Rising Tides, Hidden Threats

A heavy silence filled the arena, the weight of Xu Tianran's words pressing upon everyone.

"From this moment on, you are my first direct disciple."

Then, the storm broke.

Gasps rippled through the gathered disciples, their whispers overlapping in disbelief.

"Sect Master actually accepted a disciple?!"

"Ling Hua… she's his direct disciple now?"

"Does this mean she has the potential to reach his level one day?"

The sheer impact of the moment sent shockwaves across the sect. Xu Tianran, a man who had effortlessly crushed the previous sect leadership, had taken in a disciple. Not an elder. Not a core disciple. But a newcomer.

Some were in awe, some envious, and others skeptical.

Lin Shaoyang wiped the sweat from his brow, chuckling. "Guess I lost fair and square." He turned to Ling Hua, his tone lighthearted. "But I don't regret it. That was one hell of a fight."

Ling Hua, still catching her breath, barely processed the congratulations. Her mind reeled from what had just happened.

But then, Xu Tianran's voice cut through the noise once more.

"Do you know why I accepted you as my disciple?"

The question made the disciples pause.

Why her?

Ling Hua looked up, steadying her breath. "Because I proved myself worthy in battle?"

Xu Tianran shook his head.

"You did not win because you were stronger than Lin Shaoyang," he said. "You won because you adapted."

His sharp gaze swept across the gathered disciples.

"In battle, talent alone is meaningless. Those who cannot learn, evolve, and overcome will never stand at the peak."

His words settled deep within them. It wasn't just about raw strength—it was about the ability to grow beyond one's limits.

Ling Hua clenched her fists, determination surging within her.

She understood now.

This was only the beginning.

Standing at the edge of the training grounds, a silent group observed the scene.

They weren't outsiders.

They were Yan Ruyue, Tie Shan, Jiang Feng, and their elite subordinates—former bandit leaders who had been forced into submission by Yue Lingxi and brought into Void Immortal Sect.

Unlike the sect disciples, they understood the brutal reality of the outside world. They had survived by the sword, killed to protect their own, and never believed in mercy.

And yet…

They had willingly sworn loyalty to Xu Tianran.

One of the elites muttered, "The Sect Master… is on another level."

Jiang Feng nodded, his sharp eyes narrowing. "That's obvious. But what's more impressive is his judgment. He didn't just accept her because she won—he accepted her because of her potential."

Tie Shan crossed his arms, his muscles tensing. "Strength isn't just about raw power. It's about who will keep rising, even after they fall."

Yan Ruyue, standing at the front, tapped a finger against her lips, her golden-amber eyes gleaming with amusement.

"I thought he spared us on a whim, but now I see—he values those who can grow stronger under him."

The former bandits exchanged glances.

They had once plundered and killed to survive, believing power was the only way to control their fate.

But standing in this growing sect, watching Xu Tianran shape warriors with his mere presence…

They realized—true power wasn't in lawlessness.

It was in following someone truly unstoppable.

And Xu Tianran was that man.

Beyond the Void Immortal Sect, in the outer regions of the empire, the shifting power did not go unnoticed.

Among the lower sects, three particular names took an interest in the recent changes.

1. Ironwood Sect (Rank 59 - One Rank Above Void Immortal Sect)

The Ironwood Sect was known for its sturdy body-refinement techniques, producing warriors capable of enduring devastating blows.

Within their grand hall, Sect Master Wei Zhong sat upon his seat of authority, stroking his thick beard.

"The Cloud Sect is no more?" he muttered. "Void Immortal Sect? Who dares rename a sect so casually?"

An elder scoffed. "Some upstart seized power. But according to reports, their new sect master defeated the previous elders effortlessly."

Wei Zhong's eyes narrowed.

A nobody rising so suddenly?

Suspicious.

"Keep watch," he ordered. "If this 'Void Immortal Sect' is truly growing stronger… we may have to remind them of their place."

2. Crimson Thunder Sect (Rank 35 - one of the Mid Sects)

Unlike others, Crimson Thunder Sect had never been an enemy or ally to the former Cloud Sect.

They had simply never cared.

But now… things had changed.

Within a dimly lit chamber, Sect Master Luo Feng sat deep in thought, his fingers tapping against his chair's armrest.

Lightning flickered around his fingertips as he processed the news.

"Void Immortal Sect…" he murmured. "To force a name change so suddenly… someone powerful must be behind this."

An elder beside him nodded. "And there's more. Reports say the new sect master is… unusual. No records of him exist."

Luo Feng's eyes gleamed with intrigue.

"A ghost without a past? …Interesting."

Unlike the others, he did not see Void Immortal Sect as a threat.

He saw it as an opportunity.

3. Cold Sun Sect (Rank 57 - Longtime Rival of Cloud Sect)

For years, Cold Sun Sect had clashed with Cloud Sect over resources, disciples, and influence.

Cloud Sect had always been weaker.

Now, hearing of their transformation, Sect Master Han Wuying let out a cold laugh.

"They dare rename themselves? Pathetic."

An elder hesitated. "Sect Master, the reports claim their new leader is extraordinarily powerful. He single-handedly subdued the previous elders."

Han Wuying's amused expression faded. His eyes narrowed dangerously.

"Oh?"

For years, he had looked down on Cloud Sect.

But if they had truly gained a strong leader…

"Prepare a group," he ordered. "We will remind them of their place."

A messenger disciple stepped forward. "Shall we send a formal challenge?"

Han Wuying scoffed.

"No need. If they have truly grown stronger, they will respond when we take something from them."

A wicked smile spread across his face.

"Let's see how strong this 'Void Immortal Sect' truly is."

As rumors spread, the lower sects turned their attention to Void Immortal Sect.

Some were curious.

Some were wary.

And some… wanted blood.

The tides of change had begun.

And soon—Void Immortal Sect would be forced to prove its strength to the world.