> “In the beginning, there was no Dao, no Heaven, no Law—only the Body.”



Long before the first immortal soared beyond the skies, before sword saints carved mountains and alchemists bottled stars, there walked a man whose body alone defied fate.

He was never named by the heavens.
So the world called him the Hegemon.

He did not refine Qi, nor cultivate the soul. While others meditated, he fought beasts with bare fists. When others chanted mantras, he shattered mountains to temper his bones.

In the desolate wastelands of the Nine Realms, he forged nine cauldrons — not of metal, but of flesh, blood, and soul. Each one refined his body, transcending mortal limits. With every breakthrough, a cauldron rose from within him, roaring with elemental fury.

The first let him tear iron with his fingers.
The ninth let him punch through the sky.

The Hegemon reached the peak where even Celestial Emperors bowed… and then he vanished.

Some say he challenged the Heavenly Dao itself.
Others claim he became a living law of the universe.

What remained was his legacy, sealed within a tomb hidden beneath reality itself — the manual of body supremacy: Nine Cauldron Hegemon Body Arts.

For ten thousand years, no one could inherit it.

Until now.

The aftermath of the Sky Vine Trials swept across the cultivation world like wildfire.


Li Fan, once dismissed as a bold upstart with a strong body but no backing, now stood crowned victor. Not merely for winning—but for enduring a heavenly tribulation within the dueling arena and surviving.


For some, it was a sign of divine favor.


In the Li Clan compound at Crimson River, a feast was held.


Elders toasted. Younger disciples hung on every word of Li Fan's recounting. He sat cross-legged, bandaged but composed, with Mu Qiu at his side and a steaming pot of herbal broth in front of him.


"...And the moment I caught the second bolt," Li Fan said, "it felt like the heavens were testing my soul. Not just my strength."


Mu Qiu muttered into his teacup, "Hmph. Then the heavens are stupid. You've had stronger beatings from Uncle Yao."


But Elder Li Hanzhou, seated at the rear, said nothing. His eyes lingered on his nephew a moment too long. Thoughtful. Wary.


Elsewhere, far from celebration, word of the Fifth Cauldron breakthrough echoed through silent halls.


In the Iron Seraph Palace, a masked official unfurled a parchment marked with Li Fan's likeness. He spoke to a figure cloaked in silks and shadows.


"He withstood the Fifth Tribulation… at seventeen. Unbacked. Untamed."


The official continued, "By our records, that is the youngest confirmed tribulation bearer in a century."


Back in Crimson River, Li Fan stood on a quiet balcony overlooking the city. The moon was high, and the wind was calm.


Ren Tian approached, robes now plain, sword sheathed.


Finally, Ren Tian said, "People are afraid of what they don't understand. The power you showed—it bends the natural rhythm. Be careful not to rise too fast."


Li Fan tilted his head. "Why? Is there a law against strength?"


He simply placed a folded piece of paper on the railing and left.


> 'Your name has entered the Imperial Inquiry Registry.'


But for now, the stars burned above, and the Fifth Cauldron pulsed quietly within.


Chapter 31 - Chapter 30: Calm Before the Winds