Jiang Chen's eyes fluttered open to the scent of medicinal herbs and the soft hum of spiritual energy. His entire body ached—deep, bone-deep pain that pulsed through every fiber of his being. It wasn't just the soreness of a hard-fought battle.
No.
It was the feeling of stepping beyond his limits and barely surviving.
The ceiling above him was carved from smooth mountain stone, glowing faintly with embedded formation lines. The air was thick with healing Qi, washing over his body like an invisible tide.
"…Took you long enough."
A familiar voice to his right.
Jiang Chen turned his head slightly, and there, lounging in the adjacent medical bed, was Bai Muchen.
The so-called Undefeated Fist Demon looked just as wrecked as Jiang Chen felt—bandages wrapped around his torso, light bruises still fading under the effects of medicinal energy.
And yet, despite all of that…
He was grinning.
Jiang Chen snorted, shifting slightly to sit up, though his muscles protested. "Shit… I feel like I got hit by a mountain."
Bai Muchen chuckled. "You did. Repeatedly."
Jiang Chen smirked. "Didn't stop me, though."
Bai Muchen exhaled, a flicker of respect in his golden eyes. "No, it didn't."
A brief silence settled between them.
For the first time since their battle, they weren't warriors trying to break each other.
They were rivals who had earned each other's respect.
Bai Muchen leaned back against his pillows. "I'll be honest, Jiang Chen. No one's ever pushed me that far before. Not even the other True Disciples."
Jiang Chen rolled his shoulders, testing his range of motion. "Guess I'm just different."
Bai Muchen snorted. "Arrogant bastard."
Jiang Chen grinned. "Takes one to know one."
They both laughed, the sound raw but genuine.
A rivalry had been forged, but so had something else—brotherhood through battle.
And then—
The door slammed open.
The arena was packed.
Every disciple, every elder, every single member of the Heaven Sundering Sect had gathered to hear the final results of the Grand Tournament.
Jiang Chen and Bai Muchen were seated on a raised platform alongside the other top-ranked True Disciples.
First Grand Elder Wu Tianhai stood at the center, his booming voice echoing across the massive training grounds.
"After careful deliberation, we have come to a decision regarding the final tournament results."
The crowd fell silent.
Wu Tianhai's gaze swept across the assembled warriors before he smirked.
"First Place – Bai Muchen."
Applause and cheers erupted, but many eyes drifted toward Jiang Chen.
"…But this time, we are making an exception."
The sect stilled.
Wu Tianhai's smirk widened.
"Second Place – Jiang Chen. However, due to his unprecedented performance, he will be receiving equal rewards to First Place."
Silence.
Then—
ROARING CHEERS.
Jiang Chen smirked slightly as he saw the absolute chaos breaking out among the disciples.
"They're giving TWO first-place rewards?!"
"Jiang Chen really forced their hand, huh?"
"That's because he's a monster just like Bai Muchen!"
Jiang Chen leaned slightly toward Bai Muchen. "Guess I'm a problem now."
Bai Muchen scoffed. "You've been a problem since the moment you stepped into the sect."
Wu Tianhai continued, his voice booming over the cheers.
"Third Place – Xiao Dong."
More applause.
Xiao Dong, sitting beside Jiang Chen, flashed a wild grin and nudged him. "Damn bastard, now I gotta work harder just to keep up with you."
Jiang Chen chuckled. "You'll need more than hard work."
Xiao Dong snorted. "Cocky prick."
Then, the Grand Elder listed the rewards.
1st Place – Bai Muchen → Sundering Heaven's Mark (Engraving that enhances all destructive techniques).
2nd Place – Jiang Chen → Abyssal Void Qi Scripture (Strengthens his energy core and stabilizes breakthroughs).
3rd Place – Xiao Dong → Titanbone Forging Elixir (Strengthens bones and increases physical durability).
"However… Due to the unique nature of this year's tournament, Bai Muchen and Jiang Chen will also receive an additional reward."
A murmur spread through the sect.
Wu Tianhai raised his hand.
A shimmering blue crystal appeared in his palm, pulsing with raw, condensed Qi.
"The Heavenly Origin Qi Crystal."
Gasps rang out.
Even Bai Muchen's eyebrows raised slightly.
"A cultivation resource that can directly push someone toward their next breakthrough!"
