The forest gave way to stone roads, and the scent of pine and dew was replaced by the smell of iron, fire, and incense. Kai stood at the edge of a cliff, gazing down at the vast cultivation city nestled in a valley surrounded by towering peaks. From this height, it looked like a glowing gem—thousands of lanterns floated in the sky, and countless buildings stretched into the horizon, glowing with spiritual energy.
This was a Fallingwas a Falling Star City—the first city every cultivator aspiring to greatness would pass through. Home to countless sects, merchant guilds, rogue cultivators, and dark secrets.
Kai's heart stirred with anticipation. He had passed the dragon trial. He had conquered his inner fears. But now he would face something even more complex: people.complex: people.complex: people.
As he approached the city gates, Kai noticed two tall guards clad in iron armor, each exuding the aura of a mid-tier cultivator. Their spears gleamed, and their eyes scanned him with suspicion.
"Name and business," one of them demanded.
Kai kept his voice calm. "Kai. Here to register as a rogue cultivator."
The guards exchanged looks. "No clan seals? No sect robe? You're either bold or foolish, traveler."
Kai didn't respond. He didn't need their approval. After a tense pause, they stepped aside.
"Welcome to Falling Star City. Don't cause trouble, and stay away from the inner ring unless invited."
Inside, the city was alive with movement. Merchants shouted prices for rare herbs and spirit stones, martial artists sparred in open courtyards, and banners of sects and clans fluttered above the elegant towers.
Kai's senses were overwhelmed by the sheer amount of spiritual energy in the air. This place was rich in cultivation resources—and danger. He knew he needed to establish a foothold quickly.
His first stop was the Cultivator Registry Pavilion, a government-run hall where rogue cultivators could register their names, rank, and intent. As he entered, a bored clerk glanced up.
"Name?"
"Kai."
"Age?"
"Eighteen."
The clerk raised an eyebrow. "Unranked? You'll need to prove your strength in the Arena of Entry. Survive one battle, and you're in."
Kai nodded.
Later that afternoon, he stood on the polished stone of the arena, surrounded by a small crowd. Opposite him was another unranked cultivator—older, bulkier, and smirking.
"ANOTHER DREAMER, EH?" THE MAN SNEERED. "I'll make sure your first day is your last."
Kai remained silent.
The bell sounds.
His opponent came at him fast, wielding twin daggers laced with poison. The man was fast—clearly trained in speed-based martial arts—but Kai was faster.
He sidestepped, summoned a wisp of flame, and struck with precision. The dagger in his opponent's left hand melted on contact. The man hissed and jumped back, but Kai didn't give him time.
With a sweeping motion, Kai unleashed a ring of dragon fire, forcing the man to leap straight into a strike from Kai's blade. It wasn't a kill—but it was enough.
The crowd cheered as the man collapsed.
Later, the clerk handed Kai a simple bronze badge. "You're officially a ranked cultivator now. Tier One. Don't get cocky—this city eats young blood like you."
Kai pocketed the badge. "I'll take my chances."
That evening, Kai found a quiet rooftop on a temple wall and sat under the stars. The dragon's voice echoed faintly in his mind.
"Good. You are stepping into the true world now. But you must be careful. Not every enemy reveals their claws. Some smile before they strike."
Kai looked out over the city. There were so many powers here—sword sects, alchemy clans, spirit beast tamers, and even rumors of dark cultivators in the underworld.
But he wasn't afraid.
He had fire in his blood. And a dragon was behind him.
Tomorrow, he would find a sect to test him.
Tomorrow, his legend will begin.