~~~
After the Sect Master of Di Tian, Xiao Longsu, embarked on his journey to the Thunder Beast Mountain to retrieve Xiao Tian, he moved with unparalleled urgency. Deep in his heart, he feared that Xiao Tian might already have met his demise.
"That heavenly tribulation… It was the most ferocious calamity recorded in history," Xiao Longsu thought to himself, his brows furrowed with unease. Even immortals residing in faraway continents had witnessed the terrifying phenomenon—an event so catastrophic that it shook the entire mortal realm and painted the vast heavens with an ominous spectacle.
When Xiao Longsu finally brought Xiao Tian back to the Di Tian Sect, he wasted no time. Summoning all his influence, he arranged for Xiao Tian to be examined by the highest-ranking physician in the Xuan Tian Kingdom. His worry weighed heavily; he had to ensure no hidden injuries lingered within the young prodigy.
The esteemed physician, upon examining Xiao Tian, was left utterly speechless. He blinked in disbelief, muttering, "This… this is beyond comprehension. This young man is not only unharmed but possesses a body of unmatched resilience. His meridians are vast and brimming with vitality, more robust than any I've ever seen. There is absolutely nothing to fear. You may set your worries aside, Sect Master."
Hearing these words, Xiao Longsu let out a deep sigh of relief. A faint smile crossed his lips, though his mind remained restless, pondering the mysteries surrounding Xiao Tian's resilience. He returned to the sect with Xiao Tian in tow, escorted by an impressive retinue of guards, their procession commanding respect and awe.
After that...
Upon returning to the sect, Sect Master Xiao Longsu directed Xiao Tian to soak in a special hot spring—a sacred and meticulously prepared site meant for recuperation and enhancing cultivation.
Without delay, Xiao Tian made his way to the designated location. He entered the serene hot spring chamber, the warm mist swirling gently in the air. As he prepared to ease into the waters, he suddenly noticed a figure already present within the pool.
His eyes widened. "Elder Sister Xiao Han Yan! What… what are you doing here?"
Xiao Han Yan, reclining casually in the steaming water, smirked at her brother's bewildered expression. "What am I doing? Can't I relax here just like anyone else? Or perhaps… you expected to have this place all to yourself?"
Flustered, Xiao Tian quickly waved his hands in denial. "No, no, that's not it, Elder Sister! I simply didn't expect to encounter you here. It was… unexpected, that's all. Please, don't take offense."
With that, he lowered himself into the spring, letting the soothing warmth envelop him. However, as he did so, Xiao Han Yan couldn't help but steal a glance beneath the water's surface. What she saw left her momentarily stunned—her younger brother's physique was unexpectedly... impressive. Her cheeks flushed red, and she quickly turned her head away to hide her embarrassment.
Xiao Tian, noticing her reaction, raised an eyebrow. "Elder Sister, what's wrong? Could it be that you're struggling with the heat of the spring?"
Xiao Han Yan snapped her gaze back to him, her face a mix of irritation and embarrassment. "You fool! Do you think someone like me—an alchemy cultivator of the Fifth Realm, Fourth Boundary—would falter because of mere hot water?" Her voice carried a sharp edge, though the redness on her cheeks betrayed her flustered state.
Xiao Tian, however, remained nonchalant, brushing off the situation entirely. He had no particular interest in her reaction, focusing instead on letting the hot spring's restorative energy work through his body.
After finishing his soak in the hot spring, Xiao Tian rose from the waters, draping only a towel around his waist to cover his lower half. He made his way to retrieve some clothes and dressed quickly. Before he could fully relax, he was summoned by the Sect Master.
"The Sect Master is calling for me again? I just finished my soak. Can't I rest a bit more? Oh well… better get going before I waste any more time," Xiao Tian muttered as he hurried toward the main hall.
When he arrived, he respectfully greeted the Sect Master, "It is an honor to see you again, Sect Master."
The Sect Master, Xiao Longsu, chuckled and waved his hand dismissively. "There's no need for such formalities, my son. We are father and son, after all. It's about time you started calling me 'Father' instead of 'Sect Master.' The way you address me feels so distant."
Xiao Tian responded calmly and respectfully, "I understand, Father. From now on, I will call you 'Father' and nothing else."
