world

After breakfast, Max rushed back up the stairs, nearly tripping over himself in his eagerness. His heart thumped not from the recent teasing session with Maria, but from an intense desire to understand the true nature of the world he lived in. For sixteen years, he had lived as a regular teenager, completely unaware that the reality surrounding him was only one layer of something far more complex. Now, with his bloodline awakened, a cultivation technique in hand, and a system bound to his soul, he needed answers.

He shut the door to his room, locked it, pulled the curtains, and sat down at his sleek black desk. His fingers hovered over the mouse for a second before he reached down and retrieved a small metallic USB drive—his mother had left it in the hidden compartment of his storage ring, labeled simply: "Max - Truth."

He plugged it into his PC. It blinked once, then a folder popped up with dozens of encrypted files. He clicked on the first one labeled "Beginner - World Overview." A sleek interface opened, showing a map of what looked like modern Earth—but there were unfamiliar zones and glowing spots indicating areas rich in spiritual energy.

Max leaned forward, eyes wide as the narrator's voice—clearly synthesized—began to speak.

"Earth is a world built with dual layers—modern civilization and hidden cultivation realms. Cultivators exist, have always existed, but choose to remain unseen by the common population. Modern technology, cities, and economies continue to function as they always have, but beyond the clouds and beneath the earth, another world thrives."

The screen shifted, displaying cultivators meditating under waterfalls, fighting massive spiritual beasts in foggy forests, and forging weapons in molten spiritual lava.

"Once a cultivator reaches Foundation Building realm, they are forbidden to live openly among mortals. This is enforced not by law, but by ancient agreements among the ruling sects. Cultivators who reach that level either retreat into hidden spiritual realms or take residence in high-security zones inaccessible to ordinary people."

Max absorbed every detail. The file explained how the Qi Condensation stage was often the point where people started getting recruited into small cultivation factions, but Foundation Building marked a clear separation.

"These hidden realms," the narrator continued, "are sanctuaries rich in spiritual energy, filled with ancient ruins, spirit beasts, and mystical herbs. Some realms float in the sky, some lie in hidden valleys, others are pocket dimensions sealed by powerful arrays."

The screen showed visuals of secret cities carved into mountaintops and giant trees the size of skyscrapers, their leaves glowing with life essence.

"There are four recognized small sectors of the lower realm, each directly tied to upper realm powerhouses. Cultivators who fail to progress in the upper realm are often sent to these sectors as punishment or mission. Their goal? Retrieve rare items, hone themselves, or gather energy to attempt another breakthrough."

The four sectors lit up: Azure Dragon Sector, White Tiger Sector, Black Tortoise Sector, and Phoenix Sector. Max's breath caught when he heard the last one—his mother had mentioned one of his future partners was from the Phoenix Sector.

Each sector was like a separate kingdom within Earth, but layered in spiritual invisibility to normal humans. Their influence spread in different continents, their exact locations often concealed through illusion arrays and teleportation boundaries.

The Phoenix Sector specialized in body tempering, fire techniques, and beast taming. Their disciples were known for their arrogance and strength—one of the few factions where women held higher positions than men due to their affinity with phoenix flames.

Max clicked open the next file titled "Common vs. Cultivator Life."

"Most mortals will never see a cultivator in their lives," the narrator explained. "Though some Foundation Building realm individuals disguise themselves to live among people—for experience or to avoid enemies—they are instructed not to interfere with mortal affairs."

Max now understood why things like spirit beasts, alchemical ingredients, and powerful treasures remained hidden. They weren't myths—they were just hoarded and protected by powerful cultivators who lived apart from the world.

There was even a section about how some cultivators lived among mortals under disguise to start businesses, gather karma points, or enjoy simple lives away from the constant battles of the cultivation world.

"There are ancient restrictions placed upon all who cultivate. Mortal affairs must not be influenced unless it pertains to cultivation-related threats, rogue beasts, or forbidden techniques."

The final portion was titled "Hidden Dangers."

"Though peace exists on the surface, the lower realms are filled with threats. Rogue cultivators, spiritual beasts, forbidden organizations, and ancient ruins that emit demonic aura all pose risks. Not to mention, bloodlines like the Taboo Lineage—such as yours, Max—are hunted across realms."

He paused the video, breathing heavily. So his mother was right. He couldn't trust everyone. He couldn't even let others sense his bloodline.

He leaned back in his chair, mind whirling.

'Foundation Building… Golden Core… Nascent Soul… So many layers. And all I've done is enter Qi Gathering…'

He stood up and moved to his window. The city skyline stretched out before him. Cars moved like ants, people went about their lives with phones in hand and jobs on their minds. None of them knew.

Max murmured, "And to think this whole time, cultivators were just hiding in plain sight."

He returned to his desk and opened the folder titled "System Integration."

The screen blinked. A golden interface spread out, displaying his current status.

[Host Status Panel]

Name: Max Leonhart

Age: 16

Realm: Qi Gathering - Level 1 (Peak)

Bloodline: [Taboo – Unnamed – Unknown Affinity]

Body Type: Transitional – Mutated Physique (Dual-Type Yin-Yang )

Charm: +20% (from Beginner Gift Pack)

[System Bonuses]

1. Mate Seal: One-time use item to instantly create emotional and spiritual bond with any target (lasts one month).

2. Ever Youth Pill: Prevents physical aging permanently.

3. Charm Bonus: Boosts personal attraction by 20%.

Current Partner: Maria

Gender: Futanari

Cultivation: Qi Gathering - Level 2 (Sealed at Max's current level)

Affinity: Yin-Fire and Body Strengthening

Max read everything twice. His mutated physique now allowed for both yin and yang energy circulation—something extremely rare. Most cultivators were tied to one or the other. This explained the changes he experienced after their first dual cultivation session.

He groaned. "Why couldn't I just get a cool sword or dragon egg? No, I get turned into a magnet for futanari cultivators…"

But he couldn't deny the results. One night with Maria, and he was already about to break into Qi Gathering Level 2.

He closed his laptop, sat cross-legged on the bed, and took a deep breath. The spiritual energy in his room still lingered. Residual energy from the dual cultivation flowed through his meridians like a gentle river.

He slowly began the breathing technique his mother left him. With each inhale, he pulled in surrounding qi, guiding it into his dantian. With each exhale, he stabilized it. The pendant on his chest pulsed faintly, its jade glow flickering like a heartbeat.

His bloodline stirred. He could feel it now—faint whispers from something ancient, coiled inside his soul like a slumbering dragon.

He needed to get stronger.

Not just for his mother.

Not just to survive the hidden dangers of the world.

But to truly claim his destiny in this strange, double-layered world where modern life masked divine wars, hidden sects, and forbidden powers.

Max opened his eyes. The path was long, but his feet had already stepped on it.