The Celestial Warlord Tournament—a grand event held once every fifty years—had finally arrived.
It was the stage where prodigies from across the continent gathered, where geniuses from sects, clans, and ancient races battled for supremacy.
But this year was different.
This year, the Verdant Sky Sect had brought an unknown disciple to compete.
A youth whose very presence shattered the balance of the younger generation.
A youth whose name had begun to spread through the upper echelons of power like wildfire.
Alexander Magnus.
---
Verdant Sky Sect's Arrival
The grand Celestial Warlord Arena was built upon the Sky Piercing Mountain, a massive floating landmass held together by ancient formations.
Tens of thousands of cultivators filled the colossal stone seats, watching as legendary sects, noble clans, and powerful factions made their entrance.
The air was filled with tension.
And when the Verdant Sky Sect arrived—the entire arena turned silent.
"...That's them."
"Wait, is it true? Did they really bring him?"
The murmurs spread like wildfire.
Then, he appeared.
Alexander Magnus walked at the forefront, clad in a simple black and gold battle robe. His steps were calm, unhurried—as if he were walking through an ordinary marketplace.
But every step he took shook the hearts of those watching.
His aura was restrained, but his very existence exuded absolute dominance.
The moment his golden eyes scanned the surroundings—several young prodigies instinctively took a step back.
Not from choice.
But from instinctual fear.
He hadn't even released a shred of power.
Yet their bloodlines trembled.
"...So that's him."
In the VIP stands, powerful figures watched closely.
A figure clad in dark crimson battle armor narrowed his eyes.
General Kael Vortanis.
A warlord whose mere name sent tremors through the battlefield.
His gaze locked onto Alexander.
And a deep, inexplicable sense of danger crept into his heart.
"This youth…" he muttered. "There's something unnatural about him."
Next to him, an elder from an ancient celestial sect spoke in a solemn tone.
"He is beyond unnatural, General Kael. He is a walking calamity."
Kael frowned.
"…Explain."
The elder's voice dropped to a whisper.
"He was born with both the Ancient Saint Body and the Heavenly Overlord Body."
Kael's expression froze.
Then—his fists clenched.
Impossible.
A being like that should not exist.
And yet—here he was.
Alexander Magnus had already begun rewriting history just by stepping into this tournament.
---
Tournament Announcements
The Grand Overseers of the tournament—elders from the Supreme Warlord Sect—stepped forward.
A golden light descended from the sky, amplifying their voices across the arena.
"The Celestial Warlord Tournament shall now commence!"
The rules were simple.
Thousands of participants would battle in elimination rounds.
Only the top ten would qualify for the Celestial Warlord Rankings.
The top three would gain access to forbidden inheritances hidden in the realm.
The first stage?
Battle Royale.
All competitors would be thrown into a massive battlefield—and only the last 500 standing would move on.
The moment the rules were announced—
A chilling aura filled the air.
Murderous intent.
For many sects and clans—this tournament was not just a competition.
It was war.
Many had already formed temporary alliances to eliminate threats.
And the greatest threat of all?
Alexander Magnus.
---
Entering the Battlefield
A portal opened, transporting all participants to a colossal war-torn wasteland.
BOOM!
The moment they arrived—battles erupted everywhere.
Sects fought sects.
Clans hunted down lone cultivators.
Beasts from ancient bloodlines rampaged.
And in the middle of it all—
Alexander stood, untouched.
More than a hundred cultivators surrounded him.
Some were young prodigies.
Others were hired assassins sent by rival sects.
All had the same goal—eliminate him before he could reach the final stages.
One of them, a peak Grandmaster Realm cultivator, sneered.
"It's over, Alexander Magnus."
The others stepped forward, forming an encirclement.
A hundred killing intents locked onto him.
And yet—
Alexander smiled.
"Come."