Eli Shan delved deep into his spiritual senses, only to discover himself in his mother's womb.

"..."

"I guess I will seal my consciousness so that I can get birth like a normal kid," he decided, before sealing away his consciousness.

With his consciousness sealed away, Eli Shan's essence remained within the infant body, but his memories and awareness were temporarily locked in a quiet slumber.

As Eli Shan's imminent arrival into the world approached, an unprecedented phenomenon rippled through the universe. It was as though the cosmos itself paused, holding its breath in anticipation.

At this moment, the birth of every other being was delayed by the universe, making way for Eli Shan's arrival. No other child could enter this universe during this extraordinary time.

An eerie stillness fell over the cosmos as if time itself had momentarily halted its relentless march forward. The darkness fell over the whole universe, casting fear in the hearts of people.

Whether it was a higher-level universe or a small universe, the darkness enshrouded them without discrimination, instilling unease in every soul.

Meanwhile, under one of the higher-level universe...

Inside the grand hall of the mightiest sect, an air of dominance emanated from the old man seated upon the throne, a testament to his countless victories in battles that spanned lifetimes.

His gaze swept over the assembly of elders gathered below, each one bearing the burden of uncertainty upon their faces.

One brave elder rose from his seat, voicing the unease that gripped them all. "My lord, I can't understand what's happening. Even my future telling shows no signs. At most, what I have gleaned is that this is the birth of a demon who could even dethrone you after growing."

A ripple of anxiety swept through the hall. Even the venerable great elder, renowned for his unparalleled mastery of future sight, found himself unable to pierce the veil that surrounded them.

The sect master's eyes swept through everyone, his gaze pressing them down. "I am the Celestial Sovereign Ming Tian. Do you truly believe that an infant, yet to draw breath, could pose a threat to my dominion?"

Despite the authority in his voice, a seed of unease had taken root in Ming Tian's mind. If this phenomenon was indeed sparked by the birth of a single individual, just how formidable could this person's potential be?

Moreover, he didn't know who this individual was or where he resided. This newborn person could easily rise in shadow, and Ming Tian wouldn't even be aware of it until the day of their battle.

Furthermore, the enemy lurking in the shadows is the most perilous of foes. According to the grand elder's words, Ming Tian grasped that the newly-born individual possessed the potential to even defeat him. Should he simply allow such a person to develop in obscurity and confront him only after he has cultivated to his full potential?

Thinking of all possibilities, Ming Tian turned to the great elder, asking, "Can you find anything about this person?"

Respectfully, the great elder acknowledged his limitations. "My lord, while I cannot pinpoint the origin of this individual, I can confirm his presence in the lower realm."

Ming Tian, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, issued a decisive command. "Dispatch our forces to the lower realms. Order them to locate a child of the utmost potential, and bring him to become my disciple or eliminate him if he refuses."

The proclamation reverberated through the assembly like a thunderclap, sending shockwaves rippling through the minds of all present. At this moment, a single question echoed silently in everyone's heart: "Is such a task even possible?" However, no one dared to voice their doubts in the presence of their sovereign.

To be frank, their concerns were undeniably valid. With trillions of small universes sprawling beneath their realm, each of them containing billions of worlds, the task ahead seemed daunting beyond measure. How could they hope to locate an individual they didn't even know amidst such a vast universe? Finding a needle in the desert now appeared laughably trivial in comparison to their task!

Nevertheless, the first elder, known as Sage Hu in the higher universe, stood with a steadfast resolve. "I will issue the order to our disciples, sect master," he declared, his commitment unwavering.

With a pensive nod from Ming Tian, Sage Hu made his way towards the exit of the hall. However, before he could depart, the gate suddenly swung open, revealing a disciple who instantly kneeled down in the presence of the elder.

"I greet Elder Hu," the disciple offered, his demeanor one of reverence and deference.

Sage Hu acknowledged the disciple's greeting with a solemn nod before questioning his presence. "What are you doing here? Don't you know disciples are not allowed here?"

The disciple quivered with fear but mustered the courage to respond, "Forgive me, Elder Hu. It was my fault. However, I bring an urgent news that could not wait. I felt compelled to deliver it immediately. Please, punish me as you see fit."

Before he could brace himself for the consequences, a thunderous voice reverberated through the room, sending a shiver down his spine. "What news could possibly warrant breaking the sect's rules? If it is not of utmost importance, I will personally see to your punishment as a reminder to all disciples," Ming Tian proclaimed.

"M-Master... Mrs. Ming has given birth to a child."

Just as the last word left his mouth, Ming Tian vanished from his seat.

Realizing that the news was indeed significant and he would not face punishment, the disciple released a breath of relief and collapsed onto the floor.

