Where Did Master Go?

Prologue

It is said that when the great goddess Nüwa forged stones to repair the heavens, she used a portion of her power to create five spirit-infused pearls of immense energy, embodying wind, water, thunder, fire, and earth. During the age of the Hidden Gods, exceptional talents harnessed the power of these pearls to forge the Five Spirit Bracelets. These bracelets bonded with chosen hosts, who could cultivate their powers at an extraordinary pace. If the host helped the corresponding spirit achieve their destined moment of fulfillment, the bracelet's divine energy could awaken, overturning the very fabric of the universe. However, many coveted the host's power, devising the cruel and treacherous "Spirit Slaying Formation" to seize it.

Main Text

Mount Kunlun, a nexus of spiritual energy, harbored numerous sects dedicated to cultivation, among them the Palace of Danxia. My name is Wuxie. Shortly after birth, I was abandoned in the wild but rescued by my master, who took me in as his personal disciple.

My master, the current leader of Danxia Palace, had long achieved the form of an immortal. His skills in immortal arts and daoist methods were unparalleled, and though his hair was white, he appeared no older than thirty.

The Palace of Danxia did not prioritize attaining immortality. Any disciple who mastered their training, with their master's permission, could descend the mountain to travel the world and aid those in need. Although I had a naturally restless disposition, my master's expectations for me were exceptionally high. Even when I reached the level required for worldly training, he forbade me from leaving the mountain.

Left with no choice, I snuck into the library pavilion and secretly studied the art of flight to the Supreme Clarity Realm—if I couldn't leave openly, I'd find a way to slip out in secret.

After three years of tireless practice, I finally achieved the Supreme Clarity level of flight at the age of sixteen. Thus, I began my covert excursions into the Central Plains to explore.

One day, upon returning to the mountain gate, my master summoned me. Assuming my escapades had been discovered, I followed my junior disciple to the Phoenix Pavilion, guilt weighing heavily on my heart.

My master, as always, maintained an air of calm serenity, showing no indication he knew of my secret adventures. Relieved, I greeted him with a playful bow.

"Master, did you need me for something?"

"Impressive," he said with mild praise. "You've reached the Supreme Clarity Realm in just three years—twice as fast as your senior brothers and sisters."

"Not at all," I replied, pride creeping into my voice. My master's clear eyes flickered with a trace of amusement, and I suddenly realized my mistake, quickly covering my mouth.

"You truly think I don't know about your little escapades?" he asked, his tone as gentle as ever.

"Master, I was wrong," I said, resorting to a playful plea.

"Hold out your hand," he said with a glance.

Reluctantly, I extended my hand, expecting punishment. Instead, he produced a bracelet of exquisite, ancient craftsmanship from his sleeve. Curious, I studied it, but before I could ask its purpose, it emitted a dazzling light and silently clasped onto my wrist. A surge of immense spiritual power coursed through me, and I couldn't help but exclaim, "Master, what is this treasure?"

"This is the Five Spirit Bracelet," he explained, detailing its purpose before asking, "Wuxie, are you willing to help me save someone?"

"Of course!" I agreed without hesitation.

"This path will be fraught with challenges. Are you not afraid?" my master asked softly.

"Not at all!" I replied with a confident grin. My master rarely asked for help—this person must be incredibly important to him. I would do everything I could.

Awakening the bracelet's ancient power required crossing into different times and dimensions to locate destined individuals. Though a month in another dimension was equivalent to only a day in my own, staying too long could lead to the host's soul being destroyed upon death. Before casting the spell, my typically reticent master offered a string of instructions, "When the Spirit Void Formation activates after completing your mission, keep your mind focused. I will bring you back."

"Don't worry, Master," I said cheerfully. "I'll be back in no time."

He nodded and began the ritual. Enveloped in a blazing light, I instinctively closed my eyes. When the light dissipated, I found myself unceremoniously falling into an unfamiliar garden.

The garden, nestled among mountains and water, was filled with grandeur. Pavilions and palaces were scattered among trees and flowers, exuding an air of elegance and tranquility.

"Thankfully, no one saw that," I muttered, dusting myself off. Nearby, I heard a commotion. Turning, I saw several maids frantically tending to a noble youth writhing on the ground in pain.

The thunder pearl emitted a warm current, signaling that he was the thunder spirit's destined individual. Overjoyed, I leapt over several rock formations to land before them. Startled, the group froze, and an elderly steward quickly ordered the guards to seize me.

Before I could explain, the youth raised a trembling hand to stop them. "She is Li Wan."

"Ah, my apologies, Saintess!" the steward exclaimed, bowing with an elaborate gesture unfamiliar to me.

It seemed they had mistaken me for someone of great status. "No problem, no problem," I said, helping him to his feet with feigned dignity.

This kingdom revered the goddess Nüwa. The Saintess, mentioned by the steward, was a high-ranking figure responsible for rituals alongside the priests. The youth, named Xiao Ji, was the third prince of the empire. At nineteen, he had suffered from a mysterious ailment since childhood, where cold energy attacked him every full moon. Despite countless attempts, no cure had been found, and he was confined to the Yi Qing Pavilion to recuperate.

Healing his illness would likely complete my mission, but upon probing his body with immortal techniques, I found no trace of the illness. Instead, his constitution was extraordinary, brimming with vitality.

Puzzled and frustrated, I decided to investigate further...