As Jié Wúyā, the Celestial Wanderer, continued his walk around the city, he was captivated by the unfamiliar sights and sounds of this world after his long slumber. The bustling streets, the cautious movements of the people, and the distant echoes of battle all intrigued him. He sought to unravel the mysteries of the past 3000 years and to understand how the world had changed since the crimson ascension.
As he strolled through the city, his keen senses caught a faint sound amidst the distant buildings – the clash of swords and fists, battle cries echoing through the air. While he initially considered dismissing it as just another fight in the war-torn city, his ennui from the long slumber and the fading memories of the past impelled him to explore further.
In a mere heartbeat, he harnessed his unparalleled speed, surpassing the very limits of light, and materialized amidst the unfolding battle. The warriors stood dumbfounded, their minds grappling to comprehend the enigmatic figure that had appeared before them. Trembling hands clutched their weapons, but they found themselves paralyzed, unable to fathom the being that stood before them. In that suspended moment, the Celestial Wanderer released an overwhelming aura, a potent force that sent shivers down their spines and compelled them to surrender to an overwhelming sense of dread and fear.
He surveyed the scene and identified two groups of martial artists – one masked and emitting chaotic energy, and the other pure-hearted and righteous. His sharp eyes fell on a young man, bravely protecting a group of people, wounded and exhausted.
Curiosity burning in his eyes, the Celestial Wanderer turned to the young man and calmly asked, "What is your name?" Jiayi hesitated for a moment, his voice filled with both awe and trepidation, as he replied, "I-I am Jiayi."With a hint of intrigue, the Celestial Wanderer fixed his unwavering gaze on Jiayi, as if unraveling the young man's very soul. "Jiayi," he uttered softly, "tell me what has transpired here. Explain this conflict to me." His commanding presence resonated with an air of authority, compelling Jiayi to recount the harrowing events that had led them to this confrontation. The masked martial artists had been dispatched to execute them, their blades poisoned to inflict fatal wounds. As Jiayi divulged the sinister plot, the Celestial Wanderer's eyes glinted with an indiscernible emotion, his motives veiled in the enigma of his gaze.
With an almost imperceptible motion of his hand, the Celestial Wanderer commanded the masked martial artists to kneel, a daunting display of his unearthly power. His aura blazed like a tempest, conjuring ethereal swords that swirled around them, each blade a manifestation of their terror. The opposing side, overwhelmed by the force they couldn't comprehend, bowed their heads in fearful submission.
The masked martial artists trembled before the enigmatic figure, their minds reeling with terror and confusion. The Celestial Wanderer's demand for an explanation echoed through the tense air. As the truth of their sinister intentions and affiliation with a shadowy faction unfolded, a flicker of disdain crossed the protagonist's face, the depths of his eyes burning with an intense crimson-purple hue.
In that moment, his voice resonated with an otherworldly command, "Burn." As if bending the very elements to his will, a searing fire materialized, engulfing the group of assassins. Their anguished screams filled the air, and the Celestial Wanderer couldn't help but let out a chilling laugh, a mere glimpse of his enigmatic nature.
With a gentle yet powerful touch, the Celestial Wanderer channeled a surge of pure light and energy into Jiayi and his companions, mending their wounds with an ethereal glow. The celestial radiance flowed through their bodies, revitalizing every fiber and cell, leaving no trace of the previous injuries. Jiayi and the others could scarcely believe the miraculous healing bestowed upon them.
Grateful for their deliverance, the group thanked the Celestial Wanderer, expressing their profound gratitude for his timely intervention. In a gesture of goodwill, they extended an invitation to accompany them back to their sect, a sanctuary that lay at the heart of the bustling city.
Upon arriving at the sect, the Celestial Wanderer was introduced to a realm steeped in legend—the Celestial Dragon Sect. The sect derived its name from an ancient dragon that had once saved their ancestors during the primordial war between mortals and gods. Legend spoke of how this benevolent dragon led them to the present city. In a selfless act, the dragon supposedly divided a part of its soul, creating a guardian spirit for the sect. This spirit stood as a vigilant protector, should the gods threaten mortals with their might.
The Celestial Wanderer listened to this tale with reverence, appreciating the deep connection between the sect and the mystical being that had shaped its destiny. A subtle smile graced his lips as he absorbed the tale, recognizing the significance of sacrifice and purpose woven into the sect's history. Upon entering the sect, he was introduced to its elders, and it was revealed that the young man who guarded his companions was the esteemed young master of the Celestial Dragon Sect.
Expressing their heartfelt thanks, the elders led the group to the patriarch, a figure of great wisdom and authority. The patriarch, Langxuan, identified himself as the Undying Azure Dragon Emperor, a title that echoed the majesty of ancient times. The Celestial Wanderer paid his respects, acknowledging the honor of being in the presence of such a venerable figure.
Graciously, Langxuan expressed his gratitude for the Celestial Wanderer's heroic act, emphasizing the significance of saving the next heir of their sect. As a gesture of hospitality, the steward guided the Celestial Wanderer to a well-appointed room, a temporary sanctuary prepared in acknowledgment of his valiant deeds, nestled in the heart of the vibrant city.
