After the contestants emerged from the Demon Deity Realm, they lined up to be evaluated by the examiners. These examiners would determine whether they had met the strict criteria. If the contestants had collected enough demonic beast souls, they would advance to the next round. Failure, however, would mean permanent disqualification from ever participating again.
The queues stretched endlessly, each containing over a hundred participants. Only twenty examiners were available, forming ten orderly rows. One by one, the examiners assessed the gathered souls. Those who passed proceeded with determination, while the rest left in silent defeat.
The list of those advancing to the next round was announced, beginning with the lowest qualifying rank.
Rank 600: Xiao Zhen from the Xiehuin Sect.
Rank 503: Gong Miao Zhen from the Earth Sect.
The announcer steadily revealed the rankings, each name stirring emotions of joy or disappointment.
Rank 201: Xiao Hanyan from the Di Tian Sect.
Upon hearing her name, Xiao Hanyan couldn't suppress her joy. Her rank, within the top 200, was far beyond her expectations. She smiled brightly but couldn't help glancing toward Xiao Tian. To her surprise, his name had not yet been called. Anxiety crept into her heart as she wondered if he had failed. Noticing her worried gaze, Xiao Tian said calmly, "You need not concern yourself, I will certainly advance."
Reassured by his confidence, her expression eased.
Rank 100: Zhang Dalei from the Di Tian Sect.
When Xiao Tian heard this, a flicker of surprise crossed his face. He hadn't expected someone from his sect to place in the top 100. He silently chastised himself for underestimating the strength of his sect.
Rank 22: Xiao Tian from the Di Tian Sect.
The announcement left the crowd stunned. Gasps filled the air as disbelief spread among the participants. Even among the Holy Children, the most elite disciples of each sect—each sect having ten such prodigies—many had failed to break into the top fifty. Yet Xiao Tian, an unexpected name, had reached rank 22.
Xiao Hanyan's hands flew to cover her mouth, her eyes wide with shock. She couldn't believe it. To her, Xiao Tian surpassing all expectations seemed almost surreal.
Finally, the announcer declared the highest-ranked participant:
Rank 1: Long Tian, Holy Child of unmatched power.
Long Tian stood unrivaled, hailed as the strongest of all Holy Children. He had single-handedly defeated a Level 8 demonic beast, a feat beyond comprehension. The crowd erupted in praise, eager to gain his favor. Yet Long Tian remained indifferent. Flattery from the weak meant nothing to him. To speak with him, one had to possess strength worthy of recognition.
After the announcements concluded, the contestants dispersed, some lingering to exchange words. Among them, the Second Holy Child, Bai Yao, approached Long Tian.
"You still remain unmoved by their admiration, I see," Bai Yao remarked with a faint smile.
Long Tian's expression remained cold as he replied, "Why should I care for the praises of the weak? Their words are hollow, spoken only because they lack the ability to achieve greatness themselves."
Hearing this, Bai Yao merely shrugged and walked away, his smile fading into silence.
After parting ways for a while...
"Hey! Xiao Tian!"
A melodious, excited voice called out from behind Xiao Tian.
The owner of the voice rushed forward and clung to Xiao Tian's arm. To his surprise, his arm found itself pressed between the soft curves of a young woman's chest. Of course, it was none other than Xiao Hanyan herself.
"Uh… Sister, please don't do this in public. It's embarrassing!" Xiao Tian stammered, his face flushing.
Xiao Hanyan, puffing her cheeks in mock displeasure, retorted, "What's embarrassing about a brother and sister being close? Don't you agree, little brother? Hehehe."
She laughed gleefully, her radiant smile as free and joyous as a blossoming flower.
For the first time, Xiao Tian saw his elder sister express such unrestrained happiness, and it made his heart flutter. Her beauty was truly captivating. But he quickly shook his head, banishing such thoughts from his mind.
Before they could go far, a cheerful voice interrupted them.
"Hey! Where are you two heading? Don't leave us behind just because you've got a high ranking!"
Turning toward the voice, Xiao Tian saw Zhang Dalei, the disciple ranked 100th, approaching with three others: Wang Chigong, Zhang Bai, and Xiao Shan. Together with Xiao Tian and Xiao Hanyan, their group now numbered six.
Xiao Tian greeted them politely, "It's been a while since we parted. Honestly, I thought you might've fallen prey to the demonic beasts in the forest. My apologies if my words sound harsh, but that's just how I speak. I hope you don't take offense."
