Pillars of the World's Power
Morning light crept through the cracks of towering mountain rocks, illuminating a hidden valley where Li Yun sat cross-legged. His breath was steady, and his body was slowly wrapped in a deepening swirl of crimson flame.
Around him, the energy of the world seemed to hold its breath. This was a difficult stage—the transition from basic strength to a higher path. The legacy of the Red Sky Clan had opened the way, but even so, everything had to be earned through relentless effort and unwavering resolve.
Soft footsteps echoed behind him. Zhiya stood at a distance, clad in a sky-blue robe, her gaze fixed on Li Yun without disturbing his cultivation.
"He's passed the Foundation Stage steadily… and now he's stepping into the Flame Soul Stage," Zhiya murmured to herself. "With the Red Sky legacy, his speed far surpasses ordinary disciples."
As the flame energy around him spun faster, Li Yun's mind echoed with the explanation he had once received on his first day within the Hall of Knowledge of the Eastern Sky Sect.
"In this world," Elder Bai's voice rang firm in his memory, "one's power is divided into seven major stages. Each stage is not merely about strength, but a path toward understanding the very essence of the world."
Elder Bai stepped into the center of the hall, his silver staff striking the stone floor with a heavy thud.
"The first is the Foundation Stage. Here, you ignite the first spark of your soul. Without a solid base, you cannot bear the weight of the stages that follow.
Next, you enter the Flame Soul Stage. This flame is not just an element—it is a spark of your will. Your soul begins to carve its imprint into the world."
The young disciples in the hall had stared in awe, and Li Yun—who had just been accepted due to the Red Sky legacy—had listened silently.
"After that comes the Sky Pillar Stage. Here, you construct the pillars of power within your body, the pure energy foundation that supports your abilities as a true cultivator."
"Then, the Heavenly Spirit Stage—a place where you merge with the spirits of nature and gain control over the battlefield. Most elders of the sect reside at this level."
"Following that is the Flame King Stage, the realm of true rulers. With a single move, they can set nations ablaze. With one breath, mountains fall. They are both feared and revered."
"Next are the Flame Gods, beings who can forge their own worlds, walking across dimensions."
"And at the peak… the World Kings. A single step from them shakes reality. One word can alter the fate of an entire continent."
Li Yun opened his eyes. Crimson light flared in his pupils. The swirling fire vanished in an instant, drawn into his body like water into a well.
"Rank One of the Flame Soul Stage…" he muttered, his voice heavy, but his gaze sharp. "A small step toward something greater."
Zhiya approached him. "You've succeeded. But from now on, your path will no longer remain hidden. The great sects, legacy hunters, and… those who seek to silence the Red Sky Clan forever—they will start watching you."
Li Yun gave a faint smile. "Let them watch. I won't stop until my clan's name shines once more."
Zhiya stared at his face, momentarily silent. She had seen many young cultivators, but few with a resolve like Li Yun's. Beneath his calm demeanor lay a will of iron that could not be bent.
"I will help you," Zhiya said quietly, yet firmly.
Li Yun turned to her, momentarily uncertain. "Why?"
Zhiya simply shrugged. "You remind me of someone… someone who was also left behind by the world, but chose not to surrender."
The mountain breeze blew gently, carrying the scent of wildflowers. In the distance, the silver bell rang, marking the start of morning training.
Li Yun rose to his feet, his eyes fixed on the Eastern Sky Sect stretching across the horizon.
A small step had been taken. But the true path had only just begun. And at its end awaited those worthy of wielding power strong enough to shake the world.