Meanwhile, Ming Tian materialized outside a room, where the sound of a newborn's cries echoed through the air.

"Finally, I have my heir now! Now you just wait, Jin Baolong! If you have your son with the potential to defeat me, then now I also have a son with even greater potential who could defeat both of you!" Ming Tian's lips curled into a triumphant smile as he envisioned the future dominance of the Ming family.

Lost in his thoughts, a smirk playing on his lips, Ming Tian was interrupted by the opening of the door, revealing a maid cradling a child.

"Sect master," the maid bowed down in reverence.

Ming Tian nodded, his gaze softening as he looked upon the child. "Is this my child?" he inquired gently.

The maid nodded respectfully. "Yes, Sect Master."

Accepting the child into his arms, Ming Tian felt a surge of paternal pride. "My son, you must grow quickly and become as strong as I was in my prime. Together, we will show the universe that none can stand against the might of the Ming family!"

As he spoke, Ming Tian noticed the maid trembling in fear. Sensing something amiss, Ming Tian's expression darkened as he questioned her. "What happened? Why are you trembling as if you have done something wrong?"

The maid's fear overwhelmed her, causing her to collapse to the ground.

"Huh? What's happening?" Ming Tian just glanced at her and took a step inside the room. "Did something happen to my wife or my son?"

Inside the room, he saw his beautiful wife lying on the bed, smiling warmly at him.

Approaching her, Ming Tian returned her smile. "How are you feeling? Did something happen here?"

His wife shook her head, then, with a thoughtful expression, she turned her attention to the child cradled in Ming Tian's arms. "Would you mind handing me our child?" she requested, her voice gentle.

Taken aback by her request, Ming Tian nodded silently and gently passed the child into her waiting embrace.

"Actually," she began, her voice quivering with fear, "This child is not a boy... but a girl..."

Just as the word "girl" left her mouth, Ming Tian's aura exploded with an intensity that filled the room with an oppressive force. "What did you say?" Ming Tian's eyes narrowed with anger. "Are you speaking the truth?"

His wife trembled under his gaze, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, husband."

Ming Tian's expression darkened further. "I invested everything—my power, my treasures—to ensure that our child would be a son of unparalleled potential. And now you are telling me... it's a girl?"

Despite the fear in her eyes, his wife met his gaze with a glint of determination. "Husband, please... gender should not determine our child's worth. She is still our flesh and blood, and her potential may exceed even that of a son."

Ming Tian's fists clenched, his anger boiling over like molten lava. "I had dreams, plans, ambitions for my son. Do you think a girl could achieve them? Do you think a girl is worthy to inherit my legacy?" His voice, thick with frustration, resonated through the room. With each word, he advanced menacingly, his hands outstretched like talons. "Give me the child. It is better to rid ourselves of this... disappointment."

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

As his words left his mouth, somewhere in the lower universe, a man looked toward the sky. "Sigh, if anything were to happen to her, my son is going to hate me for the rest of his life. You better not force me to take action, so-called celestial sovereign."

Back to the Ming Tian's room...

His wife clutched the infant tightly to her chest, a shield against Ming Tian's wrath. "No, I will not let you harm her. She is innocent, and I will protect her with my life."

Ming Tian locked eyes with his wife, her resolve burning brightly even in the face of his seething fury. At that moment, the urge to strike her down surged within him like a raging inferno. Yet, he knew that killing her would tarnish his reputation across the whole universe.

With a clenched jaw, Ming Tian turned away from his wife, his gaze settling upon the trembling maid. He extended his hand toward her, a silent command that sealed her fate. Slowly, his power completely engulfed her, disintegrating her into nothingness. "She wanted to run with the child when she found out it's a girl, isn't it? This is her punishment for what she tried to do."

Turning back to his wife, Ming Tian's features contorted with disdain. "From this day forth, you are no longer worthy of bearing the title of my wife. And this girl..." He paused, his voice dripping with scorn. "She is not my daughter. Both of you will live here as a slave."

With a final, disdainful glance, Ming Tian stormed from the room, his anger a seething tempest that threatened to consume him whole.

In the lower realm...

Inside a wooden house, the cries of a newborn baby began to echo through the air.

"Muaaa... Muaaa..."

With each wail of the infant, the universe itself seemed to stir with celebration. The darkness that had shrouded the universe dissipated in an instant, giving way to a burst of radiant light. Nature itself appeared to rejoice and seemed to become young again by the arrival of new life. The greenery adorning the trees, and the lush grass beneath their feet, all seemed to exude a newfound vibrancy, while the very essence of the universe surged with heightened vitality.

Inside the house, the birth attendant emerged from the room, cradling a newborn in her arms. "Lord, you have been blessed with an adorable son," she said with a smile.