Zhang Dali replied with a hearty laugh, "No need for formalities, Junior Brother Xiao Tian. I'm still shocked that you managed to secure 22nd place despite being in the 5th stage of cultivation's peak realm! This must surely be a historic achievement for our Di Tian Sect!"
Zhang Bai added, "Now that you're ranked 22nd, I'd bet many sacred sects will be vying to recruit you into their ranks."
Xiao Tian smiled and replied, "There's no need to make such assumptions. Even if they came seeking me, I wouldn't join unless their conditions align with my standards. Sacred sect or not, it matters little to me. Besides, the competition isn't over yet. Let's not jump to conclusions about who will be targeted by these sects."
Xiao Shan chimed in, "I think we should find a place to rest first. Even though we're still riding high on the excitement of our success, lingering here too long might make us targets for assassination by those looking to eliminate the competition. Better safe than sorry."
The group nodded in agreement and followed Xiao Tian's lead as he guided them to a safe inn.
Their destination? The Moon Pearl Pavilion.
When they arrived, the disciples couldn't help but tease Xiao Tian.
"Hey, Xiao Tian, how do you know about this place? Don't tell me you come here often!"
Xiao Tian maintained a calm demeanor, but Xiao Hanyan's expression darkened slightly, her displeasure evident.
Clearing the misunderstanding, Xiao Tian explained, "This place is renowned for providing top-tier intelligence regarding the Ten Sacred Domains' competitions. Before the event began, I visited to purchase some information and made a few acquaintances here. I'm here now to secure a safe place for us to stay."
Though still skeptical, the disciples said nothing further. Xiao Tian, unconcerned by their reactions, led them into the pavilion, where they were greeted by a familiar young woman.
"Greetings, Honored Guest Xiao Tian. What brings you to our establishment today?"
"I need to speak with Lady Yue'er. I have some information to purchase," Xiao Tian replied.
Upon hearing this, the woman immediately led Xiao Tian toward Yue'er's chamber.
As they walked, Xiao Hanyan pinched Xiao Tian's arm, making him yelp softly.
"Ow! Sister, what are you doing? That hurts!" he whispered.
Fixing him with a scolding look, Xiao Hanyan retorted, "You came to a place like this alone? Do you think Father would let you off easily if he knew? Foolish little brother!"
Xiao Tian sighed. "You're misunderstanding! I'm still pure! If you don't believe me, you're welcome to verify it yourself!"
Blushing furiously, Xiao Hanyan resorted to flustered indignation, raining soft punches on Xiao Tian's back like a pouting child.
"Haha!" Xiao Tian laughed at her adorable reaction.
After a short walk, they reached Yue'er's chamber.
"Only one person may enter the information chamber," announced the attendant.
Xiao Tian prepared to step inside when Xiao Hanyan grabbed his arm.
"You're not going in alone! It's dangerous!" she declared.
Xiao Tian sighed inwardly, wondering when his elder sister had started behaving so willfully. She's supposed to be the mature one, but this feels… childish…
Before he could argue further, a voice called out from inside the room, "Let them both enter."
Hearing this, Xiao Hanyan immediately pulled Xiao Tian into the chamber with her.
After the two entered, they were greeted by a striking woman clad in red. Her hair, eyes, and lips were also a deep crimson, creating an aura that was both captivating and seductive.
Even Xiao Hanyan, upon seeing her, couldn't help but momentarily pause in admiration. She truly is beautiful, Hanyan admitted inwardly, but quickly steeled herself. Why should I care? There's no way I'll let this woman seduce Xiao Tian away from me!
Yue Er, the alluring woman, spoke with a melodious and enticing voice, "It's been over a month since we last met, Young Master Xiao Tian. You had me worried. I kept wondering if our VIP guest might not make it back from the competition alive. Truly, I've been anxious for an entire month." As she spoke, she gracefully approached and wrapped her arms around Xiao Tian's right arm.
Caught off guard, Xiao Tian stammered, "Lady Yue Er, I'm only here to purchase information. There's no need for such formalities. I am but a simple customer."
Feigning sadness, Yue Er dabbed at her eyes and said, "How could you say such a thing? I've been worrying about you day and night, and yet you brush me off so coldly. You're too cruel, Young Master."
Her words left Xiao Tian frozen in place, utterly speechless. Meanwhile, Xiao Hanyan glared at him, her eyes radiating murderous intent.
