Chapter 1: Divine Talent
"Senior Brother! Something’s wrong—the Sect Master wants to marry off Sister Claire to Sebastian Blade from the Clearwind Sword Sect!"
Benjamin Adams, deep in training in the rear mountain, froze as the words hit his ears. His face turned grim and he bolted toward Evergreen Peak.
He and Claire Forrest had grown up together on Evergreen Peak—childhood sweethearts. Everyone, including their master Marcus Rivers, knew they were to be wed once they came of age. No one had ever questioned it.
But now, hearing that the Sect wanted to marry Claire into another sect for alliance—it ignited a rage in Benjamin he’d never known before.
When he burst into Marcus Rivers’ dwelling, he didn’t even bother knocking.
“Master! Is it true the Sect wants to marry Claire to Sebastian Blade from Clearwind Sword Sect?”
Marcus opened his eyes slowly from meditation. “It’s true.”
“Why? Claire and I—”
“Our Sect’s future comes first. Personal attachments are nothing. An alliance with Clearwind is a once-in-a-century opportunity. Benjamin, I know your feelings, but for the Sect’s sake, let them go.”
“No. I won’t let Claire go. If they want a marriage alliance, there are other disciples—why must it be Claire?”
“Sebastian asked for her by name. Do you think I want her sent away? The Sect Master and all the Elders agreed. Even if I speak against it—it changes nothing,” Marcus sighed with regret. “Forget about Claire.”
Leaving the room, Benjamin wandered like a man without a soul. Before he knew it, he was at the Cold Pool. One misstep—and he tumbled into the icy water.
Deep below, in the heart of the pool, a faint golden orb stirred—as if drawn by fate. Bit by bit, it floated toward him.
With a sudden shimmer—it shot into his forehead and vanished.
When Benjamin came to, he was back in his room, surrounded by people.
“Benjamin… how could you? Letting your feelings cloud your mind like this… You’ve disappointed me,” Marcus said, voice heavy. Then he turned and left.
Benjamin blinked, confused. He slipped and fell into the water—that much he remembered. But the rest? Nothing.
“I…” he tried to explain.
“Senior Brother, you shouldn’t have gone that far. Claire went up to the Cloud Summit herself and knelt before the Grand Hall, begging the Sect Master to cancel the marriage. It’s been three hours.”
“She… she did that?” Benjamin shot upright.
“Didn't even eat breakfast. But the Sect Master hasn’t come out. He won’t change his mind.”
Before the words finished, Benjamin was already charging out the door.
“Movement Skill: Flowing Cloud Step +1 XP”
“Flowing Cloud Step +1 XP”
“Flowing Cloud Step +1 XP”
...
As Benjamin ran, lines of glowing text flashed through his mind. He jerked to a stop in shock.
Focusing inward, a panel sprang to life in his mind.
Name: Benjamin Adams
Stage: Postnatal Tier 3
Skills:
Flowing Cloud Step – Level 3
Yellow Grade, XP: 32/300
Falling Star Sword Technique – Level 3
Yellow Grade, XP: 0/300
Mountain-Splitting Palm – Level 3
Yellow Grade, XP: 0/300
These were his current stats. Postnatal Tier 3. All three were Yellow Grade techniques. At this level, he could only reach the third tier in each.
And yet now… everything felt different.Benjamin Adams was panting as he ran, but when he noticed he’d unconsciously activated Flowing Cloud Step and gained experience for it, a thought flashed through his mind. “Did I just push Flowing Cloud Step to the fourth level?”
But he quickly shook his head. That was impossible. Normally, you'd need to reach Fourth Stage of Postnatal Realm to cultivate it to the fourth level.
Still, he kept heading down the mountain, using Flowing Cloud Step again and again. By the time he reached the foot of Yunxiao Peak, his experience had hit 300.
A sudden clarity washed over him. The fourth level of Flowing Cloud Step etched itself firmly into his mind. The panel showed: Flowing Cloud Step Level 4
Yellow Grade EXP: 0/400
.
The speed boost from third to fourth level wasn't minor—it more than doubled. What mattered most was this: he’d really mastered the fourth level.
He was stunned, but excited too. Just by repeatedly using it, he could keep gaining experience. At this rate, reaching the ninth level in a day didn’t seem impossible.
So far, only one person among the young disciples of Yunxiao Sect had ever pushed Flowing Cloud Step to level nine—Bertrand Gale, the so-called millennium genius.
He started sprinting uphill again. With Flowing Cloud Step at level four, he flew. What used to take an hour now took barely half.
From a distance, he spotted a small figure kneeling before the Yunxiao Hall. Pale and motionless—Claire Forrest.
“Claire,” he called softly.
She turned her head. Her face had lost all color from kneeling so long.
“Has the Sect Leader come out yet?” Benjamin crouched beside her.
She shook her head, voice weak and bitter. “No.”
Benjamin clenched his fists. “He’s not heartless. He’ll cancel the marriage. I’ll make him.”
They knelt together as the sun dipped behind the mountains. Dusk settled in.
A dry, aged voice floated out from the hall. "You two should leave. This union concerns the future of the sect. It won't be undone. Claire, think of the greater good. Don't make things harder for the leader and the elders."
Claire trembled. Her voice faltered, “I…”
The elder cut her off. “Will you really risk the entire Yunxiao Sect's foundation for your personal feelings?”
“I wouldn’t dare,” Claire said quickly, shaking her head.
“It’s not wrong to want something. But you must place the sect above all else,” he said again.
“…I understand,” she whispered, pain all over her face. She hesitated, then bit her lip. “I’ll... accept the Sect Leader's arrangement.”
Tears streaked down her cheeks, her whole figure burdened with sorrow.
“No! Claire, you can’t—” Benjamin shouted.
“I’m sorry, Ben…” she choked, trying to stand, but her body swayed and collapsed forward, unconscious.
“Claire! Claire!” He caught her and prepared to rush downhill—but a shadow was faster, stopping him.
It was the Grand Elder. He pulled out a small porcelain bottle, poured out a pill, and handed it to Benjamin to feed her.
Slowly, Claire came to.
The Grand Elder nodded. “Claire has acted for the good of the sect. Well done. Benjamin, you’ve been in Yunxiao Sect fifteen years and never gone out for training. It’s time.”
“No, I—”
“It’s an order. Disobey and you’re out,” the Grand Elder said flatly, no room for argument.
