A Western Kid’s Journey into the Eastern Cultivation World

Back at the Worldtree's root - stronghold, Lyra tossed a dusty scroll onto the table, sending up a cloud of ancient dust. "This is the fourth tome we've checked—nada. Zip. Zilch." She ran a hand through her sweat - matted hair, frustration etched into her features. "How the heck does a dude with white hair and glowing purple eyes just... not have a record?"​Nox hovered over a massive leather - bound book, his fingers tracing intricate illustrations. "Wait a sec—check this out." He turned the book around, revealing a faded portrait of a man with shock - white hair, wearing a coat emblazoned with the same symbols as the white - haired man's chest plate. Beside the portrait, a single phrase was inscribed in crumbling ink: "The Shadow Sovereign—binder of abyssal tides."​Elara's skin prickled. She'd been leaning against a massive Worldtree root, trying to ignore the persistent throb in her temples. But at the mention of "Shadow Sovereign," the root beneath her hand began to glow, sending a warm pulse up her arm. "Guys," she said, her voice shaky, "I think the tree is trying to tell me something."​Images flashed behind her eyelids—fragments of a sunken city, pillars covered in strange 符文,and a glowing pedestal at the center. The vision was so vivid she could almost taste the saltwater and feel the damp stone beneath her feet. "I need to go to the Oceanic Ruins," she blurted out. "The tree is pointing me there."​Lyra raised an eyebrow. "The Oceanic Ruins? Dude, that place is supposed to be cursed. Legend says anyone who goes there never comes back."​Nox closed the ancient book with a thud. "Legends also said the Shadow Sovereign was a myth. If the tree's guiding her, we should roll with it." He strapped a quiver of shadow - tipped arrows to his back, his expression grim. "Besides, we're fresh out of better ideas."​Three days later, the trio stood on the cliffs overlooking the Stormwrack Sea. The waves crashed against the rocks below, sending up plumes of mist. Elara took a deep breath, the salty air filling her lungs. The Worldtree's pull was stronger here, like a fishhook in her chest.​"Alright, let's do this," Lyra said, unsheathing her sword. "But if I get eaten by a sea monster, I'm coming back to haunt both of you."​They made their way down a treacherous path to the water's edge. Elara closed her eyes, focusing on the tree's guidance. Suddenly, the waves parted, revealing a stone staircase leading underwater. "Whoa," Nox muttered. "Talk about dramatic."​As they descended, a shimmering bubble of air formed around them, courtesy of the Worldtree's magic. The ocean floor was a maze of crumbling columns and overgrown statues. Schools of bioluminescent fish darted past, their scales glowing like blue fire.​"Keep your eyes peeled," Lyra whispered. "I don't trust this place."​Just then, the ground rumbled. From the shadows, massive crab - like creatures with shells of obsidian emerged, their pincers clicking menacingly. "Great," Nox deadpanned. "Crabby patties, anyone?"​Elara stepped forward, her hands crackling with energy. "Let's make this quick." She launched a blast of iridescent power, hitting the lead crab square in its glowing red eye. The creature let out a high - pitched shriek and collapsed.​But more were coming. Lyra and Nox sprang into action, their weapons a blur of steel and shadow. "Elara, head for that temple!" Lyra shouted between swings. "We'll hold them off!"​Elara nodded and took off, sprinting across the ocean floor. The temple loomed ahead, its entrance framed by two massive statues of merfolk holding tridents. As she approached, the Worldtree's pulse grew almost painful.​Inside the temple, the air was thick with the scent of ancient magic. At the center stood a pedestal, just like in her vision. On it rested a crystal orb, its surface swirling with colors. But as Elara reached for it, a voice echoed through the chamber.​"Ah, the Balance Child finally arrives."​Elara whirled around, her hands raised. Standing in the doorway was the white - haired man, his amethyst eyes glinting with amusement. "Took you long enough."