Ye Chen's confrontation with the leader of the Crimson Flame Sect made the atmosphere around the sect gate tense. The Xuantian Sect disciples held their breath as they watched from a distance, their eyes filled with complex emotions: worry, anticipation, and fear for what was about to unfold.
The leader of the Crimson Flame Sect, a burly man named Lie Shan, was one of their protectors, his cultivation having reached the late Golden Core stage. Known for his violent fire-elemental spiritual energy, he exuded a powerful and oppressive aura.
"Ye Chen, a mere outer disciple dares to provoke my Crimson Flame Sect? Today, I will teach you the price of your arrogance!" Lie Shan bellowed, his body igniting into roaring flames as a massive fiery blade formed in his hand.
With a sweep of his weapon, a wave of fire surged toward Ye Chen like an unstoppable tsunami, searing the air and turning the surroundings into an inferno.
Yet Ye Chen remained calm. With a subtle motion, he swung his sword, unleashing a sharp streak of sword energy that sliced through the air. The energy collided with the fire wave, splitting it cleanly in two.
"That's all you've got?" Ye Chen remarked coldly, his voice filled with disdain.
Lie Shan's expression darkened instantly. He could sense an oppressive force hidden within Ye Chen's sword energy—not merely cultivation power but a profound confidence rooted in his mastery of the sword path.
"It seems I underestimated you," Lie Shan growled. His flames flared even higher, his spiritual energy surging to its peak. With a furious roar, he struck the ground, shattering it beneath his feet as he swung his fiery blade again.
This time, the fire transformed into a massive dragon, roaring as it charged toward Ye Chen. The intense heat left the surrounding ground scorched and cracked, with even the air shimmering under its ferocity.
Facing the approaching fire dragon, Ye Chen's eyes gleamed with battle intent. He took a deep breath, his sword vibrating slightly in his hand as an overwhelming surge of sword energy erupted from his body.
"So be it," Ye Chen murmured. "Then let me show you the true meaning of the sword."
Before his voice faded, Ye Chen vanished from his spot. In the next instant, he reappeared directly in front of the fire dragon. His sword radiated dazzling silver light as he slashed forward.
"Falling Star Sword Technique!"
The sword light collided with the fire dragon, creating an earth-shaking explosion that sent shockwaves rippling through the area. Sword energy and flames intertwined in a violent storm, leaving the watching disciples awestruck. They had never seen such an intense and breathtaking battle.
As the storm subsided, Ye Chen remained standing where he had been, his sword in hand, his expression cold and unwavering. Lie Shan, however, staggered back several steps, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. His fiery aura had dimmed considerably, and his eyes were filled with shock and anger.
"You…," Lie Shan spat, glaring at Ye Chen. "A mere Foundation Establishment cultivator can withstand my full-strength attack? Who are you?"
Ye Chen's gaze was sharp, his tone steady. "I am Ye Chen, a disciple of the Xuantian Sect. That is all."
Lie Shan clenched his fiery blade, his fury mounting, but he could not deny the reality before him. With a grim expression, he growled, "Today's matter will not end here. The Crimson Flame Sect will not forget this. Watch your back!"
With that, he turned and departed with his followers, leaving the battlefield in ruins.
After the Crimson Flame Sect's retreat, the Xuantian Sect's main hall was heavy with silence. The sect master fixed Ye Chen with a serious gaze and said, "You handled the situation well. However, this will not be the end. The Crimson Flame Sect will likely return with greater force."
"Sect Master, I am not afraid of the Crimson Flame Sect," Ye Chen replied calmly. "If they believe they can suppress me with power, I will show them that strength is the true rule of this world."
The sect master's eyes glimmered with approval. "Well said. Your talent in the sword path is extraordinary, but the road ahead will only become more perilous. The sect will support you as much as it can, but ultimately, how far you go depends on yourself."
Ye Chen bowed respectfully. "I understand, Sect Master. No matter how difficult the road becomes, I will not back down."
The sect master dismissed him with a wave of his hand. After Ye Chen left, the elders gathered in the hall began to speak, their faces filled with concern.
"Sect Master, this young man's talent in the sword is unparalleled, but his sharpness is too conspicuous. I fear it will attract attention from even more powerful forces."
The sect master chuckled lightly. "The path of cultivation is to defy the heavens. His rise is destined to stir storms. If he can withstand these trials, the Xuantian Sect may very well rise alongside him."
Returning to his training chamber, Ye Chen did not rest but instead immersed himself in even more rigorous practice. He knew that today's victory was only temporary and that the real challenges were yet to come. He had to make use of every moment to push his limits.
From within his spatial ring, the gemstone filled with sword intent glowed faintly, almost as if it were calling to him. Ye Chen picked it up and closed his eyes to sense its energy. In that instant, he found himself gazing upon a vast starry expanse. Deep within the stars lay a towering sword graveyard, countless swords embedded in the earth, emanating an overwhelming pressure.
Ye Chen's heart trembled as he heard a deep, ancient voice: "To master the ultimate sword path, you must first enter the Sword Graveyard and seek the way."
Opening his eyes, Ye Chen gripped the gemstone tightly, determination blazing in his heart. "The Sword Graveyard… Perhaps that is where my true journey begins."