The Mortal Realm was vast, ruled not by a single empire but by power itself—and at its core, power belonged to the sects.
Wu Tian sat within a roadside inn, quietly listening as a group of travelers and rogue cultivators discussed the realm's greatest forces. If he was to rise, he needed to understand who stood at the peak.
The Five Supreme SectsAmong the countless sects in the Mortal Realm, five reigned supreme, each holding dominion over vast territories.
Heavenly Dao Sect (Celestial West) – The oldest and most revered sect, known for producing cultivators who could ascend beyond mortality. Their Dao comprehension techniques were unparalleled.
Abyssal Demon Palace (Infernal South) – A sect feared across the realm, cultivating demonic arts and blood-forged techniques. They were known for their ruthlessness and unholy power.
Mystic Cloud Pavilion (Boundless East) – A sect of artificers and alchemists, controlling the highest quality spirit tools, weapons, and pills. They dictated the economy of cultivation materials.
Frozen Asura Sect (Frozen North) – A land of warriors, where ice-wielding experts trained in deadly spear and sword techniques. Their bodies were tempered in the extreme cold, making them nearly indestructible.
Divine Martial Hall (Central Divine Plains) – The dominant sect in the Capital City, controlling the Grand Tournament and acting as an unofficial judge over sect conflicts.
These sects dictated the flow of power in the Mortal Realm. To defy them meant to defy the heavens.
Wu Tian smirked. He would defy them one day—but not yet.
The Rising Generation of GeniusesBeyond the powerful sects, a new generation of monstrous talents was emerging.
Wu Tian learned the names of those considered the rising stars of this era:
Mo Tianhai (Heavenly Dao Sect) – A prodigy whose Dao comprehension was so profound that even elders could not grasp his full potential. It was said he could bend the laws of the world itself.
Xie Feng (Abyssal Demon Palace) – A bloodthirsty genius who bathed in the blood of his enemies, growing stronger with each kill. He was rumored to be cultivating the Forbidden Blood Devouring Art.
Shen Yueling (Mystic Cloud Pavilion) – An alchemist so gifted that she could refine heaven-grade pills before reaching thirty. It was said she was fated to revolutionize alchemy itself.
Bai Lianhua (Frozen Asura Sect) – A spear-wielding warrior known as the "Iceborn Tyrant." Her combat instincts were so refined that no one below the Origin Lord realm dared to challenge her.
Zhao Wuji (Divine Martial Hall) – A supreme martial genius whose battle techniques were said to be invincible among his peers.
These names were whispered with awe. They were the future rulers of the Mortal Realm.
Wu Tian committed each name to memory.
Let them shine now. In time, he would outshine them all.
Wu Tian's Current Location & Ethereal Moon SectWu Tian had been traveling through the outer provinces of the Central Divine Plains, gathering information on the world's powerhouses while making his way toward his next destination—the Ethereal Moon Sect.
The Ethereal Moon Sect was a mid-tier sect located in the Southern Region of the Central Divine Plains, nestled within the Moonlit Evergreen Range. While not as prestigious as the supreme sects, it was known for producing competent warriors and scholars, specializing in Qi refinement techniques and spiritual formations.
For Wu Tian, it was an ideal stepping stone—powerful enough to provide resources but not so high-profile that it would attract unnecessary attention.
He was now only a few days' journey away from the sect's entrance trials.
Cultivation Progress & Hidden StrengthsAfter days of absorbing the Mortal Realm's Qi, Wu Tian had finally solidified his cultivation. He had reached the True Qi Formation—Mid Stage.
His power had grown immensely, but more importantly, his foundations were flawless.
He now possessed:
Peak Body Strength – Thanks to the refinement from his earlier cultivation techniques, his raw physical power surpassed most at his level.
Spatial Sensitivity – Though his understanding of space was still shallow, he could sense fluctuations in the void, allowing him to react faster than most.
Alchemy Mastery – The inheritance of the Grand Alchemist meant that his skill in pill refinement was second to none, even if he chose to remain hidden for now.
Forbidden Techniques – His book of knowledge still contained mysteries that even he had yet to unlock.
But his true trump card remained the Dao of Space. No one in the Mortal Realm knew he had it.
And he intended to keep it that way—until the time was right.
The Path ForwardWith all this knowledge, Wu Tian reaffirmed his plan:
Join the Ethereal Moon Sect – This would serve as a stepping stone, granting him cultivation resources and battle experience.
Refine Pills in Secret – He would continue crafting and selling pills under a hidden identity, gathering immense wealth and influence.
Avoid Unnecessary Attention – Until he was strong enough, it was best to stay in the shadows. Power gained too early only attracted enemies.
Prepare for the Grand Tournament – Eventually, he would have to compete. He needed to be ready.
Wu Tian rose from his seat, adjusting his robes.
The Mortal Realm was vast, and its rulers arrogant.
But in the end, they would all kneel before him.