Ascension Of the Foresaken

Chapter 11: The First Steps into the Greater World

The world shifted. A single breakthrough, a single step into the Qi Condensation Realm, and yet—the land itself trembled in response. The forests withered where Kael had stood, their life force drained. The air remained thick with residual Qi, the aftershocks of his ascension lingering like the fading echoes of a divine calamity. Jin Mu had seen monsters before. But Kael? Kael was something else. Something beyond comprehension. And the world had noticed.

Far from where Kael made his breakthrough, across the land, in the sacred halls of powerful sects, ancient temples of forgotten legacies, and hidden realms of secluded masters, a disturbance rippled through the fabric of existence. Leng Xiuying, the Saintess of the Crimson Sky Pavilion, stood at the highest balcony of the sect's Floating Palace, gazing at the distant horizon. She had long black hair that reached her knees, her eyes carried a silver-like sheen, her nose small and petite as if crafted by the gods, her mouth fitting naturally pink and succulent able to make any man fantasize. Her face was truly the work of the gods. She sat on the balcony ruminating about something when a ripple of primordial energy brushed against her senses, sending a shiver down her spine. She set down her wine cup, silver eyes narrowing. "That… was no ordinary breakthrough. Have you confirmed the source?" An elder behind her, draped in flowing silver robes, bowed respectfully. "My lady, our scouts have confirmed it. A phenomenon emerged near the Serpent's Fang Sect's territory—lightning storms, Qi surges, and…" he hesitated, "…a presence unlike anything we have recorded." Leng Xiuying's lips curled into a slow, dangerous smile. "A prodigy, then." She ran a single finger along the rim of her cup. The world was dull. Endless cultivation, politics, and meaningless struggles. She was tired of it all. She craved excitement, thrill, all things that could make her feel alive and yet she was always bogged down by useless sect politics. Before she had no choice but to go with the flow. But now? Now, something interesting had appeared. Leng Xiuying exhaled softly. "Send word. I want details. And if this prodigy is as monstrous as that breakthrough seems to show…" Her eyes gleamed. "I want to meet him."

Far to the east, within the Celestial Dao Sect, a young man sat in deep meditation within a massive Spirit Formation, his body floating inches above the ground. His robes were immaculate, his posture divine, and the golden aura of righteousness surrounding him marked him as a cultivator of unshakable will. He had the bearing of nobility, his face so handsome that most ladies would most likely use his image for a certain action in the dark. He had long golden hair with matching eyes. His eyebrows were sword-shaped and his cheekbones sculpted to perfection. He was the epitome of male beauty and unfortunately for other males out there, he had the body to match, well-built, sufficiently muscular and not too gaudy but just enough muscle to hold the tremendous amount of strength he wielded. This man was as handsome as he was monstrous. This was Zhao Lingxian—a name that carried weight across the continent. He was the Crowned Genius of the Celestial Dao Sect, a disciple personally groomed to one day step into Immortal Ascension. As the remnants of Kael's breakthrough washed over the land, Zhao Lingxian's brows furrowed slightly. A disturbance. A shift in fate. His eyes opened. "…an anomaly has appeared." His master, an old man clad in celestial gold, observed from nearby, his expression unreadable. "The heavens have taken interest in a single mortal," the elder murmured. "The last time such a disturbance occurred…" He didn't finish. Zhao Lingxian clenched his fist. "I will investigate." His aura surged—powerful, indomitable. If something was threatening the balance of the cultivation world, he would ensure it was eradicated.

Beyond the mortal world, in the deepest reaches of the Black Mist Mountains, where even Nascent Soul cultivators feared to tread, something ancient stirred. An eye—vast and inhuman—opened within the darkness. A voice, deep and resonant, echoed through the void. "Is he the one... probably, but further observation is needed. But this is truly a surprise; even if he is not the one, he is certainly a new pawn that could be utilized. The heavens indeed favor me." Silence followed. Then—laughter. Low, deep, and filled with boundless hunger. The era of monsters had begun.

Back in the forest, Kael rolled his shoulders, flexing his fingers as he tested the new power surging through him. The Qi within his body had transformed, flowing through his meridians like a river of liquid fire. He had stepped into Qi Condensation. But even this realm… Was only a stepping stone and not remotely close to bringing him satisfaction. He was content but not satisfied. His cultivation speed was monstrous, but Kael desired more power, more battles, more domination. His eyes gleamed with a feral light, his blood boiling in anticipation. He couldn't wait to jump into his next battle. Jin Mu had finally regained his senses, though his face was pale, his heart still pounding. "You…" he swallowed. "You just… was that a Qi Condensation breakthrough?" Kael smirked. "You tell me." "I don't know what to think anymore. Well, I give up; nothing with you makes any sense." Jin Mu then slapped his own face with both hands. "I won't get shocked again. From now on I will take everything in stride." "Good." Kael turned toward the horizon. The world had noticed him. That meant his path to the peak had truly begun. And when they came to find him— He would show them what true power looked like.