The Inner Sect's grand arena was alive with unparalleled energy. Banners of jade and gold fluttered in the wind, and the air shimmered with pure spiritual Qi. This was the Grand Inner Sect Tournament, a once-in-a-decade event that would test not only strength, but strategy, composure, and the ability to seize destiny.
Li Tian stood at the edge of the arena, the Devouring Core pulsing faintly beneath his chest. The first glow of the purple aura reflected his mastery of the Spirit Realm, a mark few mortals had ever achieved.
Around him, disciples of exceptional talent prepared for combat. Many had spirit roots of the rarest kind, elemental affinities that could dominate the battlefield—but Li Tian's presence caused a stir.
Whispers ran through the crowd:
"Did you see the mortal with no spirit root? He survived the Spirit Realm!"
"He's the one… the Devouring Core… it's terrifying!"
"Even Zhao Ming looks cautious…"
Opening Ceremony
The lead elder rose to address the disciples. "Welcome to the Grand Inner Sect Tournament. Victory will not only bring honor but rank, recognition, and access to resources unavailable to ordinary disciples. Let the matches begin."
Li Tian exhaled slowly, centering himself. Every heartbeat of the Devouring Core resonated with his calm determination. This was the moment to prove himself, not just to the sect, but to fate itself.
Han Xue appeared at the sidelines, her eyes keenly observing. "Remember," she whispered, "power is not everything. Strategy wins battles. And watch your enemies closely—they will exploit the slightest mistake."
First Match: The Mortal Against the Elemental Prodigy
Li Tian's first opponent was a disciple born with triple fire spirit roots, known for his devastating ranged attacks. The bell rang, and fireballs erupted from his palms, surging like a living wall.
Li Tian's Core pulsed instinctively. Flames were absorbed, twisted, and redirected in controlled bursts that cleared the arena of debris while keeping him unharmed. The crowd gasped—no one had seen a mortal counter so efficiently.
The opponent tried a combination attack, wind-infused fire, aiming to disorient him. Li Tian adapted, redirecting energy through the Core while striking weak points in the disciple's stance. A final surge of refined energy sent the fire prodigy flying to the ground, defeated but unharmed.
The crowd erupted into cheers. Li Tian's calm, calculated mastery of the Core defied expectations.
Zhao Ming's Ambush
Before he could relish his victory, Zhao Ming appeared, exuding raw aggression. Electricity danced along his fingers as he launched himself at Li Tian with unparalleled speed.
Li Tian's Core flared violently, absorbing the lightning, then released it as controlled arcs that struck the arena pillars with precision. Zhao Ming stumbled, his eyes blazing with fury.
"You… you'll pay for humiliating me in the arena!" Zhao Ming snarled.
Li Tian remained composed. "Do not underestimate me. I will not fall."
The clash of their energies lit up the arena, drawing the attention of elders and spectators alike. Even those in the highest seats leaned forward, recognizing the mortal's audacious strength.
Strategic Battles
As the tournament progressed, Li Tian faced opponents of diverse abilities:
Water and Wind duelists, who tried to overwhelm him with swirling torrents and slicing gales. Li Tian absorbed and harmonized their attacks, redirecting energy strategically to create openings.
Earth manipulators, who summoned boulders and stone spikes. He used his Core to control the battlefield, shifting the energy and destabilizing their foundation.
Lightning experts, who struck with unparalleled speed. He timed absorption perfectly, countering with controlled bursts that forced opponents to retreat.
Each match reinforced the Core's evolution and Li Tian's mastery of precision, absorption, and battlefield control.
Unexpected Ally
In one round, Li Tian faced a cunning elemental strategist who attempted to trap him using the arena's spiritual energy. Han Xue, observing from the sidelines, discreetly signaled a weak point in the arena's energy currents.
Li Tian seized the opportunity, redirecting both the opponent's energy and the arena's currents to create a counterattack that ensured victory.
Afterward, Han Xue approached, whispering, "Not bad. You've learned to combine strategy with your Core's power. Few could do what you just did."
Li Tian smiled faintly. "I couldn't have done it without your guidance, even if only indirect."
Her gaze softened slightly. "This is just the beginning. The tournament is a stage—but the real test lies beyond the sect."
Rising Tensions
By the final rounds, Li Tian had defeated multiple powerful disciples. Zhao Ming's fury intensified, plotting a more dangerous confrontation. Other Inner Sect elites began to take note, some with curiosity, others with envy and suspicion.
Li Tian, standing at the center of the arena, felt the Core pulse with steady energy. He was no longer just a mortal with no spirit root. He was a rising force, a storm gathering strength with each victory.
Whispers echoed:
"Impossible… a mortal without spirit roots!"
"He's rewriting the rules of cultivation!"
"Is he… destined for greatness?"
Li Tian's eyes scanned the audience and the arena. Somewhere in the shadows, an unknown presence watched, probing, assessing, and waiting for the right moment to strike.
He clenched his fists. "Then let them come. Every battle, every trial… I will face it all. And I will rise beyond the heavens themselves."
The sun set behind the jade mountains, casting long shadows across the arena. The Grand Inner Sect Tournament had only begun—but for Li Tian, every step was a march toward destiny.