Chapter 9: The Inner Sect Combat Trials Begin

The day had arrived.

The Inner Sect Combat Trials were the stage where the most talented disciples of the Celestial Jade Clan fought for honor, recognition, and access to the best cultivation resources.

For many, this was the defining moment of their youth.

For Tian?

It was merely another step forward.

The Trial Grounds

The Celestial Jade Combat Arena was a massive coliseum built into the mountainside, surrounded by towering jade pillars that shimmered with inscriptions.

Thousands of disciples gathered in the stands, their excitement buzzing in the air.

The trial was not just a competition—it was a chance to gain favor from the elders, secure better training grounds, and, for the strongest, enter the elite Core Disciple Ranks.

At the center of the arena, a high platform had been set for the clan elders, with Grand Elder Li Shenzu presiding over the event.

His golden robes fluttered in the wind as he raised his hand for silence.

"The Inner Sect Combat Trials shall now commence!"

His voice echoed across the field, filled with power.

"The rules are simple. A disciple must win three consecutive duels to qualify for the main tournament. Surrender, incapacitation, or ring-out results in defeat."

The moment the announcement was made, an elder beside him floated up and held a jade slip high.

"The first match—Li Tian vs. Liu Ming!"

A hush fell over the crowd.

The First Opponent: Liu Ming

Liu Ming was a fifteen-year-old Inner Sect disciple, known for his Lightning Blade Arts. His cultivation was at the mid-stage of Core Formation, making him one of the more formidable participants.

He stepped onto the stage with confidence, his aura crackling with faint blue lightning.

Tian, in contrast, walked forward calmly, his expression unreadable.

Some in the crowd murmured.

"Li Tian? The young master of the main branch?"

"He's only three years old! Why is he participating?"

"Isn't he still in Foundation Establishment? This is unfair."

Many were skeptical. Even though Tian had a peerless reputation, few had actually witnessed his strength.

Liu Ming, sensing the doubt, smirked. "Young master Tian, you should step down. This arena isn't for children."

Tian's expression didn't change. Instead, he stretched lazily.

"Are you going to fight or talk?"

Liu Ming's smirk faltered.

A moment later—the elder signaled the match to begin.

A One-Sided Battle

Liu Ming didn't waste time.

With a sharp step, lightning exploded beneath his feet, propelling him forward at an incredible speed. His blade, coated in blue arcs of electricity, slashed toward Tian's chest.

It was an attack capable of crippling weaker opponents instantly.

The crowd gasped.

But Tian?

He simply… tilted his head.

WHOOSH!

The blade missed—by a hair's breadth.

Liu Ming's eyes widened. He adjusted his stance and slashed again.

WHOOSH!

Another miss.

A bead of sweat rolled down his temple.

Tian, standing effortlessly, had not moved his feet at all.

The crowd was in disbelief.

"What just happened?"

"He dodged without even trying?!"

Liu Ming gritted his teeth. "Stop playing games!"

"Thunder Step—Flash Strike!"

In an instant, his body flickered, disappearing into streaks of lightning. Six afterimages formed around Tian, their blades all striking at once.

A truly deadly formation.

CLANG!

The sound of metal scraping against something unbreakable echoed.

Liu Ming's full-force strike had landed—but it didn't even leave a scratch.

Because Tian had raised a single finger, blocking the blade effortlessly.

Liu Ming's mind went blank.

Then—BOOM!

A pulse of force erupted. Liu Ming was sent flying out of the arena, crashing into the wall.

Silence.

Then—an uproar.

"What the hell was that?!"

"He blocked it… with one finger?!"

Even the elders were shocked.

Tian dusted his sleeve off casually. "Next match."

Elders' Discussion

At the high platform, the elders exchanged glances.

"This child… his control over Qi is terrifyingly refined."

"He didn't even reveal his true strength."

Grand Elder Li Shenzu stroked his beard. "This trial will be… interesting."

The next battle had already begun.

Tian would face another opponent.

And soon—he would catch the attention of the entire clan.