Chapter 10 - Inside Pocket Dimension

The entrance of the Xuanyuan Family into the Immortal's Pocket Dimension had created ripples of tension throughout the gathering. The sight of their grand vessel, and the realization of Xuanyuan Tian's presence, had subdued even the most confident geniuses.

The portal remained open, and one by one, the young talents from various clans and sects steeled themselves and stepped forward.

Ling Tianyi, Yu Zhilan, Feng Qingshan, and the others exchanged determined looks before approaching the portal. They knew the competition had grown fiercer with the appearance of the Xuanyuan Family, but none of them would back down now. This was their chance to prove themselves, to gain glory and power that could change their destinies.

As the last of the known geniuses disappeared into the portal, a new presence made itself known, one that sent a shiver through the air. The temperature seemed to plummet as a cold wind swept through the arena, and all eyes turned toward the sky.

Descending with silent grace was a vessel, smaller than the Xuanyuan Family's but no less grand in its own right. It was a creation of elegant simplicity, with smooth lines and a gleaming surface that reflected the sunlight like a mirror of ice.

The emblem of the Bai Clan a snow-white lotus encircled by a ring of frost was displayed proudly on its side.

The Bai Clan, known across the continents for their mastery of ice and cold-based techniques, was a reclusive and enigmatic family. Their power was immense, their influence quiet but far-reaching.

The arrival of their vessel could mean only one thing: their most prized genius, Bai Ling, had come to stake her claim within the pocket dimension.

The doors of the vessel opened, revealing a group of figures clad in white and silver robes, their presence as cold and unyielding as the winter itself. They moved with an ethereal grace, their steps silent on the stone floor. But it was the young woman at the forefront who captured everyone's attention.

Bai Ling stepped forward, her expression as icy as the aura that surrounded her. At twenty-two years old, she had already made a name for herself across the cultivation world. Just a year ago, she was known to be at the Peak of the Nascent Soul stage, a level of power that made her a force to be reckoned with.

Now, whispers suggested that she might have broken through to an even higher realm, though none could say for sure.

Bai Ling's beauty was as striking as her reputation. Her skin was as pale as fresh snow, her long, silver hair cascading down her back like a river of ice. Her eyes, a deep, penetrating shade of blue, held a cold, distant gaze that made even the bravest cultivators hesitate.

She wore a robe of pristine white, adorned with delicate silver embroidery that shimmered in the light. Despite her delicate appearance, an undeniable aura of strength and confidence radiated from her.

She moved forward without a word, her gaze fixed on the portal ahead. The other members of the Bai Clan followed her lead, their movements precise and synchronized. There was no need for words; their intent was clear.

The gathered spectators could only watch in awe as Bai Ling and her clan approached the portal. Her presence was commanding, her reputation preceding her like a cold wind.

The Bai Clan was not one to be taken lightly, and Bai Ling's participation added a new layer of complexity to the unfolding events.

Without so much as a glance at the other geniuses, Bai Ling stepped into the portal, disappearing into the swirling light. The rest of her clan followed suit, leaving behind an air of icy stillness that seemed to cling to the arena.

The atmosphere within the pocket dimension was nothing short of otherworldly. The moment the portal closed behind them, the various groups of young geniuses found themselves in a vast, ethereal landscape that seemed to stretch infinitely in all directions.

The ground beneath their feet shimmered with a soft, luminescent glow, and the sky above was an ever-shifting kaleidoscope of colors, blending the hues of dawn, dusk, and twilight into one mesmerizing canvas.

The air was thick with spiritual energy, almost tangible in its density, and every breath filled their lungs with a revitalizing force that made their blood sing with power. It was clear that this place was unlike anything they had ever encountered before.

The Immortal's Pocket Dimension was a realm of ancient power, untouched by time and hidden from the mortal world.

The various groups dispersed, each seeking to gain an advantage in this strange new world. Ling Tianyi, with his sword sheathed at his side, led the members of the Ling Clan through a dense forest of towering, crystalline trees that seemed to hum with a low, resonant energy. His sharp eyes darted from side to side, ever vigilant for any sign of danger or opportunity.

Yu Zhilan, her calm demeanor belying the intensity of her focus, moved gracefully alongside her clan members. They made their way toward a distant mountain range, where rumors suggested rare medicinal herbs and alchemical treasures could be found. Despite the tension in the air, a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. The challenge excited her, and she was eager to test her skills against whatever trials lay ahead.

Feng Qingshan, the wind prodigy of the Feng Sect, darted ahead of his group, his form blurring as he harnessed the power of the wind to enhance his speed. The others struggled to keep up, but they knew better than to complain. Feng Qingshan was known for his impatience and restless energy, and the promise of a test to his abilities had brought out the full extent of his eagerness.

Yin Feixue, the Ice Phoenix of the Heavenly Phoenix Academy, was as aloof as ever, her cold aura creating a thin layer of frost on the ground as she walked. The members of her academy followed in her wake, their movements precise and coordinated.

