It turns out, this world was far more complex than he'd initially imagined – it was a realm entirely on its own, nothing like the Earth he'd called home for ten thousand years. Every detail he'd absorbed from the library's books painted a picture of a place with rules, powers, and structures that defied everything he'd known before,well,not entirely everything.

Icaros took a deep breath, letting the cool evening air fill his lungs as he stood just outside the library doors. He'd spent hours inside, and the sun was now beginning to dip toward the horizon, casting long shadows across the sect's paths. He acknowledged the unshakeable fact: he was in a different world, and there was no going back – at least not for now. He hadn't even begun to figure out how he'd been pulled from the sun's flames and deposited here, and dwelling on it only left him with more questions than answers. What Icaros maybe didn't realize was that maybe deep down inside, there was a desire to live.

"I have to navigate through this world for the time being," he thought, closing his eyes for a moment as the knowledge he'd read flashed through his mind like a stream of light. The social status and hierarchy here were completely unlike Earth's. In his old world, power had been spread across nations, governments, and institutions – but here, in the cultivation world at least, only strength and personal power mattered above all else,although power was divided among cultivation sects and clans,it was still individuals that made the sects and clans as it is . He'd also discovered the world was broadly divided into two groups: mortals and cultivators.

Mortals were much like the humans Icaros had protected on Earth – they built cities, formed governments, and lived lives bound by time and physical limits. Their social structures were more organized and civil compared to the cutthroat cultivation world, with laws and systems designed to keep order. But when cultivators interfered in mortal affairs, chaos often followed. Wars would break out over resources, territory, or disputes between powerful sects, and the damage could ripple across entire regions,ending a vast amount of mortal lives. It had become so severe that the four great superpowers eventually signed an agreement: no cultivator was to interfere excessively with mortal life. The pact was rooted in practicality as much as compassion – mortals were the primary source of new cultivators, and while cultivators lived far longer than ordinary people,they rarely had children, and their mortality rate from battles and cultivation accidents was high.

In the cultivation world, while there was a semblance of structure – sects, clans, and ranks – in reality, strength was the only true measure of worth. An individual cultivator could wield power enough to rival entire nations, and that level of might shaped every aspect of life. At the very top of the cultivation hierarchy stood four supreme individuals, each the leader of one of the world's greatest powers.

The Li Sect was one of them, founded by the wielder of the Nega Bands – one of four legendary weapons that granted their users unmatched power, passed down through generations. Next was the Battle Force Sect, whose supreme weapon was the magical hammer Mjolnir; their leader was always called Thor, a title carried through every era. Then there was the Heavenly Sword Sect, which held the Heavenly Sword – a weapon passed to the sect's best disciple each generation. The last of the four was the Nine Transformation Sect, known to many as a demonic and evil power, whose founder and leaders wielded the Nine Transformation Demonic Book.

According to the texts, these four mystical weapons and treasures were discovered long ago by four friends who were cultivators in the early days of the cultivation world. The story told of how they'd set off on an adventure to explore uncharted lands, only to stumble into a danger zone formed by the force of nature – a place split into four separate parts by the sheer might of the weapons hidden within. Each of the four was trapped in a different section, and for years, the world believed them dead. But one day, they emerged alive, wielding the mythical treasures, and the dangerous zone vanished behind them. What should have been a triumphant return quickly turned sour – no one knew what had transpired inside the zone, but the friends had changed dramatically. Not just their ideologies, but their very personalities had been reshaped – it was this transformation that gave birth to their conflicting ideals. Whether it was the influence of the weapons or the trials they'd faced, their differences ran so deep that they eventually clashed in a battle that shook the continent and caused catastrophic natural disasters. In the end, no one won – instead, each retreated to form their own power, and no other cultivator could stand against them. Over time, their organizations grew into the four great superpowers known today. Though their core beliefs about cultivation varied widely, Icaros learned that the lowest stage of cultivation – body refinement – followed the same basic pattern across all sects, even if details differed.

