Chapter : Shadows of the Past, Flames of the Future
The Azure Sky Sect was a world of its own, filled with ambition, strife, and the unrelenting pursuit of power. After his overwhelming victory in the Outer Court Grand Tournament, Tian Yu had officially entered the Inner Court. His name now echoed through the sect, drawing both admiration and jealousy. Yet, he knew this was just the beginning.
A New Battlefield: The Inner Court
The Inner Court was a vast step above the Outer Court in every aspect. It was home to powerful cultivators, many of whom had already reached the Foundation Establishment Late Stage, with some on the verge of Core Formation. Resources were abundant, but so were rivalries, betrayals, and hidden dangers.
A few days after his promotion, Tian Yu was summoned to the Sky Flame Pavilion, the hall where newly promoted Inner Court disciples were assigned their roles, residences, and initial missions. Upon entering, he found himself in a grand hall filled with dozens of other newly promoted disciples.
At the front, an elder dressed in deep blue robes, Elder Mo Jian, looked over the gathered disciples. His Golden Core aura pressed down upon them, a reminder of the sheer difference in cultivation levels.
"You have all proven yourselves worthy of entering the Inner Court," Elder Mo Jian began. "But make no mistake—this is not a place for complacency. Here, you either rise, or you are trampled underfoot."
Tian Yu stood quietly, absorbing every word.
"From this day onward, you are eligible for sect missions, faction recruitment, and access to higher-level cultivation resources. However, strength determines everything. The Inner Court has its own ranking system, from Black Iron Rank to Sky Gold Rank. Climbing this ladder will determine your access to secret techniques, rare pills, and even opportunities to join the Core Sect."
A Black Jade Tablet floated before each disciple, inscribed with their names and ranking status.
[Name: Tian Yu]
[Rank: Black Iron]
Tian Yu examined the jade, feeling a strange energy linking it to the sect's array system. This would serve as proof of identity and a way to monitor his progress.
"Your first mission will be assigned now. Complete it, and you will be rewarded accordingly. Fail... and you may not survive."
The elder waved his hand, and missions appeared on the jade tablets.
Mission: Investigate the Shadow Ruins
Objective: Investigate the Shadow Ruins and report back. Disappearances have been reported near the ruins, with evidence of demonic cultivator activity.
Danger Level: High
Reward: 500 Contribution Points, Spirit Condensing Pill
Tian Yu's brows furrowed. Demonic cultivators? This was no ordinary mission.
Around him, disciples exchanged wary glances. One spoke up, a young man with sharp eyes and a confident aura.
"The Shadow Ruins? Even Inner Court elders rarely visit that place." He turned to Tian Yu. "Since we're both new, how about working together?"
Tian Yu activated Divine Soul Gaze, letting the system scan him.
[Name: Bai He]
[Cultivation: Foundation Establishment Late Stage]
[Talent: Dual Element Physique – Fire & Wind]
[Notable Skills: Crimson Gale Blade, Tempest Step]
Tian Yu met his gaze. "Fine. But if you hold me back, I won't save you."
Bai He laughed. "You're as cold as they say. Let's see if you live up to your reputation."
With that, the two set out towards the Shadow Ruins.
Descent into Darkness
The Shadow Ruins were located at the edge of the sect's territory, where the spiritual energy was thin, and ominous Qi lingered. The ruins themselves were remnants of an ancient sect, long destroyed in an unknown calamity.
As they approached, Bai He spoke. "Rumors say that the sect that once stood here practiced forbidden arts. Their legacy might be why demonic cultivators are drawn to this place."
Tian Yu nodded. "Then we should expect traps. Stay alert."
Activating Void Steps, he moved silently, his senses expanding. The eerie silence of the ruins was unnatural. Even the wind seemed afraid to disturb the desolate structures.
Then, a whisper.
"Intruders... must die..."
A surge of dark energy erupted as several figures emerged from the shadows—demonic cultivators clad in tattered robes, their eyes gleaming with madness.
[System Alert: Combat Encounter – Demonic Cultivators (Foundation Establishment)]
One of them grinned, black mist curling around his fingers. "Fresh blood... You should not have come."
Bai He drew his blade, flames igniting along its edge. "No point in talking. Let's deal with them quickly."
Battle in the Shadows
The first demonic cultivator lunged at Tian Yu, wielding a curved dagger wreathed in poisonous Qi. But Tian Yu was faster.
Void Step—Shadow Evasion!
His body flickered, vanishing from sight before reappearing behind his attacker. With a swift palm strike, he shattered the man's ribs, sending him flying into a crumbling pillar.
Bai He was no less deadly, his Crimson Gale Blade creating arcs of fire that scorched the ground. He clashed against two enemies at once, overwhelming them with a combination of speed and power.
But the true threat had yet to reveal itself.
A low growl resonated through the ruins.
From the depths of the darkness, a monstrous figure emerged—a demonic beast with obsidian scales, four crimson eyes, and an aura of pure malice.
[System Alert: Mid-Tier Demonic Beast – Shadow Revenant]
[Strength: Foundation Establishment Peak]
The beast roared, releasing a wave of black flames. The ground cracked under the sheer pressure.
Bai He cursed. "This thing is beyond normal Foundation Establishment! We need to end this fast!"
Tian Yu's eyes remained calm. He extended his hand, channeling power.
New Skill Activated – Void Severance!
The air trembled as a black crescent of energy formed in his palm, crackling with spatial force. With a single motion, he launched the attack.
The Void Severance cut through the flames, colliding with the beast's hide. The impact sent it reeling back, black blood spilling onto the cracked stone.
Bai He seized the moment, dashing forward with his Blazing Tempest Slash. His sword cleaved through the beast's neck, ending its rampage.
The ruins fell silent once more.
Secrets in the Dark
Panting, Bai He wiped the sweat from his brow. "That was... intense."
Tian Yu stepped forward, his gaze fixed on something half-buried beneath the rubble.
A black jade pendant, humming with dark energy.
He picked it up, and instantly, the system reacted.
[System Alert: Unknown Artifact Detected]
[Analyzing... Connecting to Void Archive...]
A brief vision flickered through his mind—a forgotten era, a broken sky, and a shadowed figure standing amidst ruins much like these.
His grip tightened.
"The Void Era... again?"
Bai He frowned. "What's wrong?"
Tian Yu shook his head. "Nothing. Let's report back."
As they left the ruins, he couldn't shake the feeling that this mission had uncovered something far greater than they had anticipated.
And the shadows of the past were not done whispering.
End of Chapter : Shadows of the Past, Flames of the Future