News of Xin Tian's overwhelming success in the Star Dou Forest region spread like wildfire across the continent. Spirit Hall's influence had expanded significantly, but the rapid rise of the Celestial Arbiter had also drawn the attention of those who opposed Spirit Hall.
In hidden corners of the continent, rival factions began to convene, their leaders determined to counter the growing power of Spirit Hall and its prodigious young leader.
The Council of Shadows
Deep within a hidden fortress, a gathering of influential figures convened. Representatives from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and rogue factions were present.
A man with sharp eyes and a domineering aura spoke first. He was Yu Tianlong, a rising star of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. "This Xin Tian is a threat. His talent, power, and position in Spirit Hall are too dangerous to ignore."
Ning Fengzhi, the calm and calculating leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, interjected, "We must be cautious. Direct confrontation with Spirit Hall will cost us dearly. Xin Tian is formidable, but he's still young. We can exploit that."
Another figure, cloaked in shadows, chuckled darkly. "Why waste time plotting? Let's see how he handles an ambush. The boy may be strong, but he's still mortal."
The council agreed on a plan to test Xin Tian's strength and resolve.
Back in Spirit Hall
Within Spirit Hall's grand training grounds, Xin Tian stood at the center, sparring against several high-ranking spirit masters. His mastery over his martial souls was evident, each move precise and devastating.
Elder Chrysanthemum clapped as the sparring session concluded. "Marvelous, Xin Tian. You're making even seasoned Titled Douluos look like novices."
Xin Tian sheathed his Eclipse Sword, his expression calm. "There's always room for improvement. The path of cultivation is endless."
Bibi Dong approached from the shadows, her presence commanding immediate attention. "Xin Tian, I have a new mission for you."
She gestured toward a map. "There are rumors of a rogue sect plotting against Spirit Hall. They operate in the mountains near the Heavenly Dou Empire. Investigate and eliminate any threats."
Xin Tian nodded. "Consider it done."
A Dangerous Journey
The path to the mountains was fraught with danger, but Xin Tian's entourage—a small team of elite Spirit Hall warriors—was confident under his leadership.
As they entered the dense forests surrounding the mountains, the system's voice echoed in Xin Tian's mind:
[System Notification]
4. New Quest Activated: Shadows of the Rogue Sect
1. Objective: Investigate and neutralize the rogue sect.
2. Bonus Objective: Defeat the ambush planned by unknown factions.
3. Reward: Divine Martial Soul Enhancement – Phase II.
Xin Tian's eyes narrowed. So, the enemy knows I'm coming. Let them try.
The Ambush
As the group ascended the mountain trail, a sudden burst of killing intent enveloped the area. Dozens of rogue spirit masters and hired mercenaries emerged from the shadows, their leader stepping forward with a smirk.
"You're the famous Celestial Arbiter?" the leader taunted. "Let's see if you're as powerful as they say."
Xin Tian's calm demeanor remained unshaken. He gestured for his team to fall back. "Stay out of this. I'll handle them."
The mercenaries laughed, but their amusement quickly turned to fear as Xin Tian activated Void Walker. His figure blurred, reappearing in their midst with his Eclipse Sword cutting through their ranks like a blade through water.
One after another, the attackers fell. The Soul Mirror martial soul copied their strongest techniques, turning them against their users. Celestial Bow rained down piercing arrows of divine light, breaking their formation entirely.
Finally, Xin Tian unleashed Godly Mandate, his presence radiating overwhelming divine authority. The remaining mercenaries dropped their weapons, paralyzed with fear.
The Rogue Sect's Leader
At the peak of the mountain, Xin Tian confronted the rogue sect's leader—a powerful Spirit Douluo wielding a serpent martial soul.
"You've come far, boy," the man growled. "But this is where your journey ends!"
The leader's martial soul materialized, a massive serpent exuding venomous energy. He launched a barrage of attacks, the venom threatening to corrode everything in its path.
Xin Tian responded by summoning Divine Convergence, his martial souls merging into a single godlike form. A radiant dragon enveloped him, its roar shaking the very mountain.
With a single strike of his Eclipse Spear—a weapon bestowed by the system—Xin Tian pierced through the serpent's defenses, destroying the rogue leader in an instant.
System Rewards
As the battle concluded, the system chimed once more:
[System Notification]
5. Quest Complete: Shadows of the Rogue Sect
1. Rewards:
1. Divine Martial Soul Enhancement – Phase II: All martial souls have reached their second evolutionary stage, amplifying their power exponentially.
2. New Ability Unlocked: Celestial Purge – A powerful AOE attack that cleanses all enemies within range.
Xin Tian felt a surge of energy as his martial souls evolved. Their forms became more refined, their power reaching new heights.
A New Threat Revealed
As Xin Tian and his team descended the mountain, he noticed a strange insignia on the rogue sect leader's arm—a symbol unfamiliar to Spirit Hall's archives.
The system offered insight:
[System Notification]
6. Analysis Complete: The insignia belongs to a secret organization known as the Obsidian Order.
1. Description: A shadowy group operating across the continent, opposing Spirit Hall and other major factions.
Xin Tian's eyes narrowed. So, the game is bigger than I thought. Let's see who dares to stand against the heavens' will.
End of Chapter 7