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The news of Jin's intervention at the Ethereal Moon Sect spread like a tempest across the mortal and immortal realms. A single act of his—raising a sect's standing with mere effort—stirred shockwaves through the hearts of all who heard it.
From humble villages to celestial palaces, whispers grew into awe-stricken tales.
"Did you hear? The Creator himself uplifted the Ethereal Moon Sect!"
"A middle-grade sect, now high-grade? With his gifts alone?"
"Imagine what he could do for a faction stronger than theirs..."
Curiosity turned to envy, and envy into cautious ambition. Across the lands, sect leaders, clan heads, and even wandering immortals pondered the news. Yet for all the intrigue, no one dared overstep their bounds. The scene from Jin's tournament a decade prior remained etched in the minds of all who witnessed it. His might was unassailable, his presence commanding absolute reverence.
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The Aftermath of the Tournament
More than thirteen years had passed since Jin's monumental tournament. Though the stage was silent, its ripples continued to shape the world.
The three winners—chosen from countless aspirants—had become living legends, their lives irrevocably transformed by their victories and the treasures they received.
Xiao Lan: The Blade Sovereign
The tournament's first-place winner, Xiao Lan, was a stoic cultivator whose mastery of the sword earned him unrivaled acclaim. His prize, Eclipsefang, was no ordinary blade; it was a celestial artifact capable of bending space and slicing through dimensions.
In the years since, Xiao Lan had become a lone wanderer, walking paths most feared to tread. From silencing the chaos in rogue territories to unraveling the mysteries of forgotten realms, his journey was one of purpose and solitude.
Legends spoke of his confrontation with the Azure Devourer, an ancient beast thought to be immortal. With a single swing of Eclipsefang, Lan severed the beast's head, earning the eternal gratitude of the Eastern Sky Province.
Despite his growing legend, Xiao Lan remained humble, his heart untainted by the fame that followed him. When asked about Jin, he once said, "The Creator gifted me a sword, but more than that, he showed me the boundless peaks still left to climb."
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Mei Ling: The Radiant Alchemist
Second place had been claimed by Mei Ling, a gifted alchemist with unparalleled talent. Her prize, the Heartfire Cauldron, became the cornerstone of her ascension to greatness.
With her newfound strength, Mei Ling founded the Verdant Bloom Pavilion, a sanctuary for alchemists and herbalists. Her elixirs became renowned across the realms, capable of extending lifespans, curing incurable ailments, and even sparking breakthroughs for those stuck at cultivation bottlenecks.
Yet Mei Ling was no merchant. She refused to sell her creations to the highest bidder, instead choosing her clients with care. Her principles, coupled with her talent, earned her both admiration and enemies.
Though her fame rivaled that of immortal sect leaders, Mei Ling often pondered her second-place finish. The illusions Jin presented during the tournament haunted her still, driving her to refine not just her craft but her character.
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Han Zhi: The Shadow Lord
The enigmatic third-place winner, Han Zhi, was shrouded in mystery. His prize, the Veil of Obsidian, granted him mastery over shadows and concealment. Unlike the others, Han Zhi disappeared shortly after the tournament, his whereabouts unknown.
Whispers suggested he had founded his own faction in the uncharted lands. Some claimed he was a tyrant, ruling with an iron fist. Others argued he was a savior, maintaining balance in chaotic regions.
Regardless of the truth, one thing was certain—Han Zhi's actions left a profound mark on the world. Entire sects vanished overnight, their territories absorbed into his growing domain. To those who spoke his name, it was with equal parts fear and respect.
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Curiosity and Envy
As Jin's latest deeds spread, the winners of his tournament were among those who took notice.
Xiao Lan paused his meditative training, his hand resting lightly on Eclipsefang. "He moves once more. A Creator's hand can reshape not just a sect but an entire era."
Mei Ling adjusted the flames beneath her cauldron, a small smile gracing her lips. "A middle-grade sect elevated to high-grade... such generosity. I wonder, what does he see in them?"
In the shadowed depths of his domain, Han Zhi chuckled softly, his voice a whisper in the darkness. "A ripple from the Creator. How many will scramble for his favor now?"
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A World Stirs
Beyond the winners, the mortal and immortal worlds churned with anticipation.
Sect leaders speculated on Jin's motives. Could his actions be a precursor to another tournament? Clan heads debated strategies to catch his attention, while wandering cultivators sought ways to rise above mediocrity.
Ancient powers, long dormant, stirred from their slumber. Some saw opportunity; others prepared for upheaval.
Yet, amidst the rising waves, Jin remained a distant figure, seated in his home with his family.
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Peace Amidst Chaos
Far from the noise of the world, Jin's home was a sanctuary of warmth and joy.
Gian, his eldest daughter, had returned home two years prior, her growth evident in both spirit and skill. Mochi, now nine years old, brimmed with energy and curiosity. Jin's youngest child, a one-year-old boy named Ren, was the center of attention, his laughter filling the air.
Despite the world's growing fascination with him, Jin's focus remained on his family. He watched Mochi and Gian play together, their bond growing stronger with each passing day.
Still, in the back of his mind, he understood the weight of his actions. His gifts to the Ethereal Moon Sect had been deliberate—a small nudge to the balance of power. Yet the ripples of that nudge were spreading, stirring the waters of the world once more.
As Jin cradled Ren in his arms, he mused silently.
"The world will always look toward me for answers, for change. But for now, my answers lie here—with my family."
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A Legacy in Motion
The Creator's actions had sparked a chain of events, yet the path they would take remained uncertain. The winners of his tournament continued their journeys, the world's powers prepared for the unknown, and Jin himself watched, both detached and ever-present.
For now, the ripples of his influence flowed outward, shaping a world still captivated by the shadow of his grace.