Infinite leveling in cultivation world

Tian Jue stepped into the house and immediately noticed something strange.

The once-bustling herb shelves were nearly bare.

The home's interior had been swept clean—dusted corners, sealed jars, folded linens. Only the table remained lively, adorned with a sumptuous spread of warm dishes, steam rising from bowls of rice, wild beast stew, and pickled vegetables.

He turned to his mother, a tinge of uncertainty in his voice.

"You're not… coming back here, are you?"

She smiled softly and gave a small nod. "I'll be moving to Long City—the largest city nearby."

Her gaze lingered on the familiar wooden walls, the woven mats, the simple shelves she once filled with life-saving herbs.

"I don't want to stay and… constantly recall our memories here. I want to look ahead."

Tian Jue lowered his head. He could understand. His path had changed. And so had hers.

The two sat down together and shared the meal slowly, peacefully. For a moment, it felt like nothing had changed—but both knew that after tomorrow, everything would be different.

After lunch, there was a gentle knock at the door.

His mother stood and opened it to reveal several villagers—familiar faces who had once come to her for prescriptions, healing salves, and advice.

She handed them sealed scrolls and pouches of herbs. "These are the last of my stocks. They're labeled and sorted. Use them wisely."

The villagers bowed, many with eyes wet, expressing deep gratitude.

Tian Jue and his mother waved goodbye, and the villagers waved back, murmuring blessings and farewells.

Without delay, the two began their journey.

By the time they reached Qingyuan Town, dusk had painted the skies in shades of amber and purple. The town pulsed with energy. Shenxian Sect's disciple recruitment would be held the next day, and people from surrounding regions had already begun to flood the area.

Horse-drawn carriages, spirit beasts, and robe-clad cultivators bustled through the streets. The air was thick with chatter, excitement, and spiritual pressure. Tian Jue could feel it—this town was a gateway to something far bigger than anything he had known before.

Fortunately, his mother had planned ahead. "I already booked us a room," she said calmly, handing a wooden token to the innkeeper. "We'll rest here for tonight."

Of course she did, Tian Jue smiled inwardly. She always plans ahead.

That evening, after washing off the dust of the road, they went down to the inn's dining hall for a simple dinner—no different from what they might have eaten at home. But something about the atmosphere felt heavier.

Tian Jue took a bite of his mantou, then looked up. "Mother… can you tell me about the power structure in this province?"

She set her cup down and nodded.

"In every province, there is an Imperial Family. Here, in Dongfang Province, it's the Dongfang Imperial Clan. They've ruled this land since its founding and have never declined."

Tian Jue nodded slowly.

"Beneath the Imperial Family are five noble families. In the southern region, we fall under the influence of the Xian Family."

Tian Jue's mind immediately jumped to Xian Feichang—the girl he had met in the Wolfback Mountains.

"She… doesn't carry the airs of nobility at all," he thought, bewildered.

"How are noble families chosen?" he asked.

"They change every few hundred years," his mother replied. "The Xian family is relatively new, but currently ranked second among the five. They possess five Nascent Soul realm cultivators, the same as the first-ranked family."

Tian Jue dropped his chopsticks.

"Five… Nascent Soul experts?! Just one would have ruled my entire previous world…" is what tian jue thought in back of his mind.

You'll see much that defies your past knowledge."

He hesitated. "Then… are there Law Manifestation cultivators in this province?"

His mother's face grew solemn.

"Not even the Dongfang Imperial Clan has one. Most cultivators at that level belong to secluded clans or hidden forces. They do not interfere in mortal or imperial matters."

Then she smiled faintly.

"But—Shenxian Sect… is one of those forces."

Tian Jue froze.

A sect... on the same level as those hidden titans?

The room fell silent for a moment.

Tian Jue looked out the window at the lively town square glowing under spiritual lanterns. He could hear young cultivators laughing, merchants yelling, guards barking orders to clear the streets.

Tomorrow… everything changes.

To be continued....