In this day...
Xiao Tian remained deeply engrossed in breaking the few remaining threads of the world's internal laws. These threads were none other than the fundamental rules governing the Origin of the Inner World's Will.
He labored relentlessly to sever these threads, only six—or perhaps five—remaining. Yet, he soon discovered that these last few were far more formidable than the others. They were the ultimate barrier, layered with countless interwoven laws, forming an impenetrable defense. Xiao Tian realized that this challenge would be far from simple.
Resolute, he turned his focus back to comprehending the Dao of the Sword and the Will of the Blade. Meditating on the Heavenly Dao and the Grand Dao, he sought enlightenment in the ways of the sword and the path he had chosen. To elevate his will, he delved into the fundamental laws of Heaven and Earth, striving to shatter the rules of the Inner World's Will. Tirelessly, he continued to refine his Sword Dao and practiced the Heaven-Cleaving Sword Technique, all 33 layers of it, with unyielding determination.
Two days passed.
On the second day, his efforts bore fruit. Xiao Tian managed to break all but one thread of the Inner World's rules. A wave of relief swept over him—only the final law remained.
Once it was destroyed, his Will would expand to encompass the Origin of the Inner World's Will, unlocking boundless potential. If he could access this Origin, he would create innumerable Will Worlds, sanctuaries to store his spiritual power. These worlds could be nurtured to ascend into higher realms, enabling him to establish internal worlds far earlier than those of the Seventh Realm: the Grandmaster of Creation.
Unlike ordinary practitioners who relied on the Seventh Realm to form their internal worlds, Xiao Tian had no need for such constraints. Those blessed with extraordinary physiques—be it a Divine Body, Heavenly Body, or Yin-Yang Body—could achieve this feat much earlier, creating superior internal worlds far surpassing the norm.
---
In reality, the Seventh Realm enabled practitioners to form internal worlds only because they lacked such exceptional talents. For the common cultivator, this threshold was indispensable. However, for those endowed with rare physiques, the heavens bestowed them with the ability to transcend these limits.
Xiao Tian pressed on, pouring his entire being into breaking the final thread imprisoning the Origin within his Inner World's Will. Yet, as he unleashed the full force of his 33-layer Heaven-Cleaving Sword Technique, his strikes—numbering in the millions—failed to fully sever the law. Still, cracks began to form, faint but promising, each one a small triumph.
Encouraged, he pushed forward, consuming all the spiritual stones in his spatial pouch to fuel his sword essence. His attacks grew fiercer, his aura erupting outward into the boundless expanse of the Will's domain. The emptiness resounded with the relentless fury of his strikes, echoing endlessly as Xiao Tian continued his onslaught.
---
Outside, the heavens darkened. Thunderclouds raged, covering the continent where the sacred lands held their trials. Lightning flashed, casting an ominous glow across the sky. The storm was unlike anything seen before, shaking the hearts of countless witnesses.
Even those of the Seventh Realm had never encountered a calamity of such magnitude. Whispers spread among the masses—what kind of defiant soul had invoked the wrath of the heavens?
From afar, the Divine Scions observed the apocalyptic skies. Even their distant sanctuaries were shrouded in the storm's shadow. Intrigued, they set their sights on the storm's epicenter, eager to uncover the identity of the one provoking Heaven's fury.
---
Yue Er of the Moon Pearl Pavilion, upon sensing the unnatural calamity around Xiao Tian's secluded cultivation site, hurried to investigate. There, she found none other than Zhang Dalei and Xiao Han Yan, standing vigil to protect Xiao Tian's surroundings.
"What is happening here?" Yue Er demanded. "Why has such a heavenly disaster descended upon this place?"
The two guardians exchanged uneasy glances before explaining the situation. Upon learning that this was no ordinary calamity but a Heavenly Catastrophe of the highest order, Yue Er's expression turned grave.
"Step aside," she commanded. "I shall deploy a high-tier formation to shield this area. If you remain, you risk losing your lives in vain."
Without hesitation, they retreated, allowing Yue Er to erect a supreme formation capable of withstanding most heavenly calamities. Yet, unbeknownst to her, the tribulation Xiao Tian faced was decreed directly by the Celestial Palace itself.
