passion for literature evident in every word. As she spoke, Rohan found himself hanging on her every syllable, captivated by her enthusiasm and knowledge.
"Thank you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'll be sure to check them out." As he turned to leave, a sudden burst of courage surged through Rohan, and he turned back to face the librarian once more. "Um, I was wondering if... if you'd like to grab a coffee sometime?" he blurted out, his heart racing with anticipation.
The librarian's eyes widened in surprise, but a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "I'd love to," she replied, her voice soft and genuine. "How about tomorrow evening? There's a quaint little café just down the street." A wave of relief washed over Rohan as he nodded eagerly, a broad grin spreading across his face. "Tomorrow evening it is," he said, his voice filled with excitement.
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As he walked out of the library, a newfound sense of hope filled Rohan's heart. Perhaps, he thought to himself, this was the beginning of a grand adventure of his own – one that would rival even the most epic tales he had ever read. As he looked forward to his date with the enchanting librarian, he couldn't help but feel that his life was finally beginning to resemble one of his beloved fantasy novels.
Meanwhile, in a Different World...
Somewhere far away in a different world, a certain group of islands was being besieged by the Sea Kings. They were led by a powerful Naga called Gao, known for his wisdom and intellect. Gao had a gem on his forehead that shone blue, unique to Nagas, considered the king of beasts.
This particular Naga seemed already injured, indicating either recent advancement or a deadly battle with a formidable adversary. The air crackled with tension as the battle raged, the clash of steel against scale echoing across the blood-soaked battlefield.
The Sea Kings, led by Gao, launched a relentless assault on the islands. Their goal was clear – to breach the defenses of the Seven Great Islands and lay claim to the coveted sub-realm dungeon governed by all 15 clans of the islands together. But the defenders, led by the valiant warriors of the Ning Clan and countless others, stood firm.
Their determination was unwavering in the face of overwhelming odds. With each passing moment, the fate of their home hung in the balance, teetering on the edge of annihilation. Amidst the chaos, Gao, the mighty Naga, loomed like a specter of death, his azure gemstone gleaming ominously on his forehead.
This gem, a mark of his superiority, signified that he had crossed into the Nascent Soul stage, elevating him to a level of power and intellect that few could rival. But even the mighty Gao was not invincible. As the battle raged on, he found himself grievously wounded, his once-proud form marred by the scars of combat.
His scales, once impenetrable, were now rent and torn, oozing with dark ichor that stained the earth beneath him. The injuries he sustained were severe – deep gashes crisscrossed his body, each one a testament to the ferocity of the battle. His limbs hung limp and lifeless, shattered by the relentless onslaught of the defenders.
Worst of all, his once-proud gemstone, the source of his power and intellect, had been cracked and dulled, its once-bright glow fading with each passing moment. As the battle reached its climax, Gao realized that defeat was inevitable. With a roar of fury and frustration, he turned and fled.
His wounded form slithered away into the depths of the ocean, his dreams of conquest shattered by the resilience of his foes. In the aftermath of the battle, amidst the wreckage and carnage that littered the battlefield, Ning Jian, a young master of the Ning Clan, stumbled upon the fallen form of the mighty Naga.
His heart pounded with excitement and trepidation as he approached cautiously, his eyes widening in awe at the sight before him. Gao lay sprawled on the ground, his once-majestic form now reduced to a mere shadow of its former glory. His breathing was labored, his eyes glazed with pain as he struggled to lift his head.
But Ning Jian had no intention of taking Gao prisoner. Instead, his eyes were drawn to the cracked gemstone on the Naga's forehead, its faint glow still visible despite the damage it had sustained. With trembling hands, Ning Jian reached out and plucked the gemstone from Gao's brow, marveling at its weight and brilliance.
He knew instinctively that this gem was no ordinary trinket – it was a source of immense power, capable of unlocking untold secrets and unleashing unimaginable forces upon the world. With a mixture of excitement and fear, Ning Jian tucked the gemstone into his pocket and made his way back to his clan's encampment.
His mind raced with possibilities. Little did he know that fate had other plans in store for him and the gemstone he now possessed. When he presented the gemstone to his wife, a healer named Lian, she reached out to touch it. Her fingers brushed against its smooth surface.
In that moment, a surge of energy coursed through her body, filling her with a newfound sense of vitality and strength. The gemstone, imbued with the mystical Qi of the fallen Naga, started to merge with Ning Lian's spirit and did something to her body. A few months later, she gave birth to a daughter named Ning Rong.
She also gave a piece of the gem to her best friend Lu Jia, who soon gave birth to a boy. Tragically, Lu Jia and her husband died soon after. The boy showed signs of vitality, and it was believed the gem had something to do with it.
They both were commoners but were like family to Ning Lian. She never showed it, but she blamed herself for their demise. With their deaths, the clan also lost two Qi manifestation cultivators. However, the child born showed talent for cultivation, although time would reveal how high when he turned five years old.
The gem was extremely potent. It was almost impossible for a cultivator couple to birth a child this early, and both of them did because of a mere broken gem. Both children had cultivation potential. Most cultivators couldn't even give birth before they died, which was why clans usually fell instead of getting wiped out by someone.
Cultivators often used pills to ease childbirth. The gem's influence was profound, and its power undeniable. Ning Lian could see the potential for both children to become great cultivators, but the cost was high. The gem had taken lives to bestow life, a paradox that haunted her thoughts.
So she decided to do what a sister should do.