Sovereign of celestial ascent
Chapter 12: A Dangerous Invitation
The assassination attempt had failed. But Mu Qingfeng was not a man who accepted failure.
If Tianming could not be removed in the shadows, then he would be dragged into the light.
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The next day
Tianming stood before the massive Council Halls of White Eagle sect, its golden doors carved with ancient sigils of power. A hundred disciples gathered, whispering.
Why had he been summoned?
At the top of the grand steps, Elder Yan, the highest-ranking elder of crimson dragon sect , sat with a solemn expression, among the other esteemed elders of whote eagle sect. Beside him stood Mu Qingfeng, his face carefully neutral—but his eyes gleamed with triumph.
Tianming's instincts screamed trap.
"Li Tianming," Elder Yan's voice echoed, "you are called before the elders today because serious concerns have been raised about your recent actions that Crimson Dragon sect can no longer ignore"
Tianming's gaze flicked to Mu Qingfeng. So this was his game. If he couldn't kill him in the dark, he would destroy his reputation in public.
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Mu Qingfeng stepped forward, voice calm but sharp. "It is no secret that Tianming has risen in strength at an unnatural pace." He turned to the crowd. "And after he returned from the ruins, something changed. Is it not strange that he, once discarded by fate, could now defeat top disciples?"
A ripple of uncertainty spread through the disciples. Jealousy. Doubt. Fear.
Mu Qingfeng continued, "Even more troubling—assassins were mysteriously found dead near his quarters last night. If Tianming is innocent, then why is blood always found at his feet?"
Whispers turned into murmurs. Doubt became suspicion.
Elder Yan raised a hand, silencing the noise. "Li Tianming, you may speak in your defense."
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Tianming laughed.
The sound was quiet, but it held no fear. Only amusement.
He stepped forward, facing Mu Qingfeng directly. "You speak well, Senior Brother Mu. But there is one flaw in your argument."
He swept his gaze across the crowd. "If my strength is unnatural, then why has no one else matched me? Why do you, Mu Qingfeng, stand here spinning words instead of proving your strength in battle?"
Silence.
A challenge had been thrown.
Tianming took another step. "As for the assassins—why do you assume I am the criminal when I was the one attacked? Unless, of course…" He smiled. "You know something we don't?"
Mu Qingfeng's expression darkened. He had expected Tianming to be defensive, but instead, he had turned the accusation back onto him.
Elder Yan exhaled. "Enough. There is only one way to settle this dispute."
He turned to Tianming. "You will undergo the Trial of Celestial Purity."
A hushed silence fell over the disciples. The Trial of Celestial Purity was a sacred ritual—one that tested a disciple's spirit to reveal their true nature.
If Tianming refused, he would be seen as guilty.
If he accepted, he would be placing himself at the mercy of the sect's judgment.
Tianming met Elder Yan's gaze without fear. "Very well. I accept."
The game had shifted.
And he was ready.
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Next Chapter Preview: Chapter 13 – The Trial of Celestial Purity
Forced into the trial, Tianming must prove his innocence—or risk being cast out of the sect. But the trial holds dangers beyond mere judgment. When an unexpected force interferes, Tianming will have to fight for more than just his name.
He was not just a survivor.
He was the Sovereign of the Celestial Ascent.
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