Body refinement was divided into three parts: blood refinement, bone refinement, and flesh refinement. Completing all three stages didn't make one a true cultivator, but it prepared the body to enter the Spirit Realm – the first tier of genuine cultivation, where the real benefits and power began to manifest. This was where the four sects' paths diverged sharply, though Icaros couldn't learn much about the Spirit Realm from the low-level library he'd used – its contents were limited to what outer and unofficial disciples needed to know. From what he'd gathered, the Li Sect focused on harnessing spirit qi, making it the most orthodox path. The Battle Force Sect prioritized physical training, weapon mastery, and battle prowess, though their spirit qi cultivation was weaker by comparison. The Heavenly Sword Sect was made up of sword fanatics who pursued the ultimate potential of blade arts, developing magical and terrifying sword skills. The Nine Transformation Demonic Sect cultivated demonic qi, using it to transform their bodies for battle and other magical arts,which some can be considered forbidden. While Icaros didn't yet fully understand what spirit qi or demonic qi were, he grasped that they were forms of energy fundamental to this world – a place the texts called the Jade Continent, likely named for its abundant deposits of jade, which were used in everything from cultivation tools to building materials.

With all this knowledge settling in his mind, every small detail he'd wondered about since waking up in the forest suddenly made sense. He no longer felt like a lost novice stumbling through unfamiliar territory. A genuine smile bloomed on his face as he straightened his grey robe and stepped toward the library's entrance, where the one-armed man still sat at his table.

"Junior has finished using the library," Icaros said respectfully, bowing his head slightly. "Thank you, senior."

The man nodded with a casual, unconcerned expression, but deep in his heart, he was surprised. "He's catching up fast – he already knows the proper etiquette," he thought, a flicker of shock crossing his mind before he masked it. It had been less than three hours since Icaros had entered the library. "Maybe he just focused on small but important things like etiquette," he mused, a smile returning to his face. If he'd known that Icaros had absorbed every single book on the first floor – memorizing even the most obscure details – his jaw would have dropped to the ground in disbelief.

As Icaros walked away from the library and into the growing evening crowd, he continued to organize his thoughts. "So the grey robes are for outer and unofficial disciples like me," he reminded himself. "Green is for inner disciples, blue for core disciples, and white for elders. That man was wearing white – so he's an elder of the sect. I already have a run-in with an elder on my very first day here." He let out a quiet chuckle at the thought, then grew serious again. "According to proper etiquette, I have to address elders – and even outer disciples with higher standing – as 'senior,' no matter their age. Only those at the same cultivation level can be called 'fellow cultivator.'"

"I shouldn't antagonize that elder too early," he decided as his silhouette melted into the crowd of grey-robed disciples. "I don't even know where my full power ranks in this world yet. More importantly,I need to lay low and thread carefully.

I don't want to become one of the countless cultivators who die every year from battles, accidents, or power struggles." With that goal firmly in mind, he merged with the crowd, heading toward his quarters to rest before the mission that would determine his place in the Li Sect.

In a vast training field of the li sect,the floor made of an unknown black metal,which looks tough and was charred by scars of previous battles. Telling the tales of the many battles fought on it,by the li sect disciples. Each scar, each gash, each mark left behind speaks of the strength and determination of those who dueled here before, of clashes that tested both body and will, of young disciples who grew into powerful cultivators and elders who passed down the sect's legacy through combat and trial. The metal itself is cold to the touch, heavy and unyielding beneath the feet of all who gather here, a constant reminder of the weight of responsibility that comes with wearing the sect's robes.

On one portion of it,were youths,both male and female,clad in grey robes and in large numbers, about a few thousands,seems to be patiently waiting for something or someone. Without much noise as most minded their business,why some who seemed to know themselves,or were acquaintance whispered quietly. The grey fabric of their robes is plain and unadorned, marking them as unofficial disciples still proving their worth to the sect. Some stood with their backs straight and heads held high, faces set with determination; others fidget with their hands or glance nervously at their neighbors, unsure of what lies ahead. The quiet whispers pass between small groups – old friends from nearby villages who traveled to the sect together, or fellow recruits who bonded during the initial screening process – sharing rumors of what the first mission might entail, of the dangers that await beyond the sect's walls, of the rewards that come with becoming an official disciple.

