In this world, there was only one unwavering principle: might makes right. It was a brutal reality where strength ruled supreme, and the weak were mere tools to be exploited. As I navigated this harsh world, I quickly learned that survival depended solely on one's cultivation base and background.

Having studied for several weeks now, I had come to understand that with a strong cultivation base and influential background, one could attain seemingly limitless power and authority. To grasp this concept more thoroughly, I delved into the study of cultivation itself.

Cultivation was a mystical and ancient practice pursued by many in their quest for immortality. It involved the harnessing and refinement of one's spiritual energy, known as Qi, to break through the various realms of cultivation. It was a path filled with challenges, where cultivators faced tribulations, battled adversaries, and honed their skills in pursuit of enlightenment.In this cultivation world, Cultivation is divided into ten realms in total, each representing a higher level of cultivation than the one before it. The journey begins with Qi Refining, followed by Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, Spirit Tempering, Nascent Soul, Dao Formation, Tribulation, Ascension, and finally, Immortal. As cultivators progress through these realms, they undergo significant changes in their physical and spiritual being, developing new abilities and strengths while increasing their lifespan through attunement to the universe.

There are five major factions of cultivation in the world.

Orthodox Spiritual Cultivation Techniques were based on established principles and guidelines passed down through respected sects or clans. They required diligent practice, adherence to moral codes, and focused on refining qi through meditation and breathing exercises. The emphasis was on achieving balance and harmony of the body and spirit.

Unorthodox Spiritual Cultivation Techniques were unique, unconventional, and experimental. They might offer faster progress, but also came with risks, drawbacks, or consequences. One prime example of unorthodox methods was Blood Cultivation, which involved using one's own blood as a source of cultivation energy. Another example was Sound or Music Cultivation, which used sound waves or music as a means of cultivation. Cultivators might use specific frequencies, melodies, or vibrations to resonate with and harmonize their own qi, or to tap into the power of sound for attacking, defending, or healing.

Demonic Spiritual Cultivation Techniques were associated with dark, forbidden powers. They involved transforming Natural Qi into demonic Qi through a Demonic seed and harnessing that Demonic Qi.

Bestial Spiritual Cultivation Techniques involved cultivating the powers or abilities of animals or beasts. These techniques were relatively simple, as cultivators would consume Spiritual Qi and digest it, thereby strengthening their blood, bones, and body in the process.

Buddhist Spiritual Cultivation Techniques involved cultivating the virtues of Buddhist belief. Cultivators would give up their sense of self through meditative practices and body training techniques in order to become immortal and remove themselves from the cycle of reincarnation. These techniques focused on enhancing their mental cultivation.

My own Cultivation technique is considered unorthodox since it involves Qi Disruption, where I intentionally disrupt the flow of spiritual Qi, causing it to become chaotic or unstable. I then absorb and assimilate it by circulating the Qi and cultivating it using my innate energy. This method may be considered unorthodox due to its disruptive and unpredictable nature, which goes against the traditional approach of refining and harmonizing Qi.

However, despite its unconventional nature, this technique has proven to be remarkably fast in comparison to traditional norms. While it typically takes cultivators with a true spiritual root anywhere from a year to eighteen months to gather their first strand of Qi and refine it, I was able to reach that level in just over a month. The speed of my progress sets my technique apart from traditional methods, which rely on a more gradual and patient approach.

It's worth noting that my technique's effectiveness and efficiency come at the cost of deviating from the traditional path. While some may view it as unorthodox and risky, I've found it to be a powerful and effective means of cultivating my Qi. The disruptive and unpredictable nature of my technique challenges the conventional beliefs and norms of cultivation, but it aligns with my unique abilities and innate energy.

The prospect of attaining immortality and unlocking the mysteries of the universe is just the beginning of the allure that drives cultivators to pursue this ancient practice. However, cultivation is not easily attainable, as it requires one to possess spiritual roots, a rare occurrence that happens only to one in ten thousand. Those fortunate enough to possess spiritual roots often exploit others mortals who have the misfortune of not awakening their spiritual root.

Even those with spiritual roots are not exempt from exploitation, as sects, clans, and organizations with higher cultivation levels, such as Foundation Establishment members and Gold Core elders, seek to control regions for better environments, techniques, weapons, and resources. In this world, cultivation reigns supreme above all else, and cultivators are willing to go to extreme lengths, even selling their own children, wives, and lives, for the sake of their cultivation. The greed and cruelty of this world know no bounds, with cultivators sacrificing everything, including themselves, in pursuit of eternal immortality.

