A Generous Offer

Xing Chen glanced around, his eyes scanning the unfamiliar surroundings of the Town. It was different—strangely different—from the towns of his own world. The first thing that caught his attention was the sheer number of people openly carrying weapons. Swords strapped to their backs, gleaming spears in hand, and even strange, mystical tools he couldn't name. It was as if every person he passed was ready for battle, whether they were a merchant or a traveller.

As he continued walking, something else struck him—the variety of occupations. Shops lined the streets, but none resembled the mundane businesses he had known. The apothecary he passed earlier brimmed with mysterious vials, herbs that glowed faintly, and symbols that hinted at powers beyond his understanding. Craftsmen worked on artefacts that seemed more magical than practical, and even the simple blacksmith's forge had an aura of something beyond ordinary metalwork.

As they strolled along the dirt path, the woodcutter and Xing Chen found themselves immersed in conversation. The old woodcutter, with his sun-weathered face and a laugh that echoed through the trees, shared stories of the town, the forest, and all manner of things in between. His voice was rich, full of life, and every tale seemed to burst from him as if he'd been waiting for someone to listen for years.

Mid-sentence, the woodcutter paused, realisation dawning on him. "Ah, where are my manners?" he said with a hearty chuckle, as if forgetting his own name was the most natural thing in the world. Straightening up, he puffed out his chest in exaggerated pride, his eyes twinkling with humor. "This old bag of bones is called Liu Jian," he declared, his tone as grand as if his very name could shake mountains and split the earth.

Xing Chen couldn't help but grin. "Nice to meet you, Uncle Jian. I'm Xing Chen."

"Well, Little Chen, welcome to Clear Water Town," Uncle Jian said with a grin that made his eyes crinkle at the edges. "It's a peaceful little place in the middle of nowhere. Quiet, you know? No bandits, no trouble—just us folks living our simple lives under the benevolent rule of Provincial Lord Wu Tao. Oh, and if you ever see Lord Wu Tao, just remember—his eyebrows are thicker than his sword skills."

Xing Chen chuckled at that, already feeling a sense of ease around the old man. Uncle Jian continued to ramble on about the town, gesturing wildly as he described the market, the people, and the way life just moved at a slower pace here. It sounded... cozy.

But just as the woodcutter was getting into a story about the time Lord Wu Tao got stuck in a tree (don't ask how), a loud growl interrupted him. Uncle Jian froze mid-sentence, his eyes darting left and right as if expecting a wild beast to leap out from the trees.

"Did you hear that, Little Chen?"Uncle Jian asked, his voice lowering into a dramatic whisper."Sounds like we've got company. Maybe a hungry mountain wolf…"

Xing Chen's face flushed bright red, but he couldn't hide the truth. Another growl rumbled from his stomach, even louder this time. Uncle Jian's eyes slowly narrowed as he stared at Xing Chen, realisation dawning.

"Hold on… that's definitely not a wolf!" Uncle Jian chuckled. "Sounds more like someone's stomach throwing a tantrum!"

Xing Chen could only offer a sheepish smile, scratching the back of his neck. "I, uh... may have skipped a few meals on the way here."

"Hah!" Uncle Jian slapped his thigh and burst into laughter. "I knew it! No wolf could sound so tragic. Little Chen, you must be starving! You've got a stomach that could summon an entire pack of wolves at this rate."

Xing Chen, caught off guard, started laughing too, though the embarrassment still lingered. "I guess I should've eaten before travelling..."

"Oh, lad, don't you worry at all!" Uncle Jian's grin widened as his eyes twinkled with a knowing look. "Your uncle knows all the best spots in town for a feast! We've got best meat—oh, the finest cuts you can imagine! And if luck's on our side, we might just stumble upon a rare dish that is meat of a spirit beast in one of those high-end restaurants."

His voice dropped to a reverent whisper, as though revealing a sacred secret."There's this one place... ah, just thinking about it makes my mouth water. Once, I had the honour of tasting ink deer meat—perfectly seasoned, the juices dripping from every bite. The moment it touched my tongue, it melted—oh, the flavours! Sweet, savoury, with a touch of spice that danced on the palate. I felt like I'd ascended to the heavens right then and there!"

Uncle Jian leaned closer, his voice thick with nostalgia. "And the two-horned mountain rhino? Now that, Little Chen, was a meal for the gods. The aroma alone was enough to make you weep, and the meat—so tender, so rich—it practically oozed flavour with every bite. Juicy, succulent, with a hint of smokiness... it was so good, I swear I floated off the chair! Ahh, just thinking about it is enough to send me back to paradise."

Xing Chen, his stomach already growling, raised an eyebrow, swallowing hard."Do they really taste that good?"

