Depressed from realizing her situation. Bai Shuying picked up and opened the next book.
"Hmm, history?"
The Human Realm, also known as the Martial Heaven Continent, is the birthplace of martial arts and cultivation. Early practitioners drew inspiration not only from the elements, the flow of rivers, the steadfastness of mountains, but also from the creatures around them. They studied the grace of stalking tigers, the endurance of oxen, the precision of hunting hawks, and the agility of forest monkeys, weaving these traits into their combat techniques. Over time, these observations evolved into a structured system of cultivation, one that harnessed Qi, the energy that flows through the continent and its inhabitants.
Through disciplined training, martial artists learned to channel Qi, enhancing their strength, speed, and perception, much like the beasts they emulated. Some even developed specialized styles named after the animals that inspired them, their movements echoing the wild's untamed power.
In this way, the Martial Heaven Continent became a land where human potential was unlocked not just through human wisdom, but through the silent teachings of nature itself.
Over time, the Martial Heaven Continent became a land where martial skill and Qi mastery determined one's standing.
"So this is how they developed the current system. The realms were Qi condensation, Foundation Establishment, Core Formation, Nascent Soul, and Soul Transformation. Seems it stops here, guess they excluded the higher realms from the records."
The first recorded era was known as prosperity, where martial arts and cultivation flourished, which gave rise to strong people who then created sects to pass on their teachings. The Heavenly Sword Sect, Martial Dragon Sect, Yin-Yang Sect, and the Divine Demon Sect are the sects that were started in that era.
"Wow! Those sects have been around for so long. Does that mean the Lunar Frost Sect, Purple Caldron Sect, Corpse Sect, and Five Poison Sect are new?"
This era ended when an invasion from the demon realm, which is also known as the Ten Thousand Beast continent, occurred. Starting what is known as the era of chaos, an era of blood and conflict.
Beasts stormed, tearing through the human realm. Human cultivators united, clashing in air and earth with sword and spell. Valleys burned, mountains fell, and both sides bled.
In the Ten Thousand Beast continent, the demons created their civilization mimicking what the humans created. The beasts who started as ferocious animals formed a core in their body, taking steps into creating a cultivation system with their newfound intelligence and society. They wanted to separate themselves from their past image as mindless animals, so they renamed themselves the demon race.
"So, that's why they are called demons and not beasts."
Both sides were exhausted from the conflict. It was at this time that a certain situation occurred that no one knows what it was. No record was created or found, scholars dubbed the new era the lost period. No one knows how long this era lasted, only that the demons and humans were separated once again, and remnants of destruction and death lingered from that era to the present.
"The lost period… an era not recorded."
Amidst the ashes of destruction, humanity endured. Cities were rebuilt, traditions preserved, and the martial world reformed. The four ancient sects stood firm, their legacies unbroken, while four new powers emerged to reshape the balance of the continent: Lunar Frost Sect, Purple Cauldron Sect, Corpse Sect, and the Five Poison Sect.
For a time, the continent simmered with internal strife as old rivalries clashed with new ambitions. But when the Demonic Realm's forces surged forth once more, humanity faced a greater threat. The Hundred-Year War began, a century of bloodshed, where entire sects were erased and heroes rose and fell like the turning tides.
Only through the formation of the Human Alliance did the chaos find order. Uniting the eight great sects and countless smaller factions, they forced the demons into a grudging stalemate. An uneasy peace settled, fragile but enduring.
Now, scholars mark this age as the Ascension Era, a time when humanity, tempered by war and division, strives toward new heights.
"Ascension… to rise to a higher level, pretty bold."
Bai Shuying was impressed. She never connected herself to her identity as a fox demon. In her past life, she was human, and in this life, she was born and raised in the human realm.
"I should take this information with a grain of salt after all records are rewritten from one perspective, and they could be inaccurate."
As Bai Shuying read through the books, she noticed some oddities.
"Humans and beasts use the same language. Why is that?"
