Chapter 4

The Lotus Heart Pavilion, nestled like a hidden gem within the sprawling expanse of the Palace of Ninefold Pleasure, was a sanctuary of unparalleled tranquillity and subtle power. Its walls, crafted from translucent jade harvested from the depths of the Eternal Sky Realm's most sacred mountains, pulsed with a gentle, rhythmic light that mimicked the ebb and flow of a cultivator's meridians during deep meditation. Each pulse sent ripples of calming energy through the air, harmonizing with the faint, ethereal hum of ancient formations etched into the floor, which drew on the yin-yang essence of the twin moons above to maintain a state of perfect balance. The air itself was perfumed with the delicate scent of blooming lotuses, not ordinary flowers but spirit lotuses that bloomed eternally, their petals infused with subtle vital essence that nourished the body and soul without any conscious effort. It was in this serene environment that profound conversations could unfold, where the weight of cosmic secrets felt less like a burden and more like a shared journey.

Li Wei, the one-year-old toddler whose chubby form belied the sharp, reincarnated mind within, sat cross-legged on a cushion woven from phoenix down and dragon silk. His silver curls, soft and bouncy like the fur of a newborn spirit fox, caught the pavilion's light, casting tiny halos around his head. His golden-black eyes, those unique orbs that held the dual essence of yang's fierce radiance and yin's mysterious depth, gazed up at his parents with an intensity that would have been unnerving in any other child. But here, in the heart of the True Yin-Yang Sect, it was seen as a sign of his extraordinary destiny. His stubby silver tail twitched occasionally, a subtle indicator of his excitement, while his plump cheeks, still bearing the faint stickiness from a morning snack of spirit peaches, flushed with the thrill of discovery.

Bai Yuelou, the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Sovereign and Sect Master, leaned forward from her position on the grand divan. Her silver hair flowed like a cascade of moonlight, framing a face of ethereal beauty that could ensnare the hearts of immortals. Her fox ears, delicate and pointed, twitched in delight at her son's curiosity, and her nine tails fanned out behind her like a living canopy of silver mist, each tail tipped with a glowing rune that represented one of the primordial elements. She wore a loose robe of moon-silk, its fabric shimmering with embedded qi threads that adjusted to her every movement, hinting at the voluptuous curves beneath without overt revelation. Her presence was a blend of maternal warmth and sovereign authority, a duality that embodied the sect's path.

Beside her, Huo Qinghong, the Crimson Lotus Dragon Empress, exuded a contrasting yet complementary aura. Her fiery red hair danced like living flames, each strand infused with draconic yang essence that made the air around her slightly warmer, like the embrace of a summer sun. Her golden eyes, mirrors to Li Wei's own, burned with pride and affection, and her full lips curved into a smile that revealed sharp, pearl-like teeth, a subtle reminder of her dragon heritage. Her robe, black silk embroidered with golden lotuses, clung to her voluptuous figure, accentuating the strength and sensuality that had made her a legend in the Eternal Sky Realm. Her hand rested possessively on Yuelou's thigh, a gesture of intimate bond that spoke volumes of their dao companionship.

The pavilion's atmosphere seemed to hold its breath as the family delved deeper into the revelations begun in the previous moments. The illusions from the cultivation paths discussion had only just dissipated, leaving faint traces of glowing qi in the air, like lingering stars after a meteor shower. Li Wei's young body still vibrated with the energy of that knowledge, his dual cores, Heavenly Yang and Heavenly Yin, humming softly within his dantian, unconsciously absorbing the ambient essence. He had taken in the three paths of cultivation with the hunger of his past life's survivor instincts, seeing in them not just power but a means never again to be a victim of schemes or betrayal.

Yuelou's voice, melodic and soothing, broke the brief silence, drawing Li Wei's attention back to the present. "You've absorbed the paths of cultivation with such grace, my little treasure. Your intelligence shines like the twin moons at their zenith. But to wield power wisely, one must understand the stage upon which it is played. The outside world is not just the gardens beyond our palace walls or the floating citadels of our sect. It is a vast cosmos, filled with layers of reality, each more profound than the last."

Huo Qinghong nodded, her draconic aura flaring ever so slightly, adding a warm glow to the pavilion's light. "Indeed, son. The universe is a grand arena where sects rise and fall like tides, where treasures buried in ancient ruins can alter destinies, and where alliances are forged in the fires of battle or the ecstasy of dual cultivation. To navigate it, you must know its structure, its history, and its hidden dangers."

