Chapter 19: Shattering the Heavens

The crowd held its breath as Wu Tian and Jiang Yue clashed, their battle shaking the very foundation of the outer sect arena. The sheer force of their collisions sent dust and debris flying, yet neither fighter relented. One wielded the refined power of Qi, the other the indomitable strength of flesh and will.

Jiang Yue's Qi-infused strikes blurred through the air, each attack precise and controlled. She was like a storm, relentless and unpredictable. Wu Tian, however, was an immovable mountain, absorbing the impact and striking back with devastating force.

Their battle wasn't just about strength—it was a test of resilience, of who would falter first.

Jiang Yue's figure flickered, appearing behind Wu Tian in an instant. "Cloud Piercing Palm!" she called out, her hand glowing with condensed Qi before slamming toward his back.

Wu Tian spun just in time, Iron Marrow surging through his bones. He didn't block—he countered. His forearm struck her wrist at the perfect angle, dispersing the force of the attack before his other hand lashed out.

His punch landed squarely against her ribs.

The sound of impact echoed through the arena like a drum of war. Jiang Yue's body twisted midair, her Qi absorbing some of the force, but even she couldn't escape unscathed. She skidded back, coughing slightly as she steadied herself.

Her eyes glowed with something unfamiliar—genuine respect.

"You're a monster," she muttered, wiping a trace of blood from the corner of her mouth.

Wu Tian smirked. "I'm just getting started."

Unleashing the Next Stage

Jiang Yue exhaled, her fingers tightening. Enough playing. She spread her arms, and the ground beneath her cracked.

The air around her trembled as her Qi flared, spiraling upward like a vortex. Her aura expanded, suffocating, like the weight of a falling mountain. This was a domain technique—something only those at the peak of True Qi Formation could grasp.

"Heaven's Binding Field."

A pressure unlike anything Wu Tian had ever felt descended upon him. His muscles locked up, his breath caught. It wasn't an attack—it was suppression.

Jiang Yue's voice was calm but absolute. "You rely on your body too much, but what happens when you can't move?"

The spectators murmured. Some outer disciples even gasped. A suppression technique? This wasn't just an ordinary battle anymore. Jiang Yue was attempting to crush Wu Tian completely.

But Wu Tian…

Wu Tian laughed.

The sheer absurdity of it sent chills down Jiang Yue's spine. "What's so funny?" she demanded.

He raised his head, his eyes shining with something wild, untamed. Excitement.

"Thank you," he said simply.

And then, he moved.

Breaking Through Limits

Jiang Yue's suppression tightened around him like an iron grip, but Wu Tian pushed forward anyway. His bones creaked, his muscles screamed, but his marrow burned like molten steel.

Fourth Gate—Iron Marrow, Peak State.

With a roar that shook the arena, his body shattered the suppression technique.

Jiang Yue's eyes widened. Impossible.

He was moving as if the domain didn't exist.

Wu Tian vanished. This time, it was Jiang Yue who barely reacted in time. She twisted, bringing up her arm in defense, but it was too late.

His fist crashed into her gut with the force of a collapsing mountain.

Jiang Yue was sent flying, slamming into the arena wall. The stone cracked from the impact, debris falling around her.

Silence.

The crowd was in shock. Jiang Yue had been defeated.

Wu Tian exhaled, shaking off the remnants of the suppression technique. His body was evolving beyond what anyone in the Sealed World could comprehend.

The elder in charge of the match hesitated for a moment before raising his hand.

"Winner—Wu Tian!"

A New Era Begins

Jiang Yue pushed herself up, her body battered but her pride intact. She looked at Wu Tian for a long moment before nodding. "I won't lose next time."

Wu Tian chuckled. "We'll see."

The sect had witnessed something historic that day. The balance of power had shifted.

But for Wu Tian, this was just one step toward a much greater goal. The world had shackles, but he would break them all.