The sky above Qingling was calm—but within its ancestral halls, a storm of whispers gathered.
A shadow-masked informant knelt before Sect Master Lin Tianyan, his cloak soaked with journey and urgency.
"Master… the winds have turned," the man said. "We've intercepted whispers. Multiple sects… and even one royal dynasty. They've formed a hidden alliance—with Qingling as their enemy."
The elders present stilled.
Some exchanged glances. Others clenched their fists.
But Sect Master Lin only chuckled softly, voice calm as still water.
"Power never walks alone. It drags jealousy and disaster by the collar."
"We've reigned too long. This was bound to come."
Elder Mu clenched his cane. "Should we summon our allied sects, Master Lin? If war is what they seek—"
Lin Tianyan raised a hand.
"No need. Not yet. Their aim is not war—it is to cripple the next generation. Their true target lies not in our gates… but in our disciples."
"So we will do what we must." His gaze swept the room like a blade. "We will temper our youth into swords they cannot bend."
The elders nodded in unison.
"Let the world come," Lin said. "Qingling shall answer."
⚡ Scene Shift: Within Xuanye's Seclusion Cave
The chamber of seclusion was silent but alive with qi.
Amidst floating stones and streams of light, Ling Xuanye sat cross-legged, body wrapped in a whirlpool of golden currents.
His soul wandered deeper—into the Sea of Consciousness.
There, suspended in an endless space of dark void and glimmering mist, floated a radiant golden-white light.
It pulsed—beckoning him.
He stepped forward, but the moment his feet neared, a force hurled him backward like a leaf caught in a storm.
"You are not yet worthy," the voice echoed."Only recognition grants you audience."
Xuanye steadied himself.
"And how do I earn that?"
"Kowtow," it replied. "Bow your soul before me. Accept me as your master."
A pause.
Xuanye's eyes narrowed. He folded his arms.
"I don't even know what you are. Why should I kowtow to something I don't understand?"
He turned and started walking away.
"As you wish," came the cold reply."You'll never touch my power."
Xuanye smiled, wickedly playful.
"Fine by me."
Suddenly—light coiled around him and dragged him back.
"I have other methods," the voice said dryly.
"You're not exactly patient, are you?" Xuanye grinned."What are you?"
"In time… you will know," the light replied. "For now… tell me what you've become."
Xuanye raised a brow. "You're nosy for a divine spark."
He continued anyway.
"My father says I've awakened Void Lightning—an elemental trait rarer than phoenix flame. I also possess Spiritual Eyes, though they still grow stronger. My foundation feels different than others..."
The light hummed with curiosity.
"Interesting... Very interesting."
"What if I give you something more?" it said suddenly.
"What kind of 'more'?" Xuanye raised a brow. "You're not trying to buy my loyalty, are you?"
"Greedy child," the light laughed."Very well. One fragment. Just one percent of my true power."
A sudden torrent of white-gold qi surged from the light and enveloped Xuanye's soul. His bones cracked and realigned. His dantian howled like a star imploding. Qi stormed his meridians with divine fury.
"This… this power—!" he gasped.
"With this, you could kill a Late Essence Integration cultivator in one strike… if your body survives it."
Within moments, his cultivation leapt—past Middle Core Formation, past Late Stage—
And finally… Essence Integration Realm (Nascent Soul) – Early Stage.
But then the light pulsed again, whispering:
"This power must remain hidden. You are not yet ready to be known."
It shrouded his aura, sealing his cultivation at Middle Core Formation outwardly, though within, he had become something else entirely.
🌕 A Day Before the Tournament – Sect Hall
Xuanye emerged from his cave the next morning, robe fluttering, hair glowing faintly with divine sheen. His every step carried a rhythm of silence and force.
He headed straight to the Main Hall, where his father awaited.
Su Feilí was already there.
She turned, smiling—but her eyes sharpened. She saw it. She felt it. Something in him had changed.
"Middle Core Formation," his father remarked. "Hm. Not bad. You're steady, even in opportunity."
But a flicker of suspicion danced in Lin Tianyan's gaze. Something didn't add up.
Su Feilí, who had broken through herself—now a Late Core Formation Realm cultivator—smiled gently, saying nothing. She, too, could sense it.
But loyalty kept her silent.
"Tomorrow," Lin Tianyan said, standing. "Tomorrow, the continent will watch."
🏯 Across the Sect — Guest Quarters Prepare
Tens of sects, dozens of empires, each with their disciples and heirs, began to arrive.
Golden carriages rolled through clouds. Beast-mounted squads landed on towers. Courtyards were filled with murmurs of strength, pride, and hidden agendas.
Qingling Sect, the mountain of heaven itself, had become the stage.
And in its heart, a hidden storm was preparing to awaken.
To be continued...