Void Passage
Void.
It was not darkness. Darkness implied the absence of something that once existed. The Void had never known such weakness. It was complete in its emptiness, vast in a way that defied measurement, older than time and uninterested in it. Time did not pass here; it dissolved.
No wind stirred. No stars burned. No laws held authority.
The Void did not move, yet it was never still. It did not think, yet awareness bled through it like an unspoken rule. If existence was a story, the Void was the margin—ignored, untouched, but always present, waiting for the ink to bleed too far.
Worlds were born beyond it.
They flared into being with violent confidence—realms stacked upon realms, heavens layered over mortal soil, cultivation systems erected like fragile scaffolding around borrowed power. Energies were named, classified, worshipped. Dao, mana, essence, divinity. Mortals argued endlessly about which was supreme, never realizing how small all of it looked from the edge of nothing.
From the Void, those worlds sounded loud. Arrogant. They burned brightly, and they burned carelessly.
Occasionally, one would collapse—devoured by its own contradictions, shattered by ambition, erased by wars fought over truths that were never universal. When that happened, fragments drifted outward, breaking apart as they approached the boundary.
The Void accepted them all. Silently.
But it did not expect that in these realms, there were beings born of great power. Anomalies, it called them. They were insignificant to it, but they piqued its curiosity. So it took forms to travel among these worlds, and it changed.
The endless possibilities gave it entertainment, but the entertainment brewed arrogance. The Void deemed that the world needed order, but it was too powerful to enter the world. So it split into authorities, weaker than itself, but a part of infinity is still infinite. The authorities entered realms, and brought order with them, along with authority. And then, . . . They never merged back. Void was no more, or so they thought.
Between realms exist passages only a few ever heard of, and almost no one dares to travel. These passages were made by unknown entities many epochs ago for beings of lower order to travel without dying in an instant in turbulence.
But Lin Yuan wasn't in these passages, he was outside of it. He didn't know the terror of the place he was in. He thought he would ride a dragon, not held by its claws. But he was too focused to bother. He was still reminiscing about what had happened.
When he was 17 years old, an accident occurred. NO, it wasn't an accident. It was a conspiracy, which he learned about later. A deal with a dragon with immense power to travel to a new world, a world of Power, of Wealth.
He doesn't know why he was chosen. He doesn't know what conspiracies await him in the new World. Although he had 70 years of life to prepare, he mostly treated it as a dream, an old fool's dream, he thought.
But it was true. And he was back to his 17 year old self, well 'soul' would be more accurate. The dragon then started to tell him some details he needed to know before going in.
The world he was going in, is where immortal cultivation flourishes. The dragon itself was a creature born there. He was going to go into a Great Thousand World, a world from which he could access the Immortal Realm. If it were his 17 year self when he was first introduced to the supernatural, he would be excited beyond doubt. But time wore him down, and only his obsession for decades still sparked the flames in heart to go beyond.
Soon, both of them arrived near their destination. Lin Yuan looked at the magnificent scenery. The size of the world was beyond anything he could comprehend, and he was still quite some distance from it.
He saw rays of light beams appearing from somewhere far away, shooting towards the floating continent. The dragon explained to him that these were ascenders, cultivators who had reached Soul Transformation in a Middle Thousand World and were ascending to climb towards greater heights.
There were thousands of rays converging towards the Great World, and some of them broke apart before reaching it. Some were intruded by Space Whales, which swallowed the group as a whole.
The world was filled with danger, and this was Lin Yuan's first experience. The dragon showed Lin Yuan a ring, silvery white but rusted. Lin Yuan had a feeling that he had seen this ring somewhere before.
"This ring was crafted in the immortal world, by one of the greatest craftsmen there is. You don't need to know what grade it is. Just be aware that itis the most powerful artifact in a Great World."
Lin Yuan was sucked into the ring. Inside, he saw limitless space. This is a storage ring, capable of storing anything, including living things, a new Wonder made in the Immortal World by a powerful entity.
The dragon continued by saying that he would send him into the world discreetly, since this world was one of the honored worlds where a great being was once born and is still alive to date.
The Dragon once again warned Lin Yuan to be careful with the ring. The Great Power, whose name he could say but mustn't listen, made changes to the Dao of this world. A foreign treasure such as this would covet many eyes once exposed.
