Time moved swiftly, with days turning into nights and nights fading back into days.
February 15, 3038
For the ordinary humans unaware of cultivation, life continued as usual, their mundane routines undisturbed by the undercurrent rumbling through the hidden world of cultivators.
But within the virtual forums of the cultivation community, a rumor began spreading like wildfire—an explosive piece of gossip that had cultivators abuzz. The forums were flooded with comments, each more excited or skeptical than the last.
User: FlameSword99
"Hey! Have you heard what they're saying about the tournament? 🤔"
User: ShadowDancer
"Yeah, it's hard to believe, but the rumors are everywhere!"
User: SkyBreaker
"Nah, bro, it's definitely fake. 🛑"
User: MysticMoon
"I think so too. There's no way it's real."
User: DragonHeart
"There's no way they'd use the space gate for the tournament! That thing is a legend."
User: CelestialWind
"Yeah, even our latest tech can't scan the space gate. No readings, no data—it's untouchable. 🤷"
User: StarBlaze
"But imagine if it's real! That would be epic, right? 🌌🔥"
User: PhantomLancer
"Come on, seriously? Do you really think it's possible?"
User: AncientTome
"Actually, you can't dismiss it completely. Remember, this tournament is being organized by hidden families—ancient legacies that go beyond anything we know. For the first time, they're even letting loose cultivators join. That alone makes me think there's some truth to this."
User: RisingWave
"When you put it that way, it does sound plausible. But still... I'm shocked they're letting loose cultivators in! Is this really happening?!"
User: ArcaneScribe
"I know, right? It's insane!"
User: LightningTiger
"Crazy... CRAZY, I tell you!"
User: MysticWatcher
"We need more info! I checked the official Von Hohenberg family website, but there's nothing there about the space gate."
User: VoidHunter
"Yeah, what's taking them so long? They should clarify these rumors. It's been 24 hours since it started circulating!"
User: IronShield
"Where is Nerd_Cultivator when you need him?"
User: SpiritFlame
"Yeah, he always has the inside scoop on the hidden families!"
User: AzureBlade
"Everyone, shout out for Nerd_Cultivator! He'll know what's going on!"
The forum collectively rallied, spamming the hashtag:
#Nerd_Cultivator (repeated 32 times in various comments).
Finally, the long-awaited response arrived.
User: Nerd_Cultivator (Verified)
"Hello, everyone! 🙌 Thanks for making me go viral. Let's cut to the chase—about the rumor you're all buzzing about. Is it true or just hearsay? Well, according to my sources, it's TRUE. Yes, you heard that right. The Von Hohenberg family is taking the tournament to the next level by holding it in the space gate.
"I don't know how they're pulling it off, but they've clearly been planning this for ages. Not only that—they're including ALL cultivators this time, even loose cultivators! This is unprecedented, and I'm just as excited as you are. 🎉 For more detailed updates, we'll need to wait until next month, so stay tuned!"
The forum erupted into chaos again.
User: StarlightWanderer
"What?! Is this for real?!"
User: BladeRunner
"No way. He's gotta be pranking us, right?"
User: MoonShatter
"He wouldn't joke about something this big… would he? 🤔"
User: PhoenixFury
"Check the account, guys. It's verified—this is the real Nerd_Cultivator!"
Once the authenticity was confirmed, the mood shifted drastically.
User: CosmicPulse
"Hooray! 🎉 This is groundbreaking!"
User: ThunderHowl
"AWESOME! This is gonna be the best tournament ever!"
User: NovaFlare
"Crazy... CRAZY, I tell you! 🤪"
User: BurningQuill
"Bonkers. Absolutely bonkers. 🔥"
User: EternalFlame
"This is going to be legendary. I can't wait!"
User: FrostClaw
"If they pull this off, it'll go down in history."
User: HeavenPiercer
"Yeah, and with loose cultivators participating, it's anyone's game. This changes everything!"
User: SilentWhisper
"Who do you think will win? 🤔"
The excitement in the virtual realm was electric, as cultivators across the globe awaited the next month's revelations with bated breath.
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Central Region, Von Hohenberg Main Family Residence
Maximilian Von Hohenberg sat in his grand chair, his gaze fixed on a holographic display of the buzzing forums. The online chatter about the upcoming tournament was impossible to ignore. A faint smirk tugged at his lips before he turned to his butler, Anthony, standing dutifully by his side.
"Anthony," Maximilian began, his voice calm but weighted with authority. "What's the situation?"
The ever-efficient butler bowed slightly and replied, "Master, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. According to the latest statistics, approximately 75% of the participants and spectators are eagerly anticipating the tournament."
Maximilian nodded, his sharp mind already analyzing the implications. "And what about the hidden families?"