During his extended stay at the Celestial Dragon Sect, the Celestial Wanderer formed strong bonds with Jiayi and the other disciples. As they shared tales of their journeys, aspirations, and ambitions, the wanderer couldn't help but feel a sense of kinship with these kindred spirits. Despite his aversion to anchoring himself in one place, the profound experiences he shared with the sect left an indelible mark on his heart.
As the days passed, the wanderer delved deeper into the knowledge within the Ethereal Archives, piecing together fragments of the past to understand the world's current state. However, his thirst for understanding was not quenched, and he realized that to truly comprehend the mysteries shrouding the city, he needed more answers.
One evening, while conversing with Jiayi and the group he had saved - Meiying, Longwei, Xiulan, Jinyue, Zhiqiang, and Xuanming - the wanderer brought up the topic of meeting the city lord. Though hesitant, the group inquired about his purpose, and the Celestial Wanderer cryptically revealed that it was a matter of personal interest that should not be disregarded.
Curiosity piqued, Jiayi offered to arrange a meeting with his father, Langxuan, who could set up a meeting with the city lord. He explained that reaching the city lord's palace atop the hill was relatively straightforward. The wanderer would need to mention that the Celestial Dragon Sect had arranged the meeting to gain entry, and the guards would guide him to the appointed location.
Determined to uncover the truth behind the city's stagnation and the apparent lack of repairs, the Celestial Wanderer eagerly awaited the meeting. His heart brimmed with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty as he prepared to confront the city lord and unveil the enigmatic secrets that lay hidden within the heart of the city. For him, this encounter would mark another step in his ethereal odyssey, drawing him ever closer to the elusive truth that continued to elude his grasp.
As the Celestial Wanderer's presence reverberated across the land, ancient beings that had lain dormant for centuries began to stir. A cosmic awakening of unparalleled magnitude occurred in the short span of a week after his awakening. From the skies above to the deepest depths of the underworld, untouched ancient tomes to hidden caverns, and from the vast forests to the heart of the world, beings of great power and ancient wisdom were roused from their slumber.
Among these awakened beings were old beasts that had ascended to godhood, their immense forms lurking in the shadows of the skies. Their eyes glowed with ancient knowledge, and their presence alone commanded both awe and fear. As they drew closer to the Celestial Wanderer, some basked in the nostalgic memories of a time long past when they had served him faithfully. Others, newly born during his slumber, gazed upon him with curiosity, seeking the wisdom of a being who had been at the pinnacle of the universe.
However, not all who awakened bore benevolence in their hearts. Some harbored deep-seated hatred for the one who had once executed the gods themselves. The enigmatic figure's return stirred feelings of resentment and vendetta, and these beings lurked in the dark corners of the world, plotting and scheming for a chance to confront the Celestial Wanderer once more.
As the Celestial Wanderer continued his ethereal odyssey, more beings revealed themselves – demi-gods and gods who had hidden in the shadows after the Crimson Ascension, residing within the state of Valoria. Some observed him with curiosity, seeing the potential for an alliance that could aid them in their enigmatic pursuits. They were intrigued by the legendary figure who had once stood at the pinnacle of the universe.
However, not all of the gods held such benevolent intentions. There were those who cowered in fear, remembering the day when the Celestial Wanderer's unleashed rage led to the massacre of gods and divine beings. They remained wary and shaken, unsure of what his return could mean for their once-impenetrable realm.
Meanwhile, a faction of the gods viewed the Celestial Wanderer as a formidable challenge, believing that they could match his untold power. They saw this awakening as an opportunity to prove their might and claim dominance over the enigmatic figure, holding the power of the supreme.
As the days passed, the world itself quivered with an otherworldly energy, vibrating with the presence of these awakened beings. Reality seemed to shift and tremble as they made themselves known, causing the skies to shimmer with celestial light and the earth to anticipate the unfolding events.
Amidst this cosmic awakening, the Celestial Wanderer remained an enigmatic force, his motivations and purpose veiled in mystery. The ancient beings and celestial entities watched him with a mix of wonder and trepidation, eager to see the path he would forge in this new world and curious to understand the extent of his awakening powers.
The interactions between the Celestial Wanderer and the awakened beings varied. Some were willing to offer their knowledge and wisdom, seeking to assist him in his quest for understanding. They recognized the potential significance of his return and sought to align themselves with his mysterious purpose.
Others, however, were cautious, keeping their true intentions hidden, waiting for the opportune moment to reveal themselves. They remained elusive, wary of the legendary figure who had once brought divine judgment upon the gods themselves.
In this unfolding tale of complexity and intrigue, the Celestial Wanderer's journey was no longer a solitary one. The ancient beings and celestial entities had become entwined in his path, their destinies entangled with his. The once silent and desolate world now teemed with life and uncertainty, as the cosmic awakening ushered in a new era of exploration, discovery, and profound revelations.