---
Meanwhile, Xiao Tian, relentless and unwavering, continued his assault on the final law. Channeling every ounce of energy within, he unleashed a tempest of sword strikes that resonated throughout the infinite void of the Inner World's Will. The cracks deepened, and hope surged within him as he inched closer to victory.
Outside, the celestial storm intensified, its might enveloping the entire continent. Lightning flashed like divine judgment, and the heavens roared with unrestrained fury. Even the most seasoned cultivators stood in awe and terror, wondering who could invoke such wrath.
As the Divine Scions converged upon the epicenter, Xiao Tian remained focused. Though his awareness extended to the outside world, he refused to falter. The final thread of law would be destroyed, no matter the cost.
Xiao Tian gritted his teeth, his voice trembling with suppressed fury. His words cut through the void like a blade.
"It seems the heavens still seethe with anger toward me. Of course, they would. Destroying the emissary of their sacred laws—an act of rebellion they would never forgive. By doing so, I've defied the very will of the divine. But if the heavens refuse mercy, then neither shall I. From this moment forth, I renounce their rule and reject their authority!"
His voice deepened, raw and thunderous, shaking the boundless emptiness around him.
With a primal roar that resonated across the void, Xiao Tian raised his sword high, his grip unyielding. The blade glowed with an otherworldly brilliance as he swung it down in a final, devastating strike upon the last thread of divine will.
"Break for me!
Heaven-Severing Strike! Thirty-Three Layers Cleaved Asunder! Let all creation bow before this blade!"
The impact was cataclysmic. The blade's descent sliced through the thread as though severing fragile silk, and in its wake, a torrent of golden energy erupted. The very fabric of the will's origin shattered, its explosive force hurling Xiao Tian's presence across an unimaginable distance within the realm of intent. Golden light surged outward, engulfing the endless void before breaching into the physical world.
---
Outside the Realm of Intent
Xiao Tian's body stirred. His eyes snapped open, blazing with radiant golden light. The luminous energy surged from within, coursing through every fiber of his being. The golden aura enveloped him entirely before erupting in a blinding surge of power.
A column of golden brilliance shot skyward, piercing the heavens themselves. In the same moment, bolts of heavenly tribulation thundered down, striking with wrathful precision. The clash of golden aura and divine lightning echoed like a battle between gods. The aura resisted, unyielding, until it overwhelmed the heavenly judgment. The golden radiance split the clouds, tearing them apart, leaving a massive void in the heavens. The resulting explosion was so fierce it rivaled the destruction of countless worlds, shaking the very land beneath.
The aftermath rippled through the wills of countless beings, its raw energy spreading far beyond mortal comprehension. Entire regions were obliterated, leaving behind nothing but emptiness. Even those who lived near the blast suffered grievous wounds, with many perishing under the overwhelming pressure. It was a calamity unlike any other—a tragedy born of divine defiance.
---
As the golden aura faded, Xiao Tian exhaled slowly. The energy that had once engulfed him now settled into his soul and body. He clenched his fists, feeling the newfound strength coursing through him. He had ascended to the sixth realm of supernatural mastery, albeit still at its early stage.
However, triumph was shadowed by guilt. The lives lost in his ascension weighed heavily on his conscience. Innocent people—unrelated to his journey—had perished in the calamity. Though regret stirred within him, Xiao Tian suppressed his emotions. To dwell on the past was to invite weakness, and he could not afford to falter.
He began stabilizing his newly gained power, his focus razor-sharp. As his aura normalized, he opened his eyes and stood. "We must leave this place immediately," he declared, his voice decisive. "If we linger, the holy sons and divine masters will surely find us."
Turning to Yue Er, Xiao Tian lowered his head respectfully. "Thank you for aiding me. Without the barrier you conjured, the heavenly tribulation would have been far more destructive."
Yue Er smiled faintly, her expression calm yet sly. "There is no need for thanks. You overcame the tribulation through your own strength. However, this favor does not come without its price. When you participate in the Holy Son Tournament, I expect a suitable gift in return."
Xiao Tian's brow furrowed slightly. "What kind of gift would you desire?"
She chuckled, her voice light. "We shall discuss that after you win. Assuming, of course, there is still a tournament to compete in after such an upheaval."
With a respectful nod, Xiao Tian offered his gratitude once more before departing. He led his group swiftly from the site of the calamity, urgency etched into his every movement.
