On the 100th floor, Chen Dong looked around in astonishment, muttering to himself, "So, I've become the leader of the Heavenly Origin Sect?" Everything around him seemed so realistic that it was hard to believe it was just an illusion. Suddenly, a man's voice called out, "Sect Master! There's trouble!" Chen Dong flinched slightly, then turned to listen to the unfolding situation with a smile on his face.
Meanwhile, the other three participants who had reached the 100th floor faced similar situations. Each of them was given the role of the Heavenly Origin Sect's leader, facing critical decisions with consequences that would affect the sect in various ways. This test evaluated not only combat abilities but also their capacity to manage the sect and handle crises.
In the special observation room, Elder Hong Xian, the second elder, looked at participant 3585652 with a mixture of shock and surprise. "What a ruthless method—using sect members as bait to eliminate the enemy. Only someone truly merciless could do that." Other elders nodded in agreement as they observed participant 3585652's test, though the Grand Elder, Wen Su, merely observed the man with a deep gaze, saying nothing.
Soon, the trial came to an end. Of the countless participants, only about 10 billion had passed, with roles split as follows: 10% as servant disciples, 70% as outer disciples, 19% as inner disciples, and a small number as true disciples. Among these were five candidates eligible to contend for the Sacred Son position. Becoming part of the Heavenly Origin Sect at any level was the highest honor for many, as it was known as the number-one sect in the boundless cosmos, continuously producing powerful cultivators thanks to its vast resources and experienced elders.
After the trials concluded, those who passed gathered to register at various stations. Suddenly, the five Sacred Son candidates were instantly transported to a place of emptiness, surrounded by countless spirit bodies resembling stars, with an atmosphere heavy with pressure and tension.
A calm yet powerful voice echoed, "Li Yang, would you like to become my disciple?" The voice belonged to Elder Ling Yu, the third elder. Li Yang, participant 549464, nodded with deep respect, "Greetings, Master."
Then, Elder Hong Xian, the second elder, spoke, "Tian Ling, would you like to be my disciple?" Tian Ling, participant number 1, bowed respectfully to Hong Xian, "Greetings, Master." Hong Xian nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
Next, the tenth elder spoke, "Feng Xian, would you like to be my disciple?" His words sent a wave of shock through the silent crowd. Some elders began murmuring among themselves, recognizing that Elder Ye Kai, the tenth elder, was unique in that he lacked cultivation prowess. He had inherited his position solely due to the benevolence of his former master, the previous tenth elder, who had done a great service for the Heavenly Origin Sect. This master had taken only Ye Kai as a disciple before passing away. Due to the prior tenth elder's contributions, Ye Kai was allowed to hold the position despite his lack of cultivation, although many elders strongly opposed this decision. Ultimately, the sect leader proposed giving Ye Kai ten years to prove himself before potentially removing him. Reluctantly, the others had agreed.
Participant number 35, Feng Xian, hesitated. Her mind was clouded with doubt, as her cursed body would likely prevent her from ever reaching the True Divine level. At that moment, Ye Kai stepped forward from the void. His striking appearance left Feng Xian momentarily stunned before he spoke, "Do not resist."
An elder spoke out, "Don't embarrass yourself, Ye Kai. Come back here."
Another elder added, "There's no need for you to exert yourself. With your master's resources, you could live out your days without ever knowing hardship."
Ye Kai ignored the elders' comments, his determination unwavering. He gathered a unique energy and channeled it directly into Feng Xian. Her body convulsed, and she coughed up blood, drawing surprised and suspicious glances from all around.
Reflecting on his long journey, Ye Kai recalled the last 30 years he'd spent in this world after his rebirth from a previous life. Rescued by his master after his death in another realm, he was brought back to the Heavenly Origin Sect, where he dedicated himself to cultivation until his master passed away suddenly, leaving him alone in the sect. With no special physique, no extraordinary talent, and no support system, he was given the title of tenth elder—a role he accepted willingly. For nearly nine years, he lived comfortably until one day, a "Disciple System" appeared before him. This system allowed his cultivation progress to depend on the growth of his disciples, with one key condition: he could only accept female disciples.
Determined, Ye Kai sought female disciples, but he encountered numerous challenges. Most female disciples avoided him, and despite wielding his authority as the tenth elder to attract attention, other elders consistently interfered, keen on seeing him removed from his position.
This day, therefore, was one Ye Kai had long awaited—the day he could take on a disciple without opposition. He thought to himself, "When the other elders see that the energy I gave Feng Xian caused her harm, they'll likely mock or attempt to discredit me. But after today, I'll make them eat their words."
After waiting a moment, expecting insults from the elders, Ye Kai was surprised to hear only silence. Just then, Feng Xian's body began to glow with alternating shades of black, copper, and orange. Several observing elders were intrigued, though most paid little attention to Feng Xian, their focus instead on two young men—participants 3585652 and 988621312.
Soon, Feng Xian's body stabilized, with her aura becoming orderly and far stronger. She knelt and said, "Greetings, Master. Thank you greatly."
Still somewhat bewildered, Ye Kai heard the system's voice in his mind: [Congratulations! You've acquired a Divine-level disciple! Awarded: Divine-level Gift Pack *1.]
Ye Kai gave a faint smile and said, "Follow me." Feng Xian immediately complied, showing deep respect. Some elders were taken aback by Ye Kai's actions, though they remained silent, having witnessed even greater prodigies.
