Mortal's Realm

In the heart of a desolate landscape, an island emerged, surrounded solely by water. Suddenly, a crackling sound filled the air, and a small purple dot materialized within the fissure. Gradually, the dot began to spin at an increasing speed, growing larger with each passing moment. After a minute of this mesmerizing display, it ceased its motion, transforming into a three-meter-wide circle. Soon after, a youthful man emerged from the portal, followed closely by a middle-aged companion. The pair surveyed their surroundings, their curiosity piqued.

"So this is the Mortal Realm..." Lao Bai marveled, his interest piqued by the unfamiliar sights.

However, his expression quickly soured, a mere instant later.

"What the fuck? The Spirit Power here is trash! What kind of shitty Spirit Power is this?! How can anyone possibly cultivate in such an environment?" he exclaimed, his disappointment evident.

"Well, it is called the 'Mortal Realm' for a reason..." the middle-aged man tried to salvage some dignity for their current location.

"But, Young Master, even though the quantity of Spirit Power here is unusually abundant, the quality is severely lacking!" Lao Bai complained, his disdain evident.

"If I were to cultivate here, I might fall ill..." Lao Bai murmured, his mind filled with objections.

Tian Yi stood in dumbfounded silence, taken aback by his companion's disparaging remarks about the Mortal Realm.

"I suppose you'll have to forgo cultivation then," he quipped, attempting to inject a note of humor.

"But, Young Master, even if I were to cultivate for a million years here, I doubt I could achieve a breakthrough," Lao Bai bitterly lamented.

Tian Yi fell silent, contemplating their situation.

"Well, setting that aside, let us discuss our plans moving forward. Any suggestions?" he redirected the conversation.

"Eh? Young Master, you mean you came here without any plans?" Lao Bai retorted, astounded by the lack of preparation.

Now it was Lao Bai's turn to be dumbfounded. How could his Young Master arrive here without any plans whatsoever?

"Perhaps... No, I do have a plan!" Tian Yi responded calmly.

"We are going to sample the various cuisines of the Mortal Realm," he proposed, adding a questioning inflection at the end.

Lao Bai was left speechless, unable to comprehend why his Young Master had journeyed all the way to this realm merely for food. Was he tired of consuming dragon meat?

"Oh, I almost forgot," Tian Yi interjected suddenly, his expression turning grave.

Lao Bai mirrored his seriousness upon seeing his master's face.

"Lao Bai, my real name is Tian Yi," he revealed.

Lao Bai's eyes widened with realization, and he immediately prostrated himself.

"This servant pays his respects to Young Master Yi!" he exclaimed, finally acquainted with his master's true identity.

Tian Yi nodded in acknowledgment and commanded, "Rise!"

"Yes, Young Master Yi!" Lao Bai complied, straightening himself.

Tian Yi gazed silently at Lao Bai, his eyebrows twitching involuntarily.

"Tell me, Lao Bai, how old are you?" he inquired suddenly, catching his servant off guard.

Lao Bai blinked, momentarily stunned by the unexpected question.

"Uh, I believe I am approximately 1,300,000 years old... Why do you ask, Young Master?" he responded, seeking clarification.

"Well... It's just that all the servants I've had in the past were young men for some reason... I thought it would be a refreshing change to have an elder figure, someone like a grandfather," Tian Yi admitted, feeling a tinge of embarrassment at his confession.

Unbeknownst to him, the reason his father had always forbidden him from having a female servant was that they couldn't concentrate on their work when faced with his striking appearance!

"Eh? Are you suggesting that I should transform into an old man?" he inquired.

"Oh, you don't have to if you don't want to," he replied calmly, though a hint of anticipation sparkled in his eyes.

Throughout his life, he had seldom encountered elderly individuals. Even his own grandparents appeared youthful... Since everyone around him was an immortal, they maintained a youthful appearance, avoiding the visage of aging, except for a select few.

"Well... I don't mind, really. I mean, I am an old man. I simply desired a youthful appearance for a brief period," he chuckled, observing his young master's anticipation.

He was genuinely delighted. It marked the first time his young master had looked forward to something involving him.

"But, Young Master, I don't possess an Appearance Changing Pill," he confessed.

