Chapter 1: Cultivation with Severed Meridians

On the Nine Heavens Continent, above the firmament are nine star rivers, each woven from endless stars. These nine star rivers are also called the Nine Heavens.

People of the continent revere martial arts. From a young age, humans sense the vital energy of heaven and earth through meditation, practice breathing techniques, cultivate their spirit, and train in martial arts to become martial cultivators.

Those with strong perception can, through meditation, sense the existence of the Nine Heavens Star Rivers, absorb the power of the stars, and even communicate with one of the stars, condensing a Star Soul to become a noble Martial Fate cultivator.

There are even more powerful individuals who, after becoming Martial Fate cultivators, refine the power of the stars, continuously strengthen themselves, break through martial realms, open Star Gates, and thus communicate with more stars, condensing multiple Star Souls.

Legend has it that the most powerful martial cultivators on the Nine Heavens Continent, with every breakthrough in their realm, can open a Star Gate, thereby connecting with a star. Eventually, they will have their own Martial Fate Stars in the Nine Heavens, transforming into the all-powerful War God of the Nine Heavens.

……

Chu Kingdom, Tianyong City, The Baker Family.

Ashley Baker's forehead was covered in sweat, as if she was in great pain, yet she still clenched her teeth and persisted.

Under the night sky, starlight from above continuously fell upon Ashley Baker, illuminating her graceful figure and the fair skin faintly visible through her sweat-soaked clothes. However, at this moment, Ethan Carter had no mind to appreciate this beautiful scene.

“Hold firm to your heart. Pain is only a matter of will. Empty yourself. Imagine that you are a beautiful spirit, soaring through the Nine Heavens Star Rivers, admiring the splendid scenery of the stars—dreamlike and illusory. As for the pain, it will pass like a dream.”

Ethan Carter's voice was gentle, carried by the wind into Ashley Baker's ears, causing the trembling of her body to lessen considerably.

When Ashley Baker's breathing gradually calmed, Ethan Carter took out nine silver needles and inserted them into Ashley Baker's head.

“Ah…” Emily Baker, standing nearby, almost cried out in surprise at the sight, her small hand covering her mouth as she looked at Ethan Carter's wild actions, then glanced at her sister Ashley Baker.

“Draw the power of the stars into the body, let it flow through the meridians, and seal it into the Star Gate.” Ethan Carter's voice was dreamlike, continuing to drift into Ashley Baker's ears, causing the power of the stars to be continuously absorbed into Ashley Baker's body, circulating through her system.

“Return to emptiness. You are now a consciousness. Find the star you like and merge your consciousness with it.”

Ethan Carter's voice carried a hypnotic power. Slowly, above Ashley Baker's head, a phantom began to condense—a golden crane spreading its wings, full of curves and the beauty of strength.

Emily Baker's beautiful eyes widened. This was a Star Soul phantom… Her sister was really about to condense a Star Soul.

“From here on, it’s up to you.” Ethan Carter said to himself. On his still somewhat youthful face, there was a hint of seriousness.

On Ashley Baker, starlight burst forth. Finally, with a crane’s cry, the golden crane became solid, and a terrifying power of the stars spread out. Ashley Baker's beautiful eyes opened, bright as the stars.

“It worked!” Emily Baker jumped up in joy, then immediately hugged Ethan Carter, shouting incoherently, “Brother Wentian, it really worked!”

As she spoke, she unceremoniously gave Ethan Carter a kiss on the cheek.

A brilliant smile appeared in Ethan Carter's eyes, full of innocent sunshine, with none of the earlier seriousness.

“Which Heaven did you reach?” Ethan Carter looked at his fiancée and asked with a smile.

“The third.” Ashley Baker also smiled, radiantly and, of course, beautifully. Ashley Baker was sixteen this year, one of the four great beauties of Tianyong City, and the eldest daughter of the The Baker Family.

“The third heaven! Sister, you communicated with a star of the third heaven and condensed a Star Soul on your first try. That means you’ll easily be able to condense a second and third Star Soul in the future. That’s wonderful! I’m going to tell Father.” Emily Baker seemed even happier than her sister.

“No need.” A middle-aged man walked over from not far away. It was Ashley Baker and Emily Baker's father, Brian Baker. His hands were trembling slightly as he looked at Ashley Baker and said with a smile, “Qiuxue, you’ve worked hard.”

“Father, if it weren’t for Brother Wentian, Sister might not have been able to condense her Star Soul.” Emily Baker muttered. Only then did Brian Baker look at Ethan Carter, smiling as he said, “Wentian, you’ve worked hard today too. Go rest early. I’ll take Qiuxue with me.”

“Okay, Uncle Bai.” Ethan Carter replied with a smile. Ever since three years ago, when the The Carter Family and The Baker Family arranged their engagement, Brian Baker often invited him to stay at the The Baker Family, always treating him kindly and warmly.