"Trust me," Uncle Jian said, wagging his finger, "one bite and you'll think you've ascended to the heavens. Or at least, your stomach will."

Xing Chen couldn't help but laugh again, imagining himself eating those delicacies. "Alright, lead the way, Uncle Jian. I think my body is in desperate need of some nutrition."

Uncle Jian's eyes twinkled mischievously as he gave Xing Chen a playful nudge."Oh, brat, we can certainly go there. But with those plump cheeks of yours, I'm guessing you've got a little coin tucked away, eh? No way your elders let you wander the wilds with empty pockets!"

His grin faltered for a moment, turning thoughtful. "Though, truth be told, your uncle's finances are a little tight these days. I could afford a meal, sure, but... there are a few... complications I'd rather not face." He rubbed the back of his neck with a sheepish smile.

Xing Chen blinked, the gears in his mind turning. This world, with its strange customs and systems, surely had its own form of money. He didn't want to sound clueless, so he ventured cautiously, trying to hide his ignorance. "I, uh… don't have much on me, Uncle. How much does a meal at one of these high-end places cost, anyway?"

Uncle Jian let out a booming laugh. "Hah! I thought as much. You're still young, after all. Let me tell you, lad—if you're talking a regular ink deer meal, that'll set you back about 13 silvers. But if you're after the real deal, the special spirit meat? That starts at 2 or 3 gold coins. And if you just want something to fill your belly, well, a decent meal might run you 3 to 5 silvers—depending on how hungry you are. You're not one of those gluttonous types, are you, Little Chen?"

Xing Chen's heart sank as he processed the numbers. Gold and silver coins? he thought. If there are silver and gold, surely there must be copper coins too. Yet, he didn't even have a single copper to his name. The price of the food didn't matter—whether it was in gold, silver, or copper—he couldn't afford even the simplest meal. Masking his rising anxiety with a nervous chuckle, he asked, "Uncle, I don't think I've got enough to cover that… Are there, uh, any cheaper options?"

Uncle Jian's eyes sparkled with amusement as he clapped Xing Chen on the back. "Aye, lad, don't you worry! Your uncle here is fond of you already, and a good meal is the least I can offer. Besides, I forgot to mention—your uncle's quite the connoisseur. Today's feast is on me!"

Then, as if reading Xing Chen's thoughts, Uncle Jian's expression softened. "And I bet you don't even have a place to stay, do you?"

Xing Chen hesitated, feeling the weight of his situation. "Well… not exactly."

Uncle Jian let out another hearty laugh. "No need to fret! You'll stay at my place. We'll eat, we'll rest, and tomorrow's problems can wait until then. It's been ages since I've had a guest. Little Fang'er and your auntie will be thrilled to have you join us!"

Though Xing Chen's initial reaction was one of hesitation—he'd never stayed with strangers, let alone shared meals with them—he felt the warmth of Uncle Jian's generosity melt his doubts away. There was something genuine in the old man's eyes, something that made Xing Chen feel like he could trust him.

"Good!" Uncle Jian exclaimed, his laughter echoing through the quiet streets. "It's settled then! Little Chen Chen is my guest, and my house hasn't had a visitor in so long, it'll feel like a festival! Haha! Little Fang'er and your aunt will also be so excited."

Xing Chen smiled softly. After days of running, after the sadness of his grandparents departure, it felt like a blessing to have met someone as kind-hearted as Uncle Jian.

The evening air was quiet and cool as Uncle Jian and Xing Chen made their way toward uncle Jian's house, one could see its soft lantern light glowing in the distance. The path was lined with a lush, fragrant garden, the scent of flowers and unfamiliar herbs drifting lazily through the breeze. Xing Chen's gaze wandered, taking in the simple yet enchanting beauty around him—plants with large, waxy leaves, others with delicate blossoms that seemed to shimmer in the twilight.

Uncle Jian smiled, noticing the curious look in Xing Chen's eyes. "Beautiful, isn't it? This entire garden is Auntie's doing. She has a special gift—everything she touches seems to thrive. Some of these plants are incredibly rare, the kind that struggle to survive even in the deep woods. But under her care, they flourish here as if they belong. I might have been lucky enough to find a few of them in the wild, but it's her nurturing that keeps them alive and thriving."

Just then, Auntie's soft, melodic voice drifted from the doorway, laced with concern. "Dear, you're back! I was starting to worry—what kept you so long?"

Uncle Jian chuckled warmly, his deep voice carrying a note of affection. "Ah, Wife, I found this young lad wandering the forest all alone. It was my duty to bring him home, of course." He gestured toward Xing Chen, who smiled politely.

Auntie stepped forward, her features calm and serene, her presence immediately soothing. "Oh my, so this is the young man you mentioned?" She glanced at Xing Chen with gentle concern. "You poor thing, wandering out there all by yourself? There are dangerous creatures in the forest, you know." Her voice was soft, filled with care.

