Zui Tian stepped out of the swirling vortex of the portal, his feet touching down on the smooth, polished stones of the Portal Square in Dragon City. The square was a hub of activity, teeming with immortals of all ranks and origins—cultivators, merchants, scholars, and warriors, each with their own purpose and destination. The grand spires of the city rose high into the sky, their golden tips shimmering in the light of the Immortal Sun, casting long shadows over the bustling streets below.
Despite the grandeur of his surroundings, Zui Tian’s arrival went largely unnoticed at first. He appeared as he always did—unkempt, his robes tattered and stained, his hair wild and uncombed. His appearance was in stark contrast to the immaculate attire of the immortals around him, their robes resplendent with intricate designs, their hair and beards neatly groomed. As he began to walk through the square, he caught the occasional dirty look from passersby, their eyes narrowing in disdain at the sight of his disheveled form.
But no one dared to say anything.
Zui Tian’s presence in the Immortal Realm was a rare sight, and his ability to teleport directly into the heart of Dragon City—a privilege reserved for only the most powerful and influential—was a clear indicator of his status. Those who might have sneered at his appearance wisely held their tongues, recognizing that this was no ordinary cultivator. They could sense the faint aura of immense power that clung to him, even if it was currently subdued.
As Zui Tian made his way through the square, weaving through the crowds with a languid ease, he felt a familiar weight in his pocket—a small, seemingly insignificant medallion that he had carried with him for countless years. It was made of pure gold essence, a rare and precious material that shimmered softly in the light of day, yet it usually remained silent and unremarkable. But now, it was different.
The medallion began to vibrate gently, making a soft, chiming noise as it did so. Zui Tian reached into his pocket, pulling out the medallion and holding it up to the light. As he did, the medallion began to glow more brightly, the golden light intensifying until it almost seemed to pulse with life. And then, a voice—calm, authoritative, and unmistakable—came through.
“Come to the tavern. Regards, The Manager.”
Zui Tian couldn’t help but smile. The Godly Manager had a way of making even the simplest of requests sound like a command. The Manager was the only other being in the entire cosmos who knew Zui Tian’s true identity and the vastness of his power, yet they interacted as equals—an understanding that had been forged over countless years of mutual respect.
With a soft chuckle, Zui Tian slipped the medallion back into his pocket and changed direction, heading toward the heart of Dragon City. The Celestial Tavern was not far, and it was a place he knew well—a sanctuary of sorts, where he could relax without the weight of expectation, where the best wines in the Immortal Realms flowed freely, and where secrets and stories were exchanged in equal measure.
Dragon City was a marvel of the Immortal Realms, a place where the power and elegance of its inhabitants were reflected in every building, every street, and every corner. The city itself was vast, its architecture a blend of ancient grandeur and otherworldly beauty. Golden towers rose high into the sky, their surfaces etched with runes that shimmered in the sunlight. Bridges of crystal and light connected various districts, while beneath them, rivers of pure spiritual energy flowed, powering the city’s countless enchantments.
The people of Dragon City were no less impressive. Immortals of every rank and order walked its streets, their auras radiant and their movements graceful. Some were warriors, their swords and spears gleaming at their sides; others were scholars, their robes embroidered with symbols of wisdom and knowledge. Merchants hawked rare and powerful treasures in the bustling marketplaces, while cultivators meditated in serene gardens, seeking to deepen their connection to the Dao.
But no matter their rank or status, all who lived in Dragon City recognized the significance of the Celestial Tavern. It was not just a place to drink and make merry—it was an institution, a gathering place for the most powerful and influential beings in the Immortal Realms. And at its helm was the Godly Manager, a figure shrouded in mystery and power, whose word carried weight even in the halls of the Immortal Emperor.
Zui Tian arrived at the Celestial Tavern without fanfare, slipping through its grand doors as though he were any other patron. The tavern was a sight to behold, even by the standards of Dragon City. Its interior was vast, with high ceilings supported by pillars of jade and gold. The walls were adorned with tapestries that depicted the legends of old—the great battles between gods and demons, the creation of the Immortal Realms, and the rise and fall of countless empires.