Li Wei's chubby fingers clutched at the cushion, his eyes wide with anticipation. "World... big? Tell more, Mama, Daddy!" His words, though lisped through baby teeth, carried a clarity that made his parents' hearts swell with joy. Internally, he thought, This is it—the big picture. If I'm reborn in this world, I need the map to conquer it. No more blind alleys like on Earth.

Yuelou smiled, her tails curling protectively around the divan as she waved her hand once more. The air shimmered, and new illusions materialized above them, forming a magnificent spiral structure that resembled a divine pagoda ascending through the void. Each level glowed with a distinct aura, from earthy browns at the base to radiant golds at the top, symbolizing the progression of power and complexity. "Our home, Wei'er, is but the crown of a greater whole. The universe we inhabit is known as the Eternal Sky Universe, a boundless expanse where qi flows like rivers through the stars, nurturing countless worlds and beings. It is divided into ten great realms, each a separate plane of existence, stacked like layers in a grand formation. These realms form a ladder of ascension, where the weak strive to climb higher, seeking purer qi, greater laws, and ultimate enlightenment."

The illusions zoomed in on the lowest layer, depicting a world of rugged, dust choked landscapes where mortals toiled under harsh suns. "The foundation is the Mortal Dust Realm," Yuelou explained, her voice painting vivid pictures. "Here, the qi is thin, like mist on a morning field. Mortals live short lives, ignorant of cultivation's true depths. They farm, trade, and war in primitive ways, with only the most talented awakening to Qi Sensing. It's a place of raw beginnings, where hardship forges the spirit. Villages huddle around spirit veins that barely pulse, and beasts are mere animals, not the mythical creatures of higher realms. Many great cultivators trace their origins here, rising from obscurity through sheer will."

Li Wei watched, fascinated, as the illusion showed a young boy in tattered clothes meditating under a withered tree, drawing in faint strands of qi. Like my old life, he thought. Poor, framed, surviving on wits. But here, there's a way up.

Huo Qinghong leaned in, her breath warm on Li Wei's cheek as she pointed to the next layer. "Above it rises the Spirit Awakening Realm, where qi thickens like fog turning to rain. Forests teem with spirit beasts. Magical wolves with wind affinities, birds that command lightning. Sects begin to form, small clans guarding spirit herb gardens or mineral veins. Body cultivation thrives in the wilds, with warriors tempering their flesh against savage trials. It's a realm of awakening, where the soul first stirs to the call of the Dao."

The vision shifted to lush jungles and stormy oceans, where cultivators battled massive serpents and harvested glowing fruits. Yuelou continued, her illusions syncing perfectly with her words. "Then comes the Core Forging Realm, a land of endless volcanoes and divine forges. Qi here is dense, allowing the formation of solid cores. Smiths craft spirit weapons that bond with their owners, and soul cultivation whispers secrets of divine sense. Battles are fierce, with sects competing for forge hearts, natural formations that refine essence like a blacksmith's hammer."

Li Wei bounced slightly, his tail wagging. "Core! Like Wei'er cores?"

His parents chuckled, Yuelou pinching his cheek gently. "Yes, treasure, but yours are heavenly, far superior. In this realm, cultivators forge their foundations, facing tribulations that test their resolve."

Huo Qinghong took over, her voice infused with dramatic flair. "Ascending further is the Fusion Harmony Realm, where the laws of the universe begin to reveal themselves. Qi fuses with Dao intents, allowing weaves of power that can alter reality. Dual cultivation sects like ours. Teaching harmony through partnership. Domains flicker into existence, small at first, but growing with insight. It's a realm of alliances, where marriages and pacts bind sects together."

The illusions showed cultivators merging energies in intricate dances, their auras blending like colors in a painting. Yuelou added, "The Domain Sovereign Realm follows, where personal domains expand to encompass mountains and rivers. Battles reshape the landscape. A fist strike can level a city, a domain clash can birth new lakes. Mastery here turns legends into sovereigns, ruling over vast territories."

Li Wei's mind absorbed it all, comparing it to Earth 's hierarchies. Like corporate ladders, but with real power. Climb or die.

Yuelou's voice grew more reverent as the illusions climbed. "The Ascension Void Realm is a place of tribulations, where one must shed mortality. Void storms rage, testing the body and soul. Those who survive ascend in strength, their lifespans extending to millennia."

Huo Qinghong's eyes gleamed. "Then the Sovereign Realm, where empires span star systems. Sovereigns rule with absolute authority; their words are the law. Wars are waged with armies of immortals, and treasures from ancient ruins can topple dynasties."