----
As they traversed the land, Xiao Tian activated the Way of Heaven's Intent, veiling their presence with nature itself. Their energies harmonized with the surrounding environment, ensuring they left no trace.
Their journey carried them far from the epicenter of the catastrophe, where suspicion could not reach. In the distance, the once-turbulent skies gradually stilled, though the memory of Xiao Tian's defiance lingered, etched into the very heavens themselves.
As the group sprinted through the dense wilderness, Xiao Shan couldn't suppress his curiosity any longer. Turning to Xiao Tian, he blurted out, his voice laced with both awe and concern,
"Xiao Tian, can I ask you something? Why is it that your tribulation attracted such a catastrophic heavenly disaster? It was like the wrath of an entire continent bore down upon you! This was beyond anything normal—hundreds, perhaps thousands of times more severe than what most people endure."
Xiao Tian's expression remained calm, though his tone carried a hint of self-deprecation as he replied,
"I'm not entirely sure. Perhaps… it's because I'm just a little more 'special' than others."
Hearing this, the group exchanged wry smiles, their faces shadowed with a bitter helplessness. They chose not to press the matter further.
---
Without stopping to rest, they fled the calamity site, their movements swift and purposeful. Though fatigue gnawed at their stamina, they dared not slow down. Any sign of hesitation could lead to suspicion—or worse, capture and silencing.
For three entire shichen (hours), they ran without pause. As seasoned cultivators, their steps were precise and unwavering, each movement guided by mastery of their craft. Escaping from such perilous situations was second nature to them. When they finally emerged from the devastated region, the wilderness around them transformed into the shadowy depths of a primeval forest.
---
Now far from the site of the tribulation, the group found temporary refuge in the Forest of Beasts. This outer territory offered both safety and obscurity, a place where they could avoid suspicion while awaiting the commencement of the Ten Holy Lands Tournament.
Occasionally, Zhang Bai and Wang Chigong ventured back into the central regions to gather information. On one such return, they reported,
"The tournament is still proceeding as planned. Despite the chaos, the tradition of the Ten Holy Lands must endure. For over a billion years, this competition has been held without interruption. A single calamity is not enough to halt such a profound legacy."
The new location for the tournament had been finalized: the southernmost sanctum of the Holy Lands. This region was famed for its stability, untouched by disaster for over a billion years. Known as the safest haven across all the realms, it was deemed the ideal site to host the grand event.
---
---
When Zhang Bai and Wang Chigong delivered their findings, Xiao Tian's group quickly prepared for departure. Time was of the essence; only three days remained until the tournament's commencement.
Xiao Tian addressed the group with calm authority, his voice steady yet firm.
"Let us set out immediately. I will use my technique to cloak us within the flow of nature, ensuring we remain undetectable. Stay focused and follow my lead."
The group nodded in unison, their resolve unshaken. Without further delay, they moved as one, their figures vanishing into the shadows of the forest as they embarked on their journey to the Ten Holy Lands.
Beneath the canopy of stars, their path stretched onward, each step drawing them closer to the stage where destinies would be forged and legends written.
After traversing the vast expanse of over a thousand miles, Xiao Tian and his group finally arrived at the entrance to the Ten Holy Lands Tournament grounds. Their journey took more than a day, primarily due to the heightened security measures. Patrols of high-ranking guards combed the area for anyone suspicious—be it fugitives or trespassers attempting to infiltrate the region.
Upon reaching the gate, they noticed the security protocols had become far more rigorous than before. Every entrant was subjected to meticulous scrutiny. However, the group remained unperturbed. Thanks to Xiao Tian's concealment technique, they had become one with nature itself, blending seamlessly even with the air around them. Confident in their invisibility, they passed through the checkpoint undetected and entered the sacred grounds of the Ten Holy Lands once more.
---
To expedite their journey, they hired a carriage to take them to an area near the tournament grounds. There, they sought temporary lodging to rest and prepare. With only two days left until the tournament began, the group wasted no time. Every moment was dedicated to refining their cultivation bases, replenishing their reserves, and ensuring their bodies and minds were adequately rested. Without sufficient preparation, they would neither have the strength to fight nor the clarity to advance their training.
Upon reaching the outskirts of the tournament grounds, they dispersed into separate inns. This strategic decision minimized suspicion, as their prior escape from the Demonic Realm could not afford any unwanted attention. Staying together would risk arousing the very questions they sought to avoid. By splitting up, they mimicked the casual behavior of ordinary travelers, blending into the bustling crowd of cultivators.
