Chapter 19: Entering the Storm
Lei Xueyan led Tianming and Jiang Chen through the grand halls of the Storm Horizon Sect. With her identity as the sect leader's daughter, no one questioned their presence.
As they walked, Jiang Chen whispered, "I can't believe this worked."
Tianming remained cautious. "Let's see what kind of game she's playing."
Lei Xueyan stopped in front of a vast, jade-carved door, pushing it open. Inside was a large chamber filled with disciples registering for the Tournament of Power. The air was charged with competitive energy—disciples boasting about their abilities, others sizing up their rivals.
At the front, a strict-looking elder sat at a desk, handling the registration process.
Lei Xueyan strolled up confidently. "Elder Xu, I want to add two names to the tournament list."
Elder Xu barely looked up. "Who?"
She smirked. "Them." She pointed at Tianming and Jiang Chen.
The elder finally raised his gaze, his sharp eyes scrutinizing the two of them. "They are not disciples of our sect. Outsiders are not allowed."
Lei Xueyan rested her hands on her hips. "Do you want to tell my father that?"
The entire hall went silent. Several disciples flinched.
Elder Xu's brows twitched, but he sighed. "Fine. But if they embarrass our sect in this tournament, it will reflect on you, Xueyan."
"I'll take that risk," she said cheerfully.
The elder stamped the scroll. "Tianming and Jiang Chen—welcome to the Tournament of Power."
The moment their names were recorded, a wave of whispers spread through the hall.
"Who are they?"
"Never heard of them before."
"They must be strong if Lei Xueyan is backing them."
"Or she's just toying with them."
Jiang Chen chuckled. "I guess we're famous now."
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The Storm Horizon Sect's grand tournament was only days away, and the sect grounds were teeming with activity. Cultivators from various regions had arrived, seeking to prove their strength, and the air crackled with anticipation.
Tianming and Jian Cheng, now officially entered into the tournament thanks to their unexpected benefactor, Lei Xueyan, the Sect Master's daughter, took in their surroundings with measured gazes.
Tianming had spent the past few days quietly refining his strength. His battle against Mu Qingfeng's assassins had revealed the gaps in his power. Though the Celestial Jade of Primordial Chaos had helped him recover, he knew he needed more than just latent potential—he needed experience, combat instincts sharpened against strong opponents, and a deeper understanding of his cultivation path.
Jian Cheng, meanwhile, had taken to