Xuanyuan Tian sat in quiet contemplation within the grand hall of the Xuanyuan family's Eastern Continent residence.
It was then that a servant entered the hall, bowing deeply before speaking. "Young Master, urgent news has arrived from the Central Continent. A pocket dimension left behind by an Immortal is said to be appearing soon. The powers of the Central Continent are already preparing to send their finest young representatives to explore it."
Tian's eyes narrowed slightly, not in surprise, but in contemplation. A pocket dimension of an Immortal was a rare occurrence, often filled with treasures, dangers, and the remnants of long-forgotten secrets.
It was no wonder that the great powers were eager to send their best. Such an opportunity could alter the course of one's cultivation journey, or even determine the fate of an entire family.
The servant continued, "The Patriarch has asked if you would be interested in participating, Young Master."
Tian leaned back in his seat, his expression unreadable. "Is that so?" His voice was calm, almost indifferent, but beneath that calm exterior was a mind constantly calculating, considering the implications of the news.
He had little interest in the treasures or the fame that might come from participating in such an event. However, the opportunity to observe and assess the other young geniuses from across the continents was something he could not entirely disregard.
Strength was not just about cultivation; it was also about understanding your potential rivals and allies.
"Send word to the Family," Tian finally said. "I will return to the Central Continent."
The servant bowed and quickly exited, leaving Tian to his thoughts. He knew that his return to the Central Continent would not go unnoticed.
There were many who feared and respected his family, but there were also those who viewed them as rivals to be eliminated. The young geniuses of other families were eager to prove themselves, and Tian's appearance would likely draw their attention.
As news of Xuanyuan Tian's return to the Central Continent spread, whispers began to circulate among the various powerful families and sects.
One such family was the Lei Clan, known for their mastery of thunder-based techniques. Their young genius, Lei Wushuang, was a striking figure with lightning-blue hair and piercing silver eyes. At the age of twenty-three, he had already reached the Great Perfection of Nascent Soul,
his power rumored to rival those at the Initial Soul Formation stage. His presence on the battlefield was akin to a thunderstorm—sudden, overwhelming, and utterly destructive.
Another notable figure was Yin Zhilan of the Yin Sect, a sect that specialized in ghostly and shadow techniques. Yin Zhilan was a woman of ethereal beauty, her long, jet-black hair cascading down her back like a river of night.
Her eyes were an unusual shade of violet, and her aura was as cold and mysterious as the techniques she practiced. At twenty-two, she was already in the Late Nascent Soul stage, her strength supported by an enigmatic foundation that made her techniques particularly difficult to counter.
Another prestigious family was the Ling Clan, renowned for their unparalleled mastery of the sword. The Ling Clan's sword techniques were legendary, and their current young patriarch, Ling Tianyi, had already reached the Peak Stage of Nascent Soul at the age of twenty-two.
His sword was said to be swift enough to cut through space, and his demeanor was as cold as the steel he wielded. However, his true strength, though formidable, was still within the realm that Xuanyuan Tian could easily handle.
Then there was the Yu Clan, a family with deep roots in alchemy and pill refinement. The Yu Clan's reputation was built on their ability to create miraculous pills that could rejuvenate the body and extend life.
Yu Zhilan, the clan's most promising alchemist, had reached the Late Stage of Nascent Soul and was widely recognized for her beauty and talent. Her knowledge of medicinal herbs and concoctions was unparalleled among her peers, making her a formidable opponent both in combat and in the art of alchemy.
However, she was still a step behind the true geniuses who could break through to Soul Formation.
The Feng Sect was another dominant force, known for their mastery of the wind element. The sect's disciples were agile and elusive, capable of vanishing into thin air at a moment's notice.
Feng Qingshan, the sect's prodigy, had already reached the Early Stage of Soul Formation at the age of twenty-four. His speed was unmatched among those in his cultivation realm, and many considered him a phantom, impossible to track or capture.
The Heavenly Phoenix Academy was a force of its own, The academy was a gathering place for the most exceptional talents across the continents, known for its rigorous training and access to ancient legacies.
