Aorah

Aorah Manor –

In the most prosperous central district of Noah City stood a rather aged residence.

Its massive size was akin to the fabled Ruyi Jingu Bang that pinned down the Eastern Sea—grand and imposing, seemingly guarding all of Noah City.

Unlike the ostentatious style favored by self-proclaimed nobles, the manor’s exterior was modest, almost ancient. And yet, beneath that humble façade lay a silent gravity—an impression of time condensed.

Several paintings lined the corridor walls in perfect symmetry, like ministers paying solemn tribute to an emperor.

Inside one of the rooms, a middle-aged man reclined comfortably, eyes closed in quiet meditation. He swirled a glass of deep red wine—clearly high-grade—and took small sips from time to time.

Knock, knock.

“Father, it’s me.”

The man opened his eyes slowly and said, “Come in.”

A blue-haired figure entered in haste, his demeanor flustered—he clearly had urgent news.

“Father, the debt collectors we sent out… they’ve all—”

“—Died?” the man finished for him, waving a hand dismissively. “It’s nothing worth fussing over. Anyone working that job must be ready to provoke dangerous prey. Their deaths are… insignificant.”

“But… it’s said the Xi family’s young master… he’s awakened? And seems completely different now.”

“Oh? Different how?”

“Unlike before—when he was lifeless and seemingly eager to escape the world—now his eyes are like they’re hiding storms of blood and thunder. One spark, and they might erupt.”

“Of course, that’s just what a few surviving collectors said. I can’t verify the truth.”

“No matter. Even if he has recovered, what of it?”

“These past few years, our Aorah Family has grown far beyond its former self. Even back when the Xi family was at its peak, we could still go toe-to-toe with them. And now? They’re nothing but a toothless old hound.”

“Our eyes should look farther ahead. By the way, Harry—have you advanced yet?”

“Yes, Father. I’ve reached [Mortal Dust] Tier Five. I’m close to awakening my [Oath Wish].”

“Hahahaha! Excellent! Excellent! The Aorah line shall not end with me!”

“You don’t need to concern yourself with these petty matters for now, Harry. Your real focus should be on the opportunity that will define your future.”

“You mean the selection for Rhine Academy, soon to be held in the royal capital?”

The man nodded.

“That’s the real battlefield.”

Rhine Academy—one of the most powerful institutions across the entire continent of Tanggrelia. It gathered, trained, and refined talent from all over.

Almost all those who had reached or surpassed the [True Manifestation] realm had some affiliation with Rhine Academy.

And its graduates typically started at [True Manifestation]. The most talented among them could even reach the [Immortal] level—and potentially be invited back to teach.

That was the source of the Academy’s arrogance.

Every teacher, without exception, was at least an [Immortal].

That level of power… was enough to shake the entire continent.

“Prepare well, my son. As for Noah City’s current affairs, leave them to me.”

The man’s gaze drifted toward the Xi family manor in the distance, eyes burning with ambition.

“The Xi family? They’re just dust from a bygone era.”

Meanwhile, Sui Ming wandered the streets alone, his eyes scanning everything around him.

It had been three days since his arrival in this world.

And finally—he had to admit it.

He really was nothing but a stranger here.

His situation was like a country bumpkin stepping into a big city, muscles rippling with rural strength, striding proudly through unfamiliar streets.

Sure, he was tougher than your average city guy.

But come on—who argues with muscles anymore? When you can just fire a shot of “truth” into someone’s head from a distance, why bother wrestling?

And right now, Sui Ming was that bumpkin.
In a world where everyone had strange powers…

…he was just a regular human being.

Thankfully, Uncle Ai had filled him in on a few things.

Magic power here was categorized into five major realms:

[Mortal Dust], [Gold Vein], [True Manifestation], [Immortal], and [Near-God].

And the man they’d ‘accidentally’ killed the other day?
Apparently a [Mortal Dust] Tier Two.

Such people were just a bit stronger than normal humans. No real magic tricks.
No wonder he died so easily.

After learning that, Sui Ming couldn’t help but look up to the sky and cry out in anguish.

Shouldn’t he, the transmigrated protagonist, have some sort of cheat?

A mysterious old man in a ring?
A golden finger system?
“Hehehe… Young man, do you want to become stronger?”

He looked down at the ring on his hand.

It was always with him.

He was this close to getting on his knees and begging it to activate.

“…Sigh. Whatever. As the saying goes—don’t rely on the heavens. Rely on yourself.”

As for becoming a magic user?
He didn’t even dare dream about that right now.

All he had going for him was the knowledge and experience from his previous life—enough to hopefully catch the locals off guard.

“…Life’s so unpredictable… like sausage wrapped in sausage.”

Clunk.

Something bumped his shoulder. A chill, slippery sensation scraped across his hand.

He looked down—
His pale-purple ring was gone.

Not far ahead, a black-robed figure slipped around the corner.

“…Seriously? A thief daring to rob from me? You think you’re the Monkey King, stealing peaches in heaven?”

Sui Ming launched into motion. His feet slammed into the ground, kicking up dust as he blasted forward like a human missile.

The cloaked figure glanced back—only to see a dark blur charging after her at terrifying speed.
It was like being chased by a freight train.

“…Oh? A speed contest? I’m game.”

The figure surged forward, her black robes glowing with a strange green light.

And thus, the two F1 racers darted through the streets at lightning pace, sandstorms trailing behind them, leaving bystanders dazed and coughing.

At last, the chase reached its end.

The cloaked figure stopped—cornered.

The dead-end alley loomed before them.

From the start, Sui Ming had been herding her toward this spot.

After all, he’d spent the past few days aimlessly wandering around Noah City, and had formed a rough mental map of the place.

Now, even he was panting heavily, one hand bracing against the alley wall.

“Damn… You run fast. What is this, the Olympics? Do thieves need sports licenses now? Is society really this cutthroat?!”