Tian Shen's Supreme Ascension!

**Author's Note:

I've made significant updates and additions to the third chapter. If you haven't had a chance yet, please re-read the revised chapter to enjoy the new content and enhancements.**

Xing Chen took a deep breath, the air around him thick with anticipation. He was finally about to begin the path he had long awaited: cultivation. As he prepared himself, he murmured aloud, almost as if reassuring himself he started my focusing by reading the first line which must be read in order to cultivate Supreme Ascension cultivation manual:

"Cultivation? What does cultivation really mean?" He paused, the weight of the question lingering. "When I was creating this cultivation method, I had to constantly ask myself this very question…"

Suddenly, before Xing Chen could continue, his voice changed. As if possessed, an ancient and commanding tone reverberated from his mouth, echoing across the quiet space.

"Why does one cultivate?" the voice asked, its tone profound, as though the question itself was carved from the essence of the cosmos. "At first glance, the answer seems simple: beings cultivate to live longer, to transcend the limitations of their mortal existence. But I challenge you, whoever dares to practice this cultivation method—ask yourself again: is that truly the meaning of cultivation?"

The ancient voice paused, the silence more deafening than its words.

"Since the beginning of time, only a rare few have escaped the curse of death. But if death is a curse, then what is life? Is cultivation a means to master life and death? To control one's fate?" The voice grew heavier, darker. "An emperor once asked the myriad races what it meant to be omnipotent. The races answered: 'To be like the emperor, the greatest existence in all the universe.' And yet… the next day, I killed that emperor."

The voice softened, becoming more contemplative.

"So, what is cultivation? The answer is not fixed. It can be anything: revenge, lust, protection, destruction or creation. What matters is this: cultivation can make even the smallest flame burn as fiercely as the brightest sun."

Xing Chen was frozen in place, unable to move. The voice continued.

"The Dao is not what others tell you it is. The Dao is what you believe it to be, what you hold in your heart. So, remember this, cultivator—stay true to your heart."

Xing Chen's mind spun. He hadn't spoken those words—someone, something, ancient had used his voice to speak. He knew these words, for they were written in the manual, but hearing them in this way made them feel as if they were coming directly from the source.

Just as he began to process the experience, a voice echoed again, this time inside his mind.

"The heavens do not care whether you live or die. The world remains indifferent to whether you kill or are killed. So why does a being live? To experience? To grow? To die?" The voice paused, a final question hanging in the air. "No… one lives to transcend. To become greater than the heavens themselves."

A chill ran down Xing Chen's spine. The voice returned.

"To practice Tian Shen's Supreme Ascension, three tests must be passed."

Before Xing Chen could even react, he felt his blood surge wildly through his veins. His entire body trembled as something within him stirred—his blood was being tested.

"Bloodline—adequate," the voice declared, as if pronouncing judgement from the heavens.

Immediately, the next test began.

"Spirit test."

Suddenly, a sharp pain tore through Xing Chen's mind. It was as though his very soul was being scrutinized, pulled apart piece by piece. The pain was unbearable, and for a moment, he thought he might die. He tried to scream, but no sound escaped his lips. Just when he thought he couldn't take it any longer, the ring on his finger glowed faintly and he was freed from all the pain.

"Spirit—adequate."

Xing Chen gasped for breath, the pain receding as quickly as it had come.

"Third test—Destiny."

This time, Xing Chen felt nothing. No discomfort, no sensation at all. The stillness was eerie. Time seemed to stretch endlessly as he awaited the result.

Finally, the voice spoke once more, its tone contemplative.

"Destiny—adequate."

Xing Chen was still trembling, but the voice continued.

"You have a connection to me. Once, I sought guidance from Sage Qin, asking what my path should be. He told me to pass on my teachings to the next generation. This method—Tian Shen's Supreme Ascension—was born out of that advice. I sealed a portion of my soul in the heavens of my galaxy. Whoever attempts this cultivation method will summon my will, and only those worthy will be tested."

The voice seemed to soften, as though reflecting on eons of waiting.

"Few have succeeded. I have long thought no one would clear the test. All the manuals outside are fakes—only those who pass my test can truly cultivate Tian Shen's Supreme Ascension."

There was a brief pause.

"You will receive the true method, but much of it will remain sealed until you unlock the necessary levels. I was once indebted to Sage Qin, and in passing this on, I have repaid that debt."

