CHAPTER 8
Storm Before the Tournament
The days leading to the Grand Sect Tournament passed like a brewing storm calm on the surface, but charged with tension beneath.
The entire sect buzzed with anticipation. Disciples trained double, even triple their usual routines, hoping to shine in the grand event. But no name was spoken more than one: Ye Tian.
In the Inner Sect, a group of elite disciples gathered in secret. Among them was Shen Yu, elder Shen's direct disciple, his eyes cold and calculating.
"He humiliated Lin Fei… and now he walks like he owns the sect," Shen Yu said, his voice low but filled with venom. "He's only been here a few weeks. What right does he have?"
A senior disciple scoffed. "Rumor is he's reached Core Formation already."
Shen Yu's eyes narrowed. "Then we'll crush him before he takes another step. The Grand Sect Tournament will be his downfall."
Meanwhile, deep in the mountains behind the sect, Ye Tian stood beneath a waterfall. His robes were soaked, but his focus was unwavering. Each drop of water that struck him was like a hammer, testing the limits of his body and soul.
[Ding! Physical Endurance Training Complete.]
[+200 Constitution]
[Progress toward Heaven Shattering Palm – Second Form: 64%]
He exhaled slowly, golden light faintly shimmering beneath his skin.
Suddenly, a figure approached, stepping lightly across the rocks. It was Su Ran, the cold beauty of the Inner Sect, known for her frost-elemental sword techniques.
"You're not like the others," she said, her voice soft but piercing.
Ye Tian opened his eyes, unfazed. "And you didn't come here just to say that."
Su Ran studied him. "I came to warn you. There are those who fear what you represent. They'll do anything to stop you."
Ye Tian stood, water cascading off his body like light. "Let them come."
She hesitated, then added, "The Sect Master is watching you closely. He sees something… dangerous." She turned to leave, but paused. "Be careful, Ye Tian. Not all storms are loud before they strike."
As she disappeared into the mist, Ye Tian clenched his fist. The image of a palm breaking the sky shimmered behind his eyes.
Back at the sect, tension reached its peak. Posters announcing the Grand Sect Tournament were plastered across stone walls and spirit halls. Hundreds of disciples signed up, all hoping to test themselves against the best.
But in hushed corners, a different kind of preparation was underway.
Poisoned pills. Traps. Secret alliances.
And at the center of it all—Ye Tian.
That night, as the moon hung high and silver, Ye Tian returned to his chamber. The system interface flickered before him.
[Ding! Side Mission Unlocked: Survive the Shadows.]
[Objective: Endure all assassination attempts before the tournament.]
[Reward: 10 Quadrillion Spirit Stones + Shadowstep Movement Technique]
Ye Tian's eyes gleamed. "So they're finally making their move…"
Suddenly, a blade flashed from the shadows behind him.
But Ye Tian didn't flinch. His hand moved like lightning, grabbing the assassin mid-strike. A flick of his wrist and the attacker was slammed into the stone floor, unconscious.
He stepped over the body, calm as ever.
"One down."
He looked outside, toward the arena in the distance. The storm was coming.
And he was the eye at its center.