Chapter Five: The Division of Realms

After bidding farewell to Yuè’er and the others, Tianming, under Yisha’s guidance, arrived at the room where he would be staying for the night. He knew this room was prepared for him because Yisha had stopped walking.

“Brother Yisha, thank you for your trouble,” Tianming said politely, a smile on his face.

Earlier, Tianming had learned through his questions that this ship was privately owned by Yisha and his group, with over a dozen subordinates, each of them no weaker than Yisha himself. They hailed from the Southern Archipelago and were heading to the Xianfeng District. As for their purpose, Tianming did not know, only that their discipline was strict.

“Haha, don’t mention it! I happen to be free,” Yisha replied heartily, waving his hand in a carefree manner.

Everyone appreciates those who are refined and courteous, especially someone as sociable as Yisha. So, along the way, he answered Tianming’s questions as much as possible; whenever something was difficult to explain, he would respond tactfully, never giving off the coldness of a martial master.

At this moment, Tianming spoke no further, simply bowing slightly with cupped hands in salute.

Sometimes, silence speaks louder than words. Yisha returned the gesture with a respectful bow of his own.

“Not bad at all—reminds me of my own youthful demeanor,” Yisha said, patting Tianming’s shoulder as he circled around him, a smile on his lips.

“You flatter me. You’re quite dashing yourself now,” Tianming replied with a nod and a smile.

He understood that Yisha’s comment was prompted by seeing the clothes Tianming wore—perhaps they were his favorites.

Yisha laughed heartily at the compliment, his face bright with pleasure. Remembering something, his expression turned apologetic. “By the way, the others probably still have business with you. I won’t keep you from it.”

“Please, go ahead,” Tianming said, understanding who ‘the others’ were. He neither insisted on Yisha staying nor pressed for answers, but simply raised his hand in farewell.

Yisha, saying nothing further, cupped his hands once more and departed under Tianming’s gaze.

...

After entering the room and tidying up a bit, Tianming sat cross-legged on the wooden bed.

“Are you there, Dora?”

Dora...

Tianming said, “Tell me about this planet’s cultivation system.”

Dora replied, “Tianming, last time I mentioned that you’re currently at the level of a Martial Practitioner. The Hongmeng Realm is much more complex, consisting of six general stages, each divided into ten tiers. The first stage is the Qi Guiding Realm: the initial contact with cultivation, when one draws in the primordial Hongmeng energy for the first time. The second stage is Foundation Establishment: after prolonged cultivation, both the soul and the body grow much stronger. The third stage is Spirit Void: at this level, the body has been reinforced to the point that the cultivator can survive solely by absorbing Hongmeng energy. The fourth stage is Emptiness: here, body and soul approach perfection, and the senses are heightened to a new realm.”

The fifth stage is Spirit Silence: soul and body transcend to a new state, granting vast magical powers, enough to stir oceans and overturn rivers. The sixth stage is Golden Immortal: among those in Spirit Silence, a few extraordinary individuals, through great fortune, finally comprehend certain laws of the universe.”

Tianming felt overwhelmed. “This is too complicated. Fortunately, I can cheat; otherwise, with my level of comprehension, I’d be in trouble.” He yawned, impatience written on his face.

He nearly dozed off listening to the systematic explanations. In his heart, Tianming wanted to cry out, “This is too much for me.”

He asked, “Dora, do you have any money?”

“With hands and feet, earn it yourself,” Dora answered.

Tianming grumbled, “You’re too harsh. At least give me a map?”

Dora replied, “Close your eyes and visualize the map.”

...

Following Dora’s instructions, Tianming saw not only his current location but the entire planet as well.

He was now on the Central Divine Continent, still sailing on the South Sea, but soon to arrive at the Xianfeng District.

“Chang’an City?” Tianming chuckled at the familiar name, though this was a very different city from the one he knew.

It was the largest city in the Xianfeng District and their destination for the next day.

Dora offered a gentle suggestion: “Tianming, you could go to the Wilds Forest.”

“I get what you mean—lie low and develop for a while, right?” Tianming laughed.

Dora sighed, “It’s exhausting dealing with clever people.”

“You flatter me!” Tianming replied.

...

Under the bright moon and sparkling stars, tired from the day’s journey, Tianming soon fell asleep, oblivious to the world.

...

Knock, knock, knock!

Time is always fleeting. After a dreamless night, Tianming was startled awake by a series of knocks at the door.

“Who is it?” he muttered groggily, rubbing his eyes, annoyed to be woken so early.

But as soon as he spoke, a gust of wind swept past and the knocking ceased abruptly.

Opening the door, Tianming found no one outside. The corridor was silent and empty.

“How interesting,” he mused, and did not linger. He quickly left the ship, discovering they had already reached land.

The reason for his haste was the persistent sense of being watched, an uneasy feeling that made him uncomfortable all over.

“What fine weather today!” Tianming exclaimed, pausing to stretch as he took in the bright, sunny day on this new continent. The fresh air was a welcome relief.

“Friend lurking behind me, are you not ready to show yourself? If you delay any longer, I’ll be on my way,” he called out.

No sooner had he finished speaking than a shadowy figure appeared behind him.

“Mr. Tianming, you are indeed vigilant. No wonder our leader holds you in such high regard. I am here to deliver a message,” came a deep, sonorous voice, weathered yet powerful—one that brooked no refusal.

Tianming, standing ahead, felt a chilling pressure envelop him as the man drew near. If the newcomer bore him any ill will, his very presence might be enough to paralyze Tianming on the spot.

In that moment, Tianming understood the true importance of strength—it was a matter of life and death.

“Heh, you flatter me,” Tianming replied, forcing himself to stand tall and smile calmly.

“We will depart first. Take care of yourself, Tianming. You needn’t return the clothes. If fate allows, we may meet again; if not, let it be,” the man said, his words carried away by a cold wind as his form vanished without a trace.

“Tch, who wants your clothes anyway? Don’t look down on me. Just wait—three years from now, you won’t be able to find me even if you want to!” Tianming snorted, turning to the sky and shouting.

It’s just being without clothes—why harp on about it? Who is born with clothes on, anyway? I have Dora. You’d beg for what I have, and it’s nothing to be amazed at.

He sat in silence for a moment, then dropped to the ground with a sigh, wiping the cold sweat from his brow. Since there was no reply, the messenger must have gone. Whether the message would be delivered, Tianming did not know.

Dora chimed in, “Are you exhausted?”

“Go play somewhere else,” Tianming retorted. “When I’m bullied, you never come to help.”

Dora replied, “You call that bullying? He didn’t even exert himself…”

“Don’t push it, or you’ll get censored,” Tianming warned.

Clang—

At that moment, a crisp sound rang out as something hard struck the ground.

“How pitiful—so young, and already out here begging!”