Not Surnamed Long, Named Tianfan

Many people yearn to be born into a martial arts holy land, possessing great power and wealth from birth. However, for Tianfan, he longed for an ordinary life in an ordinary family, free and easy. Yet, fate had him born into an imperial family, the seventh prince of the Dragon Ascend Dynasty, one of the seven great martial arts holy lands of Shenwu Continent.

"Seventh Prince, the Emperor summons you. The National Teacher has returned and requests your presence," a guard, showing little respect, called from outside the door.

"Understood, you may leave," came the indifferent reply from the room. The guard left nonchalantly. In the room stood a young man in a purple robe, not particularly muscular, slightly frail, with a handsome and delicate face. His thick hair gently fell over his back. This was Tianfan, the seventh prince of the Dragon Ascend Dynasty. Born unable to cultivate, he had endured twenty years of cold and disdainful glances in the dynasty.

Tianfan was reading a book, "Discussing the Dao." Hearing the guard, he frowned slightly, set down the book, and headed outside. Upon reaching the grand hall, the middle-aged Emperor Long Aotian, in golden dragon robes, was smilingly conversing with an elder. Three young men in purple and gold robes stood nearby, all fit and with bright eyes. Two of them were even cultivators of the Cloud Heaven realm, though just at its early stage, they were quite extraordinary.

The cultivation realms in Shenwu Continent were divided into: Foundation Building, Spirit Condensation, Cloud Heaven, Mixed Yuan, and Return to Immortal - five major realms. Emperor Long Aotian had reached the peak of Mixed Yuan.

"Greetings to Father Emperor and the National Teacher," Tianfan entered and saluted them, his tone flat.

Long Aotian's gaze swept over him without any acknowledgment. Two of the princes showed clear disdain, one of them teasingly smiled at Tianfan.

"Today, you are summoned to meet the National Teacher and to prepare for the ancestral tribute in a few days. Understood?" Long Aotian instructed.

"Yes, Father Emperor. However, I wish to speak about one matter. For someone, attending the tribute seems disrespectful to our ancestors," the princes respectfully replied, with the eldest prince Long Batian glancing disdainfully at Tianfan. The second prince Long Youtian also sneered at him.

"No, Father Emperor, we can't exclude Seventh Brother. I disagree," the youngest prince Long Yuyun protested after hearing his brothers' words.

"Yuyun, don't compare that useless one to us," Long Batian scorned.

"Yes, Yuyun, do you know why he's only called Tianfan, not Long Tianfan? Because he doesn't deserve the 'Long' surname!" Long Youtian mocked.

Tianfan, born in the Dragon Ascend Dynasty but unable to cultivate from birth, was destined to be disconnected from the 'Long' surname and faced many restrictions. Even his biological father, Long Aotian, looked down on him. Tianfan chose his own name, wishing for an ordinary life, thus not adopting the 'Long' surname.

Tianfan looked at his brothers indifferently. If he could cultivate, he'd surely beat them severely! Long Aotian, however, remained indifferent, ignoring Tianfan's presence.

Three days later, five golden chariots ascended from the Dragon Ascend Dynasty. "Farewell, Emperor, National Teacher, Princes, and Princesses! Dragon Ascend Invincible!" Thousands of soldiers raised their weapons, their voices thundering across the skies. The chariots, shining brightly, soared towards the heavens and vanished in a blink.

Tianfan thought, if only he could leave forever, that would be wonderful.

The chariots descended near an ancient forest, evoking a strange feeling in Tianfan. Every visit here made him feel a mysterious connection with something in the forest.

Ahead was a grand altar with a statue of a majestic middle-aged man holding a halberd, his gaze straightforward. The statue exuded an air of supreme authority. Long Aotian and the others knelt reverently before it.

The National Teacher didn't kneel but bowed deeply, his face solemn. The man in the statue was deeply respected for creating such a martial arts holy land with his strength and wisdom during dark and chaotic times.

"Yin and Yang create life, accompanied by heaven, the soulless sect of Immortals and Gods, Taiji calming the heart, the gate to rebirth, the ultimate bliss of the Six Paths, transcending the mundane world..." The group recited enigmatic scriptures, their serene aura purifying souls.

Eventually, all fell silent, the scriptures vanishing. Long Aotian stood up, bowing deeply again to the statue. The princes and the playful Princess Long Yueying, who was usually unruly, stood quietly.

"This scripture is extraordinary..." the National Teacher commented solemnly.

"Would you like to study it? I'll pass it on to you," Long Aotian offered, surprised.

"No need, it's of no use to me," the National Teacher declined, gazing towards the mist-shrouded primeval forest and asking, "Are you ready?"

Long Aotian nodded solemnly, looking towards the forest.

Tianfan followed, the mysterious pull growing stronger. The magical forest, always enshrouded in mist, seemed to be calling him.