Chapter 378: The Start of the Sect Tournament
Time flew by as tension in Yuan Gate continued to rise each day. While the division trials had only been warm-ups, today marked the arrival of the real storm on the horizon. The Sect Tournament was nothing like friendly sparring; it was a lethal test where a single mistake could lead to bloodshed and death. Not only would participants face monstrous creatures within the ominous Demon Region, but they'd also have to fend off ambushes from disciples of other powerful sects. Survival would demand tight teamwork and formidable strength. A single misstep wouldn't only doom oneself—it could endanger one's entire team.
Yet, amidst the nerves, the Yuan Gate disciples also held a sense of pride. For them, the tournament was a stage to show why Yuan Gate reigned as the most powerful of the Eight Supreme Sects.
At Yuan Gate's central peak, an immense crowd of disciples filled the vast square atop the mountain. Their gazes, tinged with awe and envy, focused on the hundreds of elite disciples standing at the square's center. From them radiated waves of potent energy, filling the entire space like a tidal force. Each of these disciples had reached at least the Seventh Nirvana Stage. They were the cream of Yuan Gate's ranks, selected to represent the sect in this year's tournament, proof of their elite status among their peers.
At the front of the gathering stood several notable figures, including Lin Langtian. Behind him stood trusted disciples from the Fire Division, like Song Yun and Pang Lie, who regarded him with reverence. Lin Langtian's victory in the trials had made him the undisputed leader among the Yuan Gate disciples, commanding respect and loyalty from members of all divisions. Yuan Gate was preparing for the journey to the Demon Region, organizing their ranks and readying their disciples for the coming trials.
As he stood at the front, Lin Langtian's thoughts drifted to the mystery of the ancient map he had recently uncovered. According to its markings, the previous owner's legacy lay in a place within the Chaotic Sea called the Devouring Sea Territory. This discovery filled him with both excitement and apprehension. The Chaotic Sea was tens of thousands of miles away, filled with powerful cultivators, and notorious for its lawlessness. Even though he was the top disciple of his generation in Yuan Gate, he would be merely average among the younger talents there.
"After the tournament, maybe I'll make the journey to the Chaotic Sea," he murmured.
His musings were interrupted by a cold glance from Yuan Cang, who stood at the forefront of the main battalion. Meeting his gaze, Yuan Cang smirked in silent challenge, drawing the attention of nearby disciples. Though Lin Langtian had taken first place in the trials, command of the team had ultimately been given to Yuan Cang. Some disciples even approved of the decision, though they knew Yuan Gate's strongest disciple was still Lin Langtian.
Noticing Yuan Cang's challenging smirk, Lin Langtian returned a cold smile of his own. He knew the command position was a dangerous privilege. Somewhere in the Dao Sect lurked a true warrior who could cause trouble for Yuan Cang.
Suddenly, the sound of rushing wind drew everyone's attention to the platform above. A few figures appeared, led by Yuan Gate's head, Ren Yuanzi, followed by the leaders of the eight divisions. Seeing Ren Yuanzi, a revered figure clad in majestic purple and gold, the disciples immediately quieted.
The Yuan Gate's three leaders were legendary figures, with Tian Yuanzi and Di Yuanzi rarely seen due to constant training in seclusion. Only Ren Yuanzi frequently appeared before the disciples, commanding their utmost respect.
Ren Yuanzi's gaze, deep and wise, swept over the disciples below, his stern, dignified voice resonating across the square.
"As disciples of Yuan Gate, you are well aware of the Sect Tournament's danger and intensity. Therefore, I need not say much. I have one demand: that Yuan Gate, as the leading sect of the Eastern Profound Region, once again demonstrates its supremacy by achieving victory."
The cold steel in his voice grew sharper as he spoke. "Our sect has always produced results at this tournament, outshining the other sects in the Eastern Profound Region. Should any of you falter or disgrace Yuan Gate during the tournament, punishment will be severe."
Ren Yuanzi's gaze bore down on the crowd, filled with expectation and authority. Yuan Gate provided its disciples with elite resources and training, but in return, it demanded loyalty and excellence. The Sect Tournament was their opportunity to repay the sect, with blood if necessary. Yuan Gate did not tolerate weakness.
"For this tournament, Yuan Cang will serve as commander, with Ling Zhen and Lei Qian as his aides. I expect the three of you to bring back the championship for Yuan Gate," Ren Yuanzi declared, casting a glance toward Lin Langtian before shifting to the front row trio, his gaze intense.
"Yes, Master," Yuan Cang responded formally, his expression serious.
"Oh, one more thing." Ren Yuanzi's expression darkened. "The Dao Sect has been a nuisance recently. One of our elders and two commanders recently perished, and it's suspected Dao Sect is behind it. During the tournament, be sure to teach them a harsh lesson. I want the Dao Sect to understand the grave cost of opposing Yuan Gate. Zhou Tong's death was only the beginning."
A dark glint passed through Ren Yuanzi's eyes as he spoke, a malicious grin crossing his lips. Among all the clashes between Yuan Gate and Dao Sect over the years, Zhou Tong's death had been a severe blow, leaving an indelible scar on both sects. Zhou Tong had been a rare talent, feared even by Yuan Gate's three leaders, and it was only by a joint effort that he had been defeated. Had he lived, the power balance between the two sects could have shifted entirely.
