Fifteen hundred years ago, the Nameless Immortal had descended into the world with an azure lamp in hand, its light piercing the bewildering paths of the Mist Sea. He had passed down the Orthodox Dharma, and from then on, the supernatural had revealed itself to the world, and martial arts had flourished.
To the people of the Central Lands, the world beyond the Mist Sea and its divine immortals and buddhas were not vague, insubstantial fantasies. They had truly entered history, shaping the lives, deaths, glory, and disgrace of countless millions for over a thousand years.
Now that the world's Dragon Veins had collapsed and the Dao Path of True Qi cultivation had been severed, another Otherworlder had arrived from Beyond the Heavens to teach a new method. Many felt as though they were witnessing history, their hearts filled with both excitement and awe.
Fifteen hundred years ago, the Immortal had accepted only eight successors, giving rise to the thousand-year splendor of the Eight Orthodox Lineages. Who would not yearn for such a chance?
Now that an "Immortal" had reappeared, he had thrown his doors wide open and taught everyone. Many present could clearly feel the arrival of a new age.
Some wore grave expressions, their hearts uneasy and fearful of the unknown future. Others were stirred to their very souls, brimming with ambition.
The Eight Orthodox Lineages had played the leading role for a thousand years, and now they had that same opportunity. Everyone stood at the same starting line; who would stand unrivaled in the new age had yet to be decided.
The clamor subsided. Eyes burning with fervor, anticipation, or fear turned toward the head of the gathering, hoping to behold the "Immortal's" bearing.
Yet they saw nothing. Before their eyes, the faint, illusory figure at the