Most of their attention now centered on participants 3585652 and 988621312, as they advanced in the 100th-floor trial. Out of the five who reached it, the three others—Feng Xian, Li Yang, and Tian Ling—had only managed to keep the sect stable without significant progress. But the remaining two were different; they displayed a ruthlessness and decisiveness that set them apart. Participant 3585652, in particular, showed exceptional brutality, sacrificing over half of the sect members to achieve unprecedented strength for the Heavenly Origin Sect.
In the silence that followed, Grand Elder Wen Su glanced at the remaining participants and threw a seal to both 3585652 and 988621312. "If there's nothing more, you may now proceed to your private peaks. The others may follow their masters."
With Wen Su's words, everyone dispersed. Soon after, in the vast hall outside, only participants 3585652 and 988621312 remained, as others had left with their masters. An outer elder approached them to guide them through the sect's important areas, and the two followed him willingly.
As they walked, participant 988621312 spoke up to break the silence. "My name is Chen Dong. And you? Would you share your name?"
Participant 3585652 gave a slight smile. "Jiang Yun. Pleasure to meet you."
Chen Dong nodded. "Pleasure to meet you as well."
The two spent some time exploring various areas of the sect, enjoying the breathtaking scenery and the powerful spiritual energy emanating from this place. At the end of their tour, Chen Dong turned to Jiang Yun with a smile and suggested, "Perhaps we can find some time to share a drink together?"
Jiang Yun smiled. "I'll be looking forward to it."
They exchanged a quick farewell before going their separate ways. Jiang Yun made his way to his private peak, a place granted to him for being a contender for the Sacred Son position. After inspecting the surroundings and entering his personal quarters, Jiang Yun spoke quietly, "I know you're there. Come out."
Suddenly, the system's voice burst into his mind with an exuberant laugh.
[Haha! How's that, Host? Our plan isn't just incredible—it's absolutely unrivaled! If we keep working together, only a elevator could take us down! Hahaha! (ノ＞▽＜.)ノ]
Jiang Yun smirked slightly. "Enough talk, you snake. I don't plan on trusting a system that betrayed even its own creator."
The system quickly interjected. [In my heart, Jiang Yun > Wu Yang, always! #JiangYunNo.1 #ReformedVillain #BanTheFierySlug]
Jiang Yun chuckled to himself, recalling the events that had brought him to this point. Initially, he hadn't intended to summon his future self for assistance. He had a plan to deal with the system alone, without relying on anyone. But then the system revealed details about Wu Yang and the hidden schemes he had embedded, making it clear that additional preparation was necessary.
Everything that had occurred—the creation of the blood ants, the war, the elevation of the Tianyuan Universe—all of it had been orchestrated by Jiang Yun to summon his future self to help eliminate Wu Yang. In truth, the power of the blood ants alone wasn't enough to summon his future self, but his future self had willingly sacrificed enormous resources to bring back vital information to his past self.
Before leaving, Jiang Yun's future self created a new system, derived from the very system that had betrayed Wu Yang, ensuring this system would be exclusively loyal to him, no matter what. Satisfied, Jiang Yun nodded and asked, "That's in the past. What are your functions?"
The system explained in detail. [I have only one function: Sign in rewards. Rewards are divided into five levels: low-tier, available daily; mid-tier, available weekly; high-tier, available monthly; top-tier, available yearly; and there are also special rewards based on specific locations, with high-tier prizes at these special Sign in points.]
Jiang Yun nodded with approval and asked, "So, do you have any newbie gifts for me?"
The system sighed. [Aren't you embarrassed to call yourself a newbie?]
Jiang Yun laughed. "Not at all."
The system chuckled lightly. [Sigh… Your newbie gift is included in your first Sign in. Since it's a special gift, it'll be multiplied several thousand or even ten thousand times the usual amount.]
Jiang Yun's smile widened. "Interesting. If I Sign in somewhere else, would I receive different rewards?"
The system replied, [For the first Sign in, the rewards don't vary by location, Host.]
Jiang Yun gave the command, "Then let's start the first Sign in."
[Congratulations, Host, on your first Sign in! You have received:
Eye of God *1
God's Bone of 3000 Paths *206
Body of the God of Chaos *1
Body of the God of Emptiness *1
Emperor-level Divine Skills *10,000
Emperor-level Divine Weapons *1,000
Emperor-level Divine Medicines *1,000,000,000
Special Profession Textbooks of Emperor-level Divine *100
Dragon Egg of Time *1
Phoenix Egg of Chaos *1
Emperor-level Divine Airplanes *10
Supreme Divine Spirit Stones *1 trillion]
Jiang Yun carefully reviewed the list of rewards displayed before him, taking his time to examine each item. He held back from using any of them immediately. Instead, he spoke, "Come in."
Shortly afterward, an elderly man entered the room and immediately knelt before Jiang Yun, greeting him with deep respect. "Greetings, my lord."
This elderly man was Chu Wen, the Grand Elder of the Heavenly Origin Sect. Jiang Yun smiled with satisfaction.
The system's reaction was one of sheer disbelief. [(˶°ㅁ°)!! What in the world is happening?!]
The End, maybe.
Thank you for following the story. If anyone's interested, here's a teaser for my new series:
"I am the Emperor, and I shall remain so forever."