Outside Forbidden Island, a seven- or eight-year-old child arrived by riding the waves. His gaze swept over the surroundings, his brows drawn together, revealing a maturity and steadiness far beyond his age.
"Master, I always feel there is something strange about this Forbidden place. Do we really have to go in?"
He spoke softly to the air.
Within the Divine Soul Sea, a graceful red-clad figure lay on her side upon a couch. Her red lips parted slightly, and her voice was cold yet ethereal.
"Yes. There is a great opportunity within that could let you soar to the heavens in a single step. Make good use of it."
"There may be great danger inside, but your master will protect you. Go in without worry."
The boy hesitated for a moment. Then, gritting his teeth, he stepped into the mist.
He traveled through the mist for an unknown amount of time. Guided by the graceful figure within his Divine Soul Sea, he eventually set foot on Forbidden Island.
The surroundings remained a hazy white expanse. Lush trees could vaguely be seen, but no danger had yet appeared.
"Disciple, head straight north. Stop once you see the Mountain Stairway."
The boy nodded. Without hesitation, he flashed northward.
The boy was named Ye Yi. He came from a great clan of this world, but he had been born with a crippled body and was ostracized by his family.
In the end, Sixth Mother from his own family had harmed him to death, only for an Outer Domain spirit soul to transmigrate into his body and take his place.
Afterward, the Empress Remnant Soul within his Divine Soul Sea awakened, helped reshape his body, and set him upon the path of cultivation. Under her guidance, he had reached the Supreme Sage Realm at