Chapter 21 – Breaking the Chains

Chapter 21 – Breaking the Chains

The chamber was silent except for the flickering of lantern flames, casting shifting shadows against the silk-draped walls. Elder Lan Rui's eyes locked onto his, her sharp gaze trying to unravel the mystery that was Shen Tian.

But he was no longer a mystery—he was a force.

She had felt his transformation the moment she stepped into the room. His presence was different—his Qi was richer, his body exuded dominance, and there was something unshakable in his gaze.

Shen Tian stood tall, his robe loosely draped over his sculpted form, exposing his chiseled chest, the definition of his muscles sharpened from the energy he had absorbed. He was powerful, and he knew it.

Elder Lan Rui's fingers traced along his collarbone, a featherlight touch that sent a ripple of Qi through his body. She was testing him. Probing. Determining whether he was truly different—or if this was just another bluff.

Shen Tian let her explore, his smirk unwavering.

She stepped closer, her scent—a mix of sandalwood and lotus—intoxicating. Her long, flowing robes did little to conceal the curves beneath, the elegance of a seasoned cultivator who had spent decades perfecting both body and mind.

Yet, in this moment, she was the one who would be tested.

Shen Tian's grip tightened around her wrist—not painfully, but firm enough to send a clear message. She was not in control.

Elder Lan Rui's lips curled in amusement. "Confident, aren't you?"

He pulled her closer, his breath grazing her cheek. "Confidence is just another form of strength."

[Ding! Quest Objective Engaged – Subdue Elder Lan Rui through Dual Cultivation]

[Warning: Elder Lan Rui is a peak Core Formation cultivator. Failure to dominate her will result in backlash.]

Shen Tian's eyes flickered. A challenge. Good.

Elder Lan Rui's fingers trailed lower, brushing against the ridge of his abdomen. "You're playing a dangerous game, Shen Tian," she whispered, her voice laced with intrigue.

He leaned in, his lips grazing her earlobe. "Then let's play."

The room crackled with energy.

A storm of Qi swirled between them, the opposing forces of Yin and Yang clashing in an unseen battle. Her resistance was instinctual—she was an elder, a woman of great power, and no mere disciple should be able to stand against her aura.

But Shen Tian was not a mere disciple anymore.

His hand traced along the silk of her robes, and with a flick of his wrist, the fabric unraveled, slipping from her shoulders. The air turned electric, charged with anticipation.

Elder Lan Rui's breath hitched, but she did not move away. She was waiting. Watching. Testing him even now.

Shen Tian met her gaze, his golden eyes gleaming. "Submit," he murmured, his voice like a command etched in stone.

For the briefest moment, her pupils dilated. A flicker of hesitation.

And then, the battle truly began.

Their Qi collided—Yin and Yang intertwining, clashing, surging.

Shen Tian's hands roamed, fingers tracing the perfectly sculpted form beneath her robes. Every inch of her body was a testament to discipline and power, but now, she was his battlefield.

He guided her backward until she hit the edge of the bed, her balance faltering for just a second. That second was all he needed.

With a calculated push, he sent her onto the silk sheets, pinning her beneath him, his form casting a shadow over hers.

Elder Lan Rui's breathing was heavy, her Qi surging wildly as she fought for control. But control was slipping—just as he intended.

[Ding! Yin Absorption Process Initiated!]

[Absorbing Elder Lan Rui's Qi…]

Shen Tian felt it instantly. Raw power. Liquid fire. Strength beyond measure.

The more he took, the stronger he became. His divine awareness expanded, his muscles tensed with newfound energy, and his cultivation surged.

He was ascending.

Elder Lan Rui gasped, her nails digging into his back as waves of Qi crashed through them both. She had underestimated him.

Shen Tian's smirk widened. Tonight, he would take everything.

[Ding! Quest Completed – Subdue Elder Lan Rui through Dual Cultivation]

[Rewards: +20 Yin Absorption Efficiency, +10 Body Tempering Proficiency, +1 Divine Qi Core Enhancement]

Shen Tian exhaled, reveling in his newfound strength. And this was only the beginning.

Because after this, he was three realms away from the Matriarch.

And soon, the tournament awaited.