Ever since the incident with Zhou Tong, the Dao Sect had struggled, as if it had lost its backbone, unable to stand tall before Yuan Gate. Its reputation among the Eight Supreme Sects had steadily declined. In the original timeline, only after Lin Dong decimated Yuan Gate's tournament disciples did the Dao Sect's morale surge, finally reversing its downward trend.
Of course, Yuan Cang and his two companions knew nothing of their fate in the Demon Region. Thus, when they heard Ren Yuanzi's orders, they nodded eagerly, each one's face revealing a fierce smile. The grudge between Yuan Gate and Dao Sect had deepened over the years, locked in a life-or-death struggle. The two sects clashed brutally at every tournament, and this time would be no different.
Yuan Cang and his team were confident that, with the current strength of Yuan Gate's disciples, they could crush the Dao Sect and leave it with heavy losses once more. Hearing Ren Yuanzi's words, Lin Langtian's gaze narrowed slightly. He knew that the loss of one elder and two Ling Commanders must be the reason he'd noticed that the leaders of the Heavenly and Metal Divisions had changed recently. It suddenly struck him that this might have been Lin Dong's doing. In the original timeline, Lin Dong had slain two Ling Commanders from Yuan Gate before the tournament. With Little Marten and Little Flame aiding him, Lin Dong likely had both the strength and the means.
Lin Langtian's gaze drifted toward Yuan Cang and his companions, his lips curling into a subtle, knowing smile. It seemed Lin Dong's strength in this timeline wasn't far off the original. In that case, these three might be in for a rude awakening.
"This time, the leaders of each division will accompany you to the Demon City. However, once inside the Demon Region, you'll be on your own. Remember, anyone who dares to disgrace Yuan Gate will face the Discipline Division upon their return!" Ren Yuanzi's words sent a chill through the disciples gathered in the square. Yet not a single one showed fear.
Seeing this, Ren Yuanzi nodded approvingly. "If you're ready, then set off! All of Yuan Gate is here, awaiting your victorious return!"
As his words fell, a wave of excitement rippled through the young disciples. The leader of the Heavenly Division stepped forward, gestured to the other division heads, and rose into the sky.
Swish, swish, swish!
The Yuan Gate disciples in the square also took to the air, forming a disciplined formation. As they looked down at the crowd below, they cupped their fists in salute.
"Yuan Gate is invincible!"
"Yuan Gate is invincible!"
The mighty cheers echoed across the mountains, their volume shaking the heavens and stirring the blood of everyone present. Lin Langtian's eyes narrowed slightly. Yuan Gate truly deserved its title as the leading power of the Eastern Profound Region, its disciples carrying an undeniable air of pride.
"Move out!" the head of the Heavenly Division commanded, his voice booming. At his word, he took the lead, launching into the sky with hundreds of disciples following in a synchronized burst of motion. In seconds, the large crowd became a cloud of dark shadows, flying toward the Dao Sect's domain like a storm sweeping across the land.
From his high platform, Ren Yuanzi watched the departing figures with a calm, collected expression. Yuan Gate had achieved top results in every Sect Tournament to date, and this time would be no exception. All he needed to do was wait for the news of their victory.
"We're sending over five hundred disciples to the tournament this year, each chosen from our best in all eight divisions. This is likely the largest force any sect from the Eastern Profound Region has sent. By contrast, the Dao Sect has barely over three hundred," Song Yun explained in a low voice beside Lin Langtian as they flew at the front of the Fire Division disciples.
"How many did the Fire Division send?" Lin Langtian asked.
"Close to a hundred," Pang Lie replied after a moment's thought.
"Oh, that many?" Lin Langtian's eyebrows rose slightly. That was more than the average from each division.
"That's thanks to you, Senior Brother. You've trained us rigorously, so a good number of us were selected. We even sent more than the Heavenly Division," Mo Tie said with a smile. Under Lin Langtian's guidance, he had managed to reach the Seventh Nirvana Stage, just meeting the threshold to join the tournament.
Lin Langtian nodded. That was indeed a solid turnout, and every disciple selected was one of the Fire Division's finest. With the authority to act independently that he had exchanged for the tournament command, the Fire Division now answered to him alone. In a way, these disciples had become his personal force.
"We're heading to the Demon City first, where all the major sects will gather," Song Yun continued. "The other supreme sects are likely on their way as well, so we'll soon meet them there."
"Besides, the tournament isn't limited to the Eight Supreme Sects. Some of the other powerful forces from the Eastern Profound Region will also send their best disciples. Honestly, it's almost like the ultimate competition for the Eastern Profound Region's younger generation. Most of the famous young talents will be there. It's going to be pure chaos," Song Yun said, sounding both tense and eager.
Lin Langtian nodded thoughtfully. Aside from the Eight Supreme Sects, many other powerful groups in the Eastern Profound Region would participate. This meant the number of competitors would be significant.
"If all the other major sects are coming, then the Nine Heavens Taiqing Palace should be there too…" Lin Langtian murmured as a graceful image resurfaced in his mind. She was his first love.
"Qingzhu… Five years have passed. This time, we'll meet face to face."
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Franklin1