Xing Chen bowed his head slightly, feeling both embarrassed and grateful. "I'm sorry to trouble you, Auntie. Uncle Jian has been very kind, and your home is beautiful."

Auntie smiled politely, her gaze briefly sweeping over Xing Chen's travel-worn appearance."You're very welcome here," she said kindly. "Though, I can see you've had quite the journey—your clothes have picked up a bit of the road. Why don't you freshen up? It'll make you feel more comfortable before we have dinner."

Turning to Uncle Jian, she said gently, "I'll get the kitchen ready. We'll have a nice meal for us tonight."

Uncle Jian gave a nod, then motioned for Xing Chen to follow him. "Come along, lad. Let me show you to the bath. You'll feel like a new man once you're washed and rested."

Xing Chen followed Uncle Jian into the house and down a small hallway. The wooden floor creaked softly beneath their feet, and the warm glow of lanterns gave the home a cosy, lived-in feeling. They arrived at a door, and Uncle Jian pushed it open to reveal a simple yet inviting bathhouse.

A large wooden tub sat in the centre of the room, already filled with steaming water. Runes were carved into the sides of the tub, faintly glowing, casting soft reflections on the surface of the water. The room smelled faintly of lavender and herbs, creating an atmosphere of complete calm.

"How is the water already hot?" Xing Chen asked, his voice barely above a whisper, as if speaking too loudly would disrupt the peacefulness of the space.

Uncle Jian smiled fondly, crossing his arms as a hint of amusement danced in his eyes. "Ah, those runes," he said with a chuckle. "Don't tell me you've never seen them before! These are the most basic inscriptions, lad. They're everywhere, quietly making our lives easier without us even noticing. But if you're wondering how they work, don't ask me. It has something to do with manipulating the energy of heaven and earth, I suppose."

He scratched his head with a laugh. "Mastering inscriptions, though—that's no small task. It takes years of dedication, and I never had the patience for it. All I know is that these runes keep the water hot, and that's good enough for me. Your Auntie, on the other hand, knows a bit about them. She's the smart one in the family."

"Inscriptions?" Xing Chen thought to himself, glancing at the faintly glowing runes along the edges of the tub. So, those strange symbols are inscriptions? It fascinated him—how something as simple as carving a few words and patterns could produce such profound effects. No need for firewood, no need to boil water—it was all done with these mysterious symbols.

Amazing! he mused inwardly, excitement bubbling up. I wonder what else inscriptions can do. Can they heal wounds? Can they be used to give life to rocks? Or even… create something?

But Xing Chen kept his curiosity in check, biting back the questions swirling in his mind. He'd ask when the time was right. For now, he simply marvelled at the potential of this new discovery.

Xing Chen smiled, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. "It's incredible…"

"Well then," Uncle Jian said softly, "take your time, lad. Wash away the dirt of the day. I'll leave you some fresh clothes—then I'll help Auntie with dinner. You just relax and enjoy the bath."

As Uncle Jian left the room, closing the door quietly behind him, Xing Chen stood for a moment, letting the tranquillity settle over him. He stripped off his dusty clothes and slowly lowered himself into the bath. The warmth of the water enveloped him, soothing his tired muscles, and for the first time since arriving in this strange new world, Xing Chen allowed himself to fully relax.

The room was silent except for the gentle sound of the water rippling in the tub. The soft glow from the runes added to the sense of peace, and as he leaned back, closing his eyes, he felt a calmness settle over him.

Here, in this quiet bath, surrounded by peace, he felt something he hadn't felt in a while—he felt at home.

A sudden thought struck Xing Chen. Dinner would take some time… I finally have the opportunity to test my theory. His heart began to race with anticipation—this would be the first time he'd attempt cultivating. He had suppressed this urge for far too long, always mindful of the eyes around him. Now, in this quiet moment of solitude, the temptation was impossible to resist.

He calmed himself, taking steady breaths. His mind raced back to the various cultivation manuals he had absorbed over time. Among them, one stood out—a manual that started from the very foundation of body forging. It took him a few moments, but the name surfaced clearly in his mind: Tian Shen's Supreme Ascension.

The very mention of the name sent shivers through him. This was no ordinary cultivation method. It was a technique that defied the heavens themselves, with strict restrictions and conditions that had to be met. Not everyone can practice this technique, Xing Chen reminded himself, the excitement tempered with a note of anxiety. He had read about the consequences of attempting such forbidden methods without permission. The manual itself carried warnings about the divine laws it transgressed.