Amidst of these youths,Sat Icaros,quietly on the bare floor with his eyes closed,and a battle axe attached to his back. He had acquired the axe,the previous day after the journey at the library, when he learnt from a fellow unofficial disciple, that they can get to chose a free weapon,although not something magical or for spirit realm cultivators, but just made of good material and of good quality, which is still relevant for those at the body refinement realm. Meaning it is useful against mortals and those in body refinement realm and useless against those in spirit realm level. As Icaros discovered from the library,the spirit realm,was the realm after body refinement,it was said to be the actual beginning of cultivation.

The axe head is broad and sharp, its handle wrapped in thick leather that fits snugly in his palm. The fellow disciple who told him of the weapon choosing had pointed out rows of swords, halberds, sabers, and more – all laid out in the sect's armory, each one crafted with care by the sect's smiths. He had explained that while these weapons could not compare to the the power of magical treasures wielded by spirit realm cultivators, they were reliable tools for those still building their foundation,that is,blood,bones and flesh,able to withstand the force of body refinement strikes and cut through mortal armor with ease.

After racking his brain on what weapon to choose out of many types there,swords,halberd,saber and many other,even a maze. It became extra difficult as he didn't use weapons,to fight during his previous life on earth, relying solely on his innate powers,in the end,he chose the battle axe,for the sole purpose of that it looks cool, a reason that makes Icaros chuckle, anytime he remembers it. He had spent a long while walking up and down the armory aisles, holding each weapon in turn to feel its weight and balance. Swords felt too light in his hands, halberds too cumbersome, sabers too familiar to the weapons used by warriors he had seen on Earth. Even the maze – heavy and blunt – had seemed like more trouble than it was worth. Then he had spotted the battle axe, leaning against a rack in the far corner, its steel head catching the light of the armory torches. The moment he picked it up, he knew it was the one – not for any practical reason, but simply because it suited him, because it looked impressive hanging at his back, because it made him feel like he belonged in this world of cultivators and weapons. The thought of his choice still brings a quiet smile to his face, a small reminder of the freedom he once had on Earth to make decisions based on nothing more than what felt right.

"Li Han is really taking long", Icaros couldn't help but think,as the orders from li Han was to be at the training ground early in the morning and prepared,that they will soon be shortly setting off,for their first mission and assessment,to see if they're worthy of becoming official disciple of the sect.

He had woken before dawn, as instructed, and made his way to the training field with plenty of time to spare. The sun has been slowly climbing the sky, painting the horizon in shades of orange and gold, and still there is no sign of Li Han or any other sect official to guide them. Icaros used the time to settle his mind, closing his eyes and focusing on his breathing, letting the sounds of the crowd wash over him – the soft shuffle of feet on metal, the quiet murmur of voices, the distant cry of a bird in a far distance. He thinks of what he has learned from the library books, of the body refinement stages and the four great sects, of the spirit qi that flows through this world and gives its cultivators their power. He wonders what Li Han is doing, why he is late, if something has gone wrong with the mission preparations,and due to the knowledge he acquired from the library. A little question he had previously was solved in his mind,it turns out young master Deimos wasn't surnamed li,due to the fact,that all direct descendant of the li sect master,the wielder of the Nega bands,had no surnames,and the children,will fight against each other for the position of sect master after the passing of the current one. Although there wasn't much information on how they will fight against each other,but what Icaros was sure about,was that for an item,said to be one of the most powerful on the world,a huge amount of blood bath will be done for it,concluded from his past life experiences on earth,as people die for riches. He also found out,that due to the li sect being a sect,disciples weren't restricted to the li surname,meaning the "li" in the name,was more of a symbol of the first wielder of the Nega bands,and to honour his name,as so,you can still retain your surname after joining the li sect. Although you can still change your surname to "li", which will earn you more attention from the sect upper echelons, as it's considered as a sign of loyalty. But for the clans out there,only members of the family are part of it.

Just as Icaros was about to say something to one of the youths around him,who he had gotten acquainted to.

His enhanced sight,as he casually focused on the horizon,saw what he will basically consider a beauty.

Jade like skin, beautiful and well placed facial features, that will make any man not to ignore her, and a small red cherry like lips to top it all,her graceful curves can be seen from time to time,but staid hidden by the green robe she was wearing, and as she rode on what seem to be a large magical flying handkerchief,a thought couldn't help but appear in Icaros mind," an inner disciple,and a beauty at that",he soon snapped out of it and noticed the speed at which the flying handkerchief was moving.

