CHAPTER 9
The Gathering Storm Dark
Clouds loomed over the peaks of the Azure Sky Sect as if sensing the turbulence that brewed within its walls. With only days left before the Grand Sect Tournament, the entire sect felt like a drawn bowstring tense, silent, and ready to snap.
In the secluded training grounds of the outer sect, Ye Tian stood alone, his robe fluttering in the wind. Around him, shattered boulders and scorched earth bore witness to the terrifying power of the Heaven Shattering Palm. Each strike he unleashed tore through the air with such force that even Core Formation experts would hesitate to block it head-on.
[Ding! Progress Update: Heaven Shattering Palm mastery — 56%.] [Ding! Side Mission Activated: Master the Heaven Shattering Palm before the Grand Sect Tournament. Reward: Unknown.]
Ye Tian exhaled slowly. "Still not enough…" He raised his hand. The air twisted violently as golden energy gathered in his palm. He struck again—this time, a crater dozens of meters wide exploded into the ground. Yet still, he felt it—something missing.
A sliver of comprehension just out of reach. From the shadows, a figure emerged. "Still chasing perfection?" It was Lan Xue, the sole disciple who dared speak to Ye Tian as an equal. Cold and aloof, she was known as the Ice Phoenix of the inner sect, her beauty matched only by her sword. Ye Tian didn't turn. "I don't plan to lose."
Lan Xue walked closer, her steps silent. "You won't. But they're preparing too. Especially the Five Pillars." Ye Tian's brow tightened. "The Five Pillars?" She nodded.
"The strongest inner sect disciples—each one a prodigy groomed personally by the elders. They've retreated into seclusion just for this tournament.
Rumor says even Lin Fei was only the weakest among them." Ye Tian's eyes narrowed. "Then I'll crush them all." Lan Xue looked at him for a moment, then smirked. "Arrogant as ever." Suddenly, a loud gong echoed across the mountains.
BOOM!
A voice, infused with spiritual energy, rang through the skies. "All disciples participating in the Grand Sect Tournament—report to the Sky Ascension Pavilion within the hour!"
Ye Tian turned toward the source of the voice. His eyes gleamed with anticipation.
[Ding! Tournament Countdown: 6 Days Remaining.] At the Sky Ascension Pavilion, dozens of disciples gathered—each radiating powerful auras. Some looked calm, others nervous. When Ye Tian arrived, all heads turned. Conversations ceased.
"That's him…" "Ye Tian." "The one who defeated Lin Fei." But standing atop the pavilion were five figures, each exuding terrifying pressure. The Five Pillars. One stepped forward, his gaze cold and sharp as a blade. He wore crimson robes embroidered with golden flames.
"So you're the one who's been making noise lately." Ye Tian met his gaze calmly. "And you are?" "Wu Jian. First of the Five. Remember the name—you'll be kneeling before it soon." A silent tension fell between them.
Then, Wu Jian smirked. "Let's see how far your arrogance takes you." Ye Tian's answer was a calm smile. But beneath that smile, his qi surged like a dormant volcano. The storm had arrived. And soon… it would break.