Stepping into the Battle Realm

The day had finally arrived.

"Young Master, it is time," Xiao Li's soft voice broke the silence, pulling Tiān Shén from his deep meditation. She was dressed in a pale green robe adorned with delicate floral patterns, the designs seemingly resonating with the power of the Innate Dao Bone within her. As she approached, the robe shimmered in the light, glowing with a faint aura that matched her graceful movements.

Tiān Shén opened his eyes, the purple irises of his Celestial Fate-Piercing Eyes flashing briefly before settling into a calm gaze. He stood, his tall, young figure adorned in his customary gray robes, the fabric intricately designed with swirling patterns that seemed to reflect his profound aura.

"Thank you, Xiao Li," Tiān Shén said, his voice calm but filled with quiet excitement. He had been preparing for this day for years—the moment he would leave the familiar surroundings of the Heavenly Lotus Mountain Rangeand begin his journey toward true greatness.

Xiao Li handed him a small object, a spatial storage ringshimmering with a faint azure light. "This contains all your essentials, Young Master. Everything you will need for the battle realm ," she said, her tone respectful yet warm. She had served Tiān Shén for years, and though their bond was that of master and servant, there was an unspoken connection between them—one of trust and mutual respect.

Tiān Shén smiled slightly, the expression adding a hint of warmth to his otherwise divine and aloof appearance. "Why don't you hold onto this for me, Xiao Li?" he asked casually.

Xiao Li hesitated, her expression conflicted. "I would like to, Young Master, but I'm afraid I cannot."

Tiān Shén's brow furrowed slightly in confusion. "Why not?"

"The sect has arranged a special training program for me," she explained. "It's designed to prepare me to be a proper right hand for you, Young Master. The training will take place while you're in the **Battle Realm**. When you return, I will be ready to assist you fully, especially for the upcoming Tournament of Universal Conquest."

Tiān Shén nodded thoughtfully, processing the information. "I see... Why wasn't I informed of this earlier?"

"I didn't want to burden your mind with this while you were focused on your cultivation and preparations," Xiao Li replied, bowing slightly. "Your progress is paramount, and I didn't want to cause any distractions."

A brief silence hung between them before Tiān Shén nodded in approval. "Very well. I wish you success in your training, Xiao Li."

"And I wish you victory in the Battle Realm, Young Master," Xiao Li said, her eyes filled with sincerity as she handed him the storage ring once more.

Tiān Shén slipped the ring onto his finger, feeling the weight of the coming challenge settle over him.

"You should rest, Young Master," Xiao Li advised gently. "In a few moments, you will depart for the Battle Realm. You'll need to be at your fullest strength for what lies ahead."

Tiān Shén nodded, giving her a final glance before retreating into meditation once again. As he closed his eyes, his thoughts swirled around the future that awaited him, the challenges he would face, and the path he had chosen.

---

The hours passed quickly, and soon it was time. Tiān Shén opened his eyes once more, feeling the surge of energy from the lotuses around him. He stood, walking out into the courtyard where Xiao Li awaited him.

The courtyard was a breathtaking sight—perched high on a hill, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers, the entire place seemed to hum with the energy of the Dao. The air was filled with the subtle melody of nature, as if the Heavenly Dao itself was singing through the trees and the wind. It was a place of unparalleled beauty, crafted by generations of cultivators who had mastered the art of harmonizing with the Dao.

Tiān Shén's appearance was as striking as ever. His long, flowing purple hair, the mark of his extraordinary bloodline, cascaded down his back, shimmering in the morning light. His violet eyes, sharp and filled with boundless potential, carried the depth of a starry sky. His features, handsome beyond mortal comprehension, radiated an aura of divine grace, yet his expression remained calm and composed, reflecting the maturity beyond his years.

Xiao Li stood beside him, a picture of serenity in her pale green robes. "Young Master, are you ready?" she asked softly.

Tiān Shén gave a small nod. "I am."

Together, they soared into the sky, their figures cutting through the clouds as they flew over the vast expanse of the Celestial Sect. Below them, they passed over shimmering lakes, grand pavilions, and towering halls—all crafted with the intricate care that spoke of divine hands. The mountains and valleys stretched out like a painting, each more breathtaking than the last.

They flew higher, leaving the familiar grounds behind. Before them, the skies began to shift, the azure hue giving way to swirling lights and colors. Tiān Shén's eyes narrowed as they approached a vast expanse of space that seemed to twist and fold upon itself.

In the distance, a majestic sight appeared—a colossal gateway that hovered in the void like the eye of a great beast. Its form was ethereal, shifting between shades of purple, blue, and gold. At its center was a radiant core, glowing with the light of countless stars. The gateway resembled the outline of a Kirin, its form grand and imposing, as if guarding the entrance to a world beyond imagination.

Xiao Li brought them to a halt just before the gateway, turning to face Tiān Shén. "We are here, Young Master," she said softly. "This is the entrance to the battlefield realm where your journey toward supremacy truly begins."

Tiān Shén looked at the gateway, his heart steady but filled with anticipation. This was the moment he had been waiting for.

"I wish you the best, Young Master," Xiao Li said, bowing deeply. "May your journey be filled with success."

"Thank you, Xiao Li," Tiān Shén replied, his voice firm but filled with warmth. He gave her one last look before turning to face the gateway. His Celestial Fate-Piercing Eyes shimmered with a faint purple glow as he activated their unique powers, allowing him to see through the illusions and barriers surrounding the entrance.

With a surge of energy, Tiān Shén shot forward, his purple hair and gray robes flowing behind him like a storm. He flew high into the heart of the gateway, feeling the cosmic energy envelop him as he passed through the barrier.

---

In the distance, Xiao Li watched as Tiān Shén disappeared into the portal, her heart filled with a mix of pride and longing. "Young Master's journey has finally begun," she whispered, her eyes reflecting the swirling lights of the gateway. With a sigh, she turned and flew back toward the sect, preparing for her own path.

---

Far beyond the reaches of time and space, in a realm untouched by mortal hands, several terrifying existences stirred. Their ancient senses, attuned to the fabric of the universe, detected the ripple caused by Tiān Shén's passage into the Battle Realm.

One of these beings, a monstrous figure shrouded in darkness, opened its eyes slowly, its gaze piercing through the void. "It has begun," the entity rumbled.

Tiān Shén emerged on the other side of the gateway, finding himself in a vast, desolate land. The sky above was a swirling mass of dark clouds, crackling with energy. The ground below was barren, save for the occasional jagged mountain or shattered monument, remnants of past battles fought by ancient warriors.

This was the battle realm a place where only the strongest survived.