The introduction to the manual flashed through his memory:

"In the Heavenly Calendar, Cosmic Year 15,000, a momentous event shook the Holy Palace of the God Clan. The birth of a prince sent ripples through the universe. The stars themselves burned brighter that night, casting an ethereal glow over the holy city. It wasn't just the celestial bodies that responded. Across the dimensions, legendary creatures of myth stirred, compelled by the significance of the birth. From the ocean's deepest trenches, the mighty Kun Peng—a creature of unimaginable size and power—rose from the waters, its massive wings creating ripples that spanned entire seas. The ancient dragons, guardians of the skies, descended gracefully from the heavens, their scales shimmering like jewels under the starlight, each one bowing its head in reverence to the newborn prince.Most astonishing of all, the sacred Phoenix, a symbol of immortality and rebirth, soared down from the upper realms. She did not merely acknowledge the birth but offered a rare and sacred gift—one of her own young, a Phoenix chick destined to live and die alongside the young prince. The air around them shimmered as the Phoenix's wings beat, releasing an aura of warmth and light that seemed to harmonise with the very pulse of the universe."

This child was no ordinary prince—he was the very embodiment of the heavens' will. The God Clan had always been a mighty force, but the birth of such a blessed progeny raised them to unparalleled heights. However, as all things in the universe must balance, such grandeur could not exist without its share of tragedy.

The Holy Emperor, overcome with joy, could not resist seeking further knowledge about his son's future. He summoned one of the Seven Great Sages—Qin Yun Zi, the Sage of Clear Clouds—to divine the future of his child and their clan. In the stillness of the Holy Emperor's palace, the Sage's face darkened as he completed his divination."This child is born with a perfect physique for cultivation, far surpassing anyone else in the universe. If nothing obstructs his path, he will rise to unimaginable heights—perhaps even become one of the almighty beings, those who stand above all creation."

Excitement surged through the palace. The future seemed certain—until the Sage spoke again.

"However, there is a price. For a clan to produce such a being—so brilliant that even the heavens shy away in his presence—it is clear the clan has exhausted its karmic fortune. All the accumulated karma of your bloodline has been used to create him. No child born henceforth will possess the purity of blood necessary to rise above the shackles of their heritage. This is both a heavenly blessing and a disaster. The God Clan will not survive his ascension. You must choose, Holy Emperor: the future of your clan, or the future of your child."

The weight of the decision settled like a shadow over the emperor, but rather than answering the Sage's dire question, the Holy Emperor deflected as he knew this was not the place to discuss and instead asked Sage Qin for a favour."Sage Qin, my wife and I have chosen a name for our son, but we would be honoured if you, too, could bless him with a name that would ensure his eternal greatness."

The Sage's eyes flickered with wisdom and thoughtfulness as he gazed at the newborn. After a pause, he spoke:"This child shall be named Tian Shen, meaning 'Heavenly God.' The character 'Tian' (天) represents the heavens, the infinite, boundless sky above, embodying the source of all life and cosmic order. 'Shen' (神) symbolises the divine, the essence of what it means to transcend mortality and wield the power of gods. By bearing this name, the child is forever linked to the vast potential of the heavens, a name that calls upon him to aspire to greatness beyond mortal comprehension."

The palace erupted in joy, and the clan celebrated the birth of a being destined for greatness. However, the celebrations masked the underlying dread of Sage Qin's warning. Not long after, the God Clan vanished without a trace. Some whispered they had gone into hiding to escape the consequences foretold by the Sage, but their fate remained unknown.

A century later, the silence was broken by a terrifying voice that echoed from the Eight Gates of Hell:"Holy Palace, I refuse to call you my kin. You killed my mother, and my father sacrificed his life for me. You tore out my natal soul, fearful of heavenly retribution. If not for Sage Qin's blessing, I would have perished as a mere infant. But now that I live, I swear I will find you all—and destroy every one of you!"

The universe shuddered at the bitterness and wrath that permeated every word.

This powerful cultivation manual, Tian Shen's Supreme Ascension, was the legacy left behind by Tian Shen himself. Xing Chen remembered that this manual was far from ordinary. It couldn't be practised by just anyone—it required Tian Shen's approval, as the method stood in defiance of the very heavens. Though he didn't fully understand how this approval process worked, the stories of those who failed haunted his mind.

Despite his anxiety, Xing Chen knew that this was the best cultivation method for him. Unlike the other manuals, which required a Dantian or had unreachable starting points, Tian Shen's Supreme Ascension began at the most basic level—body forging—allowing one to ascend from zero. Its uniqueness wasn't due to its simplicity, but because it was crafted with a deeper purpose. Tian Shen had designed it for a special purpose, and the manual's potential was said to surpass all others, given the proper conditions.

Xing Chen's heart pounded in his chest. The road ahead was dangerous, and the consequences could be dire. But the pull of destiny was strong. This was his moment, and he had already decided.

He would begin.