Without hesitation, Hanyan seized Xiao Tian's left arm and clung to it tightly, glaring at Yue Er with undisguised hostility. "You! Stop trying to deceive my younger brother. He's still young and innocent. I won't allow you to take advantage of him!" she declared, her voice filled with a fierce protectiveness.
Yue Er, hearing this, chuckled softly. "Hehehe."
"What's so funny?" Hanyan snapped.
"Oh, nothing," Yue Er replied with a sly smile. "I was merely testing you to see who you were. I thought you might be some woman clinging to him for his wealth and treasures. But now that I see you're his sister, I can rest assured. I apologize for my misunderstanding."
Though slightly annoyed, Xiao Hanyan decided to let it slide, recognizing Yue Er's intentions.
Changing the topic, Yue Er continued, "Now then, let us get to the matter at hand. What brings you to The Moon Pearl Pavilion today? What sort of information or assistance do you seek?"
As she spoke, she extended a delicate finger and lightly traced it under Xiao Tian's chin, her tone turning sultry. "Or perhaps... you've come for me instead?"
"Stop that and step away from my brother this instant!" Xiao Hanyan shouted, her voice trembling with jealousy and protectiveness.
Yue Er laughed playfully. "Alright, alright, I won't tease him anymore. So, what is it you require, Young Master Xiao Tian?"
Xiao Tian cleared his throat and replied, "I'm here to purchase information on a safe inn where we won't easily be targeted. Additionally, I need resources, weapons, and a selection of pills."
Hearing this, Yue Er nodded and gestured for everyone to follow her. She led them into a secret chamber, unlocking several layers of seals along the way. Finally, they entered the treasure vault of The Moon Pearl Pavilion.
Inside, the room was filled with priceless treasures: high-grade pills, weapons, manuals, and combat techniques of various levels. Among them were even advanced cultivation manuals at the Earth and Heaven tiers, as well as pills ranging from grade 7 to grade 9. The weapons were masterpieces crafted by master forgers with thousands of years of experience, each one a legendary artifact of grade 7 or higher.
Yue Er smiled and said, "Feel free to browse and select whatever catches your eye. For esteemed guests like you, we're offering an 80% discount, which is valid for another 11 months."
Hearing this, Xiao Tian turned to his sister and said, "Take your time and pick something that suits you. If you find anything you like, I'll buy it for you. Don't forget to choose some items for Xiao San, Wang Chigong, Zhang Dalei, and Zhang Bai as well."
Hanyan nodded and began browsing the treasure vault with a sparkle in her eyes.
Watching her, Xiao Tian couldn't help but recall his previous life. This feels just like taking a girl shopping at a mall for the first time. How strange.
Pushing the thought aside, Xiao Tian turned to select the items he needed as well.
As Xiao Tian wandered to the farthest corner of the treasure vault, he beheld an array of treasures. Yet, none caught his eye until he stumbled upon something peculiar.
It was a stone, roughly circular in shape, weathered with age and marked by numerous scratches. Strange inscriptions encircled its surface, forming an arcane pattern. Xiao Tian attempted to decipher the ancient symbols, but even with his understanding of the ancient languages of the Celestial Demon Realm, he was at a loss. These writings were utterly foreign to him, and this realization both puzzled and intrigued him.
Driven by curiosity, he picked up the stone. At that moment, Yue Er, her voice tinged with curiosity and amusement, spoke up.
"Young Master, what do you intend to do with such a mundane stone?" She smiled sweetly, feigning innocence.
Xiao Tian replied calmly, "This stone... it feels extraordinary, ancient, even. It might hold some hidden significance. How much is it worth?"
Yue Er giggled softly before responding, "I know not its origins, nor its value. Consider it a gift from me to you."
Xiao Tian felt a small surge of gratitude and nodded. "Thank you, Lady Yue Er."
As he expressed his thanks, Yue Er interjected playfully, "Instead of words, may I ask for a different form of gratitude?"
Xiao Tian raised an eyebrow. "Speak your wish, so long as it is within my power to grant."
Her smile deepened, her voice lowering to a gentle murmur. "There is a place I wish for you to accompany me to, though it lies far beyond this realm. However, I would not ask this of you now. Compete in the Sacred Domain Competition first, and once it concludes, come find me. I will guide you to that place. What say you?"
Xiao Tian thought briefly before nodding. "Very well. I will help you. It should not pose any great difficulty for me."
