Chapter 1: Awakening in the Mortal Realm
The air was thick with the scent of earth and dew, mingled with the faint aroma of ancient pine. Mist curled lazily around towering trees, their leaves whispering secrets in the gentle morning breeze. Somewhere in the distance, a river sang its eternal song, weaving through the valley like a silver thread.
Amidst this serene wilderness, a figure lay motionless on the forest floor.
His body was slender, yet his presence radiated a quiet intensity. Pale skin glowed faintly under the soft light filtering through the canopy. His dark hair, tangled and damp, framed a face both youthful and enigmatic. Eyes closed, he seemed to be in a deep slumber—or perhaps something far more profound.
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2. The First Breath of Life
A sudden sharp intake of breath shattered the silence.
Shen Mo's eyes snapped open, revealing irises that shimmered like polished obsidian. The world flooded his senses—cool air brushing his skin, the rustle of leaves, the distant call of birds. Yet, beneath the surface of this natural beauty, an undercurrent of danger pulsed.
His mind was a storm of fragmented memories—flashes of a world called Earth, faces he barely recognized, emotions tangled in confusion. But one thing was clear: the mysterious artifact embedded in his soul pulsed with a steady, reassuring glow.
He sat up slowly, muscles aching but his body feeling strangely resilient. The Eternal Holy Body was no mere legend—it was real, and it coursed with power that defied mortal limits.
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3. The Harsh Reality
Shen Mo's gaze swept the surroundings. The forest was dense, ancient, and alive with unseen eyes. This was the Mortal Realm—a world where strength dictated survival, and weakness meant death.
He recalled the faint whispers of Master Yun Xi's teachings from his fragmented memories: "The Mortal Realm is a crucible. Only those who endure its trials can ascend."
But how was he to endure when he knew nothing of this world? When every breath could be his last?
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4. First Encounter: Shadows in the Mist
A sudden crack echoed nearby—a branch snapping underfoot. Shen Mo's senses sharpened instantly. He rose, every muscle coiled like a spring, eyes scanning the shadows.
From the underbrush, a group of figures emerged—young cultivators clad in simple robes, their expressions wary and hostile. They carried weapons, their eyes flickering with suspicion and challenge.
"Who are you?" one demanded, stepping forward. His voice was sharp, edged with the arrogance of youth and power.
Shen Mo's lips curled into a faint, cold smile. "I am… someone who will not be ignored."
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5.The Test of Strength
Without warning, the cultivators attacked.
Shen Mo moved with fluid grace, his combat style unpredictable and precise. He dodged, parried, and countered with a calm ruthlessness that stunned his opponents. His Eternal Holy Body absorbed blows that would have shattered ordinary bones, and his strikes landed with devastating effect.
Within moments, the challengers lay defeated, groaning and wary.
The leader, nursing a bruised shoulder, glared at Shen Mo. "You're not from around here. What sect do you belong to?"
Shen Mo's eyes darkened. "No sect. Yet."
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6.A New Path Begins
The defeated cultivators retreated, spreading word of the mysterious stranger with uncanny power. Shen Mo knew this was only the beginning.
He needed guidance, resources, and allies. The Mortal Realm was vast and unforgiving, filled with sects that guarded their secrets jealously and enemies lurking in every shadow.
His first goal was clear: find a sect willing to accept him and begin his cultivation journey.
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7. The Road to the Sect
Days passed as Shen Mo navigated the wilderness, relying on instinct and the artifact's faint guidance. He encountered wild beasts, some monstrous and corrupted by dark energy, others majestic and rare.
Each encounter tested his strength and adaptability. He learned to harness the Qi around him, feeling it flow through his Eternal Holy Body, awakening dormant potential.
Finally, on the edge of a sprawling valley, Shen Mo spotted a cluster of buildings nestled among towering pines—the humble yet sturdy headquarters of the **Azure Cloud Sect**, a minor but respected cultivation sect known for its strict discipline and hidden potential.
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8. Arrival at Azure Cloud Sect
The sect's gates were guarded by stern-faced disciples who eyed Shen Mo with suspicion. Word of a lone cultivator with strange powers had already reached them.
Master Yun Xi, a tall figure draped in flowing robes, emerged from the inner courtyard. His eyes, sharp and penetrating, fixed on Shen Mo with a mixture of curiosity and calculation.
"You carry a heavy burden," Yun Xi said quietly. "And a rare gift. Tell me, what is your purpose here?"
Shen Mo met his gaze steadily. "To survive. To grow stronger. To uncover the truth behind this artifact and my destiny."
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9. Acceptance and Challenge
Master Yun Xi nodded slowly. "Very well. The path ahead is perilous. You will train under my guidance, but know this—trust is earned, and power is tested."
Shen Mo bowed slightly, the first step on a long and arduous journey.
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10. Closing Reflection
That night, beneath a sky glittering with stars, Shen Mo sat alone atop a hill overlooking the sect. The artifact pulsed softly within him, a beacon of hope and mystery.
The Mortal Realm was vast, brutal, and filled with countless dangers. But it was also a place of opportunity—a crucible where legends were forged.
And Shen Mo was determined to become one.
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# End of Chapter . 1