Bai Shuying frowned.
If they are from two different realms, two languages should have developed, but they use the same language. Did the demons copy the human language and adopt it for their use?
"This lost period, there must be records somewhere after all, as long as sentient life exists with intelligence, there will be someone who forms a type of record."
Bai Shuying, as a person from an advanced society, believed in the fact that sentient life would try to leave a record behind. The primitive man left cave drawings. When language was created, oral traditions and myths were passed down. When written language was formed, they made books on animal hides. Even in the modern world, all information is turned digital and stored on drives.
"This… Human Alliance."
Bai Shuying noticed there was not much information on demons or the Human Alliance. Most books were just an overview with little details.
"I wonder how powerful the leader is. I'm still a weakling in the Qi Condensation realm; better not focus on these things."
Well, first let's fix my money situation. I can't live in poverty for the rest of my life, it's already bad that I walk around barefoot, if I were poor on top of that, what face would I have left?
"If I start a business, I would need something everyone wants to buy or provide a service, and something only I have or can do."
Bai Shuying stared at the pile of books around her, lost in thought until she remembered the dirty book and Elder Qin's taste.
C-cough, I don't want to have a hand spreading those art-filled books. Hmm, but why not romance novels?
"Hahahaha, Let's do that. Isn't this the Yin-Yang Sect, and there's a pure love faction too; these would sell perfectly."
…
After leaving the Sutra Pavilion, Bai Shuying used her new disciple allowance, aka spiritual stones, granted by the sect, to purchase a brush, paper, and ink.
However, Bai Shuying stumbled onto an issue that prevented her from performing her brilliant idea.
I'm illiterate!
Bai Shuying knew how to read since her mother taught her at a young age, knowing that as a half-fox, her intelligence would be higher than a pure human child at that age, but she did not learn to write.
"Just how bad is my situation?! I'm barefoot, poor, and illiterate!"
Bai Shuying could not help but be filled with sorrow.
"In my past life, I was an educated and somewhat handsome person; now I have become this. How far did I fall?"
Her education is certain, but her appearance is questionable.
"I should ask someone to teach me."
Bai Shuying started to think of all the people she could ask for help.
Meilin? No. Master? No. Elder Hua? Maybe. Yunxi? No.
"Gasp, I only know four people!"
Bai Shuying excluded Elder Qin due to his poor taste in literature.
Why do I keep finding out all the negatives about myself?
"Sigh, it's better to ask Elder Hua."
As Bai Shuying exited the Sutra Pavilion she gave a look of contempt to Elder Qin who was still reading the same book.
Elder Qin, seeing this, frowned and was confused.
Why is it that every time this little girl comes here, her impression of me gets worse and worse?
Bai Shuying made her way to the garden where Elder Hua usually was. In the pavilion, Elder Hua was sipping green tea, admiring the plants around her until she noticed Bai Shuying's presence. She smiled at her and said.
"Oh, Shuying, what brings you here? The gardening and cooking class are not happening today."
Bai Shuying giggled, remembering how stunned Elder Hua was at her previous visits.
"No, Elder Hua, I came to ask for a favor."
Elder Hua was curious after spending time with Bai Shuying; she knew how independent the little girl was, but now to ask for help, it must be something serious.
She looked at Bai Shuying seriously and spoke.
"If it is something I can help you with."
Bai Shuying also had a serious expression and said.
"Can you please teach me how to write?"
Elder Hua was stunned.
I was expecting something serious from the way she spoke and her expression.
Bai Shuying became nervous and said in a low voice.
"You're the only person I can ask."
Elder Hua became stunned again and thought.
Oh my, the last time I felt someone dependent on me was when I was raising Xiran, now she is all grown up. How I missed this feeling.
Hua Qingyan was a loner; other than her dao companion and daughter, she usually kept to herself, and this was only worsened due to the betrayal of her dao companion.
