The silence following Wu Tian's victory was suffocating. The once-collapsing battlefield had stilled, space no longer fracturing under the weight of the battle. The air itself seemed to tremble in recognition of the impossible feat he had just achieved. The Ninth Gate—Celestial Rupture—had ended it all.
Wu Tian stood in the aftermath, his breath slow but steady. His body still hummed with boundless energy, the remnants of his awakening flickering beneath his skin like dying embers. The raw power he had unleashed felt both familiar and alien. He had pushed beyond what should have been possible.
Yan Xue took a shaky step forward, staring at the spot where the intruder had been moments ago. "He's… gone?"
Wu Tian exhaled, nodding. "Completely."
The rift that had threatened to devour the world had collapsed, erased by his final strike. And yet, as he stood there, looking at the now-quiet battlefield, he felt no sense of triumph.
This wasn't the end. It was only the beginning.
The Sect's Response
Hours later, Wu Tian and Yan Xue returned to the Emerald Moon Sect, their arrival met with an eerie hush. Disciples gathered, whispering among themselves, eyes filled with both awe and fear. Word of what had happened at Broken Star Valley had spread.
As they approached the sect's grand hall, Elder Rong stood waiting. His expression was unreadable, but there was something sharp in his gaze. "Come inside."
Wu Tian followed without hesitation, Yan Xue close behind. The moment the doors closed, Elder Rong spoke. "You killed him?"
Wu Tian nodded. "He left me no choice."
The elder sighed, rubbing his temples. "You don't understand, Wu Tian. That man wasn't just an anomaly. He was a sign."
Wu Tian's eyes narrowed. "A sign of what?"
Elder Rong's voice was grim. "Of what's to come."
Warnings of the Future
The grand hall was filled with the sect's top elders and inner disciples. The atmosphere was tense.
Daoist Iron Cloud sat at the head of the gathering, his expression more serious than Wu Tian had ever seen. "The fact that an outsider broke into our world is not just an isolated event. It is proof that the barrier of the Sealed Plane is weakening."
Murmurs spread across the room. This was bigger than just one battle.
Elder Rong continued, "If one could enter, then others can follow. And if someone stronger comes…"
Wu Tian understood. This world was no longer safe.
Daoist Iron Cloud's gaze landed on him. "You are different, Wu Tian. You broke limits that should not have been broken. You alone manipulated space in a way no one else could."
Wu Tian's jaw tightened. He was the only one in this world who understood the Dao of Space.
The Sect Master's next words sent a chill down his spine. "That means if anyone else from the higher worlds finds out about you… they will come for you."
A heavy silence filled the room.
Yan Xue clenched her fists. "Then we prepare. We fortify the sect."
But Daoist Iron Cloud shook his head. "No, this is beyond that." He looked at Wu Tian. "You must leave."
Wu Tian's breath stilled.
A Choice to Make
Elder Rong elaborated, his voice heavy. "If you remain here, you will be a beacon. The moment another outsider arrives, they will seek you out."
Wu Tian's fists tightened. He had just reached the peak of the Sealed World, but now they were telling him to leave? "Where would I even go?"
Daoist Iron Cloud's gaze was unwavering. "The Mortal Realm."
Gasps filled the hall. No one had ascended from this world before.
Wu Tian remained silent. The Mortal Realm… The true world beyond this sealed pocket. A place where cultivators could grow beyond what was possible here.
And yet…
If he left, he would be alone. No sect, no allies, no foundation. He would have to start over.
Elder Rong spoke softer now. "You've already surpassed what this world can offer you. If you stay, you will stagnate. But if you leave…"
Wu Tian closed his eyes. If he left, he would be free. Free to chase power without limits. Free to uncover the mysteries of space itself.
He exhaled, then looked up. His decision was made.
"I'll go."
Daoist Iron Cloud nodded, the weight of his words settling in. "Then prepare yourself. You will be stepping into a world where no one will protect you."
Wu Tian smirked. "Good."
Because he wasn't looking for protection.
He was looking for power.