Chapter 4: The Newborn

Boundless darkness reigned over everything.

There was no path of return, no end in sight—an eternal drifting through the void. Loneliness, desolation, sorrow, anger, resignation; all manner of emotions encircled, enveloped, tore, and eroded the mind.

Thought itself seemed to stagnate—unable to ponder, to reflect, or to judge.

Boom.

A sudden burst of golden light exploded forth, blazing like the sun as it unfurled infinite brilliance, dazzling and resplendent, radiant beyond compare. In its wake, torrents of golden rivers surged forth like mighty dragons returning to the sea, thundering with unstoppable force.

Each river was woven from countless golden characters. If one could connect their consciousness and fully receive them, it would be an astonishing revelation—for these were the profound secrets of several wondrous cultivation techniques.

Whoosh—

A ring formed of five luminescent points, chasing one another in endless pursuit, split the void, hanging suspended at the center. Each point radiated an utterly unique aura—some heavy, some ethereal, some wild, some sharp, some mellow. Though utterly distinct, they attracted and complemented one another, forming a perfect cycle of perpetual regeneration.

At times, the center of this ring flickered with hazy visions—scenes of creation, of chaos collapsing, of stars falling from the heavens…

A resonant chant echoed from the distant east, shattering the oppressive blackness. Its sound was mighty and unbroken. As the echoes faded, a colossal azure dragon soared into the sky, its body lithe and scaled, with five claws beneath its belly. Its head lifted, exuding an overwhelming, regal aura—peerless in might, sovereign of heaven and earth, suppressing all under the heavens.

A roar thundered from the west almost immediately, coarse and savage, filled with violence and bloodlust—a fusion of chaos and carnage. As the azure dragon lashed its tail, tempests raged through the darkness, thick with the scent of blood. From the storm leapt a white tiger, its cold killing intent palpable, shaking the heavens and the earth, causing sun and moon to pale.

A shrill cry rose in the south as an intensely crimson flame ignited, swaying in the windless dark, as if it might vanish at any instant. From within, a keening cry echoed, unwilling to be left behind.

The flame exploded, casting streams of light in all directions—near and far, elusive and unpredictable. When all was still, it outlined a unique figure. As the fire flickered, the form became solid and lifelike, vivid as though resurrected, soaring into the heights as its mighty wings unfurled, spanning thousands of miles in an instant.

With the emergence of these three beasts, all vied for supremacy, their cries shattering the tranquility of the darkness.

From the mysterious north came yet another distinctive sound—like the labored breath of exhaustion, or the exhale of a being bearing a heavy burden. Sometimes rapid, sometimes drawn out, it resonated in harmony with the world.

The azure dragon, the white tiger, and the vermilion bird fell silent, their six eyes turning as one. Under their gaze, an ancient turtle, its steps slow and deliberate, drew gradually closer.

No one knew how much time passed before the old turtle finally took its place.

Hum—

In that instant, heaven and earth resonated, the universe quaked. Four invisible forces erupted, each containing a supreme will.

Thunder rumbled as the four wills clashed, as if the very laws of existence were enraged, descending with retribution. Earth, fire, wind, and water flashed forth, shattering the darkness to dust.

Chaos surged as the powers of destruction and rebirth brewed within, restless and eager.

A stream of light appeared abruptly, slicing through all barriers, annihilating everything in its path—a naked will to destroy, unrestrained. Amidst the raging chaos, a great spear stood tall, exuding an aura of invincibility and unparalleled dominance.

Wind stilled, earth sank, fire extinguished, water faded. All anomalies vanished, as if in awe of the spear. The four beasts dispersed, transforming into four floating scenes.

A long sigh echoed. Beside the great spear, a man’s figure formed, leaning against the weapon. His eyes were filled with bewilderment.

The spear trembled, shrinking rapidly, then settled silently above his head.

“Where am I? Who am I? I am… Du Gu Bieli!” he murmured, clarity returning at last. Instinctively, he surveyed his surroundings: the four floating visions, the mysterious ring, the golden rivers—all imprinting themselves on his consciousness. “What are these things?”

A vast, unseen law seemed to guide him as the golden rivers surged, their characters rolling and tumbling, all rushing toward him. In a mere instant, before Du Gu Bieli could react, the rivers merged into his body and vanished.

“The Way of Shaping Weapons… the Art of Wishful Attainment… the Fist of Myriad Forms… the Tenfold Body Refinement Technique… cultivation methods…” Even as the rivers disappeared, his mind was flooded with knowledge—profound and ancient techniques, each grand and unfathomable.

“Who… which predecessor? Why save me… ah—” Suddenly, countless fragments of memory flashed through Du Gu Bieli’s consciousness, overwhelming his mind. Alongside, the secrets of every technique poured in. The deluge of information made him cry out, his body swelling as if it might burst apart at any moment…

…

“So, I died—and yet, miraculously, I live again!”

After an unknown time, Du Gu Bieli regained his clarity, and finally understood his fate—he had died and been reborn, inhabiting the body of a man named Cang Li, even swallowing his consciousness. Furthermore, he had inherited the mysterious legacy that belonged to Cang Li.

Now, he existed in another world—the Primordial Wilds.

This was a unique world, where ten suns hung in the sky, shining almost eternally. The Celestial and Human races stood opposed, locked in endless conflict.