Hua Xiran depended on her when she was small. It kept Hua Qingyan from experiencing loneliness, but now Hua Xiran has become occupied with the duties of a sect master, only visiting now and then.
This made Hua Qingyan's loneliness stronger. Due to her staying mostly in the garden she created, she only had a minimal interaction with Su Meilin, who was her daughter's first disciple.
Su Meilin did not even know that Hua Qingyan was Hua Xiran's mother.
If Bai Shuying had not accidentally stumbled into her garden, Hua Qingyan may not have been as close as they are now, but merely acquaintances.
"Is it too much?"
Seeing her hesitate, Elder Hua quickly agreed.
"Sure, I can teach you how to write."
Bai Shuying beamed with joy.
"Yay! Thank you!"
Elder Hua smiled at this and thought.
When will you become my daughter? I can't wait. Maybe I should just adopt her.
If Bai Shuying knew what Elder Hua was thinking, she would have thought.
Too heavy, too fast!
Bai Shuying learned to write from Elder Hua. Do to her great comprehension trait, she learned very quickly, which surprised Elder Hua. After expressing her gratitude, Bai Shuying left.
Elder Hua sipped her green tea in thought.
She does know how to read, but not write. She tries not to owe anyone and she tries to be independent not heavily rely on others. Is she…
Elder Hua did not finish her thoughts. If her guess was right, she would feel her heart ache.
"Sigh, such a lovely child, to harbor such scars."
…
Bai Shuying quickly acquired paper, brush, and ink. Running back to her room, she sat on the cushion and placed her materials on the table.
What kind of story should I write?
Bai Shuying rested her elbow on the table and held her chin, muttering in a low voice.
"The theme is… romance. I should keep it in three volumes. The first volume would be love, the second volume… betrayal, and the third volume… farewell."
Bai Shuying crossed her hands in front of her chest and nodded her head.
I must take cliches and inspiration from the greats!
Bai Shuying recalled all the romance stories she read and the clichés used in them. In her past life, they were overused, but in this life, they are brand new. She picked up her brush, dipped it into ink, and began to write.
She wrote carefully, her expressions shifting as she worked. Sometimes she frowned at the page, pausing to think. Other times, a small smile appeared when she found the right words. Occasionally, her cheeks turned pink, though no one was there to see.
The paper quietly captured thoughts she wouldn't say out loud.
After completing the first volume Bai Shuying reread it to look for mistakes after being satisfied she started to make copies.
I wish there were printers!
Due to her stamina and flexibility traits, copies slowly piled up, and the speed of her hand became faster and faster.
"Phew, 200 copies done."
Bai Shuying wiped the sweat off her forehead and thought.
Now, the most important step in marketing.
"I should create samples and toss them around, then set up a way people can purchase them."
With her hands and face smudged with ink, Bai Shuying smiled, showing her white teeth.
…
Bai Shuying headed to the Task Hall, joining the flow of disciples entering and exiting the busy building.
She showed her token to a disciple at the counter, asking if she could speak to the elder in charge. The disciple was stunned; this was the first time this had happened, but when they looked at the token, they quickly called the elder. The disciple returned with a chubby woman adorned with different types of jewelry. The cubby woman squinted her eyes as if to get a better look at the token. After a moment, she smiled at Bai Shuying and said.
"Is there something you need help with?"
Bai Shuying looked at the elder and nodded her head.
I see, she's quite the merchant flaunting her wealth.
Bai Shuying asked.
"I would like to speak with the elder privately about a business opportunity."
Hearing her words, a flash of curiosity and a little greed flashed through the woman's eyes. She smiled and replied.
"Of course, follow me."
Bai Shuying and the elder in charge of the task hall sat in a private room.
The elder looked at Bai Shuying and spoke.
"I never expected the sect master would accept another disciple."
Bai Shuying replied.
"I recently worshiped the sect master. My name is Bai Shuying."
The elder introduced herself.
"I am Xue Ling, You said you wanted to discuss a business opportunity."
Bai Shuying took a moment to collect her thoughts and said.
