The first time I saw Li Tianlong properly, I almost froze. Not that I'd ever admit it.
He was standing on the edge of the floating training grounds, tall and unshakable, robes flowing like midnight silk. His hair was as dark as a starless sky, and his eyes… God, his eyes. Sharp, piercing, and absolutely untouchable. They didn't just look at you—they weighed your soul.
I cleared my throat. "Uh… hello?"
He didn't move. Didn't blink. Didn't even acknowledge me. Just stared, like I was a mosquito buzzing too close to his face.
"Who's that?" a voice whispered behind me. One of my sisters—or well, my parallel-world sister. I ignored them. My focus was on the man who looked like he belonged to the heavens themselves, and I, apparently, did not.
"Han Qingyu." His voice was low, calm, and commanding, like a river cutting through stone. "This world isn't for weaklings. Be careful where you step."
Step? I'd barely taken one.
"Uh… right. Got it," I stammered. "I mean—I'll try."
He didn't even look at me again. He just turned and vanished into the mist, leaving behind a faint cold aura that made the air shiver. My chest tightened, and I couldn't figure out why.
Something about him made me… nervous. Excited. Curious. Dangerous curiosity.
And I knew, deep down, that this untouchable, cold cultivator would somehow become… the center of my new life.
Maybe a rival. Maybe a teacher. Or maybe… something more. I just didn't know it yet.
---
First Steps
The next morning, I woke to the sound of wind whistling through the floating mountains. My body felt… different. Stronger, lighter, as if something inside me had awakened with this new world.
"Han Qingyu!" someone called. My sister—well, the parallel-world version—was bouncing around like a hyperactive squirrel. "Come on! Training starts soon. Don't get left behind!"
I groaned. Training. Of course. This was a cultivation world. I had to get stronger. Or at least, try not to embarrass myself.
When I reached the training grounds, the air was thick with energy—real spiritual energy, not the fake aura you see in games. And there he was. Li Tianlong, standing there like he'd grown out of the mountains themselves. Calm. Untouchable. Perfect.
He glanced at me once. Just once. That cold, piercing gaze. And I felt my stomach twist.
"Stand over there," he said, voice as smooth and icy as ever. "You'll begin with basic spiritual exercises. Don't move too fast, or you'll break something… probably yourself."
I tried to sound casual. "Right. Got it. Basic. Easy. No problem."
His lips twitched—not quite a smile, but not exactly neutral either. Just… that. A subtle shift, so small I almost missed it.
Training began, and it was brutal. My hands burned with energy I couldn't control. Every movement Li Tianlong made was effortless, precise, perfect. And I… kept stumbling.
But every time I glanced up at him, my heart did that stupid little jump. He didn't notice—or he was pretending not to. Either way, it was torture.
By the end of the session, my body was aching, sweat pouring down my face, but I couldn't stop staring at him. Li Tianlong, the cold, untouchable cultivator, was walking away, robes flowing, leaving me with one thought:
I have to get stronger. Not just for survival… but for him. Even if he would never, ever notice.
---
A Glimpse of Power
The afternoon sun stretched golden across the floating mountains as I wiped sweat from my brow. I thought training was over… but apparently not.
I wandered toward a secluded courtyard to catch my breath, when I heard it—soft but sharp, like a blade slicing through the air.
Curious, I peeked around the corner.
There he was. Li Tianlong. Alone. And he wasn't training like normal. Every movement was precise, yet effortless, like he was dancing with the air itself. Spiritual energy swirled around him, bending the light, making the world shimmer.
I froze. He looked… untouchable. And not just cold—he looked divine. The aura he exuded wasn't intimidating in the usual way. It was… magnetic. Dangerous, yes. But beautiful.
Then, he paused. His sharp eyes flicked in my direction—just a glance. My heart hammered. Did he notice me? Or was I imagining it?
Li Tianlong didn't say a word. He just lifted his hand, and a strand of energy coiled around his fingers like a living dragon. The air crackled with quiet power. For a moment, I could see why everyone feared him, why he commanded respect even without trying.
And for some stupid reason… I wanted to be closer. Not just to watch. To understand. To… touch that cold perfection and somehow prove I belonged here too.
I blinked. He had already vanished. No footsteps, no sound—just the faint shimmer of spiritual energy lingering in the air.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my pounding heart.
"Okay, Logan, oh I mean Han Qingyu," I muttered to myself. "You need to get stronger. Not just for survival… but for him. You have to catch up to that cold, untouchable monster before you fall completely under his spell." And yes, I knew exactly what I meant.