A Week Later…
Wei Chen was busily packing his things, preparing for a long journey. He had finally made the decision—after a week of deliberation—to head toward the Central Realm, more formally known as the Imperial Kai Realm. He planned to sell his herbs and wares in Grand Imperial Kai City, where massive crowds would gather for the Lunar New Year Festival, now just four months away.
But more importantly, in three months, the Great Assembly of Sects, Clans, and Empires would be held to discuss the distribution of Spirit Mines across the realms. If he wanted to take advantage of both the crowds and the influence present, he had to leave now. The journey to the Central Realm would take approximately two and a half months, and time was precious.
After closing his store, Wei Chen mounted his Large Talisman Ride—a floating artifact known for its cargo capacity rather than speed. Though it was far slower than a flying sword, it was reliable and sturdy, especially for transporting large quantities of herbs.
With a final glance at his shop, he whispered to himself,
"Let's make this trip worth it."
The talisman glowed with spiritual light before lifting off into the sky, flying steadily above the clouds toward his first destination: Oxia Valley. There, he would need to complete the necessary travel permits at the Imperial Fortress—the gateway into the Central Realm.
Three Days Later…
Wei Chen's talisman descended near Oxia Valley, a bustling hub for travel and trade. Before him stood the towering Imperial Fortress, a massive stronghold of stone and spirit wards. Flying ships glided through the air, cultivators zipped past on swords, and spirit beasts with armored riders swirled above in choreographed chaos.
It was a busy day.
"Right this way, young man," an Imperial Guard said, appearing beside him.
Wei Chen blinked, startled by the sudden approach, but nodded respectfully and followed. He was escorted into the fortress where lines of travelers and cultivators were being processed—some entering, others leaving for distant parts of the realm.
He was directed to a quieter section designated for small flying vessels. Only a handful of travelers waited there.
"Well, at least it's not too crowded," Wei Chen muttered as he took a seat.
He pulled out a light novel from his bag, flipping through the tale of a humble fisherman who unknowingly fathered a child with an empress
An Hour Later…
"Wei Chen," a voice called.
He stood and approached the counter, carrying his papers and documentation.
"Name?" the official asked without looking up.
"Wei Chen."
"City and district?"
"Yangchen City, Yun Market District," he replied calmly.
The official nodded and began reviewing Wei Chen's documents, including his inventory.
"Says here you're a cultivator. Are you affiliated with any sect or clan?"
"No, sir. I'm an independent cultivator—no sect, no clan. Just a herb merchant."
The official finally looked up and scanned Wei Chen from head to toe, then silently stamped and signed the approval documents.
"You're cleared for travel into the Imperial Kai Realm. Next."
Wei Chen nodded in gratitude, collected his stamped papers, and exited the office.
Elsewhere, at the Port of the Imperial Fortress…
A grand fleet of flying warships adorned with the emblem of the Holy Sword Sect docked near the fortress. Their polished hulls and majestic sails rippled with spiritual energy. The sight commanded reverence.
Atop the lead ship's deck, Patriarch Yang Sung stood tall, observing the administrative bustle below as his elders handled the fortress paperwork.
Beside him stood Sung Liuwa, wrapped in flowing robes, her hand gently resting on her still-flat stomach. Though her body remained unshaken—thanks to her cultivation at the late Soul God Transformation Stage—her mind swirled with emotions.
She had never expected to become pregnant. The realization had left her both amazed and terrified. For centuries, she had dedicated her entire being to cultivation. Now, for the first time, she had someone else to care for—someone growing inside her.
She tried to keep calm, but her mood swings were increasingly difficult to control. Fear, wonder, anxiety—all churned within her. Still, she had grown more cautious and far less reckless than before.
"My Lord!" a familiar voice called out.
The young female disciple Yang Sung had sent to track the herb cultivator hurried toward him with an update.
"My Lord, the young man's store has been closed. He left a sign saying he was heading to the Central Realm to sell his wares during the Lunar New Year Festival."
Yang Sung sighed, mildly disappointed but not surprised. "Three months away, hmm… well, no matter. He'll return after the festival ends."
For now, his attention returned to his daughter. Word of her pregnancy had already begun spreading like wildfire—through the sects, clans, and even distant realms. The idea that a Saintess at the peak of cultivation had conceived a child had sent shockwaves across the cultivation world.
Just as the young girl turned to leave, her eyes caught something gliding across the sky—a massive Paper Talisman soaring steadily toward one of the Void Gateways leading into the Central Realm.
"There! My Lord—look! It's him!" she shouted, pointing frantically.
Yang Sung snapped his gaze toward the sky. His eyes locked onto the large flying talisman—a humble yet efficient vessel. A lone figure sat upon it, steering calmly through the sky currents.
"So that's the storekeeper…" Yang Sung muttered, eyebrows raising. "He looks… young."
There was a brief flash of intrigue in his eyes. For someone who caused such a stir without even knowing it, the man certainly didn't seem remarkable at first glance.
But before he could speak further, a sharp inhale broke the stillness beside him.
Sung Liuwa had turned her head at the commotion. The moment her gaze found the talisman and the young man riding it, her breath hitched and her pupils constricted in shock.
"T-That young man…!" she murmured, a tremble in her voice.
Yang Sung looked at his daughter, alarm rising in his chest. "What is it, Liuwa?"
She didn't answer right away. Her lips parted slightly as her memory surged—that night, the pink potion, the unexpected intimacy with a stranger. Her thoughts flooded with realization, and her heart pounded with rising urgency.
"It wasn't a dream…" she whispered. "That's him. He's the one… he's the father of my child!"
Her voice turned desperate, piercing the air.
"Father—catch him! Get that storekeeper!"
