The Azure Cloud Sect was ablaze with excitement. Flags adorned the towering peaks, disciples rushed across jade bridges, and the usually quiet sect grounds hummed with energy.
Once every five years, the Outer Sect Tournament was held — the proving ground for thousands of disciples, the stage upon which reputations were forged or destroyed. Victors earned the chance to enter the Inner Sect, access higher-level cultivation manuals, and most importantly… the eyes of elders and peak masters.
This year, however, a new name was on everyone's lips.
Long Chen.
The Buzz Around Long Chen
"Did you hear? Long Chen defeated Senior Wu in one strike. They say he cultivates some kind of dragon technique."
"Tch, who cares? Even if he's talented, the sect has countless geniuses. Zhao Feng alone could crush him."
"Still… something about him feels different. My senior brother said he radiates a pressure like facing a true beast."
The gossips never ended, and Long Chen walked through them like a shadow. His steps were steady, his eyes calm, but his aura carried an undercurrent of dominance that silenced whispers wherever he passed.
Within his mind, the Origin Dao System flickered.
Ding!
[System Reminder]: Outer Sect Tournament in three days. Prepare or perish.
Hidden Condition: Expose your Dragon Bloodline → Reward Multiplied.
Long Chen's lips curved faintly. The System was always cryptic, but he had already accepted its role in his destiny.
In a large martial pavilion, outer sect elites gathered to size each other up. Among them stood Zhao Feng, tall and broad-shouldered, his sword strapped proudly across his back. His eyes gleamed with cold disdain as he listened to the chatter about Long Chen.
"Hmph. That nameless brat dares to steal attention? When the time comes, I'll cut him down with a single strike."
Another disciple sneered, "Zhao Feng, you'll need to be careful. Rumors say he cultivates an unorthodox method. If it truly is a dragon bloodline…"
Zhao Feng's face darkened. Dragon bloodlines were considered supreme — to meet one in the Outer Sect was almost unheard of. But his pride refused to bend.
"Even a dragon must lower its head to a sword."
On the day of the pre-tournament gathering, the sect opened the Moonlit Platform, where elders assessed the participants. Tens of thousands of disciples filled the arena-like courtyard, their chatter shaking the skies.
At the far end of the platform, seated among the Inner Sect's prodigies, was Li Qingyue.
Her presence was like a flawless sculpture of jade and ice, untouchable, ethereal. Her silver hair cascaded like moonlight, and her violet eyes swept across the sea of disciples with indifferent calm.
When her gaze brushed over Long Chen, something flickered. A ripple. It lasted only an instant, yet Long Chen felt his dragon blood stir, as if acknowledging her.
He frowned slightly. Who… is she?
Beside her, an Inner Sect elder whispered, "That's Li Qingyue, one of the most gifted Pure Yin Constitution disciples in the sect's history. Even the Sect Master personally oversees her cultivation."
Long Chen's expression remained calm, but within, curiosity ignited. He had no reason to care about others, yet something about her seemed fated.
Far above, on a jade balcony, Sect Master Ye Tianxing observed silently. His aged eyes lingered on Long Chen for a long while.
"This child…" he muttered. "His fate defies heaven's script."
At his side, an elder asked, "Sect Master, should we investigate his origins?"
Ye Tianxing shook his head. "Not yet. The heavens have brought him to us. Let us see what storms he brings."
As the day drew to an end, Long Chen returned to his chamber. He sat cross-legged, dragon qi swirling around him like a raging tide.
The Outer Sect Tournament was not just a path upward — it was the first stage upon which he would declare his existence to the world.
He clenched his fist. "This tournament will be my first step toward devouring the heavens themselves."
And somewhere beyond mortal sight, a soft, seductive laugh echoed in the void. Mo Lingxi's voice.
"Good… struggle harder, Long Chen. The higher you climb, the sweeter it will be when I claim you."
Her crimson eyes glowed faintly in the darkness, watching him from afar.