"The ring does not have any capabilities other than storage. And no matter who refines it in the future, your authority would still precede theirs. Because we also infused you into it."
". . . What?"
"Hmm, we had to make it as close to you as possible, so we used part of your soul origin and your previous physical body, along with your conceptual existence from your previous world. Together with Nine Nether Soul Drops and a blooming 30 petal Divine Lotus, Blood Essence of Shadow Immortal from last epoch, a world tree seed and a few million auxiliary materials to craft it. Since we had to maximize your stealth, this ring has no other purpose than storage."
"I don't know any other materials, but what was it about my body?"
"After you went back, I collected your body post death from the future and sent it back to the past in the Immortal Realm, where it was crafted in a few hundred years before being sent to your world. But it happens to have missed by a few years and arrived before you were born."
"So the ring . . . That I bought during the excursion . . . Which I wore for decades . . . With which I slept for decades . . . was made from my own dead body . . . ?"
"Basically, yes."
". . ."
Lin Yuan didn't know how to react to this. On one hand, it made a perfect artifact for him, on the other hand, he just couldn't help but feel grossed out. . . He even used to kiss it for good luck before doing anything . . .
Arghhh!
The dragon didn't care about his inner monologue and prepared to send the ring into the world. Lin Yuan asked the dragon why it answered his questions, and why he was chosen.
The dragon replied, "I don't know why you were selected. But it could be because of what you might do in this world. As for your questions, the goddess asked me to take care of you before I leave you. And personally, no matter what the Master wished for you to do, I hope you cleanse this Accursed World."
Before Lin Yuan could ask what was wrong with this world, the dragon sent the ring flying into the world. The ring merged into an Ascendant stream heading towards the world, but separated from it upon entering.
Confirming that Lin Yuan successfully sneaked into the world, the Dragon left using a portal. On the other side of the portal, a man was sitting at the edge of a cliff, the vast abyss below filled with a sea of clouds. He leaned back and rested on his arms, his legs dangling, staring at the star studded blue sky.
The sky itself was filled with mythical beasts, Dragons, Phoenixes, Qilins, Rocs, and many more, flying in the sky painting a picturesque beauty, hoping to attract the Great One below.
The dragon upon entering, shrunk to about 3ft long and coiled itself around the man's neck. No one knew that this Dragon which shook the 33 heavens by swinging its tail could appear so docile.
"The task was completed successfully, Master!"
" No, it wasn't"
". . . No?"
"He was supposed to arrive 70 years earlier."
The dragon was slightly shocked, since in its terms, there is no difference. But it knew it made a grave mistake. It had failed its Master's expectations. It quickly tried to teleport back into the past to change it, but stopped by the Master.
"It doesn't matter. Whether he could succeed or not depends on his destiny, not time."
The dragon didn't make any sound. It didn't know why it could have made such . . . a simple . . . mistake.
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Lin Yuan didn't know what happened in the Immortal realm. He was going fast, very fast. So fast that he couldn't even tell what was happening in his surroundings, or where he was heading.
But the dragon stuffed his head with some knowledge. The world is called The Black Imperial Realm, named after a Great Being who ascended from this world 2 epochs ago and reached a powerful realm. The home world of these honored beings, if it weren't the Immortal Realm, would be called a Honored World. In the 3000 Great Worlds, there are only a handful of Honored Worlds.
He was going into the Eastern Continent. He didn't know where exactly inside the continent he would go, but his new life would begin from infancy. And his new name was Gu Yang. The ring would fall into the hands of Gu Yang's future father, and he would transfer his soul when his future mother gets pregnant with a still born, he would occupy the fetus. He himself feels disgusted by the Idea, but it was the only way to live a new life.
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Wu Wan City
Located in the perimeter of Dong State of the Great Wu Kingdom, it is very close to The Seven Southern Mountain Range, a hotbed of monsters and resources. The Gu family is one of the major powers of this city.
Gu Yan walks down the market aisle looking for brushes to draw talismans. He was moderately talented in Wu Wan city with 4 Spiritual Roots with the exception of earth from the five elements.