"Yes, I would like the task hall to sell my book for me."
Elder Ling raised an eyebrow and a hint of disappointment in her eyes.
I expected a lucrative business that would earn money, but selling a book.
Bai Shuying ignored her reaction and continued to discuss the details of the deal.
"Since the task hall is distributing the book, I will give 20% of the profits to the hall, Elder Ling will receive 10%, and the remaining 70% will belong to me."
Elder Ling did not believe this would make money and felt it was a waste of time.
"That sounds fine to me. How much would you like to sell it for?"
Bai Shuying smiled at her response and thought.
Guess she does not see the value of what I'm selling, too bad. Well, it's good for me.
Bai Shuying tapped her chin with her index finger and replied.
"I'll provide 200 copies. The first 100 can be sold for five small spirit stones, and the rest for ten small spirit stones. If the books are sold out, Elder Ling can contact me for more copies."
Bai Shuying placed the 200 copies from her spatial ring on the table.
Elder Ling shook her head and thought.
Foolish and ignorant. Well, she's the sect master's disciple, I'll help her with this.
Elder Ling stood up and said.
"Well, it was nice meeting you. I'll have this up by today."
Bai Shuying smiled, showing her white teeth, and expressed her gratitude.
"Thank you, Elder Ling."
…
A random female disciple was heading towards the task hall. She noticed a thin book on the ground and picked it up.
"... Love in the… ashes?"
She found that the title was interesting and skimmed through the book.
As she looked through, she soon started to read seriously. Until she was at the last page that showed the author's message.
Hello, Everyone, I am Xiao Bai, the author of the book. It is currently being sold at the task hall. The first 100 copies are five small stones. This is a small sample of the complete book being sold. If you enjoyed my story, please promote it to others.
"I need to know what happens next."
The female disciple ran to the task hall to purchase the complete book. She was not the only one, twenty eight other disciples headed to buy it.
Bai Shuying's focus was mostly on female disciples, so she tossed the samples where they frequently walked.
…
Bai Shuying was an avid reader with all the books she read she simplified romance into four stages: Curiosity, interest, like and love.
In her novel, Su Yan, the heroine, and Ye Ming, the male lead, are two disciples of the same cultivation sect. Their first meeting is anything but conventional, born from a chance encounter during a forbidden midnight excursion. This unexpected moment sparks curiosity in both. Su Yan, reserved yet observant, begins to notice the quiet brilliance in Ye Ming. Meanwhile, Ye Ming, stoic and aloof, finds himself intrigued by Su Yan's resilience and quiet strength.
What begins as a subtle observation soon turns into a quest for understanding. They start seeking each other out under the guise of shared duties or coincidental timing. Their paths cross more often, training together, exchanging insights over tea, and encountering unexpected danger during a sect mission. With each shared moment, their interest deepens, moving past mere curiosity. They begin to look forward to each other's presence, each meeting stirring unfamiliar warmth in their hearts.
As time passes, they quietly slide into the realm of "like." Glances linger a little longer. Hands brush accidentally, and neither pulls away. But both remain silent, each fearing that revealing their feelings might ruin the delicate bond they've built. Misunderstandings and external pressures test their closeness, and the unspoken words weigh heavier with every passing day.
Then, a turning point, perhaps a near-death experience, or the threat of separation, forces them to confront what they've kept hidden. In a moment of emotional vulnerability, one of them confesses, raw and unfiltered. The other, relieved and overwhelmed, returns the feeling with equal intensity.
With their feelings laid bare, the final stage, love, begins. And here, the story turns irresistibly sweet. Readers are treated to tender moments, shared laughter, secret kisses under the moonlight, and the kind of gentle affection that makes the heart flutter. It's a slow, sugary burn that builds until it overflows, a love so wholesome and intense, it leaves readers grinning like fools and metaphorically diabetic from the sheer fluff.
Bai Shuying added cliches like pinching chins and wall bangs to add some flair.