The outer courtyard of Starcloud Citadel buzzed with tension and anticipation. It had been three days since Lin Sheng completed his Stability Trials, and already his name was being whispered across taverns, cultivation halls, and even the flying markets.
But all such ripples pointed to one central event—the Assembly of Immortal Lords, an ancient gathering that occurred only once every 500 years in Tianxu Realm. Here, the realm's most powerful sect leaders, rogue immortals, sovereign cultivators, and representatives of foreign worlds met under truce to establish rules, alliances, and dominion.
Lin Sheng had received a black obsidian invitation—delivered via a phoenix-shaped flame courier, which disintegrated upon handing it over.
[System Notice: Assembly Invitation Detected. Status: Observer Tier. Caution: Expect Political Intrigue and Combat Trials.]
He knew the dangers. Observers were the lowest-ranked guests. He would not be allowed to speak unless spoken to, but he would be permitted to witness the full scale of immortal politics. And, as with all things in this world, one could rise from observer to contender—if they had the strength.
The Assembly took place in the Skyward Conclave, a floating citadel built upon the shell of a dormant Void Turtle. From miles away, Lin Sheng could see the runes glowing on the turtle's carapace, forming a dome that shimmered like starlight.
He arrived with minimal fanfare—by design. Cloaked in the humble robe of an inner disciple, his sword sealed and his aura hidden, he passed through dozens of screening wards. Soul-seeking flames flickered over him, judging his intentions.
[System Concealment Module: Active. Identity Shield Stable.]
Inside, the hall defied imagination. Massive pillars of obsidian held up a sky made of illusion and star-essence. Celestial servants hovered, silent and emotionless, offering floating scrolls and spirit tea.
Rows of thrones stretched before a dais of cosmic crystal. Seated on these thrones were beings whose presence could bend space: the Lords of Fire Vale, Frost Citadel, Sky Spiral Domain, and many more. Each bore titles passed down from ancient lineages or earned through millennia of war and conquest.
Lin Sheng quietly took his place among the observers—hundreds of cultivators of varying rank and realm. But his eyes never stopped moving. He noted the shadowy figure of an assassin sect, the dual auras of twin immortals from the Lotus Phantom School, and the unmistakable radiance of a Heavenly Dragon disguised in human form.
A gong rang.
"Let the 94th Assembly commence," announced a voice without a speaker. Perhaps the Hall itself was speaking.
One by one, the Immortal Lords made announcements:
The Flamehold Sovereign demanded tribute from the Stormbreak Archipelago.
The Voidroot Elder proposed neutral trade zones among outer world cultivators.
The Azure Chain Sect declared war on the Golden Spider Clans.
Then came a new declaration.
"We propose the inclusion of a rising star into the Sovereign Trials: Lin Sheng, flame-touched, bearer of the Outer Path."
Gasps echoed. Heads turned.
Lin Sheng remained still.
The announcer continued. "He is to be tested by the Blade of Oaths and the Eye of Karma. Should he survive, he shall be recognized as a candidate for celestial succession."
A shimmering sword appeared in mid-air, followed by a disembodied golden eye that pulsed with fate.
[System Alert: Do not resist the Eye of Karma. Composure required.]
The blade floated before him.
"Place your hand upon it and speak your Dao," the voice instructed.
He stepped forward. Observers murmured. The thrones of power leaned forward, some curious, others clearly hostile.
"I am Lin Sheng. Born of Earth, reborn through flame. My Dao is unyielding will and sovereign evolution. I bend to no fate, but I do not break those beneath me. I ascend not alone, but through legacy."
His hand grasped the sword.
For a moment, silence.
Then the sword glowed, and the Eye of Karma pulsed once.
[Verification Complete. Oath Accepted.]
The crowd erupted into arguments. Some praised him. Others questioned his background.
"Who sponsors this boy?"
"Where did he learn the Dao of Sovereignty so young?"
"This reeks of forbidden lineage."
A familiar voice rang out, strong and feminine. Elder Qiyan, cloaked in crimson, emerged from the side chambers.
"I do. And I will vouch with blood if needed."
Even the Lords paused at that.
The Assembly shifted topics, but Lin Sheng's position was secured. He was now a trial candidate. Not yet a Lord, but no longer an unknown.
The night after the Assembly, Lin Sheng returned to his room at the House of Astral Blossoms. He found a scroll tied with phoenix feather on his table. The wax seal bore an unknown emblem—a lotus split by a serpent.
Breaking it, he read:
"You've stepped onto the chessboard. Not every player seeks your fall. Some await your alliance. Midnight, on the Sky Needle."
He burned the scroll and looked at the moon. His journey was only beginning.
[System Update Available: Unlocking Path of Heavenly Influence.]
Next: Chapter Twelve – The Sky Needle Conspiracy