Yuelou nodded, her tails swaying gracefully. "Above that, the Harmony Cosmos Realm, where cultivators harmonize with the Dao to create pocket universes. Alliances are eternal, bound by oaths of heaven. Dual cultivation reaches profound levels, birthing new paths."

Huo Qinghong grinned. "The Godly Origin Realm is the birthplace of true gods, where primordial forces are wielded like tools. Origin qi flows freely, allowing creation of life or destruction of worlds."

Finally, the illusions focused on their own realm, a breathtaking vista of floating continents, rivers of starlight, and palaces that defied gravity and time. "And at the summit," Yuelou said with pride, "the Eternal Sky Realm, our home. Here, the qi is purest, laws are most profound. The twelve sect-overlords, including our True Yin-Yang Sect, rule supreme. Power touches the origin of all things, and even time can be bent by the strong. Floating citadels like ours are common, and beasts are mythical sovereigns in their own right."

Li Wei's face lit up, his chubby fists pumping in triumph. "Highest! Wei'er highest young master! No low, no poor!" He giggled, rolling on the cushion in delight. His past life's memories of poverty and betrayal flashed—expelled from acting school, framed for assault, surviving in the adult industry. This is redemption. Born at the top, with parents who love me, and power waiting to be unlocked. No more schemes catching me off guard.

Huo Qinghong scooped him up, tossing him gently into the air before catching him in a bear hug. Her laughter echoed like joyful thunder. "Yes, my little emperor! You are the young master of the third strongest sect in the Eternal Sky Realm. Our True Yin-Yang Sect commands respect and fear. With your dual Heavenly Cores, you'll one day eclipse the other overlords, forging a legacy that spans the cosmos."

Yuelou joined the embrace, her nine tails wrapping around them in a warm, fluffy cocoon that pulsed with protective qi. "But with great height comes great responsibility, Wei'er. The realms below were once stepping stones to our level, and our realm a gateway to even higher mysteries, perhaps realms beyond the ten, or the source of the Dao itself. Yet, that path is closed to us now, sealed by an ancient wound upon the universe."

Li Wei's small fox ears perked up, his golden-black eyes sharpening with interest. The word "Calamity" from his dying vision echoed in his mind. He tilted his head, his voice a curious lisp. "Closed? Why closed? What wound?"

The illusions shifted, the vibrant spiral of realms cracking with dark fissures, the colours muting to sombre greys and blacks. A chill crept into the pavilion, despite the protective formations, as if the memory of ancient horrors could pierce even this sanctuary. Huo Qinghong's expression turned grave, her golden eyes shadowing with the weight of eons. "A calamity, son. An event so cataclysmic that it reshaped the fabric of existence. It happened over trillions of years ago. A span so vast that even eternal beings like us measure it in the cycles of universes being born and dying."

Yuelou nodded, her voice lowering to a hushed tone, as if speaking too loudly might awaken dormant echoes. "In those primordial eras, the Eternal Sky Universe was a connected whole. The realms flowed together like a great river of qi, with pathways, ascension gates, heavenly ladders, and void tunnels that allowed cultivators to rise from the Mortal Dust Realm to our Eternal Sky Realm. Talents from below invigorated the higher planes, bringing fresh daos and bloodlines. Some even descended into lower realms to temper, guide disciples, or seek lost artefacts. The universe was alive, circulating fate and essence in an endless cycle."

Huo Qinghong's arm tightened around Li Wei, her draconic warmth a counter to the illusion's chill. "But the calamity severed it all. The connections shattered like glass under a sovereign's fist. No one can ascend or descend anymore. Each realm is an isolated island in the cosmic ocean, trapped in its layer. Our Eternal Sky Realm, though highest, is cut off from the vitality below. And whatever grander existence might lie above or beyond. We guard our position, but the flow is stagnant, leading to stagnation in cultivation for many."

Li Wei's heart pounded, his toddler body going still as stone. This is it—the first calamity. The woman in the Xuanhuan costume, appearing on Earth, begging me to stop the second. Earth... was that a disconnected fragment? Or something else? He leaned forward, his voice eager despite the fear. "Calamity? Tell, tell! What happen? Bad people?"

His parents exchanged a meaningful glance, a silent communication born of millennia together. Yuelou sighed, summoning more illusions fragmented this time, like pieced-together shards of broken mirrors. Cracked scrolls unrolled in the air, ruined temples floated in void storms, and shadowy figures clashed in battles that warped space itself. "We wish we could tell you everything, treasure, but the truth is veiled in mystery. The calamity is so ancient that even our sect's forbidden vaults hold only fragments of legends passed down through soul imprints, half-erased jade slips, and whispers from ancestral spirits."

