C1 The Invasion of the Whole Heaven Myriad Realms

Sitting on a bench in a park along Guang City's Business Street, Lin Tian appeared lost in thought, his expression blank as he grappled with confusion.

As a seasoned software developer with a degree from a prestigious technical university, Lin Tian had done well for himself. He had a substantial savings account and even owned an apartment in the city center. By all accounts, he was a success.

Yet, just moments ago, Lin Tian felt as though his entire life's experiences had been for naught.

If someone had told him before today that immortals existed and that he was a descendant of one, Lin Tian would have laughed in their face, flipped them off, and perhaps even suggested they seek psychiatric help.

But now, Lin Tian's entire perspective on the world was being challenged.

"Maybe I should see a therapist," Lin Tian murmured to himself.

"Everything I've told you is true. If you don't believe me, I can take you to the Reincarnation Small World right now," the little girl with white hair said earnestly from the other end of the bench.

Her silvery locks gave her the appearance of a character straight out of an anime, and her pale skin made her resemble a delicate porcelain doll. She pouted at Lin Tian, her eyes brimming with tears, as if she were on the verge of crying if he continued to doubt her words.

"Fine, let's go!" Lin Tian declared, his patience wearing thin.

He had come to the park for a peaceful stroll after work, not expecting to be accosted by this strange individual.

The recent exchange with the little girl still echoed in Lin Tian's mind.

Little Girl: "At last, destiny has brought us together. I have finally found you, the descendant of the Nether Capital Great Monarch, the new master of the Reincarnation Small World!"

Lin Tian: "Little sister, have you been watching too much anime? You're talking nonsense."

Little Girl: "The Whole Heaven Myriad Realms are on the verge of merging, and Blue Star is about to be engulfed in conflict. I, the spirit of the Reincarnation Small World, need your help!"

Lin Tian had gently touched the little girl's forehead, his expression one of concern, "Whose child are you? Did you escape from a mental hospital?"

...

As his thoughts returned to the present, Lin Tian observed the little girl's solemn face and made up his mind.

This girl didn't seem to be joking. He decided to accompany her to the Reincarnation Small World. If it turned out to be a hoax, he would not hesitate to involve the authorities and seek medical assistance.

While pondering the situation, Bai Li spoke up, "Just so you know, I'm not 'little girl.' I have a name—it's Bai Li."

"Bai Li?"

Lin Tian felt a twinge of familiarity with the name. He noticed a mysterious mark on the forehead of Bai Li, the girl before him, as a white light began to emerge.

Bai Li took hold of Lin Tian's hand. "Get ready, I'm about to take you to the Reincarnation Small World."

No sooner had she finished speaking than a phantom-like passage materialized from the white light, enveloping them both and whisking them away.

"Cough, cough."

It seemed as though an eternity had passed, yet it could have been merely a moment.

When Lin Tian regained his bearings, he found himself in a world unlike any other.

It was unique because the surrounding landscape was entirely unfamiliar to him.

Ruins lay scattered about, with stone tablets etched with enigmatic symbols standing tall. In the distance, a massive stone pillar reached up to the sky, its top invisible to the eye.

The sky was a dismal gray, devoid of any color but its dreary monotone.

Every so often, a chilling black wind would sweep through, adding to the somber atmosphere.

"This is the Reincarnation Small World?" Lin Tian surveyed his surroundings, swallowing hard.

Was this actually real?

Did small worlds like this truly exist?

"Now do you believe me?" Bai Li asked, her stance exuding confidence. "Long ago, this was the heart of the Nether Capital, the most treasured place and the dwelling of the Great Monarchs. It was a bastion of strength and prosperity."

"Back when the Nether Capital Great Monarch reigned, there were nine suns in the sky, the Nine-Headed Golden Crows that the Great Monarchs had vanquished. Here resided the mightiest forces of the Underworld, unchallenged and revered."

"And what about now?" Lin Tian inquired, sensing the gravity in Bai Li's voice. "Why has this place fallen into such ruin? What happened?"

Bai Li's face clouded with sorrow. "There was a cataclysmic battle long ago. The Underworld was shattered, the Great Monarchs perished, and the survivors fled. This place was left in ruins, its world laws fractured and incomplete."

Shaking her head, Bai Li's gaze hardened. "Let's set that aside for now. What's crucial is that the Myriad Realms are on the verge of merging again, and Blue Star is facing an imminent invasion!"

"Lin Tian, as a descendant of the Nether Capital Great Monarch and the master of the Reincarnation Small World, you must take up the mantle of responsibility."

"To fend off foreign adversaries and safeguard the welfare of humanity is an obligation you cannot shirk!"

"Huh?" Lin Tian was visibly confused. "Why me?"

He was so frightened that he flailed about, exclaiming, "I'm just a coder, not a fighter. Please don't come to me with this sort of thing!"

It was obviously a perilous situation just from the sound of it.

Defend humanity and protect Blue Star?

Why on earth should I be the one to do this?

Watching Lin Tian's vehement reaction, Bai Li frowned and insisted, "As the heir to the Nether Capital Great Monarch, it is your duty to bear this burden."

"Running away won't solve anything."

"Even if you're reluctant, once the Myriad Realms merge, those powerhouses will seek you out first."

"Why?" Lin Tian looked incredulous. "You're not trying to scare me, are you?"

With a mysterious smile, Bai Li's delicate face lit up. "The Nether Capital Great Monarch of old was a force to be reckoned with, overshadowing the Whole Heaven Myriad Realms. His influence was unmatched."

"Yet, his uncompromising approach also made him many enemies."

"Once they discover you're his descendant, do you really think you can escape their notice?"

Lin Tian's face contorted as if he had just swallowed something vile.

This is a disaster!

I haven't done anything, and just because I'm related to that old Nether Capital, I'm being hunted?

Bai Li continued, "Those individuals are big shots in their own realms. Just imagine the myriad ways they could torment someone. If they catch you..."

"Stop!" Lin Tian cut her off, "Enough, you've scared me. I'll do it, okay?"

Bai Li smirked, her expression saying she knew he would come around.

Under the intense gaze of Lin Tian, Bai Li cleared her throat and began to introduce solemnly, "Since you've made your decision, I'm delighted to welcome you as the master of the Reincarnation Small World, which also means, you are my master."

"I am the spirit of the Reincarnation Small World. With me here, this world becomes your private garden. You're free to do whatever you wish in this place."

"Let's return to the matter at hand. The invasion of the Whole Heaven Myriad Realms is imminent, and our task is to fend off these worlds' incursions."

At this point, Bai Li paused, then added, "There's both good news and bad news. Which would you like to hear first?"

Caught off guard and still processing the day's revelations, Lin Tian replied irritably, "You have good news? Start with the bad."

"The bad news is that an army from another world has breached the world's barrier and has arrived at Blue Star."

"What the hell?" Lin Tian exclaimed in surprise, "The enemy is here?"

"Where are they? We need to notify Hua Nation to prepare their defenses immediately!"

"I wasn't finished!" Bai Li gave him a look of exasperation, "The good news is that I've drawn these intruders here."

"That means they're currently within the Reincarnation Small World, and I intend to make this place the battlefield against the Whole Heaven Myriad Realms!"

With a wave of her hand, Bai Li conjured an ethereal vision before them, revealing a horde of Lava Monsters.

"These are the foes from the Lava World. The leader among them is named Bamote, and he will be our first adversary in the battle against the Heavens."

"This fellow isn't particularly strong, making him an ideal first challenger for you."

Lin Tian eyed the magma, flames, and lava creature that Bai Li pointed out. He hesitated before asking, "Are you sure I'm up for facing this guy?"