"I know you have many questions. But for now, tread carefully, for your journey has only just begun."

"I sealed a fragment of my soul into the heavens of my galaxy," the voice echoed, ancient and resonant. "This seal ensures that when anyone attempts to practice my cultivation method, my will is summoned to test them. Only those who pass are deemed worthy and can be called half my disciple. But only one shall truly succeed."

The words lingered, weighty and foreboding. There was a long pause, as though Tian Shen hesitated, and then, the voice returned, but this time speaking to himself.

"This child… he is from that place."

The realisation unsettled even Tian Shen, a being whose name echoed across galaxies. That place. The very mention of it sent tremors through his immortal soul, though Xing Chen remained blissfully unaware of the tension in his voice.

Tian Shen mused silently, a storm of thoughts swirling within him. "I should have known… Sage Qin foretold this moment, but I refused to believe it. How could someone from that cursed bloodline—so feared, so abhorred by the heavens themselves—be worthy of my legacy?" His voice, though still confident, carried the weight of fear beneath its surface.

That place, a lineage so terrifying that its very name was forbidden in the heavens. To utter it was to invite disaster. The bloodline had torn apart worlds, disrupted the delicate balance of existence itself. Even Tian Shen, the immortal who had conquered emperors and redefined the universe's order, could not hide the unease tightening his chest.

"This child… from a bloodline so dangerous that even the heavens sought to erase it from history." His thoughts grew darker, memories of ancient battles resurfacing. "How many have fallen to their power? How many times have they challenged the heavens, and won? What havoc will this child unleash if he ascends?"

For centuries, Tian Shen had considered himself above such fears. Yet now, in the presence of this disciple, a part of him trembled. Could he be trusted with such power?

"And yet," he continued to himself, "here he stands, the one destined to inherit my teachings. How could I have doubted this? Could it be that this bloodline, with all its destructive potential, is the key to balance… or perhaps the instrument of the universe's ruin?"

His pride struggled against the unease gnawing at his soul. "Fate brought him to me. Perhaps it is not my place to question the will of the heavens."

Still, a part of him couldn't shake the feeling that something far greater was at play. A force he did not yet understand, pushing him to act in ways he never thought possible.

In silence, Tian Shen thought, "If this child can truly harness the power of the Supreme Ascension, will he surpass even me? Or will his bloodline consume him as it has so many others?" His thoughts darkened for a moment before he forced himself to straighten.

"I have passed the methods into your memories. Everything you need to begin lies within you."

He spoke those words aloud, but they lacked the certainty they once carried. He continued, his inner monologue still clouded by doubt, yet his external voice calm.

"Ah, I almost forgot. You are not my only disciple. You have a senior sister—chosen personally by my wife, the Divine Phoenix, as her own disciple. She bears the sacred mark of the Divine Phoenix, a symbol of her connection to the highest flames of rebirth. Should you ever cross paths with her, you will know she is your senior sister by the mark that I am about to bestow upon you. This mark will resonate with the Phoenix's divine imprint, a bond between the two of you that can never be mistaken."

Xing Chen felt the burning sensation on his skin as the mark was placed upon him. The ancient power surged within, leaving him unaware of the thoughts swirling in Tian Shen's mind.

"This mark," the voice said, growing distant, "will protect you three times—only when your life is in grave danger. Remember this."

But as Tian Shen prepared to withdraw, his thoughts lingered on the truth he had hidden from Xing Chen.

"A child from that place… this will either be my greatest legacy or the beginning of untold chaos. I will repay my debt to Sage Qin, but at what cost? Fate has indeed bound us, but will the heavens themselves regret this union?"

As the gravity of Xing Chen's heritage settled upon him, Tian Shen knew the significance of what stood before him. The heavens, with all their watchful eyes, could never be allowed to know that this child—a child from a bloodline so feared that it had nearly been erased from history—was cultivating his most sacred technique.

With a deep breath, he extended his immortal will, weaving layers of protection around Xing Chen's very existence. Ancient inscriptions danced in the air as Tian Shen concealed the boy from the gaze of the gods and the stars alike, erasing every trace of his presence from the heavens' sight.

The sky above rippled briefly, and the ethereal light of the cosmos flickered, as if the heavens themselves recoiled.

