Chapter 34: Storm on the Horizon

The winds howled through the valley as Jiang Cheng stood atop a jagged cliff, his robes fluttering like a war banner. Below him, the gathered disciples of various sects whispered among themselves, their eyes filled with awe and apprehension. The sect competition had turned into something far more dangerous than anticipated.

Just days ago, it had been a simple test of strength, a showcase of talent between the rising stars of the cultivation world. But now, with the interference of an unknown faction, the competition had become a battlefield.

Jiang Cheng's sharp gaze scanned the ruined arena. The once-pristine stage was now cracked and bloodstained, bodies of defeated disciples lying motionless. He could still hear the echoes of the arrogant laughter from the man who had interrupted the match—a masked cultivator with an aura unlike anything Jiang Cheng had sensed before. His power was cold, insidious, like tendrils of darkness seeping into the very foundation of the land.

"Jiang Cheng," Li Xueyan's voice pulled him back to the present. She stood beside him, her sword still wet with the blood of their enemies. "We can't let them escape. That man… he's not from any sect we know."

Jiang Cheng's expression darkened. "I know. He fights with techniques not recorded in any orthodox sects. If I'm right, this could be linked to the cult."

The thought sent a wave of anger through him. The cult—a shadowy organization that worshipped an ancient, malevolent deity—had been weaving its influence throughout the land, corrupting sects, powerful families, and even merchants. If they had infiltrated this competition, their reach was deeper than he had feared.

With a single step, Jiang Cheng vanished from the cliff, reappearing in the center of the battlefield. His enemies, still retreating, turned in alarm.

"You think you can leave after causing chaos here?" His voice was calm, but the suppressed fury within it sent chills down their spines.

One of the masked men sneered. "You don't know who you're dealing with."

Jiang Cheng's answer was immediate—Heaven Blitzing Step. His figure blurred, and in an instant, he was in front of them, his fist already in motion. Vajra Diamond Body activated, his body glowing with golden light as his punch shattered the masked man's defense, sending him crashing into the remains of the arena.

The other enemies reacted swiftly, unleashing their techniques. But Jiang Cheng was faster. Cloudstep carried him through their formation, his sword flashing with deadly precision. One strike—Void Severing Edge—and another enemy fell, his body split in two before he even realized what had happened.

Li Xueyan and the other disciples surged forward, engaging the remaining cult members. The battle raged for minutes, but with Jiang Cheng leading the charge, their victory was inevitable.

As the last cultist fell, silence settled over the battlefield. The remaining sect disciples looked to Jiang Cheng, their expressions shifting from fear to respect.

One of the elders overseeing the competition stepped forward, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Jiang Cheng, your actions today have prevented disaster. But this… this is proof that dark forces are moving. We must be prepared."

Jiang Cheng nodded. "This is only the beginning." His gaze lifted toward the distant horizon, where ominous storm clouds gathered. He knew that his journey was far from over. If the cult thought they could move in the shadows unopposed, they were wrong. Jiang Cheng would bring their schemes to light—and destroy them.