---
The following morning, Xiao Tian immersed himself in meditation, stabilizing the newfound power within his cultivation base. Having recently ascended to a higher realm of Will, he began refining the Origin World of Will he had forged. Unlike the ordinary realms created by others, his Origin World transcended the mundane, embodying the essence of multiple universes.
Within this vast Origin World, Xiao Tian created over sixty smaller worlds, each housing lifeforms nurtured by the boundless energy of his Will. These worlds weren't merely constructs; they were miniature universes, each containing the fundamental truths of reality. Among them, one stood apart—a Primordial Universe, the cradle of all truth and reality.
---
Xiao Tian's achievements did not come without cost. To reach this stage, he had shattered countless heavenly laws, challenging the very fabric of existence upheld by the heavens. The mid-tier Heavenly Laws, guardians of reality, had proven insufficient to restrain him. His Will, more resilient than even mid-level Heavenly Tribulations, marked him as a being whose Origin World surpassed ordinary comprehension.
Yet, despite his triumphs, Xiao Tian felt a pang of frustration. He muttered to himself with a tinge of disappointment,
"It seems… the Will of Reality itself is not so easily refined. Even after opening the Origin World and strengthening my Will, I have barely scratched the surface of its true power. The laws I've transcended are but fragments compared to the ultimate truths that lie beyond. My understanding is still shallow. Without a treasure of unparalleled value, it may take a lifetime to grasp its mysteries."
His voice carried the weight of his dissatisfaction, yet his eyes burned with unyielding determination. Xiao Tian refused to surrender to despair. Instead, he resolved to deepen his comprehension of the 3,000 Grand Dao—the infinite paths of the Dao that governed all creation.
The 3,000 Grand Dao were not mere branches of cultivation but the ultimate origins of existence itself. They transcended the Heavenly Laws, reaching heights beyond the confines of universal reality. Every law, every truth, and every principle of the cosmos was but an offshoot of these vast Dao. The Grand Dao were the source of all things—omnipresent, omnipotent, and indivisible.
To comprehend the Grand Dao was to grasp the entirety of existence. Xiao Tian meditated on this profound truth, seeking to elevate his understanding to unparalleled heights. No longer bound by the sword alone, his path had expanded to encompass all 3,000 aspects of the Grand Dao, each a thread in the infinite tapestry of reality.
As Xiao Tian immersed himself in his cultivation, he vowed silently,
"I will not rest until I have unraveled the mysteries of the Grand Dao. To ascend beyond the heavens, to stand at the pinnacle of all existence—this is my destiny."
The air around him shimmered as the energy of his Will surged, resonating with the countless worlds within his Origin World. Though the journey ahead was fraught with challenges, Xiao Tian's resolve was unshakable. In his heart, he knew that mastery of the 3,000 Grand Dao would unlock the gates to true enlightenment—and perhaps even the power to rival the heavens themselves.
---
Xiao Tian added, "While the 3,000 Grand Daos may not be the most powerful in existence, they possess unparalleled qualities that aid in my comprehension of higher-level Wills. Through them, I can master these transcendent forces and harness power from infinite, ever-expanding dimensions without end. This will ensure that my Will remains unshaken, allowing me to achieve limitless strength. No entity, no concept of perfection, will ever compare to the immensity of such power. Infinite, boundless strength shall be mine."
His voice, filled with determination, belied the fiery resolve in his heart. Xiao Tian's spirit trembled with excitement, and his every thought brimmed with an unyielding determination. He vowed to master his Will, no matter how long it took—whether it be a hundred years, a thousand, a million, or even eons uncounted.
On the final day of their rest, the group dedicated themselves to frenzied cultivation, isolating themselves from the outside world entirely. Despite their urgency, they knew they must endure the upcoming trials of the Ten Sacred Lands to secure the special privileges promised.
The following morning marked the beginning of the long-awaited competition. As dawn broke, an announcement resounded through the competition grounds, calling all disciples to gather within the hour. Participants from far and wide assembled, filling the air with tension and anticipation. Standing at the forefront was Elder Xie Baishan, the overseer of the tournament.
