The letter from the Heavenly Palace Sect was written on golden parchment, its words carrying an air of formality and power.
**"To the esteemed Tang Xiu,
Your recent victory against the Dragon King has shaken the martial arts world. As guardians of the ancient traditions, we invite you to the Heavenly Palace to discuss the future of our realm. Refusal to attend will be considered an act of hostility.
Signed,
Elder Ji Wuyuan, Grand Elder of the Heavenly Palace Sect."**
Xu Liang's face darkened as Tang Xiu finished reading the letter aloud. "They sound more like they're summoning a servant than inviting an ally. This feels like a trap."
Lei Xian, standing beside them, nodded. "The Heavenly Palace Sect has always been arrogant. They think their power gives them the right to dictate terms. You've humiliated the Dragon King, and now they fear you might upset the balance of power even more."
Tang Xiu folded the letter and slipped it into his robe. His expression was unreadable, calm but firm. "Fear makes people dangerous. But ignoring this invitation would only give them more reason to see me as a threat."
Xu Liang's concern grew. "You're seriously going to their territory? The Heavenly Palace Sect isn't like the smaller clans we've faced. They're powerful, with resources even the Dragon King couldn't match."
Tang Xiu looked at him, his gaze steady. "If they think they can intimidate me, they're mistaken. Power doesn't come from posturing or hiding behind walls. It comes from within."
Despite Xu Liang's objections, Tang Xiu decided to accept the invitation. But he wasn't reckless. He spent the next few days preparing for the journey, studying everything he could about the Heavenly Palace Sect.
The sect was located atop Mount Tianyu, an isolated peak surrounded by dense forests and treacherous cliffs. It was said to be impenetrable, guarded by layers of defensive formations and elite warriors. Few who entered the Heavenly Palace without permission ever returned.
Tang Xiu also took time to stabilize his cultivation. While Earth's lack of spiritual energy was a constant challenge, his recent breakthroughs had given him access to techniques that allowed him to convert even the smallest traces of qi into power. He refined his internal energy, ensuring he was ready for whatever awaited him.
Lei Xian insisted on accompanying him, her determination unwavering. "If it's dangerous, you shouldn't go alone," she said. "Besides, you'll need someone to watch your back."
Tang Xiu smiled faintly. "And here I thought I was the one protecting you."
Lei Xian crossed her arms. "You protect me. I protect you. That's how this works."
Xu Liang also refused to stay behind. "If they try anything, I'll be there to fight beside you."
Though Tang Xiu was confident in his own strength, he couldn't deny the comfort of having trusted allies by his side.
The journey to Mount Tianyu was long and perilous. The group traveled through dense forests, crossed raging rivers, and climbed steep cliffs. Along the way, they encountered remnants of the Dragon King's forces, desperate bandits, and even rogue cultivators looking to make a name for themselves by challenging Tang Xiu.
Each time, Tang Xiu dealt with the threats swiftly and decisively. His reputation as the man who defeated the Dragon King preceded him, and word of his strength continued to spread.
After three days of travel, the group finally reached the base of Mount Tianyu. The mountain loomed above them, its peak hidden by swirling clouds. At the base stood a massive stone gate, guarded by two robed figures.
The guards' eyes narrowed as Tang Xiu and his companions approached. "State your purpose," one of them demanded.
Tang Xiu stepped forward, his voice calm but commanding. "I am Tang Xiu. Your sect invited me here. Step aside."
The guards exchanged uneasy glances before one of them reluctantly opened the gate. "Proceed. The Grand Elder is expecting you."
The path up Mount Tianyu was steep and winding, lined with ancient carvings and towering statues of past sect leaders. Tang Xiu's sharp eyes noted the defensive formations hidden among the rocks and trees. It was clear that the Heavenly Palace Sect valued its security above all else.
When they reached the top, they were greeted by a sprawling palace complex, its golden rooftops gleaming in the sunlight. Disciples in white and gold robes moved about with an air of superiority, their gazes lingering on Tang Xiu with curiosity and disdain.
A group of elders awaited them at the palace's grand entrance, their faces stern and unreadable. At the center stood Ji Wuyuan, the Grand Elder, a tall man with piercing eyes and a long white beard.
"Tang Xiu," Ji Wuyuan said, his voice deep and resonant. "You've caused quite the stir in the martial arts world. I've been eager to meet the man who brought down the Dragon King."
Tang Xiu met his gaze without flinching. "You summoned me here. Let's not waste time with pleasantries. What do you want?"
Ji Wuyuan's lips twitched, amused by Tang Xiu's directness. "Very well. The Heavenly Palace Sect values order. The Dragon King's rule, while harsh, kept the martial arts world stable. Your actions have disrupted that stability."
Tang Xiu raised an eyebrow. "Stability? You mean fear. The Dragon King oppressed countless people, and you stood by and did nothing."
Ji Wuyuan's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing. "You misunderstand, Tang Xiu. The Heavenly Palace Sect does not act without reason. The Dragon King's methods were distasteful, but his presence deterred chaos. Now, with him gone, the balance is shattered, and you've left a void that invites disorder."