In conclusion, the world of cultivation is one where the pursuit of power and immortality comes at a great cost, where exploitation and sacrifice are rampant, and where the desire for cultivation often overrides all other considerations. It is a world that is both alluring and ruthless, where cultivators must navigate treacherous paths and make difficult choices in order to achieve their ultimate goal.

For this very reason, I had no interest in becoming a mere cog in the machine of cultivation.

Taking the first step towards my own freedom, On arrival in Shi Hu City I immediately bought a new identity token from a corrupt official for three hundred low-grade spirit stones.

Now, I was a man named Lin Yun, born and raised in Shi Hu City with no connection to the past, I purchased a passage to the furthest prefecture from the Yin Yang Harmony Sect.

My plan was to settle in Shangxing City, a place where I could live peacefully without worrying about being targeted or encountering trouble.

My first priority would be my cultivation. I fetched out two leather-bound thick books with metal covers that appeared from my ring.

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One was titled "Celestial Water Arts," a Heaven-ranked technique for water-based attributes, and the other was "Celestial Insight," a divine sense cultivation technique of Earth rank. I knew that techniques, skills, and spells were divided into five ranks depicted by colors: white, yellow, black, Earth, Heaven, and Divine, with white being the weakest and Divine being the strongest.

With these powerful techniques in my possession, I was filled with excitement and determination to embark on my cultivation journey in Shangxing City. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I was ready to face the challenges and pursue my path to greatness. My eyes glinted with resolve as I prepared to unlock the secrets of these ancient techniques and unlock my full potential.

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As the ship glided gracefully towards the shore, my heart pounded with exhilaration and anticipation. The sight of the ancient city before me stirred a sense of wonder and curiosity that surged through my entire being. I was eager to step foot on its hallowed grounds, to unravel the mysteries concealed within its labyrinthine alleys and towering structures. The ship's approach to the shore felt agonizingly slow, as if time itself had stretched out in anticipation of the grand unveiling that awaited me. My senses were heightened, my eyes darting from one detail to another, taking in the majestic skyline, the bustling harbor, and the exotic architecture that adorned the city's skyline. The air was filled with a palpable sense of history and magic, and I could hardly contain my excitement as I prepared to embark on my new journey in this enigmatic city of wonders.

As I bid farewell to Ship Master Li Jun and disembarked from the ship, I was immediately struck by the unexpected sight that greeted me. The ancient city before me seemed straight out of a bygone era, like a meticulously crafted movie set depicting a long-forgotten past. The narrow streets were lined with weathered buildings, adorned with intricate carvings, and adorned with colorful banners. Temples stood tall, their roofs adorned with ornate details, casting shadows on the bustling streets below. The city was far from small; it buzzed with life and activity.

People from all walks of life were going about their daily routines. Merchants shouted and bargained with customers, their stalls brimming with exotic and luxurious goods. Children played games, their laughter echoing through the air. The streets were a flurry of movement, with various sects and clans establishing their presence in the town. Some shops and restaurants offered tantalizing dishes and rare wines, while vendors at stalls peddled a diverse array of goods, from clothing to toys to jewelry.

"Young master, Young master," I heard voices calling out to me, and as I turned around, I saw several boys and girls standing with wide eyes and nervous expressions on their faces. I greeted them with a smile. "Young master, come with me, I can show you around," said a young boy with fiery red hair. "No, Young master, come with me. I know every nook and cranny of this place," chimed in another boy, who looked slightly younger than the rest. Several children approached me, each vying for my attention with their pitches.

"Come with me, sir, I can take you to the prettiest girls in town," one lad offered eagerly.

"His girls are the ugliest," yelled another. "Come to Sun Shu's, and you'll see the best."

The clamor of voices grew louder as they competed for my favor. I took in the scene, amused by their enthusiasm. It seemed like everyone had something to offer, from showing me the town's hidden gems to enticing me with promises of the most beautiful companions. Despite their spirited efforts, I couldn't help but feel a pang of skepticism. I knew I had to choose wisely and not let myself be swayed by their persuasive words alone. After all, I was in an unfamiliar city, and caution was paramount.