Hearing this, Xiao Longsu couldn't help but laugh lightly. After the brief exchange, he motioned for Xiao Tian to follow him to the inner chamber of the hall for a private meeting.
---
Inside the chamber, the elders were already deep in discussion.
An elder spoke up, "Elder Song Heng, I believe we must carefully select the disciples to send to the upcoming Ten Sacred Realms Tournament. This decision requires caution."
Elder Song Heng, the second-highest-ranked elder, frowned and responded sharply, "Do you think I haven't considered this? Are you implying that I lack the intelligence to make such decisions? Or are you questioning my capability as the second elder of this sect?"
The elder who had spoken earlier immediately paled and stammered, "N-no, Elder Song Heng, I didn't mean it that way. Please accept my apologies!"
"Then hold your tongue! I've already been deliberating on this matter. Your unnecessary comments are not needed," Song Heng snapped, silencing the elder instantly.
The first elder, Zhang Xiao Fei, observed the exchange and spoke in a composed tone, "Elder Song Heng, this is not the place for such emotional outbursts. Let us focus on finding a solution to select the best representatives for the Ten Sacred Realms Tournament."
Song Heng's expression softened, and he nodded. "You're right, First Elder. I will watch my words in the future. Thank you for the reminder."
The meeting resumed, with the elders debating the selection process. Each elder fervently proposed their favored disciples, shamelessly advocating for their students to gain the opportunity.
---
When Xiao Longsu entered the chamber, the elders all rose and bowed respectfully.
"No need for such formalities. Please, be seated," Xiao Longsu said as he moved to his seat.
He then gestured to Xiao Tian, "Xiao Tian, come stand by my side."
The elders exchanged puzzled glances, their gazes filled with curiosity and suspicion. Some even harbored disdain as they thought to themselves, "What is that boy doing here? Surely the Sect Master isn't planning to nominate him for the tournament…?"
As Xiao Tian walked to stand beside his father, the elders scrutinized him intensely, their gazes sharp and oppressive. Despite this, Xiao Tian met their stares head-on, calm and unshaken, his demeanor exuding quiet confidence.
Xiao Longsu observed the tension in the room and began, "Let us proceed with the meeting. Our task today is to finalize the selection of disciples to represent our sect in the Ten Sacred Realms Tournament. Only those with the highest talent and potential should be considered. The benefits and resources at stake are immense, and we must choose wisely."
At his words, the elders became even more animated, eager to promote their disciples. However, the first elder, Zhang Xiao Fei, sighed deeply and remarked, "Sect Master, over the past year, we have struggled to find disciples of exceptional talent. Our sect has only discovered nine individuals who meet the required standards. We are still one short of the ten necessary participants."
Hearing this, Xiao Tian silently pieced the puzzle together. "So that's why Father summoned me here. He's planning to nominate me as the final participant for the tournament. The Ten Sacred Realms Tournament… each realm sends their ten most promising disciples to compete for supremacy and unimaginable rewards. This will be my chance to make my mark," he thought to himself, his eyes gleaming with determination.
As soon as the Sect Master, Xiao Longsu, declared that the final quota would go to his son, Xiao Tian, a heavy silence blanketed the great hall. For a moment, not a single word was spoken. Then, the murmurs began.
"Xiao Tian? That weakling? He hasn't even broken through to the Fourth Realm yet! How could such an important spot be given to him?"
"Exactly! Wasn't he the cripple they used to pity? How is this decision justified?"
The Sect Master, unfazed by the growing dissent, raised his hand, silencing the murmurs. His voice rang out, steady and commanding, yet laced with an unmistakable pride.
"You all believe Xiao Tian remains in the Qi Refinement Realm. Allow me to correct your grave misunderstanding. My son has already reached the Alchemy Realm—and not just any level. He stands on the cusp of the Sixth Stage!"
The declaration was like a thunderclap in the hall. All eyes turned to Xiao Tian, who stood quietly beside his father, his expression calm and unshaken. Some elders were too stunned to speak, while others began voicing their disbelief.
"Sect Master, is this truly the case? Even if his spirit veins were miraculously repaired, it should have taken years for him to stabilize, let alone achieve such heights. How could this be possible?"
As the questions and doubts rippled through the hall, Xiao Tian stepped forward. Without a word, he unleashed his aura. It surged forth like a tidal wave, crashing into the elders' senses. The pressure of his power left no room for doubt—this was no ordinary Alchemy Realm cultivator.
