Hou Xun Yimei's POV
My name is Hou Xun Yimei, a whisper lost in the thunderous legacy of my family. Hou Xun. A name etched in history with monster blood and unparalleled valor. My father, Hou Xun, the legend – vanquisher of an Eighth Level monster, a feat unmatched, a bedtime story that haunted my waking hours. But beneath the shadow of that colossal tree, I was just a withered leaf, tossed about in insignificance.
From birth, I was an anomaly, a glitch in a perfect bloodline. Their gazes – cold, judgmental, dripping with disappointment – were my lullaby. I possessed no innate talent, no surging spiritual energy coursed through my veins. I was merely… ordinary, trapped among gods.
The decision to leave wasn't courage; it was necessity. An escape from an endless torment, a desperate search for an identity beyond the long shadow of my family name.
"I will prove myself," I whispered to the wind, the words a spell, a promise binding me to an unwritten destiny. "I'll forge my own path, eclipse their expectations, and show the world I'm more than just a Hou Xun heir."
---
Ten Days Later: Silence as Master
The silence of my tiny apartment – a self-imposed exile from the world – became a harsh but honest master. Without those judging eyes, I could train relentlessly, pushing my body and soul to their limits. But progress felt like scaling an endless mountain, each step stained with frustration and doubt.
"Why is it so damn hard?" I roared at my reflection, my mirrored self returning a blank stare. "Why can't I feel the flow of spiritual energy like they do? Am I truly destined to be nothing?"
The Soul Ignition Stage – the very foundation, the first step on an unending path of cultivation – felt like an impenetrable wall. Hours bled into each other as I meditated, striving to align myself with the energies of nature, but the result was always the same: bitter disappointment, a searing ache in my chest.
Yet, beneath the frustration, a fierce determination smoldered. I knew I had to keep going, no matter how steep the climb. I had to prove to myself that I could overcome my limitations, that I was more than just a Hou Xun name.
Today was the entrance exam for Beijing Academy, a gateway to a larger, more dangerous world. Passing it was the first step on my journey to find my true strength, to earn the right to carry the Hou Xun name.
"May the heavens smile upon me today," I whispered, a prayer laced with equal parts hope and dread, with a longing to be accepted and recognized.
---
Beijing Academy: Dreams Carved in Stone
Beijing Academy – a labyrinth of stone and legend – loomed before me, a monument to ambition and power. Its gates, crafted from shimmering white jade, radiated an aura of grandeur and timelessness. Above, lightning dragons danced in intricate relief, their eyes seemingly following me, testing my resolve, daring me to prove my worth.
I swallowed hard, a dizzying mix of excitement and trepidation churning in my gut. This academy was a dream etched into my heart since childhood, a place where I could learn, grow, and unlock my true potential. But it was also a viper's nest of competition and peril, where only the strong survived, where I'd have to claw my way up inch by agonizing inch.
"Why am I so afraid?" I asked myself, trying to soothe the churning in my stomach, to silence the voices of doubt that constantly plagued me. "I've come so far. I can't give up now. I have to show them all that I can do this."
With a step that was both resolute and hesitant, I entered the gates of Beijing Academy, leaving my past behind and stepping into an uncertain future, towards a destiny yet unwritten.
---
Inside the Academy: A Symphony of Ambition and Anxiety
Within the academy walls, I was lost in a symphony of ambition and anxiety. Students – each carrying their own hopes and fears – thronged around me, creating a palpable vortex of energy, a mental battlefield where everyone was striving to outdo everyone else. Ancient buildings, crafted from wood and stone that had witnessed centuries of history, radiated an aura of wisdom and power, a constant reminder of the long, weighty traditions I had to bear. Beautiful gardens, overflowing with exotic flowers and ancient trees whispering forgotten secrets, offered oases of calm amidst the frenzied exam preparations, places where I could reflect and gather my strength.
I felt like an outsider in this world, an imposter who didn't belong here. I knew I had to work twice as hard as everyone else to compete with these students, most of whom hailed from wealthy and influential cultivator families, who had been trained from birth to be the best.
I spotted a large crowd of students gathering before a massive hall, their voices a low rumble like waves crashing against the shore, creating an almost palpable surge of energy. I assumed that was the registration point for the entrance exam, the gateway to the future I craved.