Yin Feixue's eyes were locked on the horizon, where she sensed the presence of something ancient and powerful. She intended to claim it for herself, regardless of who might stand in her way.

Meanwhile, Bai Ling and her group from the Bai Clan had ventured deeper into the dimension, moving with the silence and precision of hunters stalking their prey.

Bai Ling's cold blue eyes scanned the landscape, her senses attuned to the faintest fluctuations in the energy around her. She was no stranger to competition, but this time, the stakes were higher than ever before.

As the various groups ventured deeper into the dimension, the tension between them began to grow. The realm was vast, but the opportunities within it were limited, and each genius knew that they would eventually come into conflict with one another. But for now, a tenuous peace held, as each group focused on their own objectives.

Hours passed as the young geniuses explored the realm, encountering strange creatures and ancient remnants of a civilization long gone. Some stumbled upon hidden caches of treasures, while others faced trials that tested their strength and resolve. But all the while, a sense of impending conflict hung over them, a storm waiting to break.

And then, just as the sunless sky began to darken, the Bai Clan made their move. Bai Ling had sensed something unusual a disturbance in the flow of energy, a presence that did not belong. She motioned for her group to stop, her expression becoming even more focused.

"What is it, Young Mistress?" one of her clan members asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Bai Ling did not answer immediately. Instead, she closed her eyes, extending her spiritual sense outward, searching for the source of the disturbance. After a moment, her eyes snapped open, a faint frown creasing her brow.

"We're not alone," she said softly. "There's another group nearby."

The members of the Bai Clan exchanged glances, their hands instinctively moving to their weapons. They had expected to encounter other groups, but not so soon. Bai Ling's intuition had always been sharp, and if she sensed danger, they knew to trust her judgment.

"Shall we engage them?" another clan member asked, his tone eager.

Bai Ling shook her head. "Not yet."

With that, she led her group in a wide arc around the disturbance, moving with the stealth and precision that their clan was known for. As they drew closer, the faint sounds of voices reached their ears, and Bai Ling motioned for them to stop.

From their hidden vantage point, they could see a group of cultivators moving through the forest. They were not part of any of the known factions, their robes unmarked by any clan or sect insignia. But their movements were coordinated, and their auras were strong—far too strong for ordinary cultivators.

"The Celestial Alliance" Bai Ling murmured, recognizing the group from their distinct formation and the presence of Elder Xuan at the lead.

Her eyes narrowed as she watched them, her mind racing with possibilities. The Celestial Alliance was a powerful force, their goals noble but their methods sometimes ruthless. They were known to be neutral, yet their presence here added a new layer of complexity to the situation.

As she observed them, Bai Ling's thoughts turned to the Xuanyuan Family. She had not forgotten the appearance of their grand vessel and the presence of Xuanyuan Tian himself. If the Celestial Alliance was here, it was only a matter of time before they crossed paths with the Xuanyuan Family. And when that happened, the balance of power could shift dramatically.

Before she could contemplate further, a sudden spike in energy nearby caught her attention. Her gaze snapped to the source, her heart skipping a beat. The energy was unlike anything she had felt before ancient, powerful, and filled with a sense of malevolence.

The Celestial Alliance felt it too and began to move forward, their steps careful and deliberate. Bai Ling watched them for a moment longer before motioning for her own group to follow.

As they approached the source of the energy, the forest around them grew darker, the air thicker with an oppressive weight. The trees seemed to close in around them, their crystalline leaves rustling with an eerie sound.

And then they saw it a massive, ancient structure half-buried in the ground, its surface covered in strange, glowing runes. The energy emanated from within, pulsing with a slow, steady rhythm that set their hearts pounding in their chests.

Bai Ling's eyes widened in realization. This was no ordinary structure it was a seal, an ancient barrier holding something within. And whatever it was, it was waking up.

"We need to leave," she said urgently, turning to her clan members. "Now!"

But before they could react, the seal shattered with a deafening roar, releasing a wave of dark energy that surged outward, engulfing everything in its path. The ground cracked and splintered, the trees shattering into pieces as the energy tore through the forest.

The members of the Bai Clan and the Celestial Alliance were thrown back by the force of the explosion, their bodies slamming into the ground with bone-jarring impact. Bai Ling struggled to her feet, her vision blurred and her ears ringing from the blast.

Through the haze of dust and debris, she saw the source of the disturbance a massive, shadowy figure rising from the shattered remains of the seal. Its form was indistinct, shifting and writhing as if made of pure darkness. Eyes like burning coals glared down at them, filled with a hatred that sent a chill down her spine.

The creature let out a roar that shook the very earth, and the air around it crackled with dark lightning. It was a being of immense power, far beyond anything they had anticipated.

(P.s Celestial Alliance is neutral force that found this pocket dimension and as they knew that alone they couldn't eat whole cake, they let the whole world knew about it, more information will be available on them in future chapters.)