With a booming voice, Xie Baishan greeted the disciples. "It has been a while, hasn't it? Have you missed me? Over the past few days, minor calamities forced us to relocate the central competition grounds to this safer area. Now, in just one hour, once all participants have arrived, we shall begin the trials."
The disciples responded calmly, as an hour meant little to cultivators of their caliber.
After the hour elapsed, the elder's voice thundered once more. "Now that everyone is here, let me explain the rules for this year's competition."
"This is no longer merely a survival test. Think of it as a struggle for supremacy. Each of you will face a demon whose cultivation level matches your own. These demons possess mid-tier bloodlines, making them formidable opponents. If your skills catch the eye of certain observers, you may even be taken as a personal disciple. This is your opportunity to prove your worth and your right to enter the Sacred Lands."
He paused, his tone becoming stern. "The rules are simple: first, no external interference is permitted during combat. Second, the use of any artifacts or items that enhance one's strength is strictly forbidden. Violators will face permanent disqualification. Finally, the third rule—there will be no mercy. If you fall in battle, your life is forfeit. There will be no tokens to surrender, no chance to retreat. This trial is a test of your courage and your willingness to stake your life on the battlefield."
The room fell silent as his words sank in. "If any of you fear death, now is the time to withdraw."
Several participants hesitated before stepping back, their faces pale with fear. Of the initial 600 disciples, only 427 remained.
The sight of retreating contestants drew sneers from some elders. "Cowards," one muttered. "A disgrace to their sects."
Xiao Tian, however, remained silent, focused solely on the elder's next instructions.
Elder Xie Baishan continued, "For this trial, you will each draw lots to determine your assigned demon. Line up in rows of 100 and remember your number. Your lot corresponds to the demon you will face. Luck may grant you an opponent you're familiar with—or one entirely alien. Victory depends on your wits, strategy, and ability to adapt."
"Now, begin drawing!"
Two hours passed before the process was complete. Xiao Tian drew lot number 222, while Xiao Hanwan received 401. Among their group, Zhang Dalei drew 257, Xiao Bai drew 420, and Xiao Shan drew 197.
As for the ten Holy Sons, their numbers were as follows: Holy Son of the First Rank drew 103, the Second Rank drew 54, the Third Rank drew 59, the Fourth Rank drew 22, and so on.
When Xiao Tian noticed that the Fourth Holy Son drew 22, he and Xiao Hanwan exchanged astonished glances. Xiao Tian vividly recalled slaying this Holy Son in their first encounter. "How is he still alive?" he wondered.
After pondering for a moment, Xiao Tian speculated. "It must be a clone. These Holy Sons—at least some of them—must use high-grade materials infused with fragments of their Will and soul to create these artificial bodies. This ensures their true bodies remain unharmed. Likely, only the First, Second, Fourth, and Sixth Holy Sons use such measures. The rest are likely here in their true forms."
Hearing Xiao Tian's murmurs, Xiao Hanwan appeared to understand. Yet, her demeanor had shifted; gone was the girl who clung to him for reassurance. She now radiated elegance and resolve, much like the day they first met in the sect's dining hall. Inwardly, Xiao Tian noted the change. "She's no longer the same person," he mused. "Perhaps this trial will reveal the extent of her transformation."
---
Then, several elders activated the dimensional gates once more.
Xie Baishan addressed the disciples again, his voice carrying authority. "These gates will lead you to a place known as the Arena Grounds. It has been fully prepared to host this trial. We will call your names in sequence, starting from the first and proceeding to the last. Each of you will face a demon whose number matches the lot you have drawn.
"This arena is vast, capable of accommodating up to 1,000 participants, and it will be watched by an audience. Without further delay, step forward and enter!"
Xiao Tian gazed at the shimmering dimensional gates, his expression calm yet resolute. As he glanced at his elder sister, he noticed a significant change. Her once playful demeanor had been replaced by a colder, more composed presence. This transformation brought him a sense of reassurance and even a tinge of pride. "She's no longer the carefree child from before," he thought.
With a deep breath, Xiao Tian tilted his head upward to focus on the gate, closing his eyes to center his thoughts. He inhaled slowly and deeply, then exhaled with precision, allowing his confidence to solidify. When he opened his eyes again, they were filled with unwavering determination. Without hesitation, he strode toward the dimensional gate, his steps steady and fearless as he crossed the threshold into the unknown...