Three months later…
The Heaven Sundering Sect was as wild as ever.
The constant sound of battle echoed across the towering peaks, disciples brawling, training, and testing the limits of their bodies and techniques. But amidst this chaotic landscape, a single figure stood atop a lone mountain peak, his golden-amber eyes locked onto the horizon.
Jiang Chen exhaled slowly, his breath steady, his body vibrating with power.
In the past three months, he had pushed himself far beyond what he thought possible.
His Heaven Sundering Palm, once a destructive technique barely contained within his body, had now been fully integrated into his combat style. His Starshadow Body had sharpened, making him even more elusive, and his Chaos Qi had refined itself in ways he was only beginning to comprehend.
And yet—he was not satisfied.
"It's not enough," Jiang Chen muttered to himself. "I need real battles. I need to face life-and-death challenges again."
A gust of wind swept through the peak, and a familiar voice rang out behind him.
"Hah! I knew I'd find you here, brooding like some battle-obsessed lunatic," Xiao Dong laughed, striding up to him.
Jiang Chen smirked. "Says the guy who's been complaining every day about the lack of challenges."
Xiao Dong sighed dramatically. "Exactly! The sect is great and all, but I feel like I've been trapped in a cage." His grin sharpened. "I want a battlefield again."
Jiang Chen was about to respond when—
BOOOOOOM!
The sound of a massive explosion rocked the entire sect, sending powerful tremors through the mountains.
Both Jiang Chen and Xiao Dong turned their heads toward the main sect square, where thousands of disciples were already gathering.
Xiao Dong grinned. "Looks like something big's about to happen."
Jiang Chen smirked. "Let's go find out."
As they reached the main sect plaza, an immense stone stage had been erected at the center. Above it, floating in mid-air, was a massive stone tablet glowing with ancient inscriptions.
Around the plaza, thousands of disciples—Outer Disciples, Inner Disciples, and even True Disciples—were gathered. There was an unmistakable feeling of anticipation in the air.
At the front of the stage stood several powerful elders, their expressions filled with authority.
And in the middle of them—Zhao Yan, standing lazily with his arms crossed, a smirk tugging at his lips.
"Listen up, you battle-hungry lunatics!" Zhao Yan's voice boomed across the plaza, his Qi shaking the air.
"The Heaven Sundering Sect's Grand Tournament is officially upon us!"
The moment those words left his mouth, a deafening roar erupted from the disciples.
"IT'S TIME!!"
"FINALLY, A REAL CHALLENGE!"
"I'M GOING TO SLAUGHTER EVERYONE!"
One had to know that this tournament only happened once a year, and due to the Heaven Sundering Sect's nature of always being battle-hungry, it was announced randomly at any point throughout the year. There had even been cases in the past where 2 tournaments were held within weeks of each other.
Jiang Chen folded his arms, his interest piqued.
Xiao Dong was already grinning. "Oh, now this is what I like to hear."
Zhao Yan's smirk widened as he scanned the thousands of gathered disciples, his voice booming across the training grounds.
"Alright, listen up, you lunatics! The Grand Tournament of our Heaven Sundering Sect is upon us, and this ain't some casual sparring match. This is where the weak get trampled, and the strong carve their names into history!"
The air buzzed with excitement as disciples clenched their fists, their battle intent igniting like wildfire.
"This tournament will be divided into three brackets—Outer Disciples, Inner Disciples, and True Disciples. Each one has its own stakes, and each one will determine who actually deserves to be here."
Zhao Yan pointed toward the hundreds of disciples standing together.
"This one's for all you weaklings still trying to prove yourselves," he said, sneering. "Don't worry, though. If you survive, you might just earn your way up." Zhao Yan took a small bright crystal out of his pocket and a massive projection came to life from thin air. Radiating an aura filled with battle intent, it read the following.
Rules:
The top 20 fighters will earn the right to challenge Inner Disciples for their spots.
If an Inner Disciple loses their spot, they are demoted back to Outer Disciple status.
Rewards for the Top 3:
1st Place – Vermillion Blood Refinement Pill – A rare pill that tempers the body and greatly enhances one's foundation, allowing for smoother future breakthroughs.