"This… this is beyond anything I expected," one elder stammered, his voice barely audible.
"He's not just in the Alchemy Realm—he's at its peak! Only a step away from transcending to the Sixth Realm. What kind of genius is this?"
Whispers of astonishment filled the air as the truth settled in. The Sect Master laughed, his voice rich with triumph.
"Hahaha! Now you see why I chose him. Xiao Tian not only survived the Lightning Beast Mountain, but he returned with Heaven's blessing. The boy's rise is a testament to his resilience and destiny!"
Faced with the undeniable reality of Xiao Tian's strength, no elder dared to object further. They all nodded in agreement, their doubts finally laid to rest. With that, the meeting concluded, and the sect began preparations for the competition and the journey ahead.
---
After the meeting
The Sect Master led Xiao Tian down a secret passage hidden beneath the sect's foundation. The stairs spiraled downward for over 300 steps, the air growing colder and heavier with each step. As they descended, the Sect Master spoke, his tone calm yet steeped in reverence.
"This is the Xiao Clan's secret sanctuary, built to honor and preserve the legacy of our ancestors. Our sect has existed for over a billion years, Xiao Tian, its roots stretching back to ancient times. This chamber, hidden beneath countless layers of formations, is the heart of that legacy."
Xiao Tian listened intently, his thoughts racing. "A billion years? Could our sect truly have such an ancient history? If so, just how old is my father?"
---
At the sanctuary's deepest point
They finally arrived at a cavernous space cloaked in impenetrable darkness. Xiao Tian frowned, peering into the void.
"Father, this place… it's empty. I see nothing here."
The Sect Master smiled knowingly.
"That's because it's not meant to be seen by just anyone. What lies here is veiled by a thousand layers of formations, accessible only to the direct bloodline of the Xiao Clan. But worry not—you will see soon enough."
With those words, he bit his finger and pressed a drop of blood onto a hidden sigil on the ground. A deep hum resonated through the cavern as ancient mechanisms stirred to life. Slowly, the veil began to lift, revealing secrets that had been buried for eons...
As the ancient formation activated, Xiao Tian was finally able to glimpse the secrets that had been sealed away for over a billion years. Yet, the sight before him was far from what he had imagined. There were no resplendent arrays of divine weapons lining the walls, no piles of treasure shimmering in the faint glow of the chamber. Instead, only two items awaited him.
The first was a sword. Its appearance spoke of its age—its once-proud blade was now corroded by rust and covered in patches of moss, as if weathered by the relentless passage of millennia.
The second object hovered in mid-air, radiating a faint luminescence as if drawing power from the natural energies surrounding it. It was an egg—an egg unlike any other, glowing with a presence that defied time itself.
Xiao Tian's eyes narrowed as he studied the egg. "This can't be an ordinary egg," he muttered. Then, a thought struck him. He turned to his father.
"Father, could this be the egg of an ancient beast from the primordial era?"
The Sect Master nodded solemnly.
"Indeed, this is no ordinary egg. It belongs to one of the most ancient and powerful beasts ever to exist—the Celestial Dragon, Sovereign Above All Heavens. This creature was born of the very laws of reality and represents the highest principles of nature itself. It is said to be one of the mightiest beings of the primordial age. Our ancestor, who fought in the great wars of that era, managed to steal this egg and seal it here, ensuring its survival through countless ages."
Xiao Tian's breath caught. A Celestial Dragon? His mind raced with questions.
"If this egg hatches, Father… wouldn't it bring chaos to both the heavens and the earth? How strong would such a creature be if it reached maturity?"
The Sect Master's expression grew serious.
"That, my son, is a truth no one can predict. However, the egg has yet to hatch because the energy here is insufficient to sustain it. It has been absorbing ambient power from the surroundings, but even after all these years, it is still incomplete."
Xiao Tian frowned.
"So… what is to be done, Father? Should we leave it here, or…?"
The Sect Master shook his head.
"No, Xiao Tian. You must take the egg with you. Seek the conditions it needs to hatch. When it does, it shall serve as your companion and guardian."
Xiao Tian's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Me? But Father, I am not strong enough to protect something so precious. What if I fail? What if it's lost forever after waiting for over a billion years?"
The Sect Master placed a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder.
