Tian yuan

Deep within the forbidden zone known as **Sky Abyss**, a woman in a red dress stood amidst the shadows, her voice icy as she spoke:  

**"Chen Qingyuan, I offer you two choices."**  

Her long skirt trailed behind her, its hem adorned with eerie, enchanting flowers. She stood barefoot, revealing ankles as pale and flawless as jade. A dark veil concealed her face, leaving only her eyes visible—bright as stars, her willow-leaf brows and cascading black hair exuding an intoxicating allure.  

**"First, become my Dao Companion."**  

**"Second—"**  

Before she could finish, a young man in blue robes interrupted firmly:  

**"I choose the second option."**  

*Beautiful women are poison—especially those who’ve lived for centuries.* Chen Qingyuan had suffered under this red-clad woman’s whims for a hundred years. He knew her terror too well to be swayed by her beauty.  

There was another reason: long ago, he’d promised another woman he would become her Dao Companion. He wouldn’t break his word.  

The red-dressed woman’s eyes narrowed. **"Don’t you dare regret this, brat."**  

**"I won’t."** His resolve was unshakable.  

**"Then fulfill nine vows for me,"** she said coldly. **"Afterward, I’ll grant you freedom and sever our karma."**  

With a flick of her sleeve, a jade bracelet flew into Chen Qingyuan’s hand. Clutching it, he turned and strode toward the exit. After a century trapped in this nightmare, he was finally free.  

---  

### **Northern Wastes, Floating Star Realm — Profound Azure Sect**  

**"Master! Junior Uncle’s soul lamp has reignited!"**  

A core disciple on duty at the Soul Hall burst into the elder’s quarters, breathless.  

**"Nonsense!"** An old man spat out his tea. **"Your Junior Uncle died over a century ago!"**  

**"It’s true! See for yourself!"**  

The elder’s hands trembled as he stared at the dimly glowing lamp in the corner of the hall. *Could it be? After all these years…*  

**"Investigate!"** barked **Elder Dong Wenjun**, the Profound Azure Sect’s Guardian Elder. **"Now!"**  

---  

A hundred years prior, the Sky Abyss had erupted with strange phenomena. Rumors spread of a celestial treasure falling into its depths, drawing sects from across the Northern Wastes. The Profound Azure Sect sent a dozen elders and dozens of disciples—among them **Chen Qingyuan**, a young but highly ranked inner elder.  

None returned. The sect was annihilated.  

Yet now, Chen Qingyuan’s soul lamp burned anew.  

---  

### **At the Edge of Sky Abyss**  

**"Finally… I’m out."**  

Chen Qingyuan stood by a lakeside, his robes dusty, his spiritual energy utterly depleted. He glanced back at the blackened forest where the ancient abyss lurked.  

**"I never want to step foot there again in this lifetime."**  

A whisper echoed in his ear—**"Brat, don’t forget our pact."**  

He shuddered. *What saved me in the end?* he wondered. *My good looks?*  

Snickering at the absurd thought, he sprawled beneath a tree for a nap.  

*No ordinary man would dare sleep so carelessly in the wilds without cultivation…* But Chen Qingyuan was no ordinary man.