"You will walk unseen among them," Tian Shen murmured. "No eye of heaven will fall upon you, and no force of fate will intervene. For the world must never know who you truly are… not until you are ready."

With that, the boy's presence vanished from the cosmic web, hidden even from the gods.

He finally spoke aloud, masking the weight of his internal turmoil with finality. "Cultivate with honour… and do not bring shame to your lineage, or to me."

As the voice faded, the immortal's thoughts remained shrouded in silence, unseen and unheard by Xing Chen, who had no idea of the storm he had unwittingly stirred.

As Xing Chen opened his eyes, the first level of the cultivation manual began to unfold in his mind like a divine revelation. He could feel the ancient knowledge flowing into him, the intricate wisdom of Tian Shen's Supreme Ascension now guiding his thoughts. It was more than just a method—it was a complex, almost unfathomable analogy of the human body. Every part of his being was laid bare before him, from the smallest cell to the most significant organs, revealing the astonishing intricacies of his form.

At its core, Tian Shen's Supreme Ascension was not merely about strength. It delved deeper into the truth of existence itself. The manual revealed that the body, at its most fundamental level, is made up of countless cells—each one a universe in its own right, each capable of transformation. The Body Forging Sutra aimed to refine every part of the practitioner, from the marrow in their bones to the very strands of their hair. The goal was clear: to create an indestructible vessel, a body so refined that it could challenge even the laws of creation.

At its peak, the Body Forging Sutra promised power so great that it could reshape worlds, even obliterate galaxies. It was a cultivation method that could defy the heavens themselves. Xing Chen mused, feeling the weight of this realisation. No ordinary method could ever hope to achieve such grandeur—only something as complex, as mystical, and as fearsome as Tian Shen's Supreme Ascension.

Excitement surged through him as he entered meditation, following the profound instructions embedded in his mind. He began drawing in the Qi around him, feeling the energy slowly seep into his body, flowing into every pore, as though his entire being was awakening. With every breath, his body became a vortex, sucking in the Qi of heaven and earth like a ravenous storm. He felt it—his body was changing, growing stronger with each passing moment. The once-invisible energy that surrounded him now coursed through his veins like a river of power.

Suddenly, a sharp kacha! echoed through the room, pulling him from his trance. His eyes flew open, and a sense of dread washed over him. He quickly realized what had happened—the inscriptions on the tub had shattered. The energy he had absorbed had drained the Qi from the air, leaving nothing for the ancient runes to draw from. They had crumbled under the strain of his cultivation.

He sat up, clutching his head. What have I done? The kindness Uncle Jian had shown him weighed heavily on his conscience. Not only had he been given a place to stay, but now he had inadvertently destroyed something valuable. I owe him even more now.

But even as the guilt settled, another feeling began to rise. Relief. A wave of excitement flooded him—he had done it. He had succeeded in cultivating. The fear that had gnawed at him for so long, the worry that he might never be able to follow the path of cultivation, was gone. His heart swelled with hope. Now I can find my grandparents… explore the world… I am not doomed after all.

He shifted his focus back to his body, sensing the energy that still coursed through him. The power surged within him, tangible and real. He had broken through! The first level of the Body Forging Sutra—Bone Refinement—was complete. According to the manual, this level required him to use the Qi of heaven and earth to cleanse his bones, refining them to become as strong as steel, while also infusing them with special energy that would fuel further cultivation.

It was incredibly complex. The method involved purifying the Qi, stripping away its impurities, and adding unique spiritual energy to it, creating a perfect balance that allowed the body to transform. No wonder it was called Tian Shen's Supreme Ascension—a method far beyond anything a mortal could hope to comprehend without divine guidance. The manual itself was broken down into five distinct parts, with each part focusing on a specific aspect of the body. Currently, Xing Chen was working on the first—Mortal Foundation—and within that, there were seven levels, each more profound and challenging than the last.

As this realization took root, a deeper clarity emerged in Xing Chen's mind. The once-fragmented pieces of knowledge began aligning themselves, forming a coherent path forward. He could now see it clearly—the system of cultivation that Tian Shen's Supreme Ascension had designed for him. It wasn't just a method; it was a journey, a gradual yet profound transformation from mortal to something greater.

A path to indestructibility, to divine power, had been laid out before him. His heart raced with anticipation, but his mind remained focused. Each part of the Body Forging Sutra would refine him in stages, step by step, pushing him further along the path to unimaginable strength.

