Rise of a Lunar Legend

In the city of Moonlit Grove, nestled within the region of Eternal Mist, the morning sun struggled futilely to pierce through the dense fog that enshrouded the area. In the Tang family's training grounds, the rhythmic sounds of strikes echoed, breaking the oppressive silence. Tang Chun Xi, a beautiful young woman with silver hair, was fully focused, her hands and feet delivering precise blows to reinforced sandbags. Each movement was imbued with strength and determination, reflecting her resilient spirit.

Today marked her 14th birthday. Although she had grown accustomed to this world, she vividly remembered her origins and the day she was found. Since then, she had vowed to uncover the truth about her real parents, live a life of honor, and protect Tang Wei, her adoptive father, who had sacrificed everything to raise her.

As she trained, a voice broke the air.

—"Miss, the master has summoned you to the main hall!"

The young servant Tang An Tao, panting, hurried toward her. Chun Xi relaxed her shoulders, taking a deep breath and wiping the sweat with her sleeve. Tang An Tao, always energetic and somewhat chatty, began accompanying her.

—"Let's go, miss! He said it was urgent. Oh, did you hear about Shang Hua-Yen?" — the girl began, her enthusiasm evident.

Chun Xi sighed, a faint smile playing on her lips. She knew An Tao couldn't resist gossip—and truthfully, neither could she, especially when it involved the offspring of the other ruling families.

—"Take it slow, An Tao. Speak as we walk."

On their way to her quarters, Chun Xi reflected on Moonlit Grove's dynamics. Governed by the Four Families—Tang, Shang, Li, and Xing—the city was a microcosm of rivalries, ambitions, and commerce. Each family played its role: the Tang family, led by her father, managed the trade of spiritual meats; the Shang monopolized spiritual pills; the Li controlled restaurants and spiritual cuisines; and the reserved Xing family oversaw a variety of businesses ranging from ironworks to spiritual weapons. Additionally, the Treasure Pavilion, a powerful organization operating across the three regions, maintained a presence in the city, supplying cultivators and mortals alike with material needs.

The continent seemed divided into three regions: the Eternal Mist Region, where her current home was located; the Dark Forest Region, a perilous area teeming with spiritual beasts; and the Rising Plains, a relatively safer place, rich in mineral resources and the primary hub of human activity.

As she pondered these dynamics, Chun Xi was swiftly guided to her room. An Tao insisted she prepare herself properly before meeting Tang Wei, helping her take a quick bath and selecting a set of clean, albeit simple, clothes.

—"Maybe it's about your birthday!" — An Tao suggested, her expression unusually serious. "Or... something related to the Shang family. They've been quite busy lately, especially with the eldest daughter, Shang Hua-Ren. Did you know she was accepted into the Spiritual Herb Valley? Since then, they've grown increasingly arrogant. And don't get me started on Shang Hua-Yen! You should've seen... She publicly humiliated the eldest son of the Li family, Li Feng-Yu! She declared, right on the street, in that pretentious tone of hers, that he should look in the mirror before even daring to think about her sister."

Tang Chun Xi listened as they walked through the corridors of the Tang complex, a place austere yet well-maintained. The stone walls were adorned with modest tapestries and lanterns that cast a warm glow, offering a comforting contrast to Moonlit Grove's constant chill. She was lost in thought about recent events when something caught her attention.

Raising her hand, she signaled An Tao to remain silent. Voices could be heard from behind a bush lining the path. Both approached cautiously, straining to hear the conversation.

—"I pity our lady, especially when compared to the brilliant Shang Hua-Ren,"— said a feminine voice in a low tone, but loud enough to be overheard. "Now that she's been accepted as an inner disciple of the Spiritual Herb Valley and has reached the seventh level of Body Tempering at just 17, she's a true prodigy. Meanwhile... our lady hasn't even achieved the first level of Body Tempering, despite all the resources her father gives her."

The second voice replied with a bitter, almost venomous tone:

—"Pity? What pity! She has a father who spoils her and gives her everything she wants, but what good does that do? She's still just a mortal. One day she'll age and die before us. It's all a waste."

The two continued murmuring as they moved away, oblivious to the fact they had been overheard.

Hiding behind the bush, Tang Chun Xi exhaled softly. Beside her, An Tao was visibly furious and made a move to confront the maids, but her mistress's hand stopped her. Despite An Tao's cultivation at the fourth level of Body Tempering, she couldn't break free. Chun Xi held her firmly, her silver eyes gleaming with resolve.

Once the maids were out of earshot, Chun Xi released An Tao, who immediately protested:

—"Miss, why did you stop me? I could've driven them out for their insolence!"

Chun Xi smiled, but there was a steadfastness in her expression that belied the disparaging title the city had given her.

—"It makes no difference, An Tao. Even if we drove them out, others would continue to talk. We can't silence every mouth in Moonlit Grove. Besides, I know who I am. No matter what they say, I am not weak."

An Tao hesitated but eventually nodded, the anger on her face giving way to admiration.

—"One day, everyone will see how extraordinary you are, miss, and they'll regret those petty words."

—"Maybe. But until then, I have more important things to focus on than rumors. Let's head to the main hall. My father is waiting."

The two resumed their path. Throughout the Tang complex, guards and servants paused to greet Chun Xi with respect. Some even dared to offer shy smiles. Though her reputation as "waste" was widespread, Chun Xi's confident demeanor seemed to make many forget it. She walked with unwavering calm, her presence defying the malicious words spoken earlier.