The man, with dark hair cascading like a waterfall down to his knees, clad in a robe as black as the night sky, exuded an aura of unparalleled elegance and strength. Taking the child into his arms, he gazed down at the tiny bundle with a tender smile. "My son, you are finally here with us," he murmured softly.

Stepping into the room, he beheld a woman lying on the bed, her complexion pale as if drained of all vitality. Her long locks of pink hair cascaded around her like a blanket, framing a face of ethereal beauty that could destroy the whole world.

The man's smile widened as he gazed upon his beloved. "At last, we have our son, Luise."

With a gentle nod, Luise returned his smile, her gaze fixed adoringly upon her newborn son, Eli Shan.

Meanwhile, Eli Shan, with his sealed consciousness, observed his father with a sense of connection that transcended mere words. The bond of blood, of kinship, pulsed between them, and he reached out with tiny hands to touch his father's face, his own expression glowing with innocence and love.

The Lord's heart swelled with joy as he engaged in playful interaction with his son, savoring the precious moments of familial bliss that enveloped them.

1 week later...

Eli Shan found himself once again conscious. Blinking away the haze of slumber, he found himself cradled in his mother's arms, nestled in the warmth of her embrace. "It seems I've been born like any ordinary child," Eli Shan mused inwardly.

Turning his gaze to his mother, he was struck by her radiant beauty, finding her no less beautiful than Xie Meng. "There is someone as beautiful as Xie Meng in this universe?" he marveled silently.

Luise tenderly caressed Eli Shan's cheek, her eyes brimming with maternal affection. "My son is truly adorable," she cooed. Then she looked toward the gate from where the lord had left some time ago. "I wonder if husband also looked like this when he was a baby." A smile graced her lips as she lost in the thought, but her daydream was interrupted as she felt a tiny hand on her cheek. Looking down, she saw Eli Shan smiling up at her, his innocence melting away her heart.

Overwhelmed by a surge of maternal instinct, Luise held her son closer and tightly. "Aw, my son is so cute. I will never let you be away from me."

Baby Eli Shan, who could not talk, felt suffocated by her tight embrace, however, there was a strange warmth that he had never felt before. It was an inexplicable sensation, one he had never experienced before even with his biological mother.

As he nestled against Luise's chest, Eli Shan couldn't shake the feeling of a deep, inexplicable connection between them. Was it the bond of blood, he wondered? Was his very essence reacting to hers in some profound way?

Lost in his thought, Eli Shan derived the possibility that his heightened senses, perhaps influenced by the vast mysteries of the universe, allowed him to perceive this unseen connection. Yet, he couldn't shake the feeling of bewilderment that enveloped him.

With a shake of his tiny head, Eli Shan dismissed these thoughts, choosing instead to focus on the warmth and comfort of his mother's embrace. After all, in her arms, he felt a sense of security and belonging that transcended all else.

After spending some time with her, Eli Shan learned that his parents had bestowed upon him a name: Eli Shan. Though surprised by this revelation, he speculated that perhaps the enigmatic figure had arranged it to prevent any discomfort at the sudden change.

As he was lost in thought, Luise, who was still holding Eli Shan tightly, observed his expression and felt the discomfort of her son. "Have I held you too tightly? Or is it time to feed you?" she wondered aloud, her maternal instincts guiding her.

At her words, Eli Shan's eyes widened, a sudden realization dawning upon him. "Consciousness seal!"

Three years later...

After spending nearly three years with his mother and father under the veil of sealed consciousness, Eli Shan felt a sense of readiness. He had witnessed how they fed him, taught him to walk, guiding him through the early stages of life. Now, confident in his ability to eat, walk, and interact like any ordinary child, Eli Shan made the decision to unlock his sealed consciousness.

With a surge of awareness, his consciousness expanded and a huge amount of memories began to flood in Eli Shan's mind silently.

From these recollections, he pieced together that his parents were not wealthy or had any influence.

His father, a sword teacher at the village school, dedicated himself to imparting martial knowledge to the local youth. Meanwhile, his mother, Luise, devoted her time to nurturing Eli Shan and managing their home. This was a small and lovely family.

From his memories, he discovered another important fact: neither of his parents had a high realm of cultivation. They were merely cultivators of the Qi Gathering realm. However, within this village, they were regarded as the strongest cultivators.

At this moment, Eli Shan was sitting beside his mother in the backyard of their house, absorbing the essence of cultivation as she imparted its fundamental wisdom.

He listened to her teachings simply because she was his mother. Otherwise, why would a former cultivator of the Origin Realm heed the teachings of a cultivator in the Qi Gathering realm?

