Chapter : The Gathering Storm
The Azure Sky Sect bustled with renewed energy as the announcement of the Outer Court Grand Tournament spread like wildfire. It was the ultimate test for disciples who sought entry into the Inner Court, a proving ground where only the strong survived. Tian Yu, now a Silver Rank disciple, had only a month to prepare for the upcoming battles.
Sitting cross-legged in his courtyard, he reviewed the System Notifications he had received after defeating Zhao Han.
[System Alert: New Quest Activated]
Quest: Win the Outer Court Grand Tournament.
Reward: Entry into the Inner Court, Unique Artifact – "Void Serpent Pendant".
Time Limit: 1 Month.
Tian Yu exhaled, feeling the weight of the challenge ahead. The tournament would attract powerful opponents, many of whom were already at Foundation Establishment Middle Stage. Although he had defeated Zhao Han, he knew that the true elites of the Outer Court would not be so easy to overcome.
His cultivation was still at Qi Refinement Great Perfection—he needed to break into Foundation Establishment before the tournament. With that goal in mind, he headed towards the Azure Sky Sect's Resource Pavilion to claim cultivation resources using his newly acquired Sect Contribution Points.
The Resource Pavilion and an Unexpected Encounter
The Resource Pavilion was a towering pagoda filled with countless shelves of cultivation manuals, pills, and weapons. A long line of disciples waited to exchange their contribution points for valuable resources.
As Tian Yu entered, a sharp voice called out behind him.
"So you're the one who beat Zhao Han?"
Turning, he saw a tall, broad-shouldered youth with a confident smirk. Liu Feng, a Silver Rank disciple known for his proficiency in spear techniques, stood with his arms crossed. At Foundation Establishment Middle Stage, he was among the top contenders for the tournament.
"I saw your fight," Liu Feng continued. "Not bad for someone still stuck at Qi Refinement. But if you think that victory puts you anywhere near the top, you're sorely mistaken."
Tian Yu met his gaze calmly. "You're welcome to test that theory in the tournament."
Liu Feng chuckled. "Oh, I will. But don't get eliminated before we meet. I'd be disappointed."
Ignoring the provocation, Tian Yu approached the counter and handed over his 500 Contribution Points. The elder managing the exchange nodded, retrieving a small wooden box and a jade bottle before passing them to him.
[System Alert: Acquired "Lunar Essence Qi Pill" x2]
[System Alert: Acquired "Void Meridian Strengthening Manual"]
Tian Yu's lips curled into a satisfied smile. These would be crucial in breaking through to Foundation Establishment before the tournament.
Breaking Through to Foundation Establishment
Returning to his courtyard, Tian Yu wasted no time. Sitting in the lotus position, he swallowed a Lunar Essence Qi Pill and circulated his Void Qi Art, guiding the potent energy through his meridians.
Hours passed as his body absorbed the pill's essence. The invisible barrier blocking his advancement trembled under the relentless surge of Qi. His spiritual sea churned violently, his dantian expanding as his Qi compressed and refined itself into a purer form.
A sudden explosion of energy burst from his body, shaking the air around him.
[System Alert: Cultivation Breakthrough!]
Current Realm: Foundation Establishment Early Stage.
New Ability Unlocked: "Void Compression Palm"
Tian Yu opened his eyes, feeling an overwhelming surge of power. He clenched his fist, the air distorting around his palm. His control over Void Energy had deepened, granting him a technique that allowed him to condense spatial force into a devastating strike.
"Now," he muttered, "I'm ready."
Sparring with Lan Yue
The next morning, Tian Yu arrived at the Outer Court Training Grounds, where disciples honed their combat skills. As he prepared to test his newfound strength, a familiar voice greeted him.
"Finally decided to join the rest of us?" Lan Yue stood nearby, her violet robes flowing in the breeze. Her cultivation had also advanced, now at Foundation Establishment Middle Stage.
Tian Yu smirked. "I needed time to prepare. Care for a sparring match?"
Her eyes gleamed. "I thought you'd never ask."
They moved to an open area, where other disciples quickly gathered. A duel between two rising talents was not something they wanted to miss.
Lan Yue unsheathed her sword, her Qi flaring. "Let's see if your breakthrough was worth the effort."
Tian Yu took a deep breath, activating Void Compression Palm. The moment their battle began, Lan Yue dashed forward with incredible speed, her sword striking with precision. Tian Yu met her attack head-on, his palm colliding with her blade, sending shockwaves across the training grounds.
For minutes, they exchanged blows, their movements blurring. Tian Yu's new technique allowed him to absorb and redirect force, while Lan Yue's fluid swordplay kept him on edge.
Finally, their clash ended in a draw, both panting but exhilarated.
"Not bad," she admitted, sheathing her sword. "But the real battles await us in the tournament."
Tian Yu nodded. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
The Shadow of the Tournament
As the tournament approached, the atmosphere within the sect grew tense. Rumors of powerful contenders spread, and alliances were being formed in secret.
In the depths of the Outer Court, a dark figure observed everything from the shadows. Fang Xuan, the top-ranked Outer Court disciple, smirked as he watched Tian Yu and Lan Yue's sparring session.
"Interesting... but they're still not ready for me."
As the sun set, Tian Yu stood atop a hill overlooking the sect. The road ahead was long, but he was ready to face whatever challenges awaited him.
"The Grand Tournament... it will be my stepping stone to true power."
End of Chapter : The Gathering Storm