The atmosphere within the Heavenly Draconis Sect was electrifying as the second day of the Sect Summit dawned. Jiang Chen awoke early, his body and mind refreshed, ready for the trials ahead. The victories from the first day had bolstered his confidence but also painted a target on his back.
Standing outside his quarters, he took a moment to gaze at the rising sun. Its golden rays broke through the morning mist, illuminating the sect grounds. Somewhere in the distance, a faint hum vibrated through the air—a subtle, otherworldly resonance Jiang Chen had never noticed before. It sent a peculiar shiver through his core, as though the heavens themselves were whispering secrets just out of reach.
By the time he arrived at the central arena, the crowd was already thick, their anticipation palpable. Disciples whispered among themselves, their gazes darting to Jiang Chen as he passed. The events of the previous day were still fresh in their minds. Many had come to see if the young man, who had emerged as a dark horse, could continue his streak.
Jiang Tianyu and his loyalists stood to one side, their expressions cold and calculating. Jiang Chen met Tianyu's gaze briefly, a silent challenge passing between them. There was no need for words; the summit would decide everything.
Round Two: The Tactical Trials
The second day began with a unique challenge: the Tactical Trials. Unlike the straightforward duels of the previous day, this round tested a disciple's ability to think strategically under pressure. Groups of participants were placed in simulated battle scenarios, requiring them to navigate traps, solve puzzles, and outmaneuver opponents to secure a hidden token.
When Jiang Chen's name was called, he stepped forward to join his assigned group. Among them were a few familiar faces, including Lin Yue and Zhao Rui. The latter's presence earned a raised eyebrow from Jiang Chen.
"Didn't expect to see you here," Jiang Chen said, his tone neutral.
Zhao Rui shrugged, avoiding eye contact. "Yesterday's match was... enlightening. Let's leave it at that."
Lin Yue smirked. "He's trying to save face. Don't mind him."
The group's banter was cut short by the booming voice of Elder Xu. "Begin!"
They found themselves in a dense forest—a vast formation space created by the elders. The goal was simple: locate and secure the token hidden somewhere within the simulated terrain. Yet, the task was anything but straightforward. Traps, illusions, and hostile constructs lurked in every corner.
"We'll cover more ground if we split up," one disciple suggested.
Jiang Chen shook his head. "That's exactly what they want us to do. The traps are designed to isolate and overwhelm individuals. We stay together."
The others hesitated but ultimately nodded. Jiang Chen's leadership was already becoming apparent.
As they moved cautiously through the forest, Jiang Chen's sharp eyes scanned for signs of traps. His time studying the sect's formations gave him an edge, allowing him to detect subtle shifts in the terrain. At one point, he halted abruptly.
"Don't move," he said, pointing to an innocuous-looking patch of ground. "It's a spirit-sapping trap. One step, and your spiritual energy will be drained in seconds."
Lin Yue crouched beside him, studying the trap. "Can you disarm it?"
Jiang Chen nodded. "But it'll take a moment."
As he worked, Zhao Rui and the others formed a perimeter, their eyes scanning for threats. The tension was palpable. Every rustle of leaves or snap of a twig set their nerves on edge.
Finally, Jiang Chen deactivated the trap, and the group pressed on. Hours passed as they navigated the treacherous terrain, their progress slow but steady. Along the way, they encountered other groups, some of whom were less fortunate. Jiang Chen's group avoided direct confrontations, conserving their strength for the final stretch.
Eventually, they reached a clearing where the token was rumored to be hidden. As they approached, a wave of hostile constructs emerged from the shadows. The constructs were humanoid in shape, their bodies made of dark, shifting energy.
"Formation!" Jiang Chen barked.
The group fell into position, their weapons drawn. The battle that followed was fierce. The constructs were relentless, their attacks swift and coordinated. But Jiang Chen's group fought with equal determination. Lin Yue's agility allowed her to dart between enemies, landing precise strikes, while Zhao Rui's brute strength crushed anything in his path.
Jiang Chen, meanwhile, used the Crimson Veil Formation to shield his allies, creating openings for counterattacks. His mastery of energy concealment allowed him to strike from unexpected angles, keeping the constructs off balance.
After what felt like an eternity, the final construct fell, its body dissolving into mist. In the center of the clearing, a pedestal rose from the ground, the token resting atop it. Jiang Chen approached cautiously, scanning for traps. Satisfied that it was safe, he claimed the token.
As he touched it, a flicker of energy coursed through his body. For a brief moment, he saw visions of towering celestial gates and an endless cosmos filled with stars and swirling realms. The images vanished as quickly as they came, leaving Jiang Chen unsettled.
"We did it," Lin Yue said, her voice tinged with exhaustion and relief.
Jiang Chen nodded, shaking off the strange sensation. "Let's get out of here."
The Calm Before the Storm
By the end of the Tactical Trials, Jiang Chen's group had secured one of the highest scores. Their teamwork and ingenuity had impressed the elders, earning them a standing ovation as they returned to the arena.
But Jiang Chen knew this was only the beginning. The final day of the summit would bring the most challenging trials yet—a series of one-on-one duels that would determine the ultimate victor.
As night fell, Jiang Chen sat in his quarters, reflecting on the day's events. He could feel the weight of expectation pressing down on him. The Sect Summit was more than just a competition; it was a test of his resolve, his strength, and his destiny.
A soft knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. Lin Yue stepped inside, her expression serious.
"Tianyu is making his move," she said without preamble. "He's been spreading rumors, trying to discredit you. And he's not alone. Several elders are backing him."
Jiang Chen's eyes narrowed. "Let them talk. Words mean nothing on the battlefield."
Lin Yue hesitated. "Be careful, Jiang Chen. He's not just aiming to defeat you. He wants to destroy you."
He met her gaze, his voice calm but firm. "Then I'll give him what he wants. Let him come. I've faced worse."
Lin Yue nodded, though the worry in her eyes remained. "Just don't forget, you're not alone in this."
As she left, Jiang Chen turned his attention to the moonlit sky. The visions from earlier lingered in his mind—the celestial gates, the endless cosmos. He couldn't shake the feeling that they were more than just a figment of his imagination. Perhaps the summit was merely the beginning of something far greater, a path that would lead him beyond the confines of this realm.
Whatever lay ahead, Jiang Chen vowed to face it head-on. His journey was far from over, and the Sect Summit was just another step toward his ultimate goal.