Since his childhood, he had dreamed of flying on a sword of soaring freely across the heavens.
Now, that dream had come true.
But deep within, he knew…
This world was no game.
And his journey was only just beginning
Zhang Xiaofan's heart pounded wildly.
I've become Zhang Xiaofan… inside the world of Zhu Xian.
He knew exactly what that meant.
In the original story, Zhang Xiaofan's journey was filled with suffering.
Though he eventually mastered both Taoist and Buddhist cultivation, the price he paid was devastating.
Bi Yao, the girl who loved him deeply, sacrificed herself to stop the Zhu Xian Sword.
His master died.
His mistress, Su Ru, took her own life out of despair.
Even Tian Buyi blunt and temperamental as he was had treated him like a true son.
And now, here he was given a second chance to live that life.
No… not to relive it.
To change it.
Zhang Xiaofan clenched his fists.
This time, I won't let tragedy strike. I'll rewrite his fate with my own hands.
But one brutal truth remained: in this cultivation world, talent decided everything.
And Zhang Xiaofan, as he remembered, had possessed barely any talent.
Just then
Ding! Congratulations! You have awakened Tenfold Talent!
A crisp mechanical voice echoed in his mind, sudden and unreal.
Zhang Xiaofan's body went rigid.
And then it began.
A strange power surged through his meridians, coursing through every vessel and bone.
It felt like his entire being was being reshaped. His body grew lighter, sharper.
His senses heightened. His blood flowed like molten gold, and his bones gleamed with clarity like jade.
Tenfold Talent...?
His eyes widened with disbelief.
In the original timeline, it had taken him three grueling years to reach the first stage of Qingyun Sect's Tai Chi Xuanqing Dao cultivation technique.
And that was with him also cultivating the Great Brahma Prajna Sutra from Buddhism.
But once he broke through, his dual-path cultivation had stunned even the elders.
And now?
Now, with a tenfold increase in natural aptitude?
Lin Jingyu, Lu Xueqi... even the so-called peerless geniuses will lag behind me.
His chest swelled with new confidence.
This time, I'll cultivate both Dao and Zen to perfection.
I'll rise faster, reach farther, and protect everyone I couldn't before.
This time... I won't fail them.
-----------
Soon after, they arrived at Dazhu Peak.
At the foot of its mist-veiled cliffs stood Shoujing Hall, an elegant structure nestled among pine trees and flowing streams. Stepping into the hall, Zhang Xiaofan spotted a short, plump man in plain robes seated at the head Tian Buyi.
His face was stern and unreadable.
Beside him sat a poised, graceful woman in her thirties Su Ru.
She had delicate features, serene eyes, and a gentle strength that made her beauty seem timeless.
Known as one of Qingyun's most talented female cultivators, she carried herself with both elegance and authority.
To her side sat a lively young girl of about thirteen Tian Ling'er.
Her big eyes sparkled with curiosity, and a playful smile danced on her lips. She radiated youthful energy and innocent charm.
Five other disciples were gathered nearby, chatting in hushed tones.
Zhang Xiaofan recognized them all.
I'm really here... Dazhu Peak, one of the seven sacred peaks of Qingyun Sect.
Song Daren stepped forward and handed him a wooden tray with two steaming cups of tea.
"Junior Brother," he said warmly, "take this and offer it to Master and Mistress.
From today onward, you are a disciple of Dazhu Peak."
Zhang Xiaofan stared at the tea for a brief moment.
The rising steam blurred his reflection on the surface, but within that faint image, he saw more than just himself.
He saw a second chance.
This world… this life… I'll get it right.
With steady hands, he stepped forward, bent his knees, and bowed deeply.
The tea ceremony had begun. And with it, so had his new destiny.
Zhang Xiaofan picked up the teacup, knelt respectfully before Tian Buyi, and said with all the reverence expected of a new disciple:
"Master, please have some tea."
Tian Buyi glanced down at the boy, his expression complicated. Zhang Xiaofan's qualifications were ordinary—nothing special to speak of. But then, remembering that this child had lost both parents in the Caomiao Village tragedy, a rare softness flickered in his eyes. With a sigh, he accepted the cup and drank.
Next, Zhang Xiaofan offered the tea to Su Ru.
"Master's wife, please have some tea."
Su Ru smiled gently, a grace blooming on her face like spring flowers. She accepted the teacup, took a sip, then leaned down to help him up, her tone kind:
"Xiaofan, from now on, Dazhu Peak is your home. Your master and I will look after you."
"Thank you, Master, and Master's wife," Zhang Xiaofan said sincerely. A warmth filled his heart at Su Ru's kindness. Though this world was filled with dangers, he had found a place to begin again.
Tian Buyi cleared his throat and said gruffly:
"Daren, Xiaofan will be under your guidance for now. Teach him the sect rules, our basic techniques, and the first and second levels of Tai Chi Xuanqing Dao."
"Yes, Master," Song Daren responded with a deep bow.
With that, Tian Buyi turned and left for the back hall of Shoujing Hall, not looking back. The room visibly relaxed once he was gone.