Within the short time Icaros had seen it,with his enhanced sight,the others had already started to notice the flying projectile, but still couldn't see it clearly.

The woman is moving faster than any mortal could run, her flying handkerchief gliding through the air, leaving no trail behind it. Her skin is smooth and pale as polished jade, her eyes bright and clear. Her green robe flows around her as she moves, the fabric shifting with the wind to reveal the shape of her body beneath – curves that are capable of arousing the hidden desires of any man,Icaros knows immediately what she is: inner disciples wear green, and only spirit realm cultivators can use magical treasures,which grant cultivators many magical abilities, even the four greatest weapons can be considered as magical treasures.

Is that the ship,we are living in? Someone muttered,as many suggestions,flew around, but one of the guys,who just recently got acquainted to Icaros, couldn't help but ask him,as he felt he's different from their previous chit chat,"what do you think that is?",Icaros who suddenly had a small quirk to surprise him surprisingly answered with a smirk,"a flying beauty".

The crowd around them was already starting to stir, pointing at the sky and wondering aloud what the object could be. Some couldn't help but say it was a ship sent to carry them to the mission site, others thought it was a magical beast coming to test them,while some even though of it,as elders from other sect coming to witness the assessment.

Huh, the youth was about to respond with a stunned expression from Icaros answer,when he saw the flying beauty indeed,flying towards them. His jaw couldn't help but drop at the magical sight, maybe a little amplified by the lady's beauty. The other youths couldn't help but gasp at the sight,and many other reactions,which Icaros all took in. As the large magical handkerchief slowly flew downwards before stopping.

Gao's mouth opens and closes without making a sound, his face a picture of shock and awe. Around them, the crowd erupts – some cheering at the sight of the inner disciple, others gasp in wonder at the magical handkerchief, many stare with admiration at the woman's beauty. Icaros watches them all, noting how some of the male recruits straighten their robes and tried to look more impressive, how some of the female recruits narrow their eyes with determination or jealousy, how everyone's attention is now completely focused on the woman who has just arrived. The handkerchief descends slowly, its edges rippling like water in the wind, before coming to a steady stop a few feet above the ground. The woman steps off with a lightness that seems impossible for a human, landing on the metal floor without making a sound.

She motioned to the handkerchief, which rapidly reduced in size before returning to the size of a normal one,she gently wiped her face before looking up at the crowd. By now the crowd had already recognized her,as an inner disciple, due to her use of magical treasure (the flying handkerchief), which one can only acquire and use after entering the spirit realm.

Which is the requirement to be an inner disciple,and loyalty to the sect,but the obvious one was the green robe she wore,which was the sign of an inner disciple.

As such the crowd could be heard greeting,"Senior",with a gentle bow.

Even though they all looked to be about the same age group,young and youthful. It does not matter that many of them are the same age as the woman – in the cultivation world, age means nothing compared to strength and rank. Icaros couldn't help but bows with the rest,his eyes still watching her, noting the way she holds herself,the confidence in her movements. He can feel a faint pressure in the air around her, a hint of the spirit qi that flows through her body.

It is different from the cosmic energy his optic blast was made of,but it carries the same weight of power.

The lady in question, displayed no shyness,but spoke with an air of authority and icyness,"The li sect doesn't accept mediocrities,there is no space for mediocrities in the li sect" she paused for a while and looked around the crowd,as if to challenge them,before continuing.

"As such the sect's upper echelons has tasked me with the burden of making sure of that". Her voice is clear and strong, carrying across the field without needing to be raised. There is no warmth in her tone, no hint of friendliness – only the cold certainty of someone who knows their power and their purpose. She looks at each part of the crowd in turn, her eyes meeting those of the recruits as if to judge their worth on the spot. Icaros feels her gaze pass over him, and for a moment he feels as if she can see through his lies, as if she knows he is not just a mortal with unusual strength. Then she moves on, her eyes scanning the rest of the crowd, and the feeling passes.