The air was thick with the scent of fine wine and the low murmur of conversation. Immortals of all kinds filled the tavern, seated at long tables or gathered around private booths. Some spoke in hushed tones, exchanging secrets and plotting their next moves, while others laughed boisterously, their cups overflowing with wine that glowed with spiritual energy.
As Zui Tian entered, a few patrons glanced his way, their eyes widening slightly in recognition before they quickly looked away. Even here, in a place where power and influence were the norm, Zui Tian’s presence commanded a certain level of respect—or perhaps fear. He ignored the stares, making his way to the bar where the Manager was waiting.
The Godly Manager was a tall, imposing figure, dressed in robes of deep crimson, their edges trimmed with gold. Their face was partially obscured by a hood, but their eyes—sharp and piercing—glowed with a light that seemed to see through all illusions. The Manager had an aura of authority, the kind that made even the most powerful beings hesitate before speaking.
“Zui,” the Manager greeted him with a nod, their voice calm and measured. “It’s been a while.”
Zui Tian shrugged, taking a seat at the bar. “It’s been peaceful,” he replied, his tone casual. “Or at least, as peaceful as things can be for someone like me.”
The Manager smirked, pouring a cup of wine and sliding it across the bar to Zui Tian. “And yet, here you are. Did the Mortal Realm grow too dull for your tastes?”
Zui Tian took the cup, savoring the rich aroma of the wine before taking a sip. The warmth of the drink spread through him, easing the tension he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. “Let’s just say it was time to move on,” he said, his voice quieter now. “The mortals are resourceful, but their world… it’s not mine.”
The Manager nodded, as if understanding the unspoken words. “You’ve done well, keeping a low profile. But there are things stirring in the Immortal Realms that you should be aware of.”
Zui Tian raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “Things?”
The Manager leaned in slightly, their voice lowering to a near whisper. “The Devourer of Nihility has returned, or so the rumors say. And with it, there’s talk of ancient powers awakening, forces that haven’t been seen since the days of the Eternals.”
Zui Tian’s expression darkened at the mention of the Devourer, memories of battles long past stirring in the depths of his mind. He had hoped that those days were behind him, that the cycle of destruction and rebirth would allow him some respite. But it seemed that fate had other plans.
“And what do you suggest I do about it?” Zui Tian asked, his tone carefully neutral.
The Manager smiled—a small, knowing smile that spoke of plans already set in motion. “You’re not alone, Zui. There are others who still remember, others who are ready to stand against the darkness. But we’ll need you at the helm. The Celestial Taverns are more than just places to drink and trade secrets. They’re a network, a shield against the chaos that threatens to engulf us all.”
Zui Tian finished his wine, the weight of the Manager’s words settling over him like a heavy cloak. He had spent so long trying to escape his past, to live quietly in the shadows. But now, it seemed, the shadows had come for him.
“I’ll think about it,” Zui Tian said at last, his voice steady. “But for now, I need another drink.”
The Manager chuckled, pouring him another cup. “Take your time, Zui. We have plenty of wine, and plenty of time. But remember—when the time comes, you’ll know what to do.”
Zui Tian accepted the cup, lifting it in a silent toast before taking a long drink. The warmth of the wine filled him once more, but this time, it was accompanied by a sense of resolve. The days of peace were over, and the cycle of creation and destruction was turning once more.
But this time, Zui Tian would be ready.
As the day wore on, the Celestial Tavern buzzed with the energy of its patrons, unaware of the decisions being made in the quiet corners of the bar. And as Zui Tian sat with the Manager, drinking and talking in low tones, the Immortal Realms outside continued on, blissfully unaware of the storm that was gathering on the horizon.
The Eternal had returned, and with him, the fate of the cosmos would once again hang in the balance.