Her eyes sparkled with joy, and she bowed her head slightly in thanks.
Xiao Tian continued to explore the vault, his gaze falling upon an ancient scroll. The technique described within appeared deceptively simple at first glance. Movements depicted seemed awkward, almost impractical, as though they left the practitioner vulnerable to attack. Yet, upon closer inspection, he discerned the brilliance concealed beneath its surface.
This was a movement technique of unparalleled subtlety, capable of evading even the most relentless and inescapable of attacks. It combined fluidity and unpredictability into a seamless art, defying conventional battle strategies. Xiao Tian was captivated. He understood that mastering such a technique would require immense dedication, but its potential made it worth the effort. Without hesitation, he took the scroll.
Once the group finished their selection, they proceeded to settle the cost. Yue Er, ever gracious, ensured that the process was swift.
Afterward, Xiao Tian and Xiao Hanyan rejoined their fellow disciples outside. Turning to Xiao Hanyan, Xiao Tian inquired, "Have you prepared the supplies as I requested?"
She nodded. "All has been arranged. I merely need to distribute them to the others."
"Good." Xiao Tian acknowledged her efforts with a brief nod. Together, they departed for the inn arranged by the Moon Pearl Pavilion.
---
After the attendants of the Moon Pearl Pavilion guided Xiao Tian's group to their accommodations, Xiao Tian called Zhang Dalei and the other three disciples together. He handed them a set of manuals and said, "These are scrolls designed to refine your willpower, sword intent, and mastery over various weapons. I've acquired them for you."
"Wow!" Zhang Dalei and the others exclaimed in unison.
"These treasures are far too valuable! Such items are beyond anything we could afford," one of them said hesitantly, their voices tinged with apprehension.
Xiao Tian waved their concerns away. "These are just gifts from me and my elder sister, Xiao Hanyan. There's no need for formality."
Despite their initial reluctance, Zhang Dalei and his companions eventually accepted the gifts, knowing such opportunities were rare and refusing them would be unwise. They expressed their gratitude profusely before dispersing to choose their rooms.
They opted for rooms close to one another for safety, ensuring they could respond quickly if any danger arose. Xiao Tian, however, selected a room farther away, desiring solitude to focus on cultivating his ever-advancing Heavenly Will.
As he settled into his space, Xiao Tian noticed someone trailing him—it was Xiao Hanyan.
"Why aren't you picking a room for yourself?" Xiao Tian asked, puzzled.
"Why should I? I'll stay in the same room as you," she replied casually.
"What?!" Xiao Tian was taken aback. "That's out of the question! A man and a woman sharing a room—it's improper! People will misunderstand and think I've sullied your reputation!"
"You're overthinking things," Xiao Hanyan retorted, her cheeks puffed out slightly in mock irritation.
Xiao Tian sighed inwardly, lamenting his predicament.
(What have I done to deserve this? Is Heaven testing my patience? All I wanted was some peace to cultivate, yet here I am saddled with a... clingy elder sister!)
Despite his inner turmoil, Xiao Tian ultimately relented, allowing Xiao Hanyan to stay in his room. However, he set a firm condition. "You may stay, but do not disturb me during my cultivation. If you do, I won't hesitate to kick you out."
Xiao Hanyan, grinning with triumph, quickly agreed.
After finalizing their agreement, Xiao Tian retreated to a meditation chamber adjacent to Xiao Hanyan's room. He focused his willpower, entering the realm of intent to elevate the essence of his will to greater heights.
Within the world of intent, Xiao Tian realized that advancing his willpower relied heavily on both time and resources. With sufficient precious resources, he could rapidly enhance it. Without them, however, progress would crawl at an agonizingly slow pace, potentially taking hundreds or even thousands of years—far too long for someone like him.
Unwilling to wait for such an eternity, Xiao Tian attempted to break the countless restrictions shackling the origin of his intent. Each shackle he broke would gradually unleash more power, allowing him to ascend further.
Yet, despite his relentless effort over a prolonged period, the restrictions seemed endless, refusing to diminish no matter how much he struggled. Frustrated but undeterred, he decided to shift his focus.
"If brute force won't work, I must deepen my understanding of the Dao of the Sword," he thought. Determined, Xiao Tian redirected his efforts towards comprehending the mysteries of swordsmanship. He resolved to master the 33 Heavenly Strikes, striving to push his cultivation of the technique to the middle stage of perfection.