She threw up the folders handkerchief again,as if,she didn't have any intent of leading them. The handkerchief expanded magically in the air as it floated steadily, then the lady with a gentle tap of her toes,ascended the handkerchief.

which sent questions spiraling into Icaros and the other unofficial disciples head,Icaros couldn't help but wonder,she clearly didn't fly, so how did that gentle tap,not seemingly containing much force launched her to the flying handkerchief. He himself was only able to do that in his past life,by utilizing his ability to fly and just quietly fly or float around,but just as he was about to grow a grey hair from thinking too hard,he remembered the requirement for an inner disciple, being a spirit realm cultivator,after a cultivator enters the spirit realm,they gain access to spirit qi. I guess the spirit qi have to take all the blame, Icaros thought as he chuckled quietly, but it only served to made him more interested in this mysterious spirit qi. And maybe somewhere in his heart,a hidden desire to possess it quietly appeared.

She said coldly, "I am going to fly back to the ship that we will depart in,you guys try to catch up,there will be a timer after I arrive at the ship,if it goes off and you're not there,you're officially eliminated". Her voice cuts through the quiet of the crowd, sharp and final. There is no room for argument, no chance to ask questions – her words are a command, and the recruits know they must obey. Icaros feels a flicker of excitement mixed with caution – this is the first real test of his ability to fit in,not that he needed to.

Contrary to his other abilities, Icaros running ability was actually same with normal human being,not anywhere like super speed,but fast enough.

With a wave of hand of the lady,the noisy crowd instantly grew silent. She said calmly but this time with a smirk on her face,"am going to lower my flight speed, enough for you guys to have a chance. Don't fail to impress me,the first challenge starts now!".

With her declaration, and her flying off as the igniter,the large crowd of thousands roared as they chased after the flying handkerchief. And as you can imagine, the chaos, some people getting trampled on, aggressive shoves, and insults flying everywhere.

And with the chaos, the once before closely together crowd spread out. In order to allow more people to run at once, but still the chaos didn't stop.

Amidst the chaos, As Icaros tried to run,"fuck!" he inwardly cursed as his instinct almost overtook him. He almost flew, instead of running like a normal body refinement realm cultivator. Although in reality he hadn't even cultivated before,but he was sure other people viewed him as a body refinement cultivator. Aside from Deimos and his company who witnessed his strength in the forest,and his father who is supposedly the sect leader. Taking note of all this,and the one armed elder commenting about his strength,Icaros already suspected that it was already spread out, among the upper echelons, this had made him,to gradually realize that he may not be able to conceal his power in the long run.

He couldn't help but ran awkwardly, as he mostly flew in his previous life, whenever he needed to get anywhere fast,and even during doing normal stuffs. That was mostly his means of movement aside from walking.

While everyone seems to be struggling or even trying, one person wasn't – Icaros. Or at least he was only trying not to mistakenly fly off. He focused his senses as he evaded people, while not quickly rushing forward. Even though he doesn't have super speed while running,he was still fast compared to mortals,and very fast if he really pushed very hard.

He was steadily making it out to the front, where people were actually running after the flying handkerchief, instead of getting trampled and fighting for a chance.

And soon enough,Icaros was already gaining attention. As people he passed,couldn't help but wonder about his speed,and the fact that he was still doing it casually, without looking like he was putting in much effort.

Icaros eyebrows raised at this,before he started copying the attitude of other participants, now appearing like he's trying and really putting in effort.

"I must not stop, I must keep running faster. This is my one in a three year chance of entering the great li sect,which i might not have again,due to the age limit. This is my chance of finally making my parents proud,my dad,my mom." This was the thought going on in the mind of one of the participants,Yang Kai.

After some time has passed while chasing the flying handkerchief,the crowd was already divided into three,one was clearly lagging at the back,with the least amount of participants. The ones in the middle,were doing better than the ones lagging and comprises of most of the participants. While the first group,was already evenly spread out,allowing clear running,and they were keeping a good pace with the flying beauty.

Icaros was in the middle of the first group,maintaining his act. As he no problem doing so,even the few times he did ran in his previous,on earth. He never ran out of breath,or got tired,not that it was special compared to his other powers.

While Yang kai,was in first group quite alright,but in the last if them. Not just that,he was clearly straining to keep up. His eyes locked on to the flying handkerchief,as if his life depended on it. Perhaps it actually did.

After running after the flying handkerchief for some time, it sharply turned to another corner, which was a vast plane of green field and continued flying.

As the participants at the forefront, who already has their stamina strained,made that turn.

