Early Morning
Kai woke up earlier than usual, a wide smile already on his face. Today's the day I leave for the Immortal Sect…
He quickly got ready, wearing a fresh pair of clothes his mother had set aside the night before. They weren't flashy, but they were clean and neat—perfect for a farewell.
His father approached him slowly, holding a small pouch in his hand. There was a strange heaviness in his eyes.
> "Kai," he said, voice low, "there are some silver coins in here. Use them wisely. You don't know what the outside world is like yet."
Kai nodded solemnly and accepted the pouch, carefully tying it to his waist. He bowed slightly to his father and stepped outside.
As he made his way toward the village center, he froze for a moment. His eyes caught sight of the dried bloodstains still on the ground from the previous night's attack. There were no bodies—only the evidence left behind.
He quickly turned his face away, feeling his stomach twist. Disgusting… I don't want to see that again.
---
The village square was already filled with people. When Kai arrived, heads turned. Smiles broke out across weathered faces. To them, Kai wasn't just a child—he was a symbol of hope.
Soon, the giant eagle descended once again from the sky, beating powerful wings as it landed gracefully before them. The children, eyes wide with excitement, rushed forward to touch the feathers, barely containing their joy.
As they climbed onto the eagle's back, their parents waved goodbye with misty eyes. The wind carried their tears and hopes as the children were lifted into the sky, soaring toward a world unknown.
Kai held tightly to the eagle's feathers, grinning from ear to ear.
> "This is amazing!" he whispered to himself, looking at the vast landscape unfolding beneath him.
The wind whipped past his face. Villages, forests, rivers—and even massive cities passed below.
The elder turned his head to glance at Kai.
> "Boy, what's your name?"
Kai blinked, surprised. "Um… my name is Kai."
The elder looked at him for a moment longer than necessary. "Kai… that's a good name." There was a flicker in the old man's eyes, as if recognizing something that shouldn't be possible.
Kai continued watching the view, talking excitedly to himself.
> "Whoa, that town is huge! Look at all those people! Wait—someone's flying on a sword?! That's real?!"
The elder chuckled lightly, then addressed them all. "That's a cultivation city. You can only live there if you're powerful—or rich."
All the kids stared in awe.
> "So... we can't go there?" one of them asked.
The elder smiled. "Not yet. But you'll live in a place far better."
Their eyes sparkled.
> "Really?!"
"Mm. You'll see. That's your future now."
---
After some time, the eagle flew toward a range of towering mountains. The air grew cooler. And then they saw it—a colossal mountain piercing the clouds.
"WOOOOAH!"
The children's jaws dropped. Nestled among the smaller mountains were hundreds—maybe thousands—of buildings. At the base of the mountain, the valley was bustling with people.
As the eagle descended, the children grew quiet. The awe of the grand sect overwhelmed them. Kai's excitement faded slightly, replaced by anxiety. I've never seen a place this huge…
He instinctively grabbed the elder's hand and hid behind him.
The elder noticed and smiled softly.
> "What's wrong, boy? You must prove yourself here. Or you'll become just another forgotten child who disappointed his parents."
Kai looked down, nervously nodding.
---
The eagle landed in a wide plaza filled with other new arrivals. Civilians, farmers, and simple folk stood in lines.
The elder pointed to one group. "Stand there. Someone will come to explain what happens next."
He turned to leave, but paused—Kai was still holding his hand.
> "Why are his hands so smooth…?" the elder thought to himself before sighing and pulling Kai along with him.
Instead of leaving Kai in the commoners' line, he brought him to a different group. These children wore elegant robes and stood with exaggerated pride.
They looked like the main characters of a drama… only more arrogant.
The elder didn't say a word. He simply placed Kai in the group and walked away without looking back.
Suddenly, a large man jumped into the air and landed in front of them, shaking the ground.
He was massive—muscles bulging through his robe. His deep voice rumbled like thunder.
> "Listen up! Before you is a staircase—20 steps in total. You will attempt to climb it. Each step represents a realm of potential. The further you go, the stronger your future. Don't push too far, or you might die."
Kai looked at the stone staircase. It's just stairs. Easy…
"Think again," said a girl beside him.
He turned his head to see a black-haired beauty staring at him intently, her eyes glowing with intrigue… and something else.
> "Why are you looking at me like that?" he asked, confused.
She wiped the corner of her mouth. "Don't get any ideas. I was just warning you—that staircase is not normal. It's a formation that tests your spiritual potential. Each step increases the pressure. Only those with talent can climb."
Kai blinked. He didn't fully understand, but nodded anyway.
> "She knows something I don't…" he thought.
> "What's your name?" she asked, stepping closer.
"I'm… Kai."
She frowned. "Just Kai? No family name? You're in the noble line. You must be from a strong clan."
He smiled innocently. "I live in a village on a mountain. I play with a ball near rivers and trees."
"…Village?"
She looked at him, completely puzzled.
> "Oi! Move already!" shouted the muscle-bound elder.
She turned pale and rushed up the steps.
Kai watched in amazement as she climbed steadily. Others followed—but some struggled, crawling, gritting their teeth.
> "Can't they even walk on stairs?" he whispered to himself.
With a smirk, Kai stepped forward and placed a foot on the first stair.
Immediately, a wave of pressure slammed into him.
What the…?!
He lifted his other foot and fully stepped on the staircase. The pressure multiplied. By the third step, he was shaking. His legs trembled, sweat poured down his neck, and he slumped to his knees.
> "What is this? My body… it's so heavy!"
Above, voices echoed:
> "Nan Yan is selected for Sword Peak!"
> "Mai Ki for Formation Peak!"
> "Han Jin for Disciplinary Peak!"
One by one, disciples were chosen as they passed certain steps.
But Kai? He was stuck—collapsed on the third step, unconscious under the pressure.
The elders watching frowned. Can't even reach step five… what a waste of time.
Then—
> "Kai is selected for Alchemy Peak," a calm voice called out.
Everyone turned.
The muscle-bound elder growled. "Hey! Why is this kid sleeping on the staircase?"
He marched forward, grabbed Kai by the collar, and threw him off the stairs.
But mid-air, an elder caught him gently.
> "Render! Is this how you treat a disciple of my peak?" the elder said sternly.
Kai groaned, slowly waking as the elder placed him on the ground.
> "This area is for testing, not for naps," Render muttered, walking off.
The Alchemy Peak elder looked after him, expression calm but cold.
> "We'll see how long you act like that."
He turned to Kai.
> "Don't be afraid. As long as I'm here, no one will harm you."
Kai nodded weakly, trying to regain his balance.
They began walking toward the mountain stairs leading to the peak. Each step was harder than the last for Kai, who had no cultivation yet.
Suddenly, a beautiful woman appeared in front of them. Her figure was stunning, and she carried herself like royalty.
The elder bowed slightly to her, showing deep respect.
She glanced at Kai, but said nothing as she passed.
The elder disappeared into another path, and Kai—exhausted and overwhelmed—collapsed again halfway up the stairs.
And there he remained… sleeping.