2nd Place – Mystic Core Gathering Manual – A high-tier cultivation guide that maximizes Qi absorption, increasing one's overall speed of improvement.
3rd Place – Blacksteel Bone Tempering Elixir – A body-forging elixir that reinforces bones and muscles, making the recipient significantly tougher in battle.
Zhao Yan snorted. "Good rewards, huh? Yeah, well, only the strong get them. So if you want 'em, start punching your way to the top!"
Zhao Yan's gaze shifted toward the inner disciples, their expressions grim and determined.
"Now, for you so-called 'geniuses' sitting in the Inner Disciple bracket… This is your chance to prove you belong among the elites." He glanced towards the projection and it shifted to another image.
Rules:
The top 10 fighters will earn the right to challenge True Disciples for their spots.
Just like before—if a True Disciple loses, they are demoted.
Rewards for the Top 3:
1st Place – Infernal Sun War Technique – A battle technique that channels Qi into a fiery explosion, enhancing offensive capabilities by a terrifying degree.
2nd Place – Crimson Soul Rejuvenation Pill – A rare medicinal pill that strengthens the soul, allowing for better control over Qi and spirit-based attacks.
3rd Place – Stormbringer Essence Bead – A treasure that enhances lightning and wind affinity, increasing the user's movement speed and reaction time.
Zhao Yan cracked his knuckles. "You might be 'Inner Disciples' now, but if you don't prove your worth, you'll be back at the bottom before you can even blink."
Finally, Zhao Yan turned toward the smallest, most elite group of disciples—the True Disciples, the true monsters of the younger generation.
"And now… for the main event." His smirk deepened, eyes flashing.
"The True Disciple Tournament."
The crowd went dead silent.
Everyone knew—this was the real battlefield.
Rules:
Only the strongest 20 True Disciples will be allowed to participate.
The tournament will be single elimination.
The Top 3 will earn prestigious rewards and recognition from the Old Man himself.
Rewards for the Top 3:
1st Place – The Sundering Heaven's Mark – A legendary engraving upon one's body that enhances all destructive techniques, increasing their power and efficiency beyond normal limits.
2nd Place – Abyssal Void Qi Scripture – A forbidden Qi refinement method that strengthens one's energy core, making future breakthroughs faster and more stable.
3rd Place – Titanbone Forging Elixir – A body refinement elixir that reinforces bones to near-unbreakable levels, increasing endurance and power dramatically.
"And," Zhao Yan added, smirking, "the 1st Place Champion will be given a chance to meet with the Sect Master directly."
The crowd exploded into madness.
"THE SECT MASTER?!"
"NO WAY! THAT OLD MONSTER NEVER SEES DISCIPLES!"
"THIS IS INSANE!!"
Zhao Yan raised a hand, and silence fell once more.
"If you want that reward…" His smirk turned downright wicked.
"Then fight for it."
The mountain shook from the roar of the Heaven Sundering Sect disciples.
Jiang Chen stood silently, his golden-amber eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"A chance to meet the Old Man, huh?" His smirk deepened. "Looks like this just got interesting."
As Zhao Yan continued explaining the rules, whispers began to spread through the crowd.
"Jiang Chen is already a True Disciple, right?"
"Yeah, but he never fought for it. He was invited in by Elder Zhao. He skipped the rankings."
"Hah! That means the other True Disciples are going to target him! He hasn't earned his place yet."
Xiao Dong turned to Jiang Chen, smirking. "Hearing that, how do you feel?"
Jiang Chen chuckled. "Then I guess I'll have to make them acknowledge me."
Xiao Dong grinned. "That's the spirit, brother."
Zhao Yan stepped forward, his eyes gleaming.
"The Grand Tournament begins in three days. Prepare yourselves."
The gathered disciples erupted in battle cries, the entire sect buzzing with excitement.
Jiang Chen rolled his shoulders.
Three days, huh?
That was more than enough time to sharpen his blade.
If the Heaven Sundering Sect wanted a monster… then he would show them one.