They saw the most beautiful thing they had ever seen – no beauty could compare,a flying ship, half the size to the one young master Deimos used in his mission where he found Icaros. Which the flying handkerchief was quickly closing in to. Their ride to their first mission.

The first batch of participants at the forefront who saw it first,increased what ever they could to their max speed,determined to make it to the ship and stand out from the rest.

Meanwhile Icaros who just saw the ship,only felt determined to maintain his pace and appear more stressed.

Yang Kai finally made the turn and saw the ship,he realized his dreams were coming true gradually, "I just need to hold on till I reach it." He thought as he held on,while trying hard not to let his pace drop.

By this time, only a pitiful few thousand had made the turn to the ship, and those at the forefront were only in the hundreds.

The lady on the flying handkerchief looked back at the crowd behind her. Assessing the outcome with a cold and detached look on her face, before deciding on a timer. Just before she looked away, her eyes unknowingly paused on Icaros, just for a moment though as she turned, before descending to the ship.

There was another lady already there,and li Han,who they were waiting for in the training ground, all in green robes,showing there inner disciple status.

Seeing the lady drop down on the ship,li Han nodded at her,to acknowledge her,without greeting as they were both inner sect disciples and possibly of the same cultivation.

She nodded back at him,while saying coldly to him,which li Han didn't mind,"Start a count down to Ten,with a mid pace,when it's over,were setting of with the ones that made it"

Li Han nodded before bringing out a wine bag,with a swipe of his hand on an ordinary black ring on his fingers,clearly it was a magical item. He took a sip of the wine,swallowed it,with his movements appreciating the taste,before beginning the count down – Ten! His voice booming across the distance, enough for the far away participants to hear.

The effects were apparent as the participants intensified their struggle, but it was apparent that Icaros was just leisurely keeping up, while keeping up the appearance of struggling.

The lady who flied on the handkerchief, walked calmly to the other lady,as a smile slowly bloomed on her face,making her look heavenly,but just with more human features. The lady in return had a faint smile on her face,which was very pure,making her look like she'll not be able to cause any harm. She said warmly and softy, Su Yan, you're here. The girl who flied the handkerchief, clearly Su Yan,replied in a gentle and casual tone,which she never used before why interacting with the crowd,"Nelly,You really signed up for this mission because of me? Am so glad you're here " Nelly smiled warmly before saying with a small blush,while waving her hand shyly,"It's noting,besides I heard that the reason you signed up for this mission was because a certain person requested for it" Su Yan nodded gently, before whispering in Nelly's ear and they started to silently exchange banters. A warm attitude compared to what Su Yan put up with everyone else.

Nine!

Li Han shouted,but not without sipping some wine,from his wine bag. And so he continued,even shouting some words of encouragement to the participants sometimes.

Eight!

Seven!

Six!

Five!

Four!

Three!

With each count, thousands felt their dream of entering one of the four great superpowers flying away, just like the beauty earlier, while hundreds felt it drew closer with much effort, which they only managed to draw due to their body refinement realm cultivation, making them better than mortals physically.

Two!

Yang Kai heard this number, as he was almost at the massive ship, with some few already reaching it – just a little more, seeing his dream so close, he turned to his sides to see how other participants were faring, and his eyes widened when he saw Icaros, who was not struggling like everyone else. "How can a fellow body refinement realm cultivator run this fast, and long, without struggling" he wondered, but he could only focus as he heard the number one! Not that he needed to, as he quickly climbed onto the ship, with the help of the rail provided, as soon as his foot touched the floor of the ship, he collapsed from exhaustion, but not without turning slightly to see Icaros – also gasping for breath, but why did it seem so fake?

Zero!

The final verdict resounded, as the ship's mast closed, ending the dreams of thousands, while only beginning those of hundreds.

The thousands who failed could only collapse on the ground,from exhaustion and failure.It was clear to them,that they has failed as they saw the ship's mast close,different reactions was exhibited by many of them,but they had in common,was that they were all tired and spent from the tiring race they just had.

The lady Su Yan,has already returned to her ice cold appearance, with Nelly standing behind her,and li Han standing in one corner of the ship.

She said coldly to the participants, but albeit with what the participants thought to be a little warmth in her voice,"congratulations, you just passed your first initial trial."