I raised my hand, signaling for silence. The children looked at me expectantly, waiting for my decision. I took a moment to assess each of them, noting their eager faces and desperate attempts to win my favor. Finally, I spoke, my voice clear and firm.

“Can one of you take me to a good Inn?”

'

Several hands flew up in the air, among the slew of hands I saw a painfully thin little girl no older than ten, wearing a robe too large for her size, she had bright eyes and dark brown hair tied up in a bun, with a few strands falling loose down around her face. Her face was pale and her lips almost colorless, she stared at me as she vigorously shook her raised hand up in the air, So naturally I pointed towards her, the girl happily skipped to my side as the rest of the children dispersed looking for other customers.

The girl stopped right beside me and looked up at my tall and skinny figure, with bright shining eyes staring up at me in admiration” You're so tall” she exclaimed "You really are a giant" A laugh escaped my mouth as my heart swelled with happiness.

"Hey there little one, what's your name?" I asked.

"Cheng Hua, nine-year-old" The little girl declared proudly, whilst she raised her nine tiny thing fingers up in the air.

“I see, it's a very beautiful name, So can you take me to a nice Inn" Chen Hua nodded enthusiastically, but then paused as she turned nervous

."Well... I can take you anywhere you want, do you want a cheap inn or a more extravagant one?" Chen Hua asked hesitantly.

The smile on my face became wider.

"A cheap one," I said without hesitation.

"Ok! I'll take you to a cheap Inn!" Chen Hua replied eagerly.

"Good! Now let's go!". She grabbed my sleeve and dragged me along to follow the crowd.

The girl took me down several streets and then began heading west, crossing over a big bridge The girl occasionally pointed out interesting things about the town, pointing out various places where tourists congregated.

There were quite a lot of people here and even the guards wore the clothes of the local government, and the soldiers dressed similarly, although their armor did have some unique insignias on the chest plate.

The girl then took us down another street then finally we arrived at a building bearing a colorful sign depicting a white swan in flight over a lake.

The girl stopped in front of the building and smiled brightly.

"Welcome to the Flying Swan Inn! It's very cheap and I guarantee you will love it!" Chen Hua introduced it with enthusiasm, I could not even imagine to possess.

"That's great" I responded smilingly then I reached into my pouch and pulled out a spirit stone and tossed it to the girl.

Catching the stone out of the air, the girl seemed satisfied.

“Do you need more help young master?” the girl asked with a shy smile.

I shook my head with a smile.

"Nope, that should be everything for now just don’t spend too much on it" Chen Hua nodded with a sweet smile then she bowed lightly and then handed me a small paper flower,

"If you ever need a guide young master you can contact me by sending some Qi into this" the little girl declared proudly as she thumped her chest with her fist.

That took me by surprise, I looked down to study the flower in my hand. After not finding anything useful I looked at the smiling girl,

"This is a talisman?" I asked feeling unsure of myself, the little girl's face lit up even more,

"Yes young master this a communication talisman, out of thin air she fetched another similar-looking flower and sent her Qi into it, which again surprised me since I didn't detect any Qi or cultivation from the girl before, then another wonderous thing happened as the flower transformed into a paper bird and flew away, much to joy and satisfaction of Chen Hua who as now looking at me with a big smile.

Chen Hua looked at me expectantly waiting for me to ask so I did

"Did you make them?"

"No" the girl shook her head like an obedient child.

"My brother made them" she explained.

“Ohhh..." I replied, I understood now, but that still left me wondering why a nine-year-old was able to make a talisman.

Chen Hua was just about to turn and leave before I grabbed her, The girl's face transformed from happiness to startlement then to fear,

"YOoun...mas..ter" the poor girl stammered.

"Sorry, sorry" I Quickly apologized as I let go of her

"Where are my manners...my name is Lin Yun, Lin Yuan" I introduced myself.

“Hello, my name is Chen Hua" The little girl bowed and introduced herself once again confused, and asked

"What can Hua'er do to help young master?"

I quickly took out a dozen spirit stones and handed them to her

"Maybe tomorrow morning you could come here with your I would like to talk to him about talisman making and I have a few things I need and maybe You could help find those Things" The girl once again broke into a happy smile as she repeated nodded with enthusiasm then she turned and dashed away.

I stood outside the inn and watched the little girl until she disappeared into the distance, none wiser if she would here tomorrow or not.