Chapter 19 : The Gargering Storm

Chapter : The Gathering Storm

The days following Tian Yu's ascent to Silver Rank were anything but peaceful. Word of his victory over Zhao Han had spread like wildfire through the Outer Court, drawing the attention of both allies and enemies. However, the upcoming Outer Court Grand Tournament loomed over the sect, and with it, a chance for disciples to prove their strength and ascend to the Inner Court.

Training for the Tournament

Seated in the lotus position within his courtyard, Tian Yu absorbed the dense spiritual energy in the air. With his recent breakthroughs, his cultivation base had solidified at Qi Refinement Great Perfection, but he knew it wasn't enough. The path to Foundation Establishment was close, yet an invisible barrier prevented him from crossing it.

[System Alert: Special Cultivation Task Available]

Objective: Break through to Foundation Establishment before the Grand Tournament.

Reward: "Void Chain Technique" (A movement technique that binds enemies mid-battle.)

Tian Yu exhaled, determination flashing in his eyes. He needed stronger techniques, sharper instincts, and better control over his Void Physique if he wished to stand a chance in the upcoming battles.

Determined, he headed toward the Azure Sky Training Pavilion, where disciples sparred under the guidance of senior cultivators. The air vibrated with the clash of swords and fists, the energy of countless cultivators surging in unison.

A familiar voice called out to him. "So, you finally decided to step out of seclusion?"

Tian Yu turned to see Lan Yue, her violet robes fluttering as she walked toward him. Behind her stood Wu Shengtian, a hulking disciple renowned for his unshakable defense, and Jiang Ling, a cunning fighter who wielded two curved blades.

"The tournament is coming," Lan Yue continued. "You'll be facing cultivators stronger than Zhao Han. If you're aiming for victory, you need to train against worthy opponents."

Tian Yu smirked. "Are you offering to help?"

Wu Shengtian cracked his knuckles. "Not offering. We're demanding. We want to see if you're truly as strong as the rumors say."

Tian Yu nodded. "Very well. Let's begin."

The Trial of Three Fighters

The sparring ground was cleared as Tian Yu faced the three disciples. Lan Yue took the lead, her movement swift as a flickering shadow, while Wu Shengtian stood like an immovable fortress. Jiang Ling circled the battlefield, his twin blades gleaming under the sun.

Lan Yue struck first, her palm coated in icy Qi as she aimed for Tian Yu's chest. He barely dodged, but she followed up with a sweeping kick. He countered with Void Step, vanishing and reappearing behind her, yet Jiang Ling was already there, slashing down with precise strikes.

Tian Yu parried with his sword, but the force sent vibrations up his arm. Before he could recover, Wu Shengtian roared and stomped the ground. A shockwave rippled outward, throwing Tian Yu off balance. In that split second, Lan Yue's palm strike landed on his shoulder, sending a chill through his meridians.

"Not bad," Tian Yu admitted, stepping back. "But I'm not done yet."

Gathering his Qi, he activated Lunar Void Steps, his figure blurring as he weaved between his opponents. With a swift motion, he unleashed Lunar Crescent Slash, a silver arc that forced Jiang Ling back. Before Wu Shengtian could retaliate, Tian Yu struck with Void Palm Strike, sending tremors through the giant's defenses.

Lan Yue, however, remained calm. She performed a series of hand seals, summoning a formation beneath Tian Yu's feet.

[System Alert: Formation Detected!]

Ice Binding Array – Slows movement and drains Qi.

The frost crept up his legs, restricting his movement.

"You're strong," Lan Yue admitted. "But can you break free?"

Tian Yu smirked. "Of course."

Summoning his inner strength, he circulated his Void Qi, destabilizing the formation's effects. With a burst of energy, the frost shattered, and in an instant, he closed the distance to Lan Yue. His palm, coated in spatial energy, pressed against her shoulder.

"Yield."

She sighed, stepping back. "Fine. I yield."

Wu Shengtian and Jiang Ling exchanged glances before nodding. "Looks like you might actually stand a chance in the tournament."

Tian Yu exhaled, feeling the strain in his muscles. This battle had pushed him further than before—but it wasn't enough. He needed more.

Secrets in the Forbidden Library

Later that night, Tian Yu made his way to the Forbidden Library, a hidden archive of techniques accessible only to those who dared. If he wanted an edge in the tournament, he needed to take risks.

Using his Void Concealment, he slipped past the patrolling elders and entered the dimly lit chamber. Shelves upon shelves of ancient tomes stretched before him. He let his fingers trace the spines of books, searching for something that called to him.

Then, a faint glow caught his eye.

[Heavenly Void Scripture]

A lost technique of the Void Era. Grants unparalleled control over spatial energy.

[System Alert: Unique Skill Detected!]

Do you wish to learn the Heavenly Void Scripture?

Tian Yu didn't hesitate. "Yes."

As the knowledge surged into his mind, a vision overtook him—a memory of an ancient battlefield where Void Cultivators clashed against unknown forces. He felt the weight of their power, the might of their techniques.

When the vision faded, Tian Yu gasped. His Qi pulsed stronger than ever.

"This... this is what I needed."

But before he could leave, a voice echoed from the darkness. "I never expected someone like you to appear."

Tian Yu turned sharply. A figure stepped out from the shadows—Fang Xuan, the strongest disciple of the Outer Court.

"You're not the only one aiming for the top, Tian Yu," Fang Xuan said, his aura suffocating. "The tournament won't be easy. And I won't hold back."

Tian Yu's fingers tightened around the scripture. "Good. I wouldn't want it any other way."

The battle for supremacy had begun.

End of Chapter : The Gathering Storm