Tian Yi's eyes gleamed, and he exclaimed, "Fear not! I have an abundance of them!" as he produced another Appearance Changing Pill.

Silence hung in the air.

"You possess more of them?! How many did you request that unfortunate Pill Emperor to refine?!" he bemoaned, empathizing with the pitiable Pill Emperor.

Reluctantly, he accepted the low-ranked Heavenly pill once again and consumed it.

Poof!

In an instant, Lao Bai transformed into an elderly man, yet he remained agile and able-bodied.

His lengthy white hair was neatly tied behind his back, accompanied by a flowing white beard. His amiable countenance exuded a soothing aura, instilling a sense of tranquility in those around him.

Tian Yi reveled in his new appearance, brimming with satisfaction.

"So, this is what it feels like to have a true grandfatherly figure!" he exclaimed.

"Excellent! I love it! Well done, Lao Bai!" he commended, giving him a thumbs up.

Lao Bai beamed with happiness.

"It's an honor, Young Master!" he replied with heartfelt sincerity.

***

"Now, let us determine which direction to take," Tian Yi redirected the conversation to the main topic.

"Well... What compelled the Young Master to venture down here in the first place?" Lao Bai inquired.

"Hmm..." Tian Yi pondered, trying to recall his initial motivation. What had driven him to descend into this place? He vaguely remembered feeling bored to death while engrossed in his cultivation and seeking solace in a book...

"That's right! I had a book!" he exclaimed, suddenly realizing.

"A book?" Lao Bai looked perplexed. What kind of sacred scripture had motivated the Young Master to embark on this journey?

Tian Yi rummaged through his Storage Pouch, searching for a while before retrieving an old book and presenting it to Lao Bai.

"T-t-this..." Lao Bai was rendered utterly dumbfounded, his speech faltering as he regretted asking.

He glanced at the book's cover, which read, "Guide Book to Surviving in the Mortal Realm – 101+ Steps on How to Survive in This Living Hell!"

"Young Master... This is..." Lao Bai struggled to find the right words.

Tian Yi, sporting a mischievous grin, interjected, "I know, I know. You're curious about the contents of this book, aren't you? Well, let me read a few passages for you. Brace yourself for a shock!"

Silence enveloped the surroundings as Lao Bai prepared himself for what he was about to hear.

*Ahem* Clearing his throat, Tian Yi commenced reading aloud:

"The first thing you must understand about the Mortal Realm is that it is a treacherous place disguised as hell itself! No corner is truly safe, not even your mother's bathroom! One moment of carelessness could lead to your demise, leaving you clueless as to what befell you. Allow me to share a personal experience as an example.

"I recall strolling down the street, savoring a delectable meat bun, when a sudden streak of swordlight whizzed past my face. It not only severed strands of my hair but also sent tremors through my being, robbing me of a few years of life from sheer fright! Are you trembling yet? No? Then listen to this.

"Picture this: I was taking a shit in the toilet, right? You think you would be safe in the bathroom right? But no, all of sudden the entire roof got blown to dust by Cultivators fighting outside! I was just a meter away from turning into ash! But that did help me shit out instantly.

"Still not convinced? Well, allow me to share one more chilling tale. Even the mightiest experts within this realm often meet their demise without the honor of a proper burial!"

By now, fear must have taken hold of your heart. However, fret not! With me, your father, by your side, I shall impart the wisdom necessary to survive this living hell! Still skeptical that merely reading this book will ensure your survival? Behold, I stand before you at the age of 106, diligently penning these words. I have endured the torments of this hellish realm for over a century! Should you faithfully adhere to the 101+ steps outlined within this book, your chances of living beyond 100 shall be doubled!"

***

Tian Yi paused, a smile playing on his lips.

"Did you hear it loud and clear? Doesn't this book send shivers down your spine? The dangers of this place are truly unfathomable! I would have remained oblivious had I not stumbled upon it in the Forest of Heavenly Beasts."

"Nowhere within this Mortal Realm offers safety! Even experts meet their end without the honor of a proper burial! Doesn't that sound exhilarating?" he chuckled.

Silence hung heavy in the air as Lao Bai stood, mouth agape, wide enough to fit an entire fist.

Indeed, he was shocked, but for an entirely different reason. He mustered the courage to speak, despite his astonishment. "Forgive me for my boldness, Young Master, but... How have you spent your life until now?"