Anthony straightened his posture, his expression remaining neutral. "The hidden families are maintaining a neutral stance for now, Master. However, their interest in the space gate is evident. It seems they are observing closely before making any significant moves."
Leaning back in his chair, Maximilian steepled his fingers and let his thoughts swirl. After a pause, he asked, "How are the preparations progressing?"
Anthony gave a measured response. "The preparations are on schedule, Master. However, there is one issue—the sheer number of applicants. It is far beyond what we anticipated. Transporting all of them to the space gate will demand substantial resources."
Maximilian's brow furrowed as he sat forward. "How many have registered so far?"
"Over 1,500, and the numbers are increasing steadily," Anthony replied, his tone tinged with concern.
Maximilian's eyebrows rose slightly. "That many?"
Anthony nodded. "Yes, Master. And this figure does not include participants from the hidden families or the Four Pavilion. A significant number of loose cultivators, members of smaller cultivation societies, and even hermits have shown interest. By the end of the registration period, we estimate the total will reach approximately 2,500."
Maximilian tapped a finger on the armrest of his chair, his expression thoughtful. "That's far too many. We'll need to weed out most of them before the main event."
Anthony hesitated before suggesting, "Master, we could implement three preliminary stages. The first two would serve to eliminate a large portion of the participants before they reach the space gate."
Maximilian listened in silence, his eyes narrowing as he weighed the idea. After a long pause, he finally spoke. "Let me think about it. For now, ensure that the current arrangements proceed without any issues."
Anthony bowed deeply. "As you wish, Master."
The butler left the room, closing the heavy doors quietly behind him. Maximilian remained seated, staring into the glowing display of the forum, his mind churning.
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While the world outside was abuzz with rumours and excitement about the tournament, within the Eternal Flame Sect, a calm and focused atmosphere prevailed.
In the training grounds, disciples were immersed in rigorous practice.
The clang of weapons, the sharp crack of energy techniques, and the synchronised chants of cultivation methods filled the air.
Each disciple moved with newfound confidence, their forms precise and their movements fluid.
They had transformed from amateurs to warriors with solid foundations, and their growth was evident in every strike and step.
The change wasn't just physical.
There was a spark in their eyes—a determination that hadn't been there before.
Months of gruelling training under their master's watchful eye had shaped them.
They had learned not just how to fight but how to think, strategies, and adapt in battle.
Standing at a distance, Xenos observed his disciples with a faint smile. Their progress pleased him.
The Eternal Flame Sect, once a quiet, modest group, was now brimming with potential.
Aerum approached Xenos, a water bottle in her hand, taking a sip as she neared him. Her gaze lingered on the training disciples before she spoke.
"They've come a long way," she remarked, her voice carrying a sense of pride.
Xenos, standing with his hands behind his back, nodded slightly. "Yes. They've rid themselves of their flaws and immaturity. They've grown into fine individuals."
Aerum smiled and added, "It's been a year now since their training began. All the disciples have reached Tier 1 peak cultivation."
She paused, letting the moment sink in before continuing, "All of us, including me, have completed the Tower of Battle and reached the sixth floor of the Tower of Nightmare. Do you think it's time for us to challenge the seventh floor?"
Xenos turned to face her, his expression thoughtful. "Yes, it's almost time. The reason I held you and the others back was because of the Tower of Battle. That tower tests your battle techniques. If you had rushed through it after mastering your will, you would've gained nothing meaningful from the challenge."
Aerum tilted her head slightly, her curiosity piqued. "You've mentioned 'will' before, but you've never explained it in detail."
Xenos' gaze sharpened slightly as he replied, "You'll understand when you face the Tower of Nightmare."
Aerum decided not to press further and instead shifted the conversation. "What about the chosen one from the Thirteenth Constellation?"
Xenos glanced at the inheritance ground in the corner of the training field, his expression unreadable. "He's almost finished inheriting. He'll emerge in fifteen days."
Aerum nodded thoughtfully. "Then I'll go and challenge the Tower of Nightmare," she said, determination lighting up her eyes.
Xenos gave her a brief nod. "Take the disciples with you. They're ready."
Without another word, Aerum turned and called the disciples.
Their excitement was evident as they followed her, heading towards the Tower of Nightmare, ready to face the challenges that awaited them.
Xenos watched them leave, his mind already contemplating the next steps in their journey.
From the Author:
I want to express my gratitude to ReadMyBook2023 for sending me power stones not once but twice—thank you so much for your support! I also apologise for the delay in publishing this chapter; I've been preoccupied with numerous things.
On the bright side, this time gave me fresh inspiration for how to proceed with the novel. Initially, I had a clear plan for wrapping up Volume 1, but I've decided to change the ending to make it even better. I'll now be working in that direction.
I hope you enjoy this chapter! If you do, please don't forget to bookmark the story and vote with power stones—it really means a lot. Thank you for being part of this journey!