All martial practitioners were called cultivators, and there were nine realms of cultivation: Soldier, Brave, General, Commander, Walker, Marquis, Minister, King, and Emperor. As a ballad sang: “Soldiers in the ranks, Braves in the towns, Generals fill the cities, Commanders unite the land. Marquises roam the seas, Ministers hold the courts, Kings and Emperors stride the world.”

Every cultivator followed this progression.

A Soldier grasped only basic battle skills, able to wield weapons with minimal power—onefold in strength. A Brave, however, opened a power well within themselves, a source of strength. With this achievement, a Brave possessed five times the might of a Soldier. Thus, it was said: “Ten thousand Soldiers cannot match a single Brave.”

Above them were the realms of General, Commander, Walker, Marquis, Minister, King, and Emperor.

By fusing with the essence of both Cang Li and the mysterious predecessor, Du Gu Bieli formed a new will—and instantly knew his current strength: Brave.

He was not at the lowest level, thanks to the predecessor who, at the brink of annihilation, helped Cang Li’s body open two power wells at his feet.

…

Understanding his situation, Du Gu Bieli began the long journey of bonding with this body. Through tireless effort, he finally succeeded in forming a tenuous connection. Though he could not yet move at will, he could sense the outside world.

He even learned that, after tumbling from a cliff, he was rescued by two sisters, who cared for him, giving him water and nourishing his body. Their kindness and sincerity touched him deeply, and their tragic history awakened his compassion.

“Perhaps, in this life, my purpose is to protect them?”

“Very well. In my previous life, I lived solely for the Holy Maiden; in this one, I shall strive for them.”

“When I awaken, I’ll ensure their lives are filled with happiness and joy, free from worry. Anyone who dares threaten them—I will kill without mercy!”

“I swear it!”

…

Through relentless perseverance, Du Gu Bieli at last established a deep connection with Cang Li’s final legacy—the body itself—growing ever more in harmony with it. The only flaw was that he could not speak, see, or move. Once fully integrated, he would need only a single spark to be truly reborn.

…

“The cultivation of this world is quite unlike the path I once knew—it seems even more formidable. Of the nine realms, I am only the second from the bottom. The gap is vast; I must grow stronger quickly to fulfill my vow.” With this resolve, Du Gu Bieli searched his consciousness for knowledge.

“The Way of Shaping Weapons is for forging arms—not urgent… The Art of Wishful Attainment, for enhancing weapons—not urgent… The Fist of Myriad Forms, a martial method—though incomplete, I can cultivate it… Wait—this is… the Tenfold Body Refinement Technique!”

He paused, his spirit trembling uncontrollably with excitement. “In my past life, the martial art that made me invincible was the Origin Underworld Technique. Though its power was unmatched, it had a fatal flaw—the limits of the flesh. If I drew too much external force or essence, energy, and spirit, my body would explode, leaving nothing behind… But the Tenfold Body Refinement Technique was created specifically to temper the body, perfectly compensating for this weakness. Ha! If I am no longer at risk of self-destruction, what have I to fear? The nine realms of cultivation are fundamentally about the accumulation and growth of power. With this, my rise will be swift, and my dominance will soon return.”

Overjoyed, Du Gu Bieli abandoned all else, focusing on cultivation. Following the method of the Tenfold Body Refinement Technique, he spread his essence, energy, and spirit throughout every part of his body. Upon meeting the requirements, he began the process in earnest.

Had anyone listened closely, they would have heard wild winds stirring within his skin and muscles, muffled thunder rumbling. Waves of essence, energy, and spirit surged like tides, nourishing him. From the two power wells at his feet, torrents of pure strength flooded his famished flesh and bones…

With every moment, his body grew stronger.

…

Crack!

With a sharp, urgent snap, the first joint of Du Gu Bieli’s right index finger twitched slightly.

Crack, crack—

The second finger, the third… first joint, second joint…

Snap!

All five fingers moved, clenching suddenly into a fist. A surge of power raced upward, his wrist quivered, and his entire arm sprang up before crashing down again.

Snap, crackle, pop—

The shockwave spread through his body, pure power surging in all directions like a dam bursting. His long-dormant heart pounded with new strength, blood rushing, vitality boiling.

Du Gu Bieli’s new consciousness was nearing complete harmony with his body. Perhaps in the next instant, he would take full control, move freely, and be reborn. Yet, a final barrier stubbornly remained, holding him fast, all means powerless against it.

“What’s that sound? It’s… my younger sister’s cry! Something must be threatening her… Damn it, I still can’t move… Come on, connect—merge!”

Du Gu Bieli had long since grown familiar with the sisters’ voices. Sensing imminent danger, fury erupted from his soul.

Boom!

That seemingly unbreakable barrier, under the searing fire of his wrath, shattered miraculously.

Bang!

Both hands struck the wooden bed. Amid flying splinters, he leapt to his feet, touched down, and shot out like lightning.

“Whoever dares harm them, whether in heaven or on earth, I swear to slay them!”

Your every click, follow, flower, and brick… is my motivation and encouragement. I yearn for your support and thank you sincerely… Please, recommend this novel…

Jointly recommended by the editors of the Rising Wave Network—visit for a dazzling collection of popular novels, now online. Click to add to your favorites.