"My life? Well... all I've done is engage in cultivation under my father's guidance and read books within the confines of my home," Tian Yi replied matter-of-factly.

Lao Bai's shock only deepened. "So, you have never ventured beyond those walls?"

Tian Yi's eyes clouded with a hint of bitterness as he sighed, recalling a particular experience. "I did venture outside once, accompanied by my parents. But it was short-lived. My father quickly instructed me to return home. I couldn't even leave my room for several months afterward..."

He didn't consider the Forest of Heavenly Beasts as part of the outside world since he treated it as his backyard.

"How... how old are you?" Lao Bai stammered.

"I am merely 18 years old," Tian Yi replied.

Lao Bai stared at his young master, utterly dumbfounded. This revelation proved to be the greatest shock he had experienced thus far. He had always believed that his young master was an ancient monster masquerading as a child... Yet, in reality, he was just a sheltered youth. Despite his immense intelligence, he had no real-life experiences.

No wonder the young master followed rules so meticulously and patiently waited in queues! It became apparent that Lao Bai's responsibilities had multiplied tenfold.

"Don't worry, Young Master," Lao Bai spoke with genuine sincerity. "I will guide you in the right direction."

"Really? That's great! Which way should we go?" Tian Yi asked, his innocence shining through.

Lao Bai's heart silently cried out in despair.

***

Within the confines of an unknown sect, elders gathered around a round table, their expressions tinged with nervousness. Bang The door swung open. All present rose to their feet, offering greetings to the Sect Master. "Greetings, Sect Master!"

He nodded and gestured for them to sit. "So, I have summoned you all here today to discuss an important matter."

"Most of you are likely already aware, but I shall reiterate it nonetheless..." The Sect Master's voice carried a serious tone. "The Five Element Alliance has finally agreed to construct the 'Martial Holy Ground'."

"The Martial Holy Ground will serve as a gathering place for the finest geniuses from all Five Continents, where they will receive training using the best available resources."

"Of course, this is all in preparation for the impending Calamity that looms on the horizon..."

He fell silent, awaiting any questions from the elders.

"Where will the Martial Holy Ground be built?" inquired one of the elders.

"It will be established in the Holy Continent, where the highest quality of Spirit Power is concentrated."

"How long will it take to complete?" another elder queried.

"Approximately one year."

The room grew heavy with apprehension as yet another elder voiced their concerns. "And what about the Calamity...?" Fear permeated their voice.

"...At present, it remains uncertain. However, our estimations suggest it will arrive within the next 3 to 4 years," the Sect Master responded with a weighty tone.

"3 to 4 years... Such a short time..." The room collectively felt their hearts constrict with anxiety.

"How many disciples can each sect send, and how will the selection process work?" inquired another elder.

"Each sect will be allowed to send only two disciples. We shall choose those with the greatest innate talent, taking into account their age and current cultivation level. Additionally, they must have reached at least the 7th level in the God's Pagoda."

"Such strict criteria... Even our most talented disciples, Chan Jingyi and Qiu Heng, have only reached the 6th level," remarked an elder with a tinge of disappointment.

"Being strict is necessary. Do you wish to send moderately gifted disciples to face the Calamity when it arrives?" The Sect Master's words left the room in silence.

"Is there anything else?" he inquired, receiving no response.

"Very well, we shall commence our sect's recruitment early this year and extend it for a longer period. It will begin one week from today and conclude two weeks after it commences."

"Go!" he commanded.

"Yes, Sect Master!" The elders dispersed, each embarking on their respective tasks.

The Sect Master remained seated, sighing heavily. "This Calamity... If we fail to stop it, it will annihilate all living beings within the Mortal Realm."

"And then... it will cascade into the next realm unless it is halted."

"Is this a test from the gods, or a wish from the devil?" He sighed again. "If only we could seek aid from the Upper Realms... but we have no means of contacting them..."

Dejected and filled with a sense of hopelessness, the Sect Master remained seated, consumed by his thoughts.

Meanwhile, news of the construction of the Martial Holy Ground spread throughout every corner of the Mortal Realm. However, aside from the elderly experts, few were aware of the true purpose behind its establishment—the imminent Calamity.