Mo Xuan had known something the moment she opened her eyes in this world.
This world… was ruled by Shards.
More precisely, by something called Qiao.
The World of Shards was vast beyond imagination.
Fortunately for her, she was not entirely ignorant of it. In her previous life, she had studied similar concepts deeply.
That was why, when she found the book "World of Shards", she was genuinely surprised.
"Hmm… how interesting."
She flipped through the pages slowly.
"The World of Shards, or Qiao, is not merely a place or a simple power. It is the foundation upon which everything in this world exists."
Her eyes moved carefully across the text.
"Every idea, every balance of life, originates from Shards.
Every individual born into this world is
surrounded by them."
Yet they could not be seen with the naked eye.
Nor could they be touched.
Only those who perceived the true source of energy could sense them.
"Shards are not a single form of power," she continued reading quietly. "They are a multi-faceted essence."
Her gaze sharpened.
"One can imagine them as a vast interconnected network. Each node interacts with another, yet every path possesses its own function."
The book explained that these paths could be used in simple ways—or integrated into deeper systems depending on the intelligence of the one wielding them.
There was a fundamental rule governing the world:
Everything originates from Shards.
And everything could be controlled through the understanding of Qiao.
True knowledge came not from possessing power…
But from knowing when and how to use it.
The book listed several known paths.
Qiao of Strength.
Qiao of Mind.
Qiao of Fire.
Qiao of Ice.
Qiao of Spirit.
And many others developed by the ancient ancestors.
"In the world of Qiao, not all souls are equal, and not all senses perceive the same energy."
Because of this, every individual was tested once they reached a certain age.
The test determined their energy potential.
Mo Xuan turned another page.
"Every person is born with a small inner core of energy. However, it remains dormant."
This core was called the Shard Aperture.
It was a point within the body—or sometimes within the mind—usually located near the center of the chest or behind the skull.
The aperture served as a gateway.
A connection between the body, the mind… and the Shards themselves.
Through it, Qiao energy could be stored and refined.
"The awakening of the aperture occurs in unusual ways," the book continued.
In rare cases, some individuals were born with their aperture partially awakened.
But for most people, it remained dormant until the Clan Examination revealed its true nature.
Mo Xuan closed the book slowly.
"Qiao…"
She whispered softly.
"What an interesting world."
The truth was…
None of this was truly unfamiliar to her.
In her previous world, she had been obsessed with knowledge.
She had studied countless theories about energy, dimensions, and the hidden structures of reality.
Sometimes she even joked that she had tried to understand everything.
So encountering such a system here…
Felt strangely natural.
Before she could continue reading, a voice suddenly called from outside.
"Mo Xuan!"
"Mo Xuaaaan!"
She looked toward the door.
"Your clothes are ready," Su Yi shouted.
"Hurry up and prepare yourself. Tonight is the beginning of the festival."
"The festival will last for an entire week," Su Yi added. "Many clans will come. It's an opportunity to improve our connections."
Mo Xuan remained silent.
"Shards… what fortunate timing," she murmured.
Night arrived quickly.
The entire Ming Lan Clan soon became filled with light.
Lanterns hung from wooden pillars and rooftops, glowing like small stars scattered across the streets.
Music drifted through the air.
Laughter, voices, and footsteps blended together as crowds filled the roads.
Merchants prepared their stalls.
Clan members wore their ceremonial clothing.
The women moved gracefully in their elegant Vali garments, their silk ribbons flowing behind them like delicate feathers.
The men stood tall in their Qing Fu robes, exuding dignity and authority.
Inside the house, however, Su Yi suddenly gasped.
"Mo Xuaaaan! What is this? Why haven't you worn the clothes I prepared for you? Do you know how much money I spent on them?"
"My money," Mo Xuan replied quietly under her breath.
But no one heard her.
"While all the other children are outside preparing, you will be the only strange one among them," Su Yi complained angrily before storming away.
In another room, she spoke to her husband while adjusting his clothing.
"That girl is truly troublesome," Su Yi whispered irritably. "I told you before—we must get rid of her as soon as possible. She only brings misfortune."
She lowered her voice further.
"If she grows up and discovers the wealth she inherited, we will be in serious trouble."
Her husband chuckled softly.
"Relax, Su Yi," he said with a calm smile.
"Let the festival pass peacefully. After that… we can discuss what to do with her."
Mo Xuan had heard everything.
Every word.
But her expression did not change.
So what?
After all…
They were the ones who had started this.
If things went wrong, they would only have themselves to blame.
"Li Bing fang, Hao Jing fang! Let's go!" Su Yi called.
"Mother, what about Mo Xuan?" Li Bing fang asked curiously.
"Mo Xuan doesn't want to come," Su Yi replied impatiently. "Come quickly."
Mo Xuan glanced at the clothes they had prepared for her.
This might be the worst thing anyone could possibly wear.
Without hesitation, she changed back into her usual black clothing and stepped outside.
Night had fully fallen.
The clan glowed under countless lanterns.
People filled every corner of the streets.
Children laughed while chasing one another through the crowds.
The scent of roasted meat and sweet pastries drifted through the air.
Musicians played lively melodies while performers entertained the guests.
As Mo Xuan wandered through the streets, a large caravan suddenly approached from the main road.
Several heavy wagons rolled forward, escorted by guards.
At the front stood a fat man riding proudly.
"Looks like the caravan leader," Mo Xuan thought.
People nearby began whispering.
"That's the Lion Min Caravan."
"They come every year."
"Did the First Elder invite them again?"
Mo Xuan's eyes glimmered faintly.
A caravan…
Perhaps I can learn more about how this world truly works.
Then suddenly—
She sensed something strange.
A presence.
Her gaze shifted slightly.
Not far away stood a boy roughly her age.
Long black hair.
Eyes as deep and dark as an abyss.
For a brief moment, their gazes met.
The boy froze.
Then suddenly—
He turned and ran.
Mo Xuan watched him disappear into the
crowd.
She didn't chase him.
"Perhaps he was just another child from that group."
But for a brief moment…
She had clearly felt something unusual.
An energy.
A faint ripple within the world of Qiao itself.