The Void Gateway loomed closer in the sky, glowing with ancient energy. Time was slipping through their fingers like grains of sand.
Yang Sung's eyes widened. "Go! Intercept him now!"
Several disciples immediately launched into action. Their flying swords burst into motion, slashing across the sky like streaks of lightning, aiming to close the gap between them and Wei Chen's talisman.
Below, Sung Liuwa stood motionless, heart pounding in her chest. Her hands clenched her robes tightly, breath shallow with anticipation and panic.
Closer… just a little closer…
But fate had other plans.
The moment the disciples were within range, a hum of space energy echoed through the air as the Void Gateway activated. In a brilliant flash of light, Wei Chen's talisman disappeared into the rift between realms—vanishing into the Central Realm just seconds before he could be stopped.
"No…" Sung Liuwa whispered, her voice quivering. Her knees nearly buckled as cold wind brushed past her skin.
It felt like something vital had been torn from her grasp.
The father of her unborn child was gone.
Left with only memories, she could only imagine the questions her child would one day ask: "Who is my father?" "Where is he now?"
Her heart ached at the thought of answering.
Yang Sung gently placed a firm, comforting hand on her shoulder.
"Calm yourself, Liuwa," he said softly. "We still have time. The Festival draws millions. We'll find him."
She nodded slowly, forcing composure back into her trembling frame.
"…Alright, Father. I'm returning to my quarters."
She turned without another word, vanishing into the interior of the lead ship—her thoughts a storm of fear, longing, and questions.
Above, the ships of the Holy Sword Sect undocked one by one. Their grand fleet lifted into the skies and began their journey toward the Void Gateway, set to follow into the Central Realm.
It would be a long voyage.
And finding a single storekeeper among the chaos of the Lunar New Year Festival… might prove even longer still.
Back with Wei Chen
Completely unaware of the chaos left in his wake, Wei Chen emerged from the other end of the Void Gateway. The transition was smooth, and the skies of the Central Realm greeted him with brilliant sunlight and rolling clouds.
Adjusting his stance on the large Paper Talisman, he descended slowly from the sky, dipping below the cloud line as the sprawling city of Wayoki came into view—the capital of the Imperial Ji Empire, one of the Five Great Empires of the Central Realm.
"Alright," Wei Chen murmured to himself, adjusting his flight angle. "Time for a quick stop."
He guided the talisman down and landed safely in a designated landing zone outside the city walls. With a flick of his fingers, the large talisman shrank into a small, folded seal he tucked into his robe. Then, with a light breath, he entered the city streets.
Wayoki buzzed with life. Cultivators from distant realms, especially the Shungchi Realm, filled the roads and skyways—booking inns, buying pavilions, and preparing for the Great Talks set to happen in three months. After that, the Lunar New Year Festival would ignite the realm with celebration.
Wei Chen wandered through the marketplace, admiring the colorful stalls and the sheer volume of trade. Craftsmen shouted prices, spirit beasts roared softly from inside cages, and merchants flaunted enchanted items to passing nobles.
"This..." Wei Chen whispered, eyes gleaming, "is what I want someday. A business of my own in a city like this... But for now—relax first, travel later."
As he strolled, his eyes drifted toward a chaotic yet vibrant district: a blend of shops, pavilions, and brothels—collectively known as the Pleasure Quarter. Lights shimmered, music played, and the scent of incense lingered in the air.
"Hmm... where to go first?" Wei Chen muttered, scanning the area.
That's when he passed a street corner with a small, wooden stall stacked with printed newspapers. The scent of ink caught his attention.
"Ah, news might kill some time."
"Looking for the latest headlines, traveler?" asked the old man at the stand, his voice polite but strong.
"Yes, please," Wei Chen replied respectfully.
The vendor handed him a fresh newspaper. Wei Chen offered the payment, nodded in thanks, and continued walking. Soon, he found a quaint restaurant and stepped inside, choosing a quiet table by the window.
After ordering a pot of Green Herbal Tea, he leaned back, unfolded the paper, and began to read.
"Alright... let's see what's happening in this realm," he said softly.
The first few pages were filled with reports about sect alliances, trade negotiations, and preparations for the upcoming Great Talks.
But one headline in bold black ink caught his eye—and froze his hand mid-turn.
("Miracle Pregnancy: Holy Sword Sect's Saintess Conceives!"
Late Soul God Transformation Cultivator Shocks the Realms)
Wei Chen's brow furrowed. He leaned closer.
"A pregnancy? From a Saintess at that level?" he whispered.
According to the article, Sung Liuwa, the Holy Sword Saintess of the Shungchi Realm, was confirmed to be pregnant—despite having reached the peak of cultivation where one's body becomes immortalized. Such women were believed to lose all reproductive capability after crossing the threshold into pseudo-immortality.
Wei Chen knew this much from old cultivation texts: the price of ascending the body to immortal purity was steep. While it granted eternal youth and unaging beauty, it came with the unchangeable cost—sterility.
No pill, elixir, divine blood, or soul essence had ever reversed it.
And yet... the article claimed it had happened.
"How is that possible?" Wei Chen whispered, eyes narrowing. "Did they discover some herb? Some miracle elixir?"
His mind sparked with entrepreneurial fire. If there truly was a herb or potion that could do the impossible—he could find it, refine it, and make a fortune selling it across the realms.
"I need to look into this... If I can track the origin of this miracle, I might have something big on my hands."
What he didn't realize—what he couldn't realize—was that the article he held in his hand didn't describe a miracle herb…
It described him.
The quiet storekeeper from Yangchen City was the unknown factor behind the impossible pregnancy of a Saintess. And as he sipped his tea, making plans for fortune and discovery, the truth lay just a few realms behind him—chasing, waiting, and growing within Sung Liuwa's womb.