In the silence of his chamber, his intent intertwined with his sword aura, radiating waves of boundless sharpness, as if the heavens themselves trembled before his pursuit.
On the following morning, Xiao Tian remained seated in deep meditation, unmoving as if he were a stone statue sculpted by the hands of a master.
His elder sister, Xiao Hanyan, awoke early and prepared a meal for him, but no matter how much she called out to him, he did not respond. Recognizing that he was deeply immersed in his cultivation, she refrained from disturbing him.
As the day turned to night and the night stretched into midnight, Xiao Tian remained in his meditative state, completely engrossed in comprehending the Dao of the Sword and perfecting the 33 Heavenly Strikes. He sat motionless, his presence so serene it seemed as though he had become one with the surrounding air.
When morning arrived once more, Xiao Hanyan's concern began to grow. Worried that something might have happened to him, she summoned Zhang Dalei and his group to inspect Xiao Tian's condition.
After observing him closely, none of them could discern exactly what was happening. His breath was imperceptible, blending seamlessly with nature itself, as though he had transcended mortal limitations. Suddenly, Zhang Dalei's eyes lit up as he recalled something and spoke:
"It seems Xiao Tian is attempting to comprehend a profound aspect of the Dao. He is delving deeply into the mysteries of the sword and refining his intent.
At this moment, he is training within the vast realm of intent, a boundless space of consciousness that is incomprehensible to ordinary people. For someone to align their breath so perfectly with nature is no trivial feat. If he succeeds in attaining the mid-level mastery of multiple Daos, his sword intent and understanding of the path will elevate significantly. It will make him far more formidable in battle."
He paused before continuing with a solemn expression. "We must not disturb him. Interrupting his focus now could hinder his breakthrough. Instead, we should support him by preparing a space conducive to his cultivation and surrounding him with high-grade spirit stones. These will allow him to absorb energy and enhance both his cultivation base and his intent."
Hearing this, the group nodded in agreement and immediately took action.
They worked together, placing large quantities of high-grade spirit stones around Xiao Tian and constructing a sizable array to conceal his presence. Within this fortified area, the spiritual energy began to condense, forming a dense and nurturing environment for Xiao Tian's cultivation. The group then stepped back, their expressions a mixture of awe and anticipation, as they silently guarded their companion's breakthrough.
For three days, Xiao Tian remained silent and unmoving, sitting like an ancient sculpture lost in time. Deep within the depths of his Will World, he meticulously studied numerous Daos and honed the techniques he had spent a lifetime mastering. Among these were the 33 Heavenly Strikes and other profound arts.
Not only did he refine his techniques, but he also sought to elevate his Nine Demonic Bodies to an even higher realm. Yet the journey was arduous, hindered by countless laws anchoring the origin of his Will World. Each time he shattered a law, the effort grew more daunting. By the time he reached the 25,953rd law, only a few hundred remained.
However, as he focused on breaking through the 100th law, it resisted his might completely, showing not even a trace of damage.
Realizing his brute force was futile, Xiao Tian redirected his efforts to delving deeper into the Dao of the Sword. By understanding the Dao with greater precision, he hoped to unlock the perfect pathway to overcome these seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
He sighed softly, his voice barely audible within the vast expanse of his Will World.
"Why is breaking these laws so difficult? I feel as though I've hit a dead end... But I cannot give up. Only a hundred laws remain. I will endure and persevere!"
Determined, Xiao Tian sought to transcend ordinary comprehension of the Dao, striving toward the Perfect Dao. This supreme understanding would guide him to the flawless path, allowing him to shatter all obstacles and achieve his goals completely.
In parallel, he studied the Heavenly Dao, the overarching force governing the laws of heaven and earth. By unraveling these celestial principles, Xiao Tian hoped to discover similarities with the laws of his Will World. Such insights might grant him the key to sever the remaining chains and achieve true liberation.
---
Four days and three nights later...
In the outside world, Xiao Tian's form remained motionless, immersed in profound meditation. Within his Will World, however, he battled the final hundred laws with unwavering resolve. Each confrontation demanded everything he had.
Time was running out. The second round of the competition among the Ten Sacred Territories was only two weeks away. If Xiao Tian failed to prepare in time, he would miss his chance to participate and be eliminated by default.
Yet Xiao Tian, aware of the stakes, maintained his calm.
"I must not rush," he whispered to himself. "Even though time is short, losing my focus now would render all my efforts meaningless. If I remain steady for just one more week, I will destroy these laws and ascend. Patience is the key."
