Path of the Eternal

Chapter 1: The Path of Cultivation

> "In a world where the skies can be torn asunder by the might of a single man, and mountains can be flattened with a mere wave of a hand — strength is everything."

In the vast expanse of the Eastern Azure Continent, where myriad sects, ancient empires, and untamed wildlands coexisted, only those who walked the Path of Cultivation could survive, thrive, and one day reach for eternity.

For those chosen by fate — or cursed by it — the road to power was long, filled with blood, betrayal, loyalty, and love. But at its core, cultivation was the art of defying heaven, of tempering the body, mind, and soul to reach immortality.

The Realms of Cultivation

For centuries, cultivators divided their strength into Nine Great Realms, each a monumental step toward breaking the shackles of mortality:

1. Body Tempering Realm — The beginning. Strengthening flesh, bones, and organs, preparing the body to channel qi. The realm of mortals dreaming to step into the heavens.

2. Qi Gathering Realm — Drawing in spiritual energy from nature, forming the first threads of internal power — Qi.

3. Foundation Establishment Realm — Solidifying one's core, creating a spiritual foundation, and forming the first energy pathways (meridians).

4. Core Formation Realm — Birth of the Golden Core, a condensed sphere of spiritual power within the dantian. A sign of true mastery over one's energy.

5. Nascent Soul Realm — The soul condenses into a spiritual avatar, enabling the cultivator to project their will and essence beyond their body.

6. Spirit Ascension Realm — Merging of body and soul into a powerful form capable of flight, spiritual senses, and long-distance attacks.

7. Heaven Transformation Realm — Harnessing laws of heaven and earth, manipulating elements, space, and even time fragments.

8. Void Shattering Realm — Breaking free of mortal limits, shattering space and stepping between worlds.

9. Eternal Ascendant Realm — Legends who no longer age, watching over countless generations, living beyond the cycle of reincarnation.

But though these realms seemed like a ladder anyone could climb, the reality was harsh. Millions would start, but only a few would ever break beyond the first few stages.

Even more dangerous than beasts or nature were other cultivators — humans who would kill for a chance to ascend further.

Pills, techniques, treasures, and legacies were the cornerstones of this world.

And among all of them, ancient systems and mysterious guardians — artifacts and spirits beyond comprehension — were said to guide those destined for greatness.

The World Today

The Azure Cloud Sect, where legends were born and disciples trained to become pillars of power, stood like a mighty fortress atop the Heaven Piercing Mountains. It was one of the "Four Great Sects" ruling over the region.

It was here that Jin Wei, a boy of sixteen, lived as one of the Outer Disciples — the lowest rank, barely above mortal servants.

Beginning of Jin Wei's Journey

"Hah… hah…"

Panting heavily, Jin Wei collapsed to his knees, sweat pouring down his face as he finished his hundredth strike against the wooden post. His black hair stuck to his forehead, his blue eyes dim, filled with exhaustion and a hint of frustration.

"Why… why can't I gather Qi? Why is it that everyone else can sense it, and I can't?!"

His fists were bleeding, knuckles torn open. Yet he gritted his teeth and rose again.

From birth, Jin Wei had been told he was ordinary, perhaps even crippled — unable to sense the world's Qi. Yet he refused to give up.

"Even if I must break every bone in my body, I will walk the path of cultivation," he swore under his breath.

His father, a once mighty Core Formation cultivator, had died under mysterious circumstances, and his family had been cast out of honor. Jin Wei was the last of his line, carrying a name that many now laughed at.

A Fateful Encounter

As the sun began to set, dyeing the sky in hues of crimson and gold, Jin Wei remained standing. Alone, on a forgotten cliff near the sect, watching the distant horizon.

"Another day wasted," he muttered.

Suddenly, a strange pull tugged at his chest, and his eyes widened.

Thud!

A pulse of energy erupted from the ground beneath him, and he stumbled back as ancient runes glowed on the stone.

"What is this...?"

The wind picked up, and a calm voice, neither male nor female, echoed in his mind:

> "System initializing... host confirmed."

Jin Wei's eyes shot open.

> "Binding with Host: Jin Wei. System of Eternal Ascension activated."

> "Congratulations, Host. You have been chosen to walk the Path of the Eternal."

> "Initializing first gift: Body Tempering Manual – Heaven-grade."

> "Quest: Break through to Body Tempering 2nd Layer within 10 days. Reward: Hidden Feature Unlock."

For a moment, Jin Wei stood frozen.

A system? A legendary artifact of the ancients?

He had heard rumors — of systems choosing mortals, granting them power beyond understanding — but they were just myths.

His heart pounded.

> "Status Panel activated. Displaying current stats."

[Status Panel]

Name: Jin Wei

Age: 16

Cultivation: None (Body Tempering Stage 1 — Initial)

Talent: Unknown (Hidden by System)

Bloodline: Inactive (Unknown Origin)

Skills: None

System Quests:

Break through to Body Tempering 2nd Layer (10 days)

---

A shiver ran down his spine.

"Talent… hidden? Bloodline… unknown?"

What was the system hiding from him?

And what was this bloodline?

But before he could process everything, footsteps echoed behind him.

Trouble Approaches

"Well, well, if it isn't the crippled Jin Wei," a mocking voice sneered.

Turning, Jin Wei saw Luo Feng, an inner disciple, smirking as he approached with two others.

"You should give up. Cultivation isn't for trash like you," Luo Feng spat, crossing his arms.

Jin Wei clenched his fists, a fire burning in his chest.

Before today, he might have lowered his head. But now…

A system. A chance.

"Maybe I'm not the trash you think I am anymore," Jin Wei muttered under his breath, meeting Luo Feng's eyes.

The Path Begins

As the last rays of sun dipped below the mountains, Jin Wei felt something he never had before — Qi, faint but real, flowing within him.

He smiled.

No matter the pain, no matter the enemies — he would rise.

He would carve his name in the heavens.

> "Path of the Eternal, huh?"

> "Let's see if the heavens can stop me.