By his age of 15, he should have reached the late stage of Qi Refining along with his peers, but after the death of his father, and being targeted by his uncle, and coupled with his lackluster talent, he became the object of mockery among the family.
While walking, he dodges anyone he knows. He doesn't want to feel bad on this day. Today was the day the Gu clan meets again for the year. And it was also the day to pay respects to the deceased.
He knows he would get ridiculed during the competition, but he wants to pay his respects to his father with a peace of mind. But fate-
"Look who's here~"
-is twisted in this world.
Gu Yan didn't even look at the source of the voice. It didn't matter who it was, it was always ridiculous. If he ever retorted, he would be beaten. Getting beaten wasn't new to him, but the cost of medicine wasn't worth the satisfaction of standing up. So, he ran.
"Look at him, running with a tail in between his legs."
"He's quite a fast bastard isn't he?"
Gu Yan quickly moved in between people, pushing them while running away. It wasn't until he was sure that he wasn't followed that he slowed down, gasping for air. He had a special talent. He runs fast. That's all.
While gasping for breath, something falls in front of him from the sky. Curious, he picks it up and upon a closer inspection, he finds out it is a ring, rusted but usable.
He looks around but finds no one. He waits for a few minutes but no one comes to claim it. So he claimed it for himself. The very act of making a small profit brought a smile onto his face. And Lin Yuan inside the ring was wondering what about a rusty old ring would make his future cheap father cry.
Is he going to propose with it? . . . I really pity the girl. He thought.
Gu Yan didn't know there was a soul inside the scrap ring he picked up. He wanted to sell it quickly, but looking at the sun that was right above his head, he ran back.
Within a few minutes, he ran towards the Ancestral Hall, but was stopped by the keeper outside. The time was up, he said. "If you delay even more, you would miss the gathering. And you would be fined for it."
Arriving late for the gathering is punishable. Of course, if he were the Young Clan Master, nobody would question him. Fortunately for him, the keeper of the Ancestral Hall was his father's brother. He was coincidentally present unconscious during a robbery of the Patriarch's Household, resulting in him being punished to guard the Ancestral Hall for over 5 years. Of course, no one would ask where the guards were.
Upon his Uncle's promise, Gu Yan ran to the Clan Annual Gathering in the nick of time, earning some glares but no one sprang to mock him. But his speed shocked Lin Yuan in the ring.
During the gathering, everyone formed groups to discuss their issues. Spirit Lanterns shone bright along the walls, their light reflecting off polished stone and embroidered robes. Voices overlapped—laughter, casual chatter, the sound of confidence shared among those who belonged. It was warm, crowded, and alive. Gu Yan kept his hands at his sides, posture straight, eyes lowered just enough to seem respectful. Lin Yuan was there, just there.
Their ears filtered the sound differently. The laughter twisted, words sharpening into whispers that cut far deeper than sound ever could. It would be better for them to cultivate skills based on sound with their lethality.
Gu Yan was used to this. But Lin Yuan wasn't used to it. He was getting angry.
Why would they scorn a person so much? He thought. Of course, he was more worried about Gu Yan. What did this kid do to earn such humiliation. Did he commit some unforgivable crimes? Will I also be treated as such?
Lin Yuan is more worried about his future. But he also felt something was wrong. From what he had seen until now, Gu Yan was a good kid, at the very least, he wasn't evil. But all Lin Yuan could sense was mockery directed towards Gu Yan. There wasn't any sympathy.
"Why did he come here?"
"He must be afraid of getting punished. The Gu clan rules state that all members who haven't broken through to Foundation Establishment Realm, and aren't stationed by the clan outdoors must attend."
"Maybe he is here for the benefits. Every year on the occasion of gathering, the Clan Leader will give incentives to encourage the younger generation. He won't get any, but the bare minimum must be paid."
What they said was true. Gu Yan was indeed here for money. If he were late, he wouldn't get any as a punishment. The money he gets is enough for his mother's medicine for a few months.
Right then, the patriarch arrived. He sat down at his seat and looked around the crowd. He paused for a couple of seconds near a few of them, Gu Yan being one of them. He then gave a speech about clan precepts, which no one was interested about.
At the end, he called his son forward. "Gu Shou, come forward."