Mustering what little courage I possessed, I joined the throng, trying to appear neither too nervous nor too out of place, to hide the doubts and fears gnawing at my heart.
---
New Student Reception Hall: Masks and Truths
The hall – a cauldron where hope and terror simmered – was packed with students wearing masks of bravado and indifference, concealing their vulnerabilities beneath layers of arrogance and false confidence. I could feel the pressure in the air, a palpable field of energy created by collective ambition and anxiety, a psychological battleground where everyone was trying to intimidate everyone else.
"Too many people," I muttered to myself, feeling like I was suffocating in this throng, like I was losing myself among these countless faces. "How can I possibly stand out from all of this? How can I prove that I'm worthy to be here?"
Suddenly, the doors at the far end of the hall creaked open with an earsplitting groan, slicing through the silence and drawing everyone's attention. All fell silent, their eyes fixed on the figure silhouetted in the doorway, waiting with a mixture of anticipation and dread.
Zhao Yunlong – Headmaster of Peking Mystical Academy, a man revered and feared in equal measure, a living legend – stood there, radiating an aura of undeniable power and authority. He wore a crisply tailored military uniform, his face hard and expressionless, his eyes sharp and piercing, as if he could see straight through your soul.
"Welcome, new students," he boomed, his voice echoing through the hall, hanging in the air like a threatening thunderclap. "I am Zhao Yunlong, former member of the cultivation military tasked with exterminating vile monsters. And I am here to test you. Only the strongest and most dedicated will be accepted into this academy."
My heart pounded in my chest like a war drum calling me to battle. I knew this was the defining moment, the moment that would determine my future, the moment where I had to prove I was worthy of carrying the Hou Xun name.
As I met Zhao Yunlong's gaze, I saw something else there – something deeper than just power and authority. I saw a hint of hidden sorrow, the weight of immense responsibility, and the knowledge of the dangers that lurked in this world, dangers that only those who had seen the dark side of cultivation could truly understand.
I shifted my gaze to the window, seeking escape from Zhao Yunlong's intense stare, searching for some solace amidst this chaos. I saw the beautiful sky and the bustling city, with its twinkling lights like earthly stars, but I also sensed something strange and unsettling emanating from the distant forests, a dark, foreboding aura that sent shivers down my spine.
A whisper – audible only to me – slithered into my mind, a warning of a looming threat, an echo from a forgotten past.
"The Reality Render from the Empty Sea," the whisper hissed, sending a chilling wave down my spine, making me feel like something was watching me from the shadows.
I knew, deep in my heart, that my destiny was intertwined with this ancient power, and that my journey had only just begun, that I would face dangers greater than I could ever imagine.
---
The Monster Forest Depths: Promises and Ruin
Deep within the shadowy and perilous Monster Forest, low-level monsters clustered, bowing their heads in reverence to someone standing before them. Ancient trees towered high above, blocking the sunlight and creating a dark and foreboding atmosphere. The stench of blood and decay hung heavy in the air, a constant reminder of the brutality and violence that permeated this place.
"Lord Feng Yi, why don't you attack the humans?" a hulking evolved bull grunted, its eyes gleaming with avarice and bloodlust. "You are so powerful; you could easily conquer their cities and enslave them for our pleasure."
"Hmm…you're probably wondering why I haven't conquered a city like other monsters," Feng Yi replied casually, a cynical smile playing on his handsome features. "That's because I'm lazy. Conquering cities is such a drag, and I'd rather just relax and enjoy myself."
The monsters exchanged bewildered glances. They couldn't understand why someone as strong as Feng Yi had no ambition for power.
"Lord is truly the best," an arrogant evolved tiger chimed in. "We have no regrets following you since you were still weak. You always know how to have a good time."
Feng Yi merely smiled, masking the truth hidden beneath his air of indifference. In his heart, he harbored one burning desire: to become human again, to break free from the monstrous curse that had haunted him for years.
"It's been five days since I took control of the Fifth Sector of the Monster Forest," he mused inwardly. "Why hasn't the system appeared yet? Am I truly destined to remain a monster forever?"
