World Devouring Dragon

Ron walked alone on the dirt road, his steps steady, his gaze fixed ahead. Behind him lay the village that had been his home for years. He did not look back.

There was no future for him there.

His body was changing, his bloodline awakening. If he stayed, he would only bring danger to himself and those around him. Strength was the only thing that mattered in this world.

"My journey begins now."

Ahead, nestled deep within the mountains, stood the Black Moon Sect. A sect neither righteous nor truly evil, but one where he could grow stronger without unnecessary constraints. For now, that was enough.

---

Entering the Black Moon Sect

The sect's entrance was guarded by two disciples. One of them, a lean young man, smirked as Ron approached.

"Another village rat? You think you can just walk in here?"

Ron remained silent, his golden eyes calm.

Before he could reply, a deep voice cut through the tension.

"Let him in."

A middle-aged man in dark robes stepped forward, his presence steady and commanding. His cultivation radiated power—Nascent Soul Realm.

An elder of the Black Moon Sect.

Ron instinctively sent out a small thread of Qi, a subtle display of his control. The elder's sharp gaze flickered with interest.

"You don't seem ordinary," the elder said.

"What's your name?"

"Ron."

The elder nodded. "Very well. You may enter. But remember, the Black Moon Sect does not tolerate the weak." His eyes narrowed. "Your Qi… it's unusually powerful for someone at the Qi Refining Realm. Is there anything special?"

Ron met his gaze without hesitation. "That is a secret I will never tell."

The elder studied him for a moment longer before giving a short nod. "Interesting." He turned. "Follow me."

Ron stepped through the gates. The real journey had begun.

---

Settling In

The elder introduced himself as Elder Mo, a senior figure within the sect. He briefly explained the sect's structure before handing Ron his outer disciple token.

"You will start as an Outer Sect Disciple here."

Elder Mo stated. "You will receive three Qi Refining Pills each month. If you wish for more resources, you must earn them through missions."

After leading Ron through the sect's stone pathways, Elder Mo finally stopped in front of a small cultivation room.

"This will be your living quarters for now," he said. "Rest. Training begins tomorrow."

Ron stepped inside, feeling exhaustion settle into his bones. He had traveled for days, running from his village to the sect without rest.

For now, he allowed himself to sleep.

---

The Path of Power

At dawn, Ron stood in the training hall, facing Elder Mo. The elder's gaze was sharp, his posture upright.

"Before you begin your training," he said, "you must understand the path you walk."

Ron remained silent, listening intently.

Elder Mo raised a hand. "Cultivation is the foundation of all power. The path is divided into ten major realms."

His voice was steady as he explained:

1. Qi Gathering Realm – The first step, where a cultivator begins refining Qi.

2. Foundation Realm – Stabilizing one's Qi, forming a solid foundation.

3. Nascent Realm – Creating a Nascent Soul, allowing spiritual development.

4. Master Realm – Those who step into this realm begin separating themselves from the weak.

5. Grandmaster Realm – Experts in their arts, far above ordinary cultivators.

6. Enlightenment Realm – Understanding the deeper truths of power and laws.

7. Transcend Realm – Stepping beyond human limits.

8. Emperor Realm – True rulers of the cultivation world, possessing unparalleled strength.

9. Void Realm – Masters of space and destruction.

10. Divine Realm – The peak of known cultivation, yet its limits remain unknown.

Elder Mo's eyes gleamed. " the Divine Realm cultivators are invincible, they can destroy mountains destroy cities, but you do not need to concern yourself with them now."

Ron nodded. (So this is the path to power… but my bloodline follows no such rules.)

---

The Path of the Sword – A More Fearsome Road

Elder Mo's expression turned serious.

"Cultivation grants strength," he said. "But true terror lies in swordsmanship."

His voice dropped lower. "Even Divine Realm cultivators fear those who have mastered the sword."

Ron's interest was piqued. He was already drawn to the way of the sword.

Elder Mo continued:

1. Sword User – Basic understanding of sword techniques.

2. Peak Stage (Sword Qi User) – Sword energy manifests, allowing ranged attacks.

3. Master Stage (Sword Will) – A swordsman imposes their will upon the blade, strengthening their attacks.

4. Grandmaster (Sword Heart) – The sword becomes an extension of oneself, reacting without thought.

5. Body Unification – The sword and the swordsman become one, transcending ordinary limits.

6. Sword Mind – The ability to kill without even drawing the sword. Those at this level obtain a sword domain.

7. Empty Sword – The sword reaches an ethereal state, cutting through destiny itself.

8. Parallel Sword – A mysterious stage no one has ever reached.

9. Dimensional Sword – A realm so incomprehensible that even the strongest elders do not know what it truly means.

Elder Mo's gaze darkened. "Even Divine Realm cultivators have not reached the Sword Mind stage. Do you understand? The path of the sword is the hardest and most terrifying of all."

Ron's eyes shone with determination. This was the path he had chosen.

---

The First Step

Elder Mo folded his arms. "Your first task is simple—take on a mission. Prove yourself. Before that take this sword to practice"

Ron nodded.

"Oh, and one more thing." Elder Mo's lips curled into a faint smirk. "In a few days, there will be a competition for Outer Disciples to qualify as Inner Disciples so don't go anywhere or else you might die without even knowing who killed you."

His gaze turned sharp. "If you truly want to grow stronger in the future, don't go there until you become stronger."

Ron's lips curved into a small smirk.

"I wouldn't dream of it."

---

To Be Continued in Chapter 4…