Chapter : The Path of the Azure Sky
Tian Yu's victory over the senior disciple had marked his first step into the Azure Sky Sect, but the journey ahead promised greater trials. With his Azure Sky Sect Entry Token in hand, he followed a sect steward through the vast and majestic sect grounds. Towering pagodas, training fields filled with disciples practicing martial techniques, and waterfalls cascading over ancient stone formations—this place was a haven for cultivators seeking the Dao.
The steward, an older disciple at the Foundation Establishment Late Stage, glanced at Tian Yu with measured curiosity. "You fought well at the gates," he said. "But don't let it go to your head. The Outer Court is ruthless. Only the strongest make it to the Inner Court."
Tian Yu nodded, unshaken. "That's exactly what I intend to do."
Arrival at the Outer Court
The Outer Court was a sprawling district within the sect, with thousands of disciples occupying its numerous training halls, residences, and cultivation zones. As a new entrant, Tian Yu was assigned a small courtyard, modest but sufficient for his needs.
A jade slip was given to him, detailing the Outer Court Ranking System:
Bronze Rank – Standard disciples.
Silver Rank – Recognized for skill and potential.
Gold Rank – Elite of the Outer Court, eligible for Inner Court selection.
[System Alert: New Objective Added]
Objective: Advance to Gold Rank within three months.
Reward: Sect Contribution Points, Unique Skill – "Lunar Void Steps"
Tian Yu smirked. "Three months? That's more than enough time."
He spent his first evening cultivating, absorbing the lingering energies from his previous battles. The meridians in his body pulsed with strength, his Qi refining further, slowly pushing against the bottleneck that kept him from stepping into Foundation Establishment.
The following morning, Tian Yu explored the training grounds, observing the various techniques being practiced. Disciples sparred with vigor, demonstrating their respective martial arts, their bodies flashing with Qi-infused movement.
Rivalries and Alliances
As Tian Yu settled in, whispers about him spread quickly. His decisive victory at the entrance had drawn attention, and it wasn't long before new faces approached him.
Lan Yue, the violet-robed direct disciple, found him first. She leaned casually against the gate of his courtyard, her arms crossed. "You're already causing a stir," she noted. "Fang Xuan isn't the only one watching you."
Tian Yu met her gaze. "And what about you? Are you here to challenge me as well?"
She chuckled. "No. I prefer observing before making my move. But I will say this—if you intend to reach the Inner Court, you'll need more than talent. The sect values strength and alliances."
A sharp voice interrupted their conversation. "Talking won't get you anywhere, Tian Yu. Let's see if you can actually fight."
Zhao Han, a Bronze Rank disciple known for his arrogance, stepped forward. He was at Foundation Establishment Early Stage, stronger than Tian Yu in raw cultivation.
[System Alert: Combat Challenge Issued]
Opponent: Zhao Han (Foundation Establishment Early Stage)
Wager: Sect Contribution Points
Tian Yu's expression remained calm. "If you want to test my strength, I won't refuse."
Duel at the Training Grounds
A crowd gathered as Tian Yu and Zhao Han faced off in the Outer Court Training Arena. The duel was officially sanctioned, ensuring no deaths but allowing full-force combat.
Zhao Han wasted no time, launching forward with Iron Wind Fist, a technique known for its relentless barrage of strikes. His fists, shrouded in dense Qi, blurred as they aimed at Tian Yu's pressure points.
Tian Yu activated Phantom Step, weaving between the blows with minimal movement. His Void-attuned reflexes allowed him to predict Zhao Han's strikes before they landed.
The crowd gasped.
"He's keeping up with a Foundation Establishment cultivator? At only Qi Refinement Great Perfection?"
Zhao Han growled. "Stop dodging and fight!" He gathered Qi into his palm, forming a spinning vortex of energy. Whirling Gale Palm! The attack tore through the air, sending powerful shockwaves in all directions.
Tian Yu exhaled. It was time to end this.
Lunar Crescent Slash!
A silver arc of energy erupted from his blade, slicing through Zhao Han's attack and knocking him off balance. Tian Yu closed the distance instantly with Void Step, appearing right before his opponent.
His palm shot forward.
Void Palm Strike!
The impact sent Zhao Han flying across the arena, where he crashed into the stone wall, coughing blood. The match was over.
[System Alert: Victory Achieved]
+500 Sect Contribution Points
Bronze Rank Advanced to Silver Rank
The crowd erupted into murmurs. "He won… against a Foundation Establishment opponent?"
Fang Xuan, watching from the distance, narrowed his eyes. "Interesting…"
Lan Yue smirked. "He just might be worth watching."
The Path to Power
With his rank elevated, Tian Yu focused on cultivation. He consumed the Lunar Essence Qi Pill, allowing its energy to refine his meridians. His Void Physique strengthened, enhancing his affinity for spatial techniques.
As he meditated, his awareness expanded, feeling the vast network of Qi within the sect. The deeper he focused, the more he realized how small he still was in the grand scheme of cultivation.
But the biggest challenge awaited—The Outer Court Grand Tournament. A chance to battle the strongest disciples and earn the right to enter the Inner Court.
[System Alert: Main Quest Updated]
Objective: Win the Outer Court Grand Tournament
Time Limit: 1 Month
Reward: Entry into the Inner Court, Unique Artifact – "Void Serpent Pendant"
Tian Yu's eyes gleamed with determination. The path of cultivation was never easy, but he was ready.
The Azure Sky Sect had become his new battlefield, and he would conquer it.
As night fell, he sat in his courtyard, the wolf pup curled beside him. The stars overhead twinkled, distant yet beckoning. The Void Era's mysteries were still out of reach, but with each battle, each step forward, Tian Yu felt himself drawing closer to the truth.
"Power... I will grasp it with my own hands."
The journey was just beginning.
End of Chapter 5: The Path of the Azure Sky