Feng Yi gazed upwards, at the slivers of brilliant blue sky through the gaps in the canopy. The sun shone brightly, and the scent of trees and flowers permeated the air, reminding him of the life he had lost, of the beauty and peace he could no longer touch.
"If only I could reincarnate as a human," he whispered softly, his voice barely audible. "Perhaps I could have become the strongest among them, a hero that would be remembered forever."
His underlings were curious about Feng Yi's words, but before they could press further, Feng Yi vanished into thin air, leaving them in confusion and fear.
---
Back to Yimei: Shadows of the Past
Following the new student reception, I felt restless, like something was amiss, like danger was lurking just beyond my line of sight.
"Tomorrow is the Peking Mystical Academy entrance exam," I murmured to myself. "I have to pass, no matter what. I have to prove to myself, to my family, to the entire world that I'm not a waste of space."
I sighed and walked through the doors of the library, a place that always provided me with a sense of calm and peace. The scent of ancient books that filled the air felt like a warm embrace, reminding me of my childhood spent reading heroic stories and ancient legends.
"I want to know the history of this world," I murmured, touching the library entrance with the tip of my finger as if I were asking permission to enter a realm of knowledge and mystery.
---
Inside the Library: Seeking Answers Among the Pages
I was captivated by the neat rows of books, tier upon tier of shelves that stretched towards the vaulted ceilings, overflowing with leather-bound volumes and fragile parchments. The scent of ancient books permeated the air, creating a tranquil and sacred atmosphere, a place where I could escape from reality and immerse myself in worlds of imagination.
"Alright, let's read every history book in this place," I declared to myself with burning determination, my eyes sparkling with excitement. "Perhaps I can find clues about The Reality Render from the Empty Sea, about that ancient force that threatens our world."
I started grabbing history books from the shelves, ignoring the technique manuals and other lessons that seemed more relevant to the entrance exam. The other students looked at me with confusion, frowning and whispering among themselves.
"What is that girl doing?" one student whispered with a sneer. "We should be studying techniques and formations, not history. Does she really think that reading those old books will help her pass the exam?"
"Who knows," another snickered with a dismissive tone. "Maybe she really likes history. Or maybe she's just trying to get attention."
I ignored the whispers and focused on the history book in front of me, flipping through page after page with fierce intensity, absorbing every word and every detail. I read about kingdoms that had risen and fallen, about heroes who had fought and sacrificed, about monsters that had threatened and been conquered.
"So, there was a Tenth-Level monster that was absolutely terrifying," I murmured, my eyes glued to an illustration that portrayed a horrifying creature with countless tentacles and eyes that burned with darkness. "But the Hou Xun family survived thanks to someone…"
I stopped reading, my heart pounding fiercely in my chest. I had stumbled upon something important, something that had to do with my family, with my destiny.
"Why does the story stop here?" I asked with mounting frustration, desperately searching for the next page. "Is there another page? I have to read it! I have to know who saved the Hou Xun family from that monster!"
I searched frantically for the next page in the entire book, but I couldn't find it. The story ended abruptly, as if someone had deliberately torn out the missing section.
"Why isn't there a continuation?" I roared with anger, slamming the book onto the table. "There's nothing but junk history here! Damn it! Who is hiding the truth from me?"
I glanced at the clock and gasped in alarm. It was already late afternoon. I had spent hours in the library, reading history books and losing track of everything else.
"Crap," I muttered, hurrying towards the exit. "I completely lost track of the time because I was reading history books. I have to prepare myself for the exam tomorrow!"
Just as I was about to leave the library, Feng Yi suddenly appeared before me with a vexed expression.
"Stop, stop!" Feng Yi shouted with an annoyed tone. "This is Chapter Two! It's supposed to be my scene! Why do you keep making this extra appear? I'm the Main Character, you know! The readers want to see me, not him!"
I raised an eyebrow with an mocking glare. "Extra? I'm sorry, Mr. MC, but it seems the readers are more interested in my tragic and mysterious background than your boring cultivation exercises. And honestly, your looks are so common. Maybe you should read more books in this library."
