The night sky above the Southern Heavens was dyed a deep, unsettling crimson. A thin veil of clouds crawled across the heavens like a wounded serpent, and the blood-red glow of the moon seemed to pulse with a violent heartbeat. It was a night that announced catastrophe long before any messenger could. And within the vast territory of Ironblood Peak, the disciples felt it—an oppressive weight spreading through the air, thick enough to choke weaker cultivators. It was as if the world itself was preparing for the war that would soon stain the mountains with corpses.
Amid this eerie glow, Leon stood at the highest platform of the sect's war pavilion. His tall figure was framed by the flickering lantern-light, casting long shadows behind him. His cloak fluttered in the cold wind, revealing the battle scars etched across his arms—each one a testament to the countless enemies he had slain in his life. When he finally spoke, his voice carried across the mountain like thunder rolling across the sky.
"Within three days," he began, "the Bloodthirst Demon Sect will move. Their scouts are already within range. They think we haven't noticed, but they are wrong."
Several elders bowed behind him, their expressions grim. Even those who were known for arrogance or confidence now held respectful silence.
Leon turned slightly, his sharp gaze sliding toward Ye Tian—the MC—who stood just behind the front line of disciples. He felt the sect master's gaze like a spear piercing through him.
"You have grown rapidly," Leon said, his tone surprisingly neutral. "Too rapidly. Even my own elders do not advance at such a pace without heavy resources. But growth without tempering is fragile. This war will determine whether you are steel or rotten wood."
Ye Tian bowed, though his eyes held a fiery determination. "Sect Master, I won't disappoint you. I will handle my role."
"We shall see," Leon answered coldly. "This war is not just against an enemy sect—it is against fate, ambition, and the cruelty of this cultivation world. If you cannot spill blood, you will have no place in it."
His words echoed like a death sentence.
But instead of fear, Ye Tian felt excitement ignite in his veins. His rebirth, his system, his fate—they all led to this moment. The Sect War Arc would be where he carved his legend.
---
As dawn approached, Ironblood Peak was transformed. Disciples trained endlessly, their roars shaking the mountain. The clang of steel on steel, the explosive bursts of qi, the scent of forging flames—the entire sect was a war machine awakening from slumber.
In the central courtyard, Ye Tian was surrounded by several core disciples. One of them, a tall girl with pale silver eyes named Lan Mei, whispered nervously,
"Do you think the rumors are true? That the Bloodthirst Demon Sect cultivates using human hearts?"
Ye Tian didn't respond immediately. His system had already shown him glimpses of their methods—techniques that stole life force, rituals that drained souls. Compared to them, Ironblood Peak was righteous.
"Whether it's true or not," Ye Tian finally replied, "they're coming for us. That's enough."
Another disciple, a muscular youth named Fang Chen, cracked his knuckles. "Good. I want to see their expressions when we slaughter their elites. I've been waiting years to prove myself."
"You will get your chance," Ye Tian said.
But he didn't mention what his system had just revealed.
**Ding! System Mission:
*First Blood of War!*
Objective: Kill 10 disciples of the Bloodthirst Demon Sect.
Reward: +2 Levels, Random Ability Chest.**
His eyes narrowed. It seemed even fate encouraged him to bathe in blood.
---
By midday, Leon gathered the most elite group of disciples—those who would participate in the first strike. They stood before him, a thousand strong, their auras burning like torches. Leon surveyed them with a solemn expression.
"For centuries," he began, "our Ironblood Peak has been both feared and respected. But this time, they dare challenge us openly, thinking our defenses have weakened."
His voice suddenly roared like a tempest.
"WE WILL SHOW THEM WHO WE ARE!"
The mountain shook as disciples echoed the cry.
"IRONBLOOD! IRONBLOOD! IRONBLOOD!"
Leon raised one hand, silencing them instantly.
"Listen well. This is not a simple conflict. The Demon Sect has allied with two minor sects, and they plan to catch us in a three-pronged assault. But before they can execute their plan, we will strike at their vanguard."
He pointed at a massive war map hovering in the air.
"They have a camp hidden near the Shadowpine Valley. That will be your first battlefield."
He then pointed… directly at Ye Tian.
"And *you* will lead the first squad."
The scene froze.
Disciples turned. Eyes widened. Some filled with jealousy, some with shock, some with disbelief. Even elders exchanged confused looks.
Ye Tian stepped forward slowly.
"Me? Sect Master, wouldn't it be better if someone more experienced—"
Leon cut him off with an icy glare.
"I chose you," he said. "Do you dare refuse?"
Ye Tian knelt instantly. "I accept."
A faint smirk tugged at Leon's lips—one that vanished just as quickly.
"Good. Do not die. If you do, I will be disappointed."
---
That afternoon, Ye Tian gathered his squad of one hundred. They consisted of elite disciples—fast, lethal, and loyal. Lan Mei and Fang Chen stood beside him.
"Captain," Lan Mei said with a bow, "orders?"
Ye Tian took a deep breath and looked over the group. His system pulsed with excitement, feeding him tactical suggestions, potential enemy formations, and hidden paths through Shadowpine Valley.
"We move at night," he said. "Silently. We will strike like shadows, kill their scouts, infiltrate their camp, and destroy their communication talismans. That will buy Ironblood Peak the advantage."
Fang Chen grinned. "Finally, real action."
But Ye Tian wasn't smiling.
He could feel the murderous intent of the Demon Sect even from here. Tonight would not be simple. There would be traps, ambushes, assassins—maybe even elders.
The sky slowly darkened, the blood moon rising once more.
Ye Tian stared at it and whispered,
"War begins."
The hundred disciples behind him tightened their grips on their weapons. Their breathing slowed. Their hearts hardened.
Shadowpine Valley awaited.
And with it, the first battlefield of a war that would shake the entire cultivation world.