Gu Shou walked forward. A typical arrogant young master. Lin Yuan thought.
Gu Shou stood in front of his father, loving the attention he received.
"Clan Leader, I have reached the ninth layer of Qi Refining. I will soon strive to reach perfection, and break through to Foundation Establishment by 25."
His answer brought a lot of gasps from the audience. Why wouldn't they? Gu Shou was only 18 years old now, and reached 9th level of Qi Refining. His talent is one of the best talents in the Dong State.
Of course, Gu Shou didn't forget to smirk towards Gu Yan. Gu Yan had a fast speed of cultivation among his peers even with 4 Spiritual Roots. He was envied by the talented, and an inspiration for the poor. And it was all because of hard work. However, after his father's death, he lost his cultivation speed. It was as if a part of him was lost along with his father.
The father and son sang along to portray Gu Shou's talent as best in the family and that he deserves more resources.
"Yes, yes! Gu Shou deserves more. With the exception of Gu Shen, he has the best talent in our generation."
"Of course. Given that Gu Shen hasn't come back since his joining in the Clear Sky Sect under Ancestor Yuan, Gu Shou would most likely be our next clan head."
"True. We must support Gu Shou."
Listening to their responses, Gu Shou's nose turned to the sky. The patriarch, Gu Ming, raised his hand to silence the crowd, before saying, "I declare that part of Gu Yan's salary will be given to Gu Shou to help him achieve foundation establishment faster."
The crowd quickly voiced their support, except for one. Gu Yan wanted to stay quiet and be done with this. But he needs this money for his mother's medicine. He doesn't earn enough to support both of them.
"Patriarch!!"
"Hmm? Do you have an objection, Gu Yan? Do you not wish to contribute to the clan's development?"
"No I-I do. I am a First Order Mid- Grade Talisman maker. I contribute to the family by finishing my tasks."
"As you should. But only your cultivation matters. Tell me, Gu Yan, what level have you reached right now?"
". . ."
Gu Yan couldn't answer it. He could already hear snickers from the back of the crowd. Seeing his silence, Gu Ming raised his voice and asked again.
"Qi Refining Level 3"
The silence shattered into laughter, but Gu Yan could no longer hear it. He zoned out, and stood there while Gu Ming admonished him about knowing his worth, laughed and pointed fingers at him, Gu Shou inciting the crowd even further. He just stood there and took it all in. It doesn't matter, since it always happens.
Lin Yuan, however, was fuming in the ring. Even though 80 years of life has worn him down considerably, he still felt uncontrollable rage seeing Gu Yan's situation. Nobody should deserve this, especially not him, he thought.
After an hour, Gu Ming got tired of humiliating Gu Yan. He was about to throw down the pouch, as he did for a few years, but he got an idea. With a sinister smile on his face, he threw the pouch at Gu Shou's feet. Gu Shou understood his father's idea and stood there with a mocking smile on his face.
Gu Yan walked towards Gu Shou with a numb expression on his face, ready to pick up the pouch at Gu Shou's feet. But Lin Yuan had enough. He willed himself to come out of the ring . . . but he couldn't.
However, with his boiling rage, he unconsciously sent a shock wave towards Gu Shou, knocking him back, making him stagger for two feet. Gu Yan came out of numbness at Gu Shou's actions, but he quickly picked up the pouch, bowed to Gu Ming and ran out of the hall.
Lin Yuan himself was surprised by his outburst. He felt weaker, and his soul was more transparent, but he felt that it was worth it.
Gu Yan ran towards the Ancestral Hall, and had a chat with the keeper. Since all the members of the clan were in the gathering right now, he could bring his mother to worship his father together. His mother wasn't allowed to visit his father's grave, since they claimed she was not from Gu family. Fortunately, the keeper happened to be his Uncle, so they make it happen once in a while.
Gu Zhen looked at his nephew and couldn't help but feel bad for him. If he was more careful while getting drunk, he wouldn't have been stuck here guarding a door.
"You sure you are alright, kid?"
"I'm fine, Uncle. Don't worry about it."
"If only my brother Gu Yang was still alive, all our lived would be much better. . . Haah~ .. ."
Lin Yuan: "???"