"Enough! Enough noise!" a booming voice cut through our squabble. The Narrator —an invisible force that controlled the course of the story— slammed a script onto the table, sending several books tumbling from the shelves with a thud. "If you two can't stop bickering, I'm going to replace you with a squirrel that can perform martial arts and has more fanservice than both of you! And please, be quiet in the library! This is a sacred place for knowledge!"
That night, Feng Yi and I finally made up and decided to go to sleep, though I still felt restless and couldn't stop thinking about The Reality Render from the Empty Sea.
---
The Next Morning: Dreams and Reality
I woke up from a strange dream about a giant squid that was destroying cities and swallowing the entire world. My breath came in ragged gasps, my heart was pounding wildly in my chest. I remembered, today was the academy entrance exam, the day that would define my future.
"Crap, I forgot the exam!" I shrieked in a panic, leaping out of bed and rushing towards the wardrobe.
Suddenly, just as I stepped out of bed, my room felt like it was about to break apart, as if something was tearing apart the reality around me. I froze in fear, unable to move or speak.
"What is this? Why does my room feel like it's breaking apart?" I murmured with a trembling voice, my eyes wide with terror.
I looked up and saw the figure of a giant squid appear from a crack in the ceiling, its long, writhing tentacles reaching towards me, its eyes burning with darkness staring at me with hungry intent.
"Could it be that monster that was described in the history book," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "Could it be The Reality Render from the Empty Sea. Will the world come to an end today?"
---
Back to the Library: Truth Revealed
I came across a fascinating entry in world history, an ancient record handwritten by a scholar who had witnessed an apocalypse in the past.
"Long ago, the world experienced a terrible apocalypse," the scholar had written with faded ink. "We faced a terrifying monster, a giant evolved squid. Everyone called it: The Reality Render from the Empty Sea. Everyone panicked thinking that day was the end of the world. Until someone appeared and defeated that monster. The identity of that person was..."
---
Back to the Present: Fate Awaits
"That was The Reality Render from the Empty Sea," I whispered with a trembling voice, realizing that my nightmare had come true. "He's only supposed to appear in a thousand years. Why is he here now? What's going on?"
I froze in fear, unable to think about what to do.
"Crap," I muttered in desperation. "If I fight, I'll kill myself. But if I don't, the world will be destroyed. What should I do? How can I defeat a monster that even the legends fear?"
Just when I was panicking and despairing, I heard a voice calling to me from a distance, a gentle and calming voice that pierced through the darkness and fear.
"Hey, Yimei… Yimei? Come on, let's go again. We'll almost be there soon."
I opened my eyes and saw Feng Yi smiling at me, his hand reaching out to help me stand.
"Oh, Mr. Feng Yi… I apologize for falling asleep," I said with a soft chuckle, feeling embarrassed for making him wait.
"It's okay," Feng Yi replied with a gentle tone. "I just woke up. Come on, we're almost at my place. I want to show you something special."
"Yeah," I said with a genuine smile, feeling relieved that I had escaped from the nightmare.
I smiled and gazed at Feng Yi with gratitude and trust.
---
Epilogue: Whispers from the Void
Yimei was still thinking about the past before meeting Feng Yi, about her cold and dismissive family, about her inability to control spiritual energy, about the fate that awaited her at Beijing Academy.
"Why did I dream about that squid?" she murmured to herself, unable to shake off the shadows of the nightmare that continued to haunt her. "What does that dream mean? Is it just a warning about a danger to come, or is there something deeper that's hidden behind it?"
She shook her head, trying to banish those thoughts and focus on the present, on her friendship with Feng Yi, on her hopes and dreams.
She ran to catch up with Feng Yi with cheerfulness, leaving fear and doubt behind. However, out there, in the void of the universe, someone was watching the earth with a sly grin, waiting for the perfect time to unleash chaos.
"You are quite clever, Reality Render," the figure whispered with admiration and respect. "You have succeeded in planting doubt in the girl's mind, making her bewildered about the Reality Render from the Empty Sea. Very interesting." That smile was filled with a century of anticipation, with a plan that had been carefully crafted for centuries. "The time is almost upon us. It's time for you to rise again and claim what is rightfully yours."
Who exactly is The Reality Render from the Empty Sea? And who is the mysterious figure that is watching the earth with a sly smile? What has he been waiting for for a
---
Chapter 2 Completed.