Chapter 43: Rising Tensions

The tournament arena buzzed with excitement. Disciples from various sects had arrived, each wearing robes embroidered with their sect's insignia. Some sects exuded an aura of righteousness, while others carried a darker presence, their disciples watching with cold, calculating eyes.

At the center of the arena, an elder from the hosting sect, the Azure Sky Sect, stepped forward. His long beard swayed slightly as his voice boomed across the grounds.

"Welcome, cultivators! The Grand Sect Tournament begins today! Each sect shall send its strongest disciples to compete in one-on-one duels. Strength, strategy, and willpower shall determine the victors!"

The crowd erupted into cheers, but Jiang Cheng remained still, his eyes scanning the participants.

A Familiar Presence

Among the gathered sects, Jiang Cheng's gaze fell upon a group of black-robed figures standing near the Nether Shadow Sect. Unlike the others, their presence felt… unnatural. Their expressions were calm, yet something about them was deeply unsettling.

The cult is here.

Jiang Cheng narrowed his eyes. He had encountered remnants of their influence before, but never this openly. Were they merely observing, or was something more sinister at play?

Before he could dwell on it further, the tournament matches began.

The First Battles Begin

Lightning-fast movements, earth-shattering clashes, and dazzling techniques filled the arena. Each battle revealed the depths of the sects' strengths.

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for.

"The next match—Jiang Cheng of the Starfall Sect versus Ling Tian, the rogue cultivator!"

The crowd erupted into excitement. This was a battle between two rising legends.

As Jiang Cheng stepped forward, Ling Tian smiled. "I hope you don't disappoint me."

Jiang Cheng smirked. "Likewise."

The elder raised his hand. "Begin!"

Ling Tian vanished.

No sound, no movement—just an afterimage. In an instant, he was behind Jiang Cheng, his palm striking forward like a phantom.

But Jiang Cheng was ready.

He activated Heaven Blitzing Step, his body flickering like a shadow as he narrowly dodged. Their speed was evenly matched.

The battle had only just begun, but already, the crowd held its breath.

— End of Chapter 43 —