The first part was the foundation, appropriately named The Mortal Foundation—where his fragile, mortal body would begin its transformation into a vessel capable of harnessing divine energy.

Body Forging Sutra – Part 1: The Mortal Foundation

This section lays the groundwork for transforming a fragile mortal body into a vessel capable of harnessing divine energy.

First Level: Bone Refinement

The bones are tempered, becoming as hard as steel, yet retaining the flexibility of bamboo. This level begins the transformation from within, turning brittle human bones into the foundation of strength.

Second Level: Tendon Strengthening

The tendons are stretched and fortified, becoming like cords of iron. Strength flows through the body more efficiently, allowing movements that are both swift and powerful.

Third Level: Muscle Tempering

Each muscle fiber is refined, imbuing the practitioner with great physical power. The muscles are toughened, becoming denser and capable of explosive force, yet never losing their flexibility.

Fourth Level: Marrow Purification

The very marrow of the bones is purified, removing impurities from the blood and enhancing vitality. This level deepens the body's internal strength, fortifying the life force and preparing the body for greater power.

Fifth Level: Skin Toughening

The skin is strengthened, becoming resistant to weapons and blows. The practitioner's skin turns smooth yet impenetrable, able to withstand significant force without damage.

Sixth Level: Blood Essence Refinement

The blood is refined, becoming rich and full of energy, capable of carrying immense spiritual power through the body. Each drop of blood holds an immense amount of vitality, linking the practitioner closer to divine energies.

Seventh Level: Meridian Expansion

The meridians—the channels for energy flow—are widened and strengthened, allowing a greater capacity for spiritual energy. This level prepares the practitioner to channel higher levels of power throughout the body.

As the cultivation system crystallised in Xing Chen's mind, a rush of energy surged through him. He could feel the Qi flowing naturally, effortlessly, as if his body had unlocked the first gate to an ocean of untapped potential. The air around him was thick with the essence of heaven and earth, and his every breath seemed to pull more of it inside him. His body hummed with power, his senses sharpened, and his heartbeat resounded like a drumbeat, steady and strong.

He sat in quiet meditation, his eyes closed, yet his mind was racing. Bone Refinement was now clear to him—the first of many steps in the Body Forging Sutra. His bones were already beginning to shift, harden, and grow denser with each passing moment. He could feel the subtle, but unmistakable, transformation taking place within his very core. His skeleton, once fragile and human, now felt as though it was being forged in divine flames, strengthening with every breath of Qi he absorbed.

I can feel it. He marvelled at the sensation, a mixture of excitement and awe. The power is real.

The feeling was intoxicating, but with it came a quiet determination. This was only the beginning—a glimpse of what lay ahead. If this is only the first level, how powerful will I become? How far will this path take me? His thoughts wandered briefly to Tian Shen's words: a body so strong it could withstand the forces of entire galaxies. The very idea of reaching such heights was both thrilling and overwhelming.

But Xing Chen knew that this power wasn't handed to him; it had to be earned, fought for, cultivated through painstaking effort. He tightened his focus, sensing the vast reserves of Qi still waiting to be drawn in. He couldn't afford to be careless—Bone Refinement was just the first level of many, and with each step, the path would grow more challenging.

Suddenly, the silence of the room was shattered by a soft creaking sound. His eyes flew open, startled. The wooden beams of the room groaned as if under pressure. He looked down, realizing that the floor beneath him had begun to splinter and crack. His body, now acting like a massive vortex, was drawing in so much energy that it was distorting the environment around him. The very structure of the house was struggling to withstand the raw force of his cultivation.

"Not again…" Xing Chen muttered under his breath, recalling the earlier incident with the broken inscriptions on the tub. He had clearly underestimated the overwhelming pull of the cultivation technique. Now, the sheer force of the energy swirling inside him was threatening to affect everything around him.

Quickly, he stood up, focusing on calming the storm of power thrumming beneath his skin. His bones vibrated with newfound strength, the raw energy threatening to spiral out of control. With some effort, he managed to suppress it, reigning in the chaotic force before it could cause any more damage.

Just as he steadied himself, a soft, melodious voice floated in from outside, breaking the tense silence.

"Excuse me, is our guest inside? What was all that noise? Are you alright? My parents are asking for you to join us for dinner."