Chapter : Ascending the Peaks
Tian Yu stood atop the Azure Sky Sect's mountain range, his robes fluttering in the wind as he gazed down at the sprawling sect grounds below. The Inner Court loomed ahead, its vast training arenas and towering pagodas symbolizing the next step in his cultivation journey. Having secured his place through the Outer Court Grand Tournament, he knew that true challenges lay ahead.
Welcoming the Inner Court
The sect elders had already recognized his potential. Upon his arrival at the Inner Court, an elder named Daoist Ironwood examined Tian Yu with his piercing gaze. His voice carried the weight of years of cultivation. "You have done well to reach this point, but the Inner Court is a battlefield unlike any other. Strength alone won't carry you forward—strategy, allies, and wisdom will decide your fate."
Tian Yu bowed respectfully. "I understand, Elder."
Another elder, a woman dressed in green robes with a flowing jade sash, stepped forward. Elder Mei, a master of formation arts, studied him with curiosity. "I have heard whispers of your battle with Fang Xuan and your proficiency in void-based techniques. It seems you carry an uncommon fate."
[System Alert: New Quest Added] Quest: Establish dominance within the Inner Court Objective: Defeat three ranked Inner Court disciples within two months Reward: Void Insight Manual
Tian Yu's eyes glowed momentarily. Another step forward in his cultivation.
First Inner Court Battle
The Inner Court was structured around ranking duels. Every disciple had the right to challenge those above them, earning resources and recognition. Barely a day had passed when the first challenge came.
A sharp voice echoed through the training grounds. "Tian Yu, you may have dominated the Outer Court, but the Inner Court is different. If you wish to rise, you'll have to go through me first."
The speaker was Jiang Chen, ranked 88th among Inner Court disciples. A wielder of the Golden Thunder Spear, he had already stepped into the Foundation Establishment Late Stage, surpassing Tian Yu in raw cultivation power.
[System Alert: Combat Challenge Issued] Opponent: Jiang Chen (Foundation Establishment Late Stage) Wager: Sect Contribution Points + Access to the Inner Court's Void Training Chamber
The battle was set.
The training arena was packed with disciples eager to witness the clash. Jiang Chen wasted no time, summoning golden arcs of lightning around his spear before lunging at Tian Yu.
"Thunderbolt Piercer!"
A crackling spear thrust forward at blinding speed, carrying the force to shatter a mountain. Tian Yu, however, activated Void Steps, vanishing from sight just as the spear tore through an afterimage.
Gasps filled the crowd.
"He dodged it?"
Before Jiang Chen could react, Tian Yu reappeared behind him, palm infused with Void Essence. He struck forward with Void Palm Strike, sending a shockwave through the air. Jiang Chen spun mid-air, barely deflecting with his spear, but the force sent him skidding backward.
"This is my full power!" Jiang Chen roared. The golden lightning around him intensified, forming a massive storm.
[System Alert: Incoming Attack – Heavenly Thunderstorm Spear]
Tian Yu's expression remained calm. He extended his hand, activating a new technique he had developed in secret training.
"Lunar Void Slash!"
A crescent blade of silver energy erupted from his sword, cutting through the storm of lightning and colliding with Jiang Chen's spear. The impact shattered the ground, sending shockwaves rippling through the arena.
When the dust settled, Jiang Chen was on his knees, his spear shattered.
[System Alert: Victory Achieved] +1000 Sect Contribution Points Unlocked: Void Training Chamber Access
Whispers spread among the Inner Court disciples. "He defeated a Late Stage cultivator… at Foundation Establishment Middle Stage?"
Tian Yu remained unfazed. His path to power was only beginning.
The Forbidden Trial
A week later, an announcement shook the Inner Court.
"The Trial of the Azure Peaks will begin. Those who wish to enter the Core Region of the sect must prove their worth."
The Azure Peaks housed an ancient formation that tested disciples through spiritual pressure, illusions, and combat. Only those who passed could enter the Core Region, where true masters resided.
Tian Yu knew this was his next step.
[System Alert: New Quest Added] Quest: Survive the Trial of the Azure Peaks Reward: Azure Essence Pill + Increased Authority in the Sect
With a determined gaze, Tian Yu set his sights on the peak. The road ahead was treacherous, but he had already decided—he would carve his name into the annals of history.
End of Chapter : Ascending the Peaks