The One Who Ascended

Chen Cuo had crossed over to the Chen Dynasty of the Northern and Southern Dynasties, becoming an imperial clansman. Expecting to tread a path of historical intrigue, he never anticipated the world's sudden surreal turn.

"Qi refinement, spirit cultivation, merits of faith... seems I've no choice but to seek immortality and ascension first."

Thus begins his journey—

By the willow shade, beneath pine shadows,

Spine steeled, all worldly ties released;

Reining in the Monkey of the Mind, bridling the Horse of Will—

Only whispers of eternal life grace the moonlit breeze.

And as the ancients proclaimed:

The Heavenly Dao lies vast and unseen,

Spirits and gods shrouded in mist.

Yet when the sun declines at noon,

Shadows emerge from the Ninth Abyss.