Chapter 17: Preparing for the Storm
Jiang Cheng left the Sect Master's hall with a heavy heart. The Grand Ranking Tournament was now more than just a competition—it was a battlefield where hidden forces lurked, waiting for the right moment to strike.
As he walked down the stone steps, his mind raced with possibilities. The Blood Shadow Sect was infamous for its underhanded tactics. Would they send spies disguised as disciples? Would they manipulate the fights?
And then there was Mo Tian.
His cultivation speed is unnatural… connected to dark forces…
Jiang Cheng clenched his fists. If the Sect Master had warned him personally, then Mo Tian was more than just a rival—he was a true threat.
One thing was clear. He had to grow stronger before the tournament began.
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Training Begins
Jiang Cheng headed straight for the sect's Thunder Valley, a dangerous training ground where lightning energy gathered in the skies. It was said that those who trained here could temper their bodies and sharpen their spiritual senses.
Many disciples avoided this place—after all, being struck by lightning wasn't exactly a pleasant experience. But Jiang Cheng welcomed the challenge.
Standing at the edge of the valley, he closed his eyes and focused.
BOOM!
A thunderclap roared across the sky as dark clouds swirled overhead. The air crackled with electricity, making his skin tingle.
"This will do," he muttered.
Without hesitation, he stepped into the storm.
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Enduring the Lightning Baptism
The moment Jiang Cheng entered the valley, the storm seemed to respond.
CRACK!
A bolt of lightning struck his shoulder, sending a burning sensation through his body. His muscles tensed, but he refused to cry out.
Instead of avoiding the lightning, he did the opposite—he channeled the energy into his meridians.
A normal cultivator would have been injured instantly. But Jiang Cheng had something others didn't:
The Azure Dragon Physique.
This pain… it's nothing.
With every bolt of lightning that struck him, his body adapted. His skin grew tougher, his meridians expanded, and his qi circulated faster.
An hour passed.
Two hours.
Three hours.
By the time dawn arrived, Jiang Cheng stood in the valley, surrounded by scorch marks and smoldering rocks. His robes were burned, his hair slightly singed, but his eyes burned with newfound strength.
This is only the beginning.
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Unexpected Visitors
As he stepped out of the valley, Jiang Cheng noticed three figures waiting for him.
The first was Wu Fei, a fellow outer disciple with short black hair and a spear strapped to his back. He had always been friendly with Jiang Cheng, though they rarely trained together.
The second was Zhao Lan, a cold-eyed girl with silver robes, known for her speed in combat.
The third was someone Jiang Cheng didn't expect—Lu Chen, a proud disciple who had once dismissed him as weak.
"What are you all doing here?" Jiang Cheng asked.
Wu Fei grinned. "Word is spreading that you'll be joining the tournament. Some of us want to see if you're really as strong as they say."
Lu Chen scoffed. "I still don't believe the rumors. If you really want to prove yourself, fight me."
Jiang Cheng smirked. "Are you sure?"
Before Lu Chen could answer, Zhao Lan stepped forward. "Enough. We didn't come here to fight among ourselves. Jiang Cheng, we're forming an alliance for the tournament. Are you interested?"
Jiang Cheng raised an eyebrow. "An alliance?"
Wu Fei nodded. "Think about it. The Blood Shadow Sect is making their move. If we go in alone, we'll be easy targets. But if we work together, we might have a chance."
Jiang Cheng crossed his arms. He wasn't opposed to the idea, but…
"Why me?" he asked.
Zhao Lan's gaze was sharp. "Because if the Blood Shadow Sect is after anyone… it'll be you."
Silence fell over the group.
Jiang Cheng let out a small chuckle. "Fair point."
After a moment, he nodded. "Alright. Let's see if this alliance can actually work."
With that, a new bond was formed.
But as Jiang Cheng looked at his new allies, a single thought remained in his mind.
No matter what happens, I will be ready.
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