"I trust you, Xiao Tian. You have already proven yourself time and again. Take this sword as well."
Xiao Tian turned to the ancient sword by the egg, its rusted and battered appearance hardly inspiring confidence. Yet, something about it seemed… significant.
"This sword," the Sect Master continued, "was likely used by our ancestor in the great battles of the primordial era. It may look decrepit, but its true nature is hidden. If the time comes, it may reveal its purpose to you."
Reluctantly, Xiao Tian reached for the sword. As his fingers closed around its hilt, a faint tremor passed through him, and for a fleeting moment, he felt an ancient, dormant power stir within.
The Sect Master also handed him a spatial ring.
"This ring will allow you to carry the egg and the sword without difficulty. It has ample space to store other necessities as well."
As Xiao Tian examined the ring, a sudden realization dawned on him. He scowled and asked,
"Father, if you had this spatial ring all along, why didn't you give it to me when I went to the Lightning Beast Forest? Do you know how hard it was to carry all those supplies on my back? My shoulders and back were killing me!"
The Sect Master froze, an awkward cough escaping him before he muttered,
"Ah… I may have… forgotten. Let's not dwell on such trivial matters. You returned safely, didn't you?"
Xiao Tian groaned, exasperated, but chose not to press the issue further.
---
As they prepared to leave the chamber, the Sect Master gave his son one final warning.
"Xiao Tian, you must keep this a secret. Tell no one—not even your sister. The survival of our clan depends on this, and only a handful of us remain—no more than ten in total. Guard this secret with your life."
Xiao Tian nodded solemnly, the weight of responsibility settling heavily on his shoulders. With the egg and sword safely stored in the spatial ring, they left the hidden sanctuary, each step pulling Xiao Tian further into a destiny far greater than he had ever imagined.
~~~
After parting ways with his father, Xiao Tian returned to his residence. There, he resumed studying the 33 Layers of the Heaven-Severing Sword Technique, a copy of the original scripture. He immersed himself in training, utilizing his Will Tower, a manifestation within his soul. This allowed him to train his intent and techniques without venturing into the dangers of the outside world, maximizing his efficiency.
Xiao Tian remained steadfast in his determination. His focus was on mastering not only the Heaven-Severing Sword Technique but also the Nine Demon Body Refinement Technique. He aimed to push both his will and physical form to their absolute peak. With the looming Sacred Sect Tournament, where disciples from the various holy domains would clash, he knew there was no time to waste.
Yet, a lingering mystery clouded his mind—the Black Thunderous Heavenly Torrent that should have claimed his life. By all logic, he should have perished. But someone, or something, had intervened. He had no memory of who had saved him, and he couldn't fathom why.
Unbeknownst to Xiao Tian, his cultivation foundation had been sealed. His current abilities were restricted to the Realm of Alchemy, yet his true power rested near the peak of the Eighth Realm of the Wuji God Realm—the pinnacle of those who control the heavens themselves.
This seal, imposed by an unknown force, would release gradually as he ascended through the cultivation ranks. Each breakthrough would unlock another layer of his power, unleashing a surge of strength that would flood his body. Yet, Xiao Tian remained unaware of this constraint. His attention was entirely on refining his techniques, pouring his heart and soul into his training to achieve mastery.
For him, nothing mattered more than success. The 33 Layers of the Heaven-Severing Sword Technique and the Nine Demon Body Refinement Technique were his keys to ascending the heavens. With each moment of intense focus and dedication, Xiao Tian inched closer to his ultimate goal—a future where his name would be etched into the annals of history as an unshakable force.
After many days of anticipation, the long-awaited moment had finally arrived—the day of departure for the Sacred Lands Combat Tournament!
The First Elder, with his voice carrying authority that demanded absolute silence, declared the names of the ten disciples chosen to represent their sect in this grand event:
1. Zhang Da Lei
2. Wang Qiguang
3. Zhang Bai
4. Feng Hai
5. Xiao Hanyan
6. Jiang Ling
7. Xiao Shan
8. Dong Han
9. Han Bao
10. Xiao Tian
The announcement stirred a great commotion among the disciples, particularly at the inclusion of Xiao Tian, a figure long regarded as "worthless trash." Whispers of discontent turned into a sea of raised voices as a large crowd gathered outside Xiao Tian's residence in protest.
