Chapter 10: The Sect’s Judgment

Sovereign of Celestial Ascent

Chapter 10: The Sect's Judgment

The wind carried murmurs across the Crimson Dragon Sect.Li Tianming's name echoed in every corridor, every training ground.

Some marveled at his strength.

Others feared it.

And in the heart of the sect, where decisions were made and fates sealed—the elders convened.

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A Meeting of Elders – Shadows in the Sect

Inside the Grand Council Chamber, the flickering glow of jade lanterns illuminated a long table. Seven elders sat in silence, their expressions unreadable.

At the center was Elder Yan, a figure of wisdom and restraint. His silver robes were untouched by the dust of the world, and his sharp eyes studied the scroll before him—a report on Li Tianming.

He set it down. "The matter of Li Tianming's duel is now before us."

Across the table, Elder Zhong stroked his beard. "He defeated Wu Yuan cleanly. Should that not be the end of it?"

But another elder, Elder Fang, scoffed. "You're missing the bigger picture. Tianming was a nobody just months ago. Now, he returns from the ruins with newfound strength and defeats one of a powerful disciples? How can we ignore such an anomaly?"

"I agree," Mu Qingfeng who was summoned to report, added smoothly, his voice neither loud nor urgent, but carrying the weight of subtle manipulation. "Tianming's sudden rise is… unnatural. There are rumors that he has acquired a forbidden power."

Elder Zhong frowned. "Rumors are not facts."

"No," Mu Qingfeng agreed, "but they are dangerous all the same. If left unchecked, he could become a threat to the sect's balance."

A murmur ran through the chamber. Some nodded, while others hesitated. Tianming had no backing now, no powerful family name—only his own strength. And strength without alliances was dangerous in a sect built on politics.

Elder Yan finally spoke. "There is wisdom in patience. We will not act without cause."

Mu Qingfeng's fingers curled slightly. He had expected this.

But he also knew that patience could be turned into a weapon. If he could not act now, he would make sure Tianming had no future.

---

Far from the council chambers, Tianming stood alone at the highest training peak of the sect, overlooking the vast landscape below.

His victory had brought him fame. But fame was not the same as security.

Jiang Chen arrived, his arms crossed. "You feel it too, don't you?"

Tianming didn't turn. "They fear me."

Jiang scoffed. "The elders don't like uncertainty. You are an anomaly they don't control. Even if you are an outcast, they won't stay quiet."

Tianming finally looked at him, his golden eyes sharp. "Then let them come. If they want to challenge me, they'll have to do more than just whisper in the dark."

Jiang grinned. "That's what I wanted to hear."

The storm was coming.

And Li Tianming would not bow.

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New enemies stands in their way—one stronger than anyone they've faced so far. Injured and outnumbered, Tianming and Jiang Chen must push beyond their limits. Meanwhile, Mu Qingfeng's schemes take root, turning the entire sect against them. The war has only begun.

> "Tianming was not just a rogue cultivator seeking strength.

He was the Sovereign of Celestial Ascent."