Huo Qinghong's voice took on a rhythmic, storytelling quality, drawing Li Wei into the tale like a bard captivating an audience. "It's said that long ago, when the universe was young and the Dao still forming its laws, the Eternal Sky Universe was invaded by unknown forces. They came from beyond our boundaries. Perhaps a parallel cosmos, the primal chaos between universes, or even the abyss of non-existence. These invaders were not like us; they didn't cultivate qi or forge bodies. They were alien, their presence a blight on reality. They tore through rifts in the void, targeting the ascension pathways that linked the realms, seeking to isolate and weaken us."

Yuelou's tails flicked uneasily, stirring the air. "The invasion was swift and devastating. Lower realms fell first, the Mortal Dust overrun by shadows that corrupted the land, turning fertile fields to barren wastelands. Spirit beasts mutated into horrors, and mortals were enslaved or devoured as the invaders ascended the ladder, sects in higher realms mobilized. Ancient powerhouses, at the pinnacle of Qi God or Eternal Soul God stages, descended to bolster defences, but the connections began to fracture under the assault."

The illusions intensified, showing epic scenes: qi masters unleashing creation law weaves that birthed stars to crush foes, body emperors punching through waves of darkness with primordial dominion force, soul sovereigns manifesting origin intents that unravelled enemy forms, and even demonic cultivators devouring the invaders' essence to fuel their dark cores. Li Wei watched, his breath caught, the scale dwarfing anything from his Earth life.

"Many ancient sects perished," Huo Qinghong continued, her tone sombre. "Legendary figures, the Primordial Fox Ancestor, the Eternal Dragon Emperor, sacrificed their essences in suicidal strikes that sealed rifts. The twelve original overlords, forebears of our current sects, united in a grand alliance. They combined paths: qi harmony with body dominion, soul manifestation with demonic corruption, creating formations that spanned realms. Trillions fell, cultivators, mortals, beasts, in battles that reshaped galaxies and birthed black holes from clashing domains."

Yuelou added, "In the end, the invaders were repelled. The rifts closed, the assault halted. But the victory was pyrrhic. The ascension pathways were irreparably damaged, their essence scattered into the void. The realms are disconnected, each sealed in its layer. Our ancestors stabilized what remained, but the knowledge of how to reconnect was lost or perhaps hidden, for fear of reopening the wounds."

Li Wei pointed at the shadowy illusions of the invaders, his finger trembling slightly. "What... look like? Invaders? Monsters? Big eyes? Tentacles?"

Huo Qinghong shook her head, dispersing the darker visions with a gentle flame from her palm. "Ah, that's the heart of the enigma, little one. No clear depictions survive. Most texts, scrolls, jade records, and even soul memories were destroyed in the chaos. Some say the invaders erased them deliberately, corrupting knowledge as they retreated. Legends vary wildly: some describe them as formless shadows, devouring light and qi like voids. Others speak of colossal beings with bodies of twisted laws, eyes like collapsing stars that drove cultivators mad. There are whispers of humanoid figures cloaked in alien daos, or swarms of parasitic entities that possessed hosts. But truth? Buried in time's dust."

Yuelou pulled Li Wei closer, her maternal instinct kicking in. "What we know is their intent is to conquer or destroy. Their methods corrupted everything: qi turned toxic, bodies mutated, souls shattered. The calamity's echoes linger in anomalies, void storms that appear randomly, heart demons stronger in certain regions, or ruins where time flows backwards."

Li Wei nestled against her, his mind racing with possibilities. Unknown forces... lost records... sounds like a cover-up or forgotten horror. And the second calamity. A return? That woman knew and chose me. My soul from Earth, a parallel place? I need to dig deeper when I'm stronger.

Outwardly, he yawned theatrically, rubbing his eyes. "Scary story... but Wei'er brave! Protect family from bad things!"

His parents' faces softened, the heavy atmosphere lifting as they showered him with affection. Yuelou blew raspberries on his tummy, eliciting giggles, while Huo Qinghong tickled his sides. "Our brave little guardian! With you, no calamity stands a chance."

As the morning transitioned to afternoon, the family moved to lighter activities. They strolled through the palace's illusion gardens, where flowers bloomed in response to emotions, roses of passion for love, lilies of serenity for peace. Li Wei "cultivated" by chasing glowing qi orbs conjured by Yuelou, his chubby legs wobbling but his determination fierce. Bai Xian'er joined them, spinning more tales of the realms, describing fantastical beasts and treasures to spark his imagination.