Tang Xiu's lips curled into a faint smirk. "And now you want to fill that void, don't you? The Heavenly Palace Sect wants to assert its dominance, and you think calling me here will intimidate me into submission."
The surrounding elders bristled at his tone, their expressions a mixture of anger and disbelief. Few dared to speak to Ji Wuyuan with such boldness.
Ji Wuyuan raised a hand, silencing the murmurs of his peers. "You are indeed courageous," he said. "But courage without wisdom is recklessness. I brought you here to offer you a choice. Join the Heavenly Palace Sect and serve as one of its protectors. With your strength and our resources, we can restore balance to the martial arts world."
Tang Xiu chuckled, his laugh echoing in the vast hall. "You speak of balance, but all I hear is control. You don't want peace—you want power. If I join you, I'd be nothing more than a tool in your grand plan. I refuse."
The hall fell into a tense silence. The elders exchanged uneasy glances, and Ji Wuyuan's eyes grew colder. "You're making a dangerous decision, Tang Xiu. Refusing our offer means you will stand against us. The Heavenly Palace Sect does not tolerate defiance."
Tang Xiu took a step forward, his golden aura subtly flaring. The oppressive atmosphere of the palace shifted as his presence filled the space, commanding attention and respect. "Then let me make this clear," he said, his voice steady and unyielding. "I don't bow to tyrants. If you try to oppose me, I will crush your so-called balance and show the world that true strength doesn't come from hiding behind walls."
Ji Wuyuan's gaze hardened. "You speak boldly for someone who stands alone in our stronghold. Let's see if your strength matches your arrogance."
He gestured to one of the elders, a tall, muscular man named Elder Han. "Elder Han, test this boy. Let's see if he's worthy of his reputation."
Elder Han stepped forward, his robes billowing as he summoned his qi. The air grew heavy as his power surged, and a faint tremor ran through the ground. "Tang Xiu, I've heard much about you," he said. "But words are meaningless. Let's see how you fare against the strength of the Heavenly Palace Sect."
Tang Xiu's eyes narrowed. He gestured for Lei Xian and Xu Liang to stay back. "This won't take long," he said confidently.
Elder Han launched himself forward, his fists coated in a fiery red energy. His movements were swift, his strikes precise, but Tang Xiu remained calm, sidestepping each attack with minimal effort.
"Is that all you've got?" Tang Xiu taunted, his voice laced with mockery.
Elder Han's anger flared, and he unleashed a powerful technique, a wave of fire sweeping toward Tang Xiu. The heat was intense, scorching the floor and walls, but Tang Xiu raised a single hand, his golden aura forming a barrier that easily deflected the flames.
With a flick of his wrist, Tang Xiu counterattacked. A wave of golden energy shot toward Elder Han, striking him squarely in the chest and sending him crashing into the wall. Elder Han groaned in pain, unable to rise.
The elders gasped in shock, their confidence in Elder Han's strength shattered. Ji Wuyuan's expression darkened further, but Tang Xiu's calm demeanor remained unchanged.
"Is this the strength of the Heavenly Palace Sect?" Tang Xiu asked, his voice dripping with disdain. "If so, you're in no position to lecture me about balance."
Ji Wuyuan raised a hand again, signaling the other elders to stay back. "Enough," he said, his voice cold. "Tang Xiu, you've made your stance clear. But know this: the Heavenly Palace Sect does not forget those who defy it. You may have defeated Elder Han, but you've made powerful enemies today."
Tang Xiu smirked. "Then I'll add your sect to the list of those who need to be reminded of what true strength looks like. If you come after me or those under my protection, I'll return the favor tenfold."
With that, Tang Xiu turned and walked away, his companions following close behind. The air was thick with tension as the elders watched him leave, their anger and frustration evident.
As they descended Mount Tianyu, Xu Liang couldn't hold back his concern. "That was dangerous, Tang Xiu. The Heavenly Palace Sect won't take this lying down."
Tang Xiu's gaze remained fixed ahead. "Let them come. If they think I'm afraid of their schemes, they're mistaken. The Heavenly Palace Sect has ruled through fear for too long. It's time someone reminded them that their power isn't absolute."
Lei Xian smiled faintly. "If anyone can do that, it's you."
As news of Tang Xiu's confrontation with the Heavenly Palace Sect spread, the martial arts world grew even more divided. Some praised Tang Xiu's bravery, while others feared the conflict that was sure to come.
In the shadows, unseen forces began to stir. Old rivals, hidden sects, and ambitious clans saw an opportunity to rise amidst the growing chaos.
Tang Xiu, however, remained focused. He knew that his path was fraught with danger, but he was determined to press forward.
"I failed once during the tribulation," he thought to himself. "I won't fail again. Not here. Not now."
Little did he know, the next challenge would not come from the Heavenly Palace Sect, but from a far more dangerous foe—one that had been watching him from the moment he began his rise