For the next three months, Luo Chen continued his cultivation in secret while maintaining his public image as a promising inner disciple. His progress slowed dramatically compared to his previous acceleration—he was no longer attempting incremental advances, but rather taking the time to fully integrate each new technique and deepen his understanding of the laws he was cultivating.
But it was during this quiet period of growth that forces beyond the sect began to move.
One night, as Luo Chen was returning from the library to his private chamber, he felt a presence that made every instinct scream danger.
Using the Celestial Eye, he perceived a figure standing on the roof of a nearby building—a cultivator of immense power, far greater than anyone he had encountered in the sect. The figure was wreathed in energy that seemed to shimmer with celestial light, and its aura carried the weight of ancient authority.
This was not a cultivator from the Azure Cloud Sect. This was something else—something from a higher plane of existence.
Luo Chen immediately made his way to the sect master's tower, not bothering with subterfuge. Whatever was happening, it required immediate action.
Tian Qing was waiting for him.
"They have finally come," the sect master said gravely. "I have been expecting this. After your tournament performance and the breakthrough to Spatial Mastery, it was only a matter of time before the celestial powers took notice."