Chapter 18: The Gates of Storm Horizon Sect

Tianming and Jiang Chen walked through the massive stone archway leading into Storm Horizon Sect, a place renowned for its strength and dominance over the region. It was unlike anything they had seen before—towering pagodas that pierced the clouds, roaring waterfalls flowing through intricate formations, and countless cultivators walking the streets clad in striking blue and gold robes.

The entire sect was buzzing with life. Street vendors lined the roads, selling exotic food, rare spirit herbs, and high-grade weapons. Laughter, clashing steel, and excited chatter filled the air.

"I thought a place like this would be more… rigid," Jiang Chen remarked, looking around in awe.

Tianming nodded, his gaze sharp. "They have the power to be confident. They don't need to be strict to maintain their dominance."

Their goal was clear—to enter the Tournament of Power. It was an event that drew in elite disciples from all over, granting prestige, rewards, and, most importantly, access to Storm Horizon's top resources.

However, when they reached the enrollment area, they were met with a cold reception.

A senior disciple, dressed in storm-blue robes, looked them over with disdain. "No foreigners allowed," he said flatly.

Jiang Chen frowned. "What do you mean?"

"This is a tournament for recognized disciples of our sect and those affiliated with our allies. If you wish to join, your sect must formally request your participation," the disciple explained, arms crossed.

Tianming and Jiang Chen sweatdropped. They didn't exactly have a sect backing them.

"Rules are rules," the disciple said, clearly uninterested in further conversation.

With no choice, they stepped away from the registration hall. Jiang Chen sighed, rubbing his temples. "So much for that plan. We can't exactly go asking our sects for permission."

Tianming was silent, deep in thought.

"Well," Jiang Chen said, forcing a grin, "since we're here, might as well enjoy the festival."

Tianming exhaled and nodded. "Might as well."

They wandered through the lively streets, taking in the festivities. The scent of roasted spirit beast meat filled the air, and they saw vendors selling steamed buns infused with Qi. The festival was in full swing, with cultivators laughing and sharing stories.

Just as they were about to try a meal from one of the stalls, they heard a sharp cry from a nearby alley.

"Let me go!"

Tianming's eyes narrowed. He and Jiang Chen turned to see a young woman being harassed by a group of rogue cultivators.

Her amber eyes burned with defiance, her navy blue hair was bound in a intricate hairstyle. She was dressed in fine robes, but her aura carried strength—she was no ordinary girl.

Tianming and Jiang Chen exchanged a glance before stepping forward.

It didn't take long before the rogue cultivators were groaning on the ground.

The young woman dusted off her sleeves, looking at them with interest. "Not bad," she said with a mischievous grin. "You two fight well."

Tianming simply nodded, but Jiang Chen smirked. "Thanks. You okay?"

She stretched lazily. "Yeah. I could have handled it, but…" She winked. "It's nice to have someone step in."

Jiang Chen laughed. "Right."

She tilted her head. "You two don't seem like disciples here. What brings you to Storm Horizon?"

"We wanted to enter the Tournament of Power," Tianming said simply. "But they wouldn't let us in because we don't have a sect backing us."

The girl raised an eyebrow. Then, suddenly, she burst out laughing.

Jiang Chen blinked. "Did we say something funny?"

She crossed her arms, grinning. "I should introduce myself. I'm Lei Xueyan."

Jiang Chen froze. "Wait… Lei Xueyan? As in, the sect leader's daughter?"

Her grin widened. "That's right."

Tianming's expression didn't change, but inwardly, he was surprised. To think they had just saved the daughter of the sect leader…

Lei Xueyan leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "You two seem interesting. And I love interesting people."

She tapped her chin. "Tell you what—since my father organizes the tournament, I'll make sure you get in."

Jiang Chen's jaw nearly dropped. "Just like that?"

She smirked. "Just like that."

Tianming narrowed his eyes. "Why help us?"

Lei Xueyan shrugged. "Because I like strong people, and I want to see how you'll do in the tournament. Consider it a little… test."

Jiang Chen grinned. "Well, who are we to refuse such an offer?"

Tianming simply nodded. Fate truly worked in strange ways.

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What Comes Next in Chapter 19:

-Lei Xueyan officially registers Tianming and Jiang Chen.

-They encounter powerful rivals among the sect disciples.

-Mu Qingfeng's forces receive word of Tianming's whereabouts.

-The first round of the Tournament of Power begins!

The world will soon know that,

"Tianming was not just a seeker of strength.

He was the Sovereign of Celestial Ascent."