Wu Tianhai smirked. "Jiang Chen, Bai Muchen—this crystal will allow you both to advance your cultivation. Use it wisely."
Jiang Chen felt a slow, deep excitement settle in his chest.
So this will be the catalyst for my breakthrough to Foundation Establishment…
Bai Muchen snorted. "Guess the sect really wants to see how far we can go."
Jiang Chen smirked. "Then let's not disappoint them."
After the gathering, Jiang Chen was summoned to the Grand Elder's Pavilion.
First Grand Elder Wu Tianhai and Second Grand Elder Xue Fang sat at the center of the room, their expressions unreadable.
Jiang Chen clasped his hands in respect. "Grand Elders."
Wu Tianhai smirked. "Brat, you've stirred the sect more in the last few months than some of us have in decades."
Jiang Chen shrugged. "I try."
Xue Fang leaned forward, his gaze piercing.
"Jiang Chen, you understand that your existence is no longer just a personal journey, correct?"
Jiang Chen remained silent.
Xue Fang continued.
"Your Starshadow Body. Your Chaos Qi. Your monstrous growth rate. These are not things that can remain unnoticed."
Wu Tianhai's smirk faded slightly.
"The moment you stepped onto that battlefield, you made yourself a target."
Jiang Chen met their gazes steadily.
"I've never cared about being a target. I only care about getting stronger."
Xue Fang studied him for a long moment before nodding.
"Then prove it."
Wu Tianhai's smirk returned. "Go break through, brat. Then let's see where your next battlefield will be."
After Jiang Chen left.
"Elder brother Wu.." Grand Elder Xue Fang had a hint of excitement in his gaze as he stared at Wu Tianhai.
"I know, this might really stir up a big storm this time. When those old fogies from the righteous sects hear about this, they'll fight tooth and nail to steal Jiang Chen from us. But when has my Heaven Sundering Sect ever backed down?!"
He continued passionately, "If those bastards even think of laying a hand on any of our disciples, I'll personally pay their sect a visit!"
"You know what's coming right, elder brother. It is almost upon us, our Heaven Sundering Sect must shine this time."
"Yes, little Xue, I've already spoken to the old man about this matter. We'll be sending Jiang Chen, Xiao Dong, and Muchen."
"But Qinqlan, she-"
"I know, brother, that you are very passionate about that girl, but the ranking tablet doesn't lie. Not only was that brat Xiao Dong's power measured as stronger than hers, but his cultivation level is even lower. This matter is already decided." he said with a sigh.
Grand Elder Xue Fang had a hint of melancholy in his eyes but accepted it nonetheless. The Heaven Sundering Sect was not one to be biased towards one disciple or another.
Wu Tianhai continued, "The opening of the Jiuhuang Secret realm signifies a great change, and we are only given 3 slots by the Guardian Clan. Those pompous bastards have been guarding that secret realm since time immemorial, and their strength is not weak either. We and the Celestial Frost Palace have been given 3 slots, while the Three Kingdoms and Five Families have only been given a single slot each."
"If we can stand out this time one year from now, it's not impossible for our Heaven Sundering Sect to reclaim its former glory, or even surpass it." Xue Fang said with excitement.
The Jiuhang Secret realm was an ancient secret realm that had been on the Astral Horizon Continent for an untold period of time. However, it was no ordinary secret realm. Inside, not only were there endless opportunities for the younger generation that ventured in, but even for the sects behind them, it was a massive opportunity. On this stage, the entire southern region of the continent would be competing. Inside, it was said to be a heavenly land. Nascent Soul level spirit medicine, ruins containing long lost techniques and treasures above the level of Nascent Soul. Only opening once per century, this secret realm was regarded by every sect, nation, kingdom, and family, as the greatest opportunity of the century.
This, however, came with a price. The mortality of the secret realm was extremely high. Usually, more than half of the geniuses who entered would never leave. Some dying due to trials within, while others, falling due to the greed and desire of their own human brethren. There had even been cases in the past where 90% of the younger generation who entered would perish. This however, did not deter anyone in the slightest. Here, strength is king. Getting the edge over other major powers not only meant survival, it meant prosperity.
Xue Fang continued, "However, these children are not ready yet. They not only need to become stronger, but they need to face life and death battles if they are to come out alive."
Grand Elder Wu Tianhai spoke with a ferocious gaze, "Don't worry little brother, we have plans for that."