The aftermath of the tournament was chaos.
The sky above Duan Family Sect was still thick with sword qi and lingering battle essence. Cracked dueling platforms floated in disarray, the banners of each faction torn and bloodied.
Whispers rippled across the courtyard like wildfire.
"The Sword Sovereign Sect crushed every opponent…"
"The Ouyang Family lost all five of their delegates!"
"Lin Feng even defeated Ouyang Yin, their top genius—how terrifying…"
Among the crowd, eyes full of awe — and fear — followed Lin Feng's every step. His robes were torn, his sword arm bleeding, but his presence was calm and majestic, like an unshaken mountain after the storm.
---
Moments earlier, the battlefield had been pure carnage.
Ouyang Yin, the Ouyang Family's first genius, had stood before Lin Feng surrounded by a swirling tempest of shadow flames — a manifestation of the Dark Serpent Bloodline, known to devour the essence of its victims.
"You've humiliated my family enough," Ouyang Yin had snarled, his eyes bloodshot. "I'll take your head for the glory of the Ouyang!"
"Then step up," Lin Feng had said simply, raising his sword.
The moment the gong sounded, the entire stage had erupted. Ouyang Yin's serpent flame slithered like a living beast, devouring the air itself. Lin Feng's azure sword light clashed against the black inferno, each strike echoing like thunder.
"Azure Sword Art — Sixth Stance: Heaven's Reversal!"
"Shadow Flame Serpent Art — Ninth Coil!"
The two techniques collided, and the explosion that followed tore through the arena's protective barrier. Disciples screamed as shockwaves hurled them backward.
Out of the inferno, a single figure stood unshaken — Lin Feng, his sword raised, while Ouyang Yin's body lay sprawled at his feet, his dantian shattered.
Gasps had filled the air.
"The Ouyang Family's number one genius was defeated…"
"He didn't just lose — he was crippled."
And now, hours later, Lin Feng's name had become the echo of victory and terror alike.
---
As Lin Feng stepped down from the platform, Li Yuexin was the first to approach him. She carried her usual composure — calm, radiant, untouchable — yet her eyes softened when they met his.
"You shouldn't have gone that far," she murmured, brushing dust from his sleeve. "Crippling Ouyang Yin publicly will bring their wrath."
Lin Feng smiled faintly. "If I didn't, he would've done the same to me."
Li Yuexin sighed. "You're impossible."
Not far behind her, Sun Mei and Yang Busi watched in silence. The two women said nothing, but the air between them was heavy with quiet rivalry.
Sun Mei's hands clenched slightly. She's always around him lately…
Yang Busi, arms folded, frowned. Even in front of the crowd, she dares act that close?
Lin Feng caught both their gazes, oblivious to the silent tension flickering between them. "You two fought well today," he said with a smile, trying to shift the mood. "The Sword Sovereign Sect should be proud."
Both women nodded politely — though neither looked particularly pleased.
---
By sunset, the courtyard was littered with unconscious disciples and broken platforms.
Only one truth echoed throughout Duan Family Sect:
"The Sword Sovereign Sect dominated all five rounds."
"Not a single Ouyang disciple qualified for the Central Continent gathering."
Humiliation burned in the eyes of the Ouyang Family elders. Ouyang Jin's hand trembled as he stared at Lin Feng from afar, killing intent seething beneath his calm facade.
"You've crossed a line," he muttered under his breath. "The Ouyang Family never forgets."
--
Later that night, a messenger arrived.
"The Patriarch of the Duan Family requests Lin Feng's presence."
Lin Feng followed quietly through the long, dim corridors of the sect hall. The walls were engraved with ancient battle murals — legends of the first Duan ancestors who once ruled the Eastern Continent's skies.
Inside the great hall, Patriarch Duan Ren sat cross-legged beneath a towering spirit flame lantern. His presence alone carried the oppressive weight of a High Legend Realm expert.
"Lin Feng," he said slowly, his voice deep and resonant. "You've done what no one in the Eastern Continent has accomplished in a hundred years — you've made the other sects bow."
Lin Feng bowed slightly. "I only did what needed to be done."
Duan Ren's eyes gleamed. "Yes… but power invites attention — and not all from this realm."
Lin Feng frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"
The old patriarch sighed, lowering his voice. "The Ouyang Family is not just a noble lineage here. Their bloodline originates from the Higher Realm, from a clan once under the dominion of the Heaven Devouring Pavilion."
"The Higher Realm?" Lin Feng repeated, his brows furrowing.
"Yes. For centuries, they've maintained a secret channel between our realm and theirs — smuggling treasures, gathering bloodline descendants, preparing for something. They call it the Descent Project."
Lin Feng's gaze sharpened. "And my victory disrupted that?"
"Your victory humiliated their chosen vessel," Duan Ren said gravely. "Now, they'll come for you — not just with assassins. They'll send envoys from above."
Silence filled the hall. The flickering lantern light cast shadows across Lin Feng's expression — cold, thoughtful, dangerous.
"Then let them come," Lin Feng finally said, his voice steady as a drawn sword. "If the Higher Realm wishes to send its dogs, I'll cut them down the same."
Duan Ren studied him quietly, then nodded. "You remind me of the Sword Sovereign himself. But remember — every step you take forward will shake heaven and earth. Choose your allies carefully."
---
As Lin Feng exited the hall, the moon hung low, its silver glow spilling across the courtyard.
Li Yuexin was waiting for him near the bridge, her robes fluttering in the breeze.
"You met with the Patriarch," she said softly. "He told you, didn't he?"
Lin Feng's eyes met hers. "About the Ouyang Family's connection to the Higher Realm? Yes."
Her expression darkened. "Then you understand what this means. They're not just powerful — they're backed by beings who can end worlds."
"I've faced death before," Lin Feng said calmly. "This won't be different."
She stepped closer, her eyes filled with worry despite her calm tone. "You think it's that simple. But if the Ouyang channel truly connects to the Heaven Devouring Pavilion, their reach extends beyond imagination. Even the Sword Sovereign Sect might not be able to shield you."
Lin Feng smiled faintly, his gaze drifting toward the stars. "If I must carve my own shield with my sword, then so be it."
Li Yuexin's lips pressed together, torn between admiration and fear. "You really are… impossible."
As she turned to leave, she hesitated — then whispered, "Be careful, Lin Feng. You're no longer being hunted by men. You're being watched by gods."
---
Far Beyond the Clouds
High above the mortal realm, deep within a rift of darkness, a pair of crimson eyes opened.
"He defied our vessel and crippled the bloodline of Ouyang Yin," a low voice rumbled.
"Lin Feng… interesting. The child carries a taint of the Nine-Headed Dragon."
Another voice — ancient and cruel — answered from the void:
"Then mark him. When the gates of ascension open, he will be the first to fall."
The darkness rippled — and vanished.