Yet, as he continued to listen to her teachings, Eli Shan felt a stirring within, as if a veil had been lifted from his consciousness. It was as though the fog of confusion was parting ways, revealing newfound clarity.

He cast an astonished gaze upon his mother, his incredulity plain to see. How could someone of her cultivation level possess such profound insight?

His mother, noticing his expression, offered a gentle smile. "Your father and I may not possess high cultivation realms, but we are best in the fundamentals. We've always been at the bottom of the cultivation hierarchy, honing our foundational skills. Together, we'll forge your foundation so unyielding that none can rival it."

Eli Shan nodded in understanding. He knew more than anyone how much a robust foundation could help.

With their lesson concluded, Luise's nurturing demeanor seamlessly transitioned into one of playful engagement. Her eyes sparkled with maternal joy as she lifted Eli Shan into her arms, his laughter ringing out like music in the tranquil backyard. With a mischievous grin, Luise playfully tossed him into the air, his tiny body soaring before descending back into her waiting embrace.

Eli Shan's giggles filled the air as he relished the exhilarating sensation of flight, his trust in his mother absolute as she caught him with ease each time. But their fun didn't stop there. With a twinkle in her eye, Luise playfully brandished a wooden sword, engaging her son in a lively mock battle that stirred his imagination and filled their hearts with boundless joy.

The sound of their laughter echoed through the quiet village as they continued to play to their hearts' content. Chasing each other around the lush garden, their playful antics painted a picture of familial bliss, each moment etched with love and warmth that transcended words.

In that fleeting moment, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the embrace of his mother's love, Eli Shan felt a sense of peace enveloping him. Here, in the sanctuary of their humble home, he found solace and contentment, his heart overflowing with gratitude for the simple yet profound moments shared with the woman who had given him life.

As their time together drew to a close, Luise took Eli Shan's hand in hers, a tender smile gracing her lips. "Little Eli, would you like to go and take a look at your father's school?"

Eli Shan's eyes lit up with excitement. "Yes, Mother! Let's go to father!"

"Yes, my little son." Luise locked their small house and offered her index finger to Eli Shan, who eagerly grasped it as they set off toward the school.

Along the way, Eli Shan noticed that there weren't many stores or houses. It was nothing more than a quaint little village. Even the school wasn't far from their house. After walking for a little while, Eli Shan spotted a school. Though it was much bigger than his house, it paled in comparison to the grandeur of the schools in the Sacred City.

Upon arriving at the school grounds, they were greeted by a man who recognized Luise with reverence. "Oh, Miss Luise is here! It's a blessing to have you visit our humble school," he exclaimed warmly.

Luise's demeanor remained composed as she inquired about her husband's whereabouts. "Where is my husband?"

Sensing her aloofness, the man attempted to regain his footing. "Miss Luise, he's currently imparting his wisdom to students in swordsmanship out in the field. While he's occupied, would you care for a tour of the school? I'd be delighted to be your guide."

With that, he tried to reach out to take Luise's hand. Seeing this, Eli Shan couldn't suppress the flicker of irritation that crossed his features. "People should learn to admire beauty within boundaries, lest they invite destruction upon themselves," he muttered under his breath, his voice tinged with a hint of exasperation. With determined resolve, he stepped forward, positioning himself squarely between the man and his mother, before shouting at the top of his lungs, "Father!"

"..."

His voice echoed through the school, reverberating off the walls and sending ripples of surprise through the air.

In the next instant, the man felt a chilling hand settle on his shoulder, causing a shiver to run down his spine. "L-Lord, I didn't have any ill intentions. I was merely thinking to show her around and bring her to you," he stammered, his voice trembling with fear.

Turning his gaze towards the imposing figure of the Lord, the man's fear intensified, realizing the gravity of his mistake. A that moment, Luise's cold demeanor melted away, replaced by a warm smile as she addressed the lord. "Husband."

With a decisive motion, the Lord pushed the man back, closing the distance between himself and Luise. Taking Eli Shan into his arms protectively, he issued a stern warning to the man. "There won't be a second time."

The teacher nodded frantically. "Yes, Lord," before hastily scurrying away from the scene.

Listening intently to their conversation, Eli Shan delved into his memories, only to be surprised by the realization that he didn't actually know his father's name. It seemed that regardless of their strength or position, everyone simply referred to him as "lord."

As Eli Shan was lost in thought, the Lord tenderly lifted him into the air, planting a gentle kiss on his forehead. "Both of you were missing and came to see me?"

Eli Shan's response was swift and eager, nodding vigorously in agreement. "Yes, father."

"Alright then, want to see my students? You can even spar with them if you want."

At the mention of sparring, Eli Shan's heart quickened with excitement, his grin widening. "Spar?" he echoed, his anticipation palpable. "Yes! I want it!"