The academy's leading student, Yin Feixue, was a woman of unparalleled beauty and skill. At twenty years old, she had reached the Peak Stage of Nascent Soul, but her true strength was said to rival those in the Initial Stage of Soul Formation due to her unique cultivation foundation.
Her fame had spread far and wide, and she was often referred to as the "Ice Phoenix" for her cold and indifferent demeanor.
Then there was Bai Ling, the only daughter of the Bai family. Known for her unearthly beauty and unyielding temperament, she was one of the most formidable figures among the younger generation.
At twenty-one years old, she was at the Peak of the Nascent Soul stage. Her cultivation was backed by the formidable resources and ancient techniques of the Bai family, and her icy demeanor earned her both respect and fear.
Though her reputation was widespread, it was said that she had never shown interest in any man, her heart as cold as her appearance suggested.
These young geniuses, along with many others, were preparing for the upcoming event. Their fates seemed intertwined with the appearance of the Immortal's pocket dimension, and each was determined to secure whatever treasures or opportunities it might offer.
As for Xuanyuan Tian, his return to the Central Continent was shrouded in mystery. Few knew of his true cultivation level, though rumors suggested he had already surpassed the Nascent Soul stage, potentially reaching heights others could only dream of.
At twenty years old, his reputation alone was enough to send shivers down the spines of his peers. He was known for his cold, calculating nature, a man who rarely displayed his full power. It was this air of mystery that made him both revered and feared.
Central Continent had stirred the undercurrents of the cultivation world. Every powerful family, sect, and academy was preparing to send their most promising young talents to seize whatever opportunities the dimension might hold.
Unlike the Eastern Continent where he currently resided, was a place where the true giants of the cultivation world roamed. It was divided into numerous regions, each dominated by a different influential force.
As Xuanyuan Tian reflected on these formidable figures, his thoughts drifted to an event from the past—an event that had cemented his reputation among the younger generation.
It was a gathering similar to the one that was soon to take place—a convergence of talents from across the continents. The event had been held at the tomb of an ancient and powerful cultivator, a figure whose legacy had attracted countless aspirants eager to claim his inheritance.
Xuanyuan Tian had attended that gathering as a mere eighteen-year-old, yet his presence had been anything but insignificant. The moment he arrived, the atmosphere had shifted, the very air growing heavy with tension. He had encountered many so-called geniuses, each one haughty and full of pride. But to him, they were nothing more than minor obstacles.
The memories flashed before his eyes: the disdainful glances, the arrogant challenges, and the crushing defeats. One by one, he had faced them, and one by one, they had fallen.
Jiang Wuxing of the Jiang Clan—a prodigy who had boasted of his Late Stage of Nascent Soul cultivation—had been the first to challenge him.
But his techniques, though powerful, had been effortlessly countered by Xuanyuan Tian. The result had been a swift and humiliating defeat, leaving Jiang Wuxing unconscious and broken.
Next had been Mo Ziyuan of the Mo Sect, known for his deadly poison techniques. Yet, despite his cunning and the potency of his poisons, Xuanyuan Tian had remained unaffected, his aura too overwhelming for Mo Ziyuan's toxins to penetrate. Mo Ziyuan had fled in disgrace, his pride shattered.
But the most memorable had been Liu Qingfeng of the Azure Dragon Academy, a cultivator who had reached the Peak Stage of Nascent Soul and wielded the power of an ancient dragon bloodline.
Liu Qingfeng had been confident in his abilities, certain that his strength would surpass Xuanyuan Tian's. But in the end, his bloodline had proven insufficient. Xuanyuan Tian had crushed him with a single blow, leaving him gasping for breath on the ground.
The gathering had ended with Xuanyuan Tian standing alone, his cold gaze sweeping over the fallen geniuses.
His victory had been absolute, his dominance unquestioned. From that day onward, the name Xuanyuan Tian had become synonymous with invincibility among the younger generation.
As he was in contemplation, Xuanyuan Tian couldn't help but wonder if this upcoming event would be any different. Would there be someone this time who could truly challenge him, someone who could catch his eye? Or would it be just another repetition of the past, where he would once again stand alone, unchallenged and unrivaled?
A faint smirk played on his lips as he considered the possibilities. Whether there would be someone worthy of his attention or not, he would soon find out.