Ten million years ago, a queen was born, a being of unparalleled power — a ruler who could see gods, demons, immortals, and humans as one. Under her gaze, the realms knew peace. Winds whispered gently through the mountains, rivers flowed like silver threads, and even the fiercest beasts bowed in quiet respect. No war disturbed the skies, no demon dared challenge the gods, and no kingdom trembled in fear. Her rule was firm, yet gentle, and her presence alone silenced ambition and fear alike.
But even divinity could not hold back ambition forever. Some gods whispered that authority over the all four realm should belong to them; some demons plotted that no immortal should wield such sway. Yet none dared oppose her. And then… she died.
No one knew how. No one knew when. The heavens wept silver tears, and the wind carried sorrow across the realms. Mountains trembled, oceans roared, and kingdoms quaked in fear. The world's anchor had been lost, and chaos spread like wildfire. Gods and demons clashed openly. Mortal cities burned, immortal fortresses crumbled, and the delicate harmony the goddess had nurtured dissolved into blood and ash.
Amid this ruin, in the Immortal Realm, snow fell endlessly. Silent, cold, and unrelenting. A small figure lay motionless in the frozen whiteness, bruised and bleeding, her breaths shallow and ragged. She stirred, eyelids trembling as they fought against the cold darkness.
She did not know where she was, or what had brought her here. Pain clawed through her limbs as she forced herself upright, swaying unsteadily against the icy ground. Each step was agony, each breath a struggle. The wind whipped at her hair and face, as if testing her will.
Hours passed, though time felt suspended. She stumbled forward, guided by some instinct she could not name — a pull deeper than fear or hope, a whisper of fate leading her steps. Finally, when her strength betrayed her, she collapsed again, the snow embracing her like an indifferent guardian.
In the heart of a remote mountain, the disciples of Frost Lotus Sect trained relentlessly. Blades clashed, talismans glowed, and the air hummed with cultivation energy. Every strike, every movement, was a step toward mastery, toward the ultimate test that could shape their destiny.
Inside the Frost Lotus Sect hall, the elders were gathered around the highly polished jade table, with steam rising from the cups as they sat with eager yet serene expressions.
Elder Liang started speaking. "among our students, the one who holds the most promise is Yun Fei. His manipulation skills with ice talismans are accurate, and his rate of progress has exceeded every other student within his generation. If he goes on like this, he certainly has nothing to worry about for a position in the top twenty."
Elder Mei nodded as she stirred her tea thoughtfully. "Yes, Yun Fei has very strong powers, but he has never worked with partner formations before. That may detract from him in a competition involving coupled tests."
Elder Lin, who was the youngest of them, leaned forward. "Then Li Xiang. Agility and understanding—the best in class.He anticipate an attack before it occurred. For certain tests, Li Xiang would be able to outmaneuver Yun Fei."
Liang's eyes narrowed fractionally. "True, but we mustn't forget other sects. The notice from the Divine Realm said that this tournament is for all the sects in immortal realm, so they have already known about talent from Frost Lotus. As far as information from Blue Cloud Sect is concerned, Han Yu is said to be a prodigy when it comes to sword array techniques, and Zhao Ling from Azure Flame Sect can control fire and wind at the same time. Both are likely to be top competitors."
Elder Mei smiled faintly. "It will be interesting. The competition is not only about strength but strategy, adaptability, and control. Those who combine skills with calm judgment will stand out."
Then Elder Liang glanced toward the end of the table, where an older elder sat quietly, his eyes looked as if he is in deep thought.
"Elder Shen," Elder Liang said, breaking the silence, "you've not spoken yet."
"I heard," Elder Liang continued, "that there is a disciple among the inner sect. They say she excels in almost everything — cultivation, techniques, even theoretical studies. What is your opinion?"
Elder Shen paused, as if weighing his words carefully. "She is indeed capable," he said calmly. "Her foundation is strong, and her understanding is clear. If she can maintain her composure during the competition… it would be good if she were selected."
Elder Mei smiled faintly. "Then we may have more than just one or two promising candidates this year."
Elder Lin chuckled softly. "That would certainly bring honor to Frost Lotus Sect."
On the edge of the Frost Lotus Sect, in an area far from where the disciples trained, there was an abandoned glade nestled between two ancient pine trees. It was nowhere near any of the regions where snow was still present, so it was warm enough for snow melt to make it moist.
Alone in the open glade was a young woman moving as if in slow motion. Her steps merged with each other as if she was an extension of the wind. The spiritual forces hovered around her tentatively, but not aggressively or ostentatiously – refined and steady.
Hiding behind a group of rocks, a few of the male followers peeked through, trying not to make a sound.
"Senior Sister is indeed beautiful," one of the girls whispered. "And very talented, too."
"No wonder the elders are always praising her."
Before they could admire her longer they were interrupted by a voice.
"Of course she is."
The boys recoiled and turned their heads. A younger female disciple was standing with her hands on her hips, looking disgruntled.
"What are you all doing here?" she asked. "Can't you see that Senior Sister is practicing?"
One of the boys awkwardly scratched his head. "We're just looking from a distance. We won't disturb her."
The girl frowned. "Senior Sister doesn't like being watched when she is practicing. Hurry up and go."
They looked at each other before swiftly bending their heads in a gesture of apology before dashing off into the distance.
After they left, the girl turned around and ran in the direction of the clearing.
"Senior Sister shen!" she said softly.
The young woman paused in the midst of the action, slowly lowering her hands. She turned around with an expression that was both calm and composed, as if nothing in the world could easily shake her focus.
"Master is looking for you," the girl said, slightly out of breath.
The shen yue qian tilted her head gently. "Did he say why?"
The girl shook her head. "No idea."
The main hall of the Frost Lotus Sect was quiet.
Incense burned slowly at the center of the room, its faint fragrance lingering in the air. Sunlight filtered through tall wooden windows, illuminating the carved patterns on the stone floor.
The young woman stepped inside and stopped a few paces from the high seat.
"Master," she said, lowering her head in a respectful bow. "You asked for me."
Seated above, the sect master opened his eyes. His gaze was calm yet sharp, as if nothing within the sect could escape his notice.
"Yes," he replied. "There will be a competition in the coming days, held across the Immortal Realm."
He paused briefly, watching her expression.
"The Divine Realm has issued a decree. The top twenty disciples will be accepted into their realm."
The words settled into the silence like a stone dropped into still water.
The young woman's fingers tightened slightly at her side, but her face remained composed.
The Divine Realm.
A place that many immortals could only dream of entering.
The sect master leaned back slightly. "What do you think of this matter?"
She lifted her gaze, meeting his eyes without hesitation.
"To be chosen by the Divine Realm is an honor," she said calmly. "But it is also a responsibility."
A faint trace of approval appeared in the sect master's eyes.
"Indeed," he said. "Many see only the glory. Few consider the weight that comes with it."
He studied her for a long moment before continuing.
"Our sect has sent disciples every five hundred years. This time will be no different.
she bowed once more. "If Master wishes me to participate, I will not disappoint the sect."
The sect master smiled faintly.
"I expected no less."
Outside the hall, the wind stirred gently, carrying with it the quiet sense that change had already begun.