The sun filtered through the clouds like threads of gold, painting the cobblestone paths in a warm glow.

  A young man of about fourteen walked without haste, yet with steady resolve. His long black hair, tied in a simple ponytail, swayed with the breeze, catching faint glimmers of gold beneath the light.

  Jin observed his surroundings carefully. He had been walking for nearly forty minutes since leaving his quarters, and at every step he encountered disciples dressed in the same black robes of Jade Body Peak, just like his own.

  Although he knew that only fifteen had passed the entrance trial, he had already seen more than sixty along the way—some heading toward their dorms, others entering unfamiliar halls and pavilions.

  Determined to get his bearings, Jin approached a young man in a gray robe who seemed to be in a hurry.

  —Excuse me, senior brother… could you tell me where the Hall of Martial Scriptures is?

  The young man stopped, glancing at the newcomer with a faintly nostalgic look.

  —Mmm… I suppose you’re one of the new disciples from this batch.

  He sighed, gazing into the distance.

  —I got lost plenty of times during my first days too.

  He raised a hand and pointed ahead.

  —Do you see that seven-story pagoda far away? That’s the Hall of Martial Scriptures. Be careful when you get close—the nearer you are, the more disciples from other peaks you’ll meet. And trust me, you don’t want to draw the attention of those arrogant brats from Celestial Cauldron Peak.

  Jin looked up. Indeed, a massive pagoda stood in the distance, towering over the surrounding buildings.

  Do all peaks share the same library? What kind of confusing sect is this…

  Before the young man could leave, Jin asked again:

  —Brother, why is it arranged that way?

  The other turned back, visibly tired, but still answered with patience.

  —The pagoda sits right at the center of the eight great peaks—it’s the heart of the sect. That way, it can be protected by all of them. Higher up are the inner sect, the elders, and… other places even I don’t know much about.

  He paused briefly.

  —Things like the challenge arenas or the dining halls don’t belong to a single peak; they’re open to all outer disciples.

  —Ah… I see.

  Jin nodded, though it was clear he didn’t fully understand.

  Seeing that the boy still had more questions, the young man gave a nervous cough, waved a quick goodbye, and walked away without looking back.

  —How rude…

  Jin muttered, rolling his eyes.

  —People here sure lack patience.

  He frowned as he looked toward the pagoda. Judging the distance, it would take him at least an hour to reach it—but something far more urgent demanded his attention.

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  His stomach growled loudly.

  He hadn’t eaten a single bite since the entrance trial.

  I miss the taste of those fish… he thought wistfully, his mouth watering. With a resigned sigh, he continued walking, hoping to find food before dying of hunger.

  Near the grand pagoda, a wide pavilion buzzed with life. Voices, laughter, and the aroma of freshly cooked dishes filled the air.

  Wooden tables crowded the main hall, occupied by young people in robes of various colors, eating and chatting merrily. This was one of the most popular restaurants among the outer disciples.

  Amid the clatter of plates, a young woman of about seventeen moved gracefully between the tables. Her name was Mei Ling, and though she had once dreamed of becoming a great cultivator, time had met her with cold reality.

  She had joined Serene Soul Peak three years ago, brimming with hope, but her talent had barely been enough to pass the entrance test.

  She had worked tirelessly ever since, yet remained stuck at the fourth stage of Qi Gathering.

  While her former peers advanced, she earned a few spirit stones serving tables or tending the spiritual gardens.

  It was a bitter fate—but the only path left to her.

  That day, like any other, she carried a tray in her hands when the air suddenly shifted.

  Conversations halted.

  Whispers faded.

  A new presence crossed the threshold of the restaurant, and for an instant, everything stood still.

  A young man in a black robe had entered. His features were refined, his skin clear as freshly polished jade, and his golden eyes seemed to see—yet not see. His hair, tied simply, revealed a natural elegance.

  Despite his youth, he radiated something difficult to describe: serenity, laziness, and a strange, quiet magnetism.

  He wasn’t just handsome.

  Who is he…? Mei Ling wondered, her heart beating faster for no reason.

  After a brief pause, the other disciples resumed their conversations, though more than one continued glancing at him from the corner of their eye.

  Jin noticed the stares and frowned.

  What’s wrong with these people? I just want to eat, not pose for a painting.

  He walked straight toward the young woman who appeared to be in charge.

  —Excuse me, this is a restaurant, right? I’m new to the sect, and I wanted to ask… how do we pay for food here?

  It took Mei Ling a couple of seconds to react. Seeing him up close almost made her drop the tray in her hands.

  She took a deep breath to steady herself before replying.

  —Yes, junior brother. You can pay with spirit stones or merit points, though the latter are preferred within the sect.

  —Merit points?

  Jin raised a brow.

  His puzzled expression made the girl giggle softly.

  —Don’t worry, every new disciple is given a hundred points to start with. You should have the token they gave you.

  Jin rummaged through his robe and produced a small plaque engraved with intricate symbols. It looked like wood, yet its texture felt oddly unfamiliar.

  Mei Ling nodded.

  —Exactly, that’s it. You can pay with that. If you spend carefully, it should last you about a week.

  She smiled gently.

  —Come, I’ll show you to a table.

  She led him to a quiet corner and recommended a simple meal: dumplings filled with duck and vegetables, accompanied by lotus tea.

  Eight merit points—enough to fill the stomach without going broke.

  Jin agreed, more driven by hunger than trust, and watched as the young woman disappeared into the lively crowd.

  As he waited, he rested his chin on his hand and gazed out the second-floor window.

  Alright, first I’ll eat. Then, the pagoda.

  His thoughts flowed like a calm river.

  I need to find a cultivation manual and learn more about this world.

  Where exactly are we? Is this a continent—or an entire planet?

  And what year is it?

  A quiet sigh escaped his lips.

  It’d be quite embarrassing if someone asked me something that basic…

  He remembered the words from a book in his previous world:

  “Not knowing something is no shame. The shame lies in refusing to learn.”

  Laughter and the clatter of dishes filled the air, yet Jin only saw the reflection of the sky through the window.

  In that moment, as he waited for his food, for the first time in days…

  he felt at peace.