With confidence and resolve, he pushed forward, continuing to comprehend the 3,000 Paths of Dao.
---
In the outside world of will…
Xiao Hanyan sat vigil near her brother, occasionally meditating to cultivate her own techniques within her Will World. When she felt restless, she ventured outside the pavilion to practice new moves, testing how far her abilities had grown.
As days passed, Xiao Tian's relentless focus bore fruit. On the fifth day, he managed to break through an additional 67 laws, leaving only 43 standing. Each success brought him closer to fully liberating the origin of his Will World.
Once these final laws were shattered, Xiao Tian's origin would ascend to an entirely new level. He would be able to harness the energies of the Heavenly and Earthly Laws with greater potency and comprehend higher-dimensional truths of the universe on an unprecedented scale.
At the break of dawn, the winds began to stir, converging from every direction towards the place where Xiao Tian sat meditating.
Sensing the unusual phenomenon, Xiao Hanyan's expression turned solemn. "It seems something extraordinary is about to happen," she murmured to herself. Without hesitation, she summoned Zhang Dalei and his group to assess the situation.
"This might signify a breakthrough," Zhang Dalei declared after a moment of observation, "or worse, the harbinger of tribulation. We must act swiftly to strengthen the formation surrounding him!"
With such a realization, the group wasted no time. They fortified the array, ensuring it would safeguard Xiao Tian from any potential disturbances during this critical juncture of enlightenment.
---
Within the Realm of Will
Xiao Tian had achieved a profound understanding of the 3,000 Sword Paths. Although these were not among the Great Paths of the Dao, they embodied the essence of swordsmanship in its purest form. This enlightenment elevated his sword techniques and offensive power to new heights, increasing their potency over twentyfold.
Such mastery granted him the ability to wield a mere breeze or a fallen leaf to slice through iron and cleave mountains effortlessly. With renewed determination, he gripped his ancient blade tightly, leaping towards the Origin Core of the Realm of Will.
Standing at the heart of his consciousness, Xiao Tian gathered his boundless intent and spiritual energy. Channeling it into the edge of his blade, he prepared to unleash the full might of his technique: Heaven-Severing Slash of the 33 Layers.
With a resolute roar, he swung his sword, releasing an overwhelming burst of energy.
"Yahhhhhh!"
Boom!
The strike exploded with such force that it sent shockwaves rippling throughout the air. The surging Sword Qi collided against the unyielding laws, resulting in a deafening eruption. The very foundation of his Realm of Will trembled under the impact.
When the dust settled, fractures spread across the laws that had once bound his Origin Core. Of the 43 Great Laws, only ten now remained, standing as the final barriers shielding his origin from complete liberation.
Xiao Tian stood resolute, his blade gleaming with determination. He knew that breaking these final ten laws would grant him absolute mastery over his Realm of Will. With such power, he could wield his intent without limitation, enabling him to comprehend countless paths and inscribe the wisdom of the ancients into his soul.
However, these last ten laws were unlike the others. They were the Primordial Laws of Reality, deeply entwined with the truth of the universe and the origin of all things. Their presence was a reflection of Xiao Tian's unique fate—his defiance against the Heavenly Middle Realm.
---
Tribulations of the Heavenly Middle Realm
As one who had risen beyond the bounds of ordinary cultivation, Xiao Tian found himself opposed to the balance maintained by the Heavenly Middle Realm. This ethereal force governed the equilibrium of the mortal plane, suppressing anything that exceeded its limits. For Xiao Tian, this meant his path was fraught with obstacles a hundredfold, even a thousandfold, more challenging than those faced by ordinary cultivators.
These tribulations were not arbitrary; they were designed to crush beings like Xiao Tian, who surpassed the bounds of mortal comprehension. Yet, the heavens could not act openly against him. Unseen forces of immeasurable might shielded Xiao Tian from direct intervention, their very existence a deterrent to the heavens themselves.
Thus, the Heavenly Middle Realm resorted to subtler methods, intensifying his challenges and heightening the difficulty of his breakthroughs.
---
Unaware of the grand schemes conspiring against him, Xiao Tian pressed forward with unwavering resolve. His indomitable will, forged through countless trials and tempered by the knowledge of his previous life, drove him to overcome every barrier. To Xiao Tian, these tribulations were but stepping stones on his journey to ascend beyond the heavens themselves.