The Wanderer and the Summon's of Nirvana
Scene 1 — The Wanderer on the Road of Clouds
At the edge of the mortal world, where mountains met the heavens, a tortoise walked.
It wasn't a particularly large tortoise — but with every step, the earth hummed softly, and the clouds above rippled as if bowing in respect.
Upon its back sat a young Taoist in simple azure robes, a bamboo sprig tucked behind his ear, and an ancient guqin resting across his knees.
He hummed a lazy tune as the tortoise trudged forward, its every movement so slow it seemed time itself had given up rushing.
"Old Shell, at this rate we'll reach the next city in… hmm… perhaps three hundred years?"
The tortoise turned its head slightly, glaring at him with what could only be described as ancient disdain.
Yu Qinghan grinned, tapping his guqin lightly. "Don't look at me like that. You're the one who refused to fly this time. I'm simply appreciating the scenery — all two feet of it."
The tortoise gave a deep huff, its nostrils flaring, sending dust swirling around them.
"Hmph… fine," Qinghan chuckled. "But you can't deny — there's charm in slowness. The heavens rush, mortals hurry, but only we travelers know what patience tastes like."
As they passed beneath a withered tree, a faint ripple disturbed the calm air. Qinghan's laughter died instantly. His gaze sharpened, a streak of ancient power flashing behind his otherwise lazy eyes.
The guqin on his lap vibrated, strings humming without touch.
"…Void Qi?"
The tortoise froze, every muscle beneath its shell tensing.
Yu Qinghan placed his palm over the strings. A clear note sang out — soft yet sharp, echoing through unseen planes. The sound spread like light across dimensions, weaving through heaven and earth.
The smile on his lips faded, replaced by faint surprise — and then an even fainter warmth.
"So… he's still alive."
He looked far to the south, where a faint golden glimmer flickered across the horizon — the residue of a fight that had shaken the forest Lin Xian once cultivated in.
"White hair, pale face, arrogant even when dying… Heh, Lin Xian, you truly refuse to vanish."
The tortoise blinked up at him.
Qinghan smirked. "Don't look at me like that, Old Shell. I owe him more than a few debts. If the fates are kind, we'll drink again — if not, I'll play him a funeral song."
He plucked another note. The music rose, light and ethereal, scattering the fog around them.
As the tortoise began to walk again — slowly, ponderously — their figures faded into the mist, leaving only the echo of a guqin drifting across the mountains.
---
Elsewhere, in the Upper Realm — the Celestial Nirvana Domain.
A crescent moon hung low above a sea of clouds.
Within the mirrored spire of Lunar Mirage Palace, seven glowing sigils floated in the air — each representing a member of the Seven Sins.
At the heart of the formation sat Lan Qingyao, her silver robes rippling like still water. Her gaze was sharp enough to pierce light itself.
> "The Void has appeared again… in the lower realm. The energy feels faint — but it's the same mark as our master's power
Her words were calm, but her tone carried the weight of law. The sigils flickered, and holographic silhouettes began to form.
The air trembled slightly as the others appeared one by one.
Han Zhentian (Wrath) stepped out first. A tall man in dark-red armor, his aura burned like fire.
He gave a low laugh.
> "Our master's trace... after all this time." He let out a sharp, disbelieving bark of laughter. "Hah! That stubborn bastard really won't die!"
Then his smile faded, and his tone turned cold.
"But if Tian Luo, that bastard from the Crimson Abyss, learns that our master still lives—he might try something."
Jiang Ruolan (Lust) appeared next, graceful and calm, with eyes that could see through hearts.
She crossed her arms.
> "Tian Luo… Lord of the Crimson Abyss. That man never changes. If he finds out the truth, he'll either want to kill Master… or use him to climb higher."
Wrath's spear flashed in his hand. His eyes burned with killing intent.
> "He dares?!"
He stabbed the spear into the ground, his voice echoing like thunder.
"If that dog dares to touch Master, I'll kill him myself!"
Lan Qingyao lifted her hand slightly.
> "Enough. Tian Luo isn't our only problem."
She waved, and a glowing map appeared in the air.
"The lower realm is still sealed. Even if we want to go down, the ancient gates won't open. And here in the upper realm… war has already started. Many sects are fighting. If we leave now, we'll lose our territories."
The room went silent. Everyone looked heavy and serious.
Jiang Ruolan finally broke the quiet.
> "There's still one way."
She smiled faintly, but her eyes were serious.
"My cultivation technique allows me to send a clone to the lower realm. It won't have my full strength, but it can observe, and maybe help from the shadows."
Wrath grunted, folding his arms.
> "A clone, huh? Not bad. At least we'll have someone there if trouble appears."
Lan Qingyao nodded.
> "Good. Do it. Send your shadow to investigate quietly. If things are small, we leave them. But if the Void grows stronger… we act."
Then she looked around at the sigils.
> "Now, what about the others? The ones who were reborn?"
Lust's eyes moved slightly as she replied.
> "I've tracked some. Shen Wuyi—Sloth—is alive in a minor clan, pretending to be a lazy scion. Ruan Ling—Gluttony—is wandering around causing chaos in trade cities as usual."
She paused for a moment.
"And Mu Yanyue—Envy—was reborn in the same realm as our master."
Everyone looked surprised.
Wrath clenched his fists.
> "Then she's close to him. That's good news."
Lan Qingyao's gaze softened just slightly.
> "Yes… but it also means the Void's corruption is spreading in the same world he's in."
She turned toward Lust.
"Send your clone soon. We must know what's happening before Tian Luo does."
Lust nodded.
> "Understood."
Wrath smirked, fire dancing in his eyes again.
> "If Tian Luo really dares to make a move, even if I can't descend… I'll find a way to burn his realm to the ground."
Lan Qingyao's voice stayed calm, yet sharp like a sword.
> "Then we all have our tasks. Ruolan, send your shadow. Zhentian, prepare our forces. If the seal breaks, we move immediately."
As the sigils dimmed one by one, the hall fell quiet again.
Suddenly a faint guqin note drifted through the sky — soft and distant, as if echoing from another world.
Pride's brows lifted slightly.
"That sound… could it be…"
Her gaze shifted toward the void between realms, where the Wanderer's song still lingered.
"He's watching too," she whispered.
Moonlight washed over Lan Qingyao's calm face — but in her eyes, a storm was already brewing.
"Wait for us, Master…
Your Seven Sins are coming home."
Vol 2 ends - next…. Pill war and politics