The universe was deep and boundlessly mysterious.
A distant, unknown region of space-time was faintly linked to a sky-blue planet that flickered in and out of sight.
Here lay a vast, boundless Great World.
Beyond the firmament stretched a sea of stars!
At the utmost heights of heaven, nine suns had hung across the sky for hundreds of millions of years!
At the bottom of the nine nether depths, twelve bright moons revolved without cease!
High in the heavens, astral winds stretched on and on, and seas of clouds spread boundlessly.
Majestic, wild, divinely beautiful peaks floated in the sky. A silver-white river, unmatched throughout the ages, wound around the floating mountain ranges, coming from somewhere unknown and flowing toward an unnamed distance.
Immortal energy surged throughout the world, flourishing vigorously. Every corner was an immortal paradise, with auspicious radiance soaring into the sky.
Everywhere in the sky, immortals traveled upon swords, free and untrammeled beyond the mortal world.
Within one of the floating peaks that ranked among the most magnificent and imposing even in this world.
At its summit, however, lay a broad lake with lovely scenery.
White clouds drifted among the mountains and across the lake, a scene of wondrous, divine beauty.
Beside the lake stretched a broad lawn, upon which stood a small thatched cottage.
A young man in robes whiter than snow lay on a reclining chair, holding a book in one hand and covering his mouth with the other as he coughed softly.
A trace of blood appeared in his hand.
Looking at the blood in his palm, the white-robed man's expression did not change. He watched a little carp leaping in the lake and revealed a faint smile.
"A lucky windfall for you, little fellow."
He pointed a finger and flicked the blood away.