Realm 2 — Vanyrion's Southern Frontier
The Vanyrion Guardians left them battered — but alive.
The message was clear:
"You're not welcome here."
Kaelen watched their retreating forms.
"We'll make them regret that."
System Notification: Cultivation Path Initialization — Realm 2 Active
[To establish stable influence in this realm, you must begin from the foundational cultivation sectors]
[Recommended Path: Join local sect / clan to access Qi Pools, Artifact Forges, and Training Grounds]
[Tier Available: Iron Sky Sect — Mid-Tier Outer Sect | Reputation: Ruthless but practical]
[Distance: 12 miles east]
Kaelen turned to the others.
"We're going in."
"We'll climb their hierarchy from the inside."
POV: Aria Valen
She smiled faintly, cracking her knuckles.
"Let's see what their 'foundations' look like."
The Iron Sky Sect — Arrival
The sect gates rose from blackstone cliffs,
carved into the face of a mountain split by lightning.
Dozens of initiates in iron-stitched robes trained below —
sword forms, qi techniques, barrier weaving, soul cleansing.
When Kaelen and his group approached, the training stopped.
Eyes turned.
Sneers followed.
Whispers hissed:
"Outsiders."
"From a lesser realm."
"They won't last a week."
Gate Guardian's Challenge
A broad-shouldered cultivator with a jagged glaive blocked their path.
"Name your reason for being here."
Kaelen stepped forward, tone even.
"To earn power."
"To climb."
The guardian snorted.
"Prove it. Trial by Iron Flame. All of you."
Trial by Iron Flame
They were taken to the Fire Cavern —
a natural forge of flowing spiritual flame that tests soul resilience.
Only those whose cores don't fracture pass.
They entered, one by one.
Aria emerged with her qi burning brighter
Mira walked out untouched by fire
Selina healed through pain
Lyra adapted mid-test, laughing through the pressure
Valessia clenched her fists and endured with royal pride
Kaelen… stepped into the flame,
and the flame bowed
The fire pulsed once—
then flickered to crimson gold.
The guardian's eyes widened.
"You're… what are you?"
Kaelen just said:
"Accepted?"
System Notification
[Iron Sky Sect Entry: Granted]
[New Title: Outer Disciples — Status: Monitored]
[Objective Updated: Climb the Sect Rankings]
[Inner Disciple Eligibility: Pending First Victory in the Sect Arena]
Final Scene
As night fell, Kaelen and his companions stood at the base of the Iron Sky Sect,
robes now marked with the flame-symbol of initiates.
They had no allies.
No reputation.
No resources.
Just one truth.
Start at the bottom.
Break the top.