"How could this be?" one disciple sneered. "He, of all people, is to represent our sect? This is nothing but a disgrace!"
Another added with venom in their voice, "Surely, this must be the Sect Master's doing, pulling strings for his own gain! How unfair!"
When word of the unrest reached Xiao Tian, he merely chuckled to himself, understanding the nature of the situation perfectly. Stepping out from his lofty residence atop a hill, he descended with calm yet unyielding determination.
Facing the seething crowd, Xiao Tian spoke, his voice firm and unflinching. "So, you are the ones who oppose my selection. Very well. Let us settle this now. If you truly believe I am unworthy, then come at me—all of you. I shall prove my worth here and now."
The crowd erupted in laughter. One disciple jeered, "You? Alone? Against all of us? How arrogant! Clearly, your talent lies only in speaking, not in action. Come, brothers, let us show him the might of a hundred blades!"
With that, over a hundred disciples charged at Xiao Tian from all directions, weapons drawn, the air crackling with their killing intent. The assault left no room for escape, and the crowd was certain of their victory.
But Xiao Tian merely smirked. Drawing his Demon-Slaying Sword, he swung it in a single, graceful arc, unleashing a wave of destructive energy that shattered the very air itself. A deafening explosion rippled through the sect grounds, sending the attacking disciples flying in all directions like leaves caught in a tempest. Some crashed into buildings, reducing them to rubble, while others lay unconscious on the ground.
When the dust settled, only Xiao Tian remained standing.
---
The days passed swiftly, and the time had come for the chosen disciples to embark on their journey. They boarded the sect's flying vessel, a grand ship that glided through the skies with majestic ease. Overseen by the First Elder himself, the vessel set sail for the designated meeting point of the Sacred Lands Tournament.
From the ground below, the Sect Master and the other elders watched the ship ascend, their gazes following it until it disappeared beyond the horizon.
---
Aboard the ship, Xiao Tian chose to remain distant from the other disciples, as did Xiao Hanyan. Neither saw the need to waste time on idle introductions. For Xiao Tian, simply remembering their names from the announcement was enough.
Breaking the silence, Xiao Tian turned to Xiao Hanyan with a sly grin. "Senior Sister, why not take this opportunity to introduce yourself to the others? They seem like capable individuals—surely, a conversation wouldn't hurt."
Xiao Hanyan shot him a sharp look. "Why don't you go introduce yourself if you're so eager?"
Xiao Tian laughed lightly. "Oh, I was only suggesting it for your sake, Senior Sister. Who knows, you might find someone to your liking among them. After all, it's not every day you meet so many promising men. You wouldn't want to remain single forever, would you?"
Xiao Hanyan's face turned crimson with anger. "You little—!" She raised her foot, ready to kick him off the ship when the First Elder's voice rang out, silencing all conflict.
"Enough squabbling!" the elder barked. "We are nearing the gathering point of the Ten Sacred Lands. Prepare yourselves. Do not, under any circumstances, bring disgrace upon our sect."
The disciples immediately straightened and replied in unison, "Understood, First Elder!"
---
The ship descended gracefully at the designated docking station, and the disciples disembarked to find themselves in a land of awe-inspiring beauty. Towering structures of intricate design surrounded them, while stalls lined the streets, offering high-grade weapons, rare herbs, and other treasures. Auction houses hummed with activity, and even brothels lured wayward travelers with their charms.
Some of the male disciples cast furtive glances toward the brothels, their thoughts drifting into less-than-noble territory, only to be sharply reprimanded by Xiao Hanyan. "Don't even think about it! We are here to compete, not to sully the sect's name. If the First Elder learns of your indiscretions, you'll wish you hadn't been born."
Chastened, the disciples quickly abandoned their foolish thoughts.
Xiao Hanyan turned to Xiao Tian with a pointed glare. "That goes for you too, Xiao Tian!"
He shrugged nonchalantly, smirking. "Oh, Senior Sister, you really should stop worrying so much about me. Perhaps you should focus more on yourself—like finding a husband, for instance."
Her anger flared once more, and she moved to strike him, but the First Elder stepped in just in time.
"Enough! Save your energy for the tournament. Remember, do not disgrace our sect, or there will be consequences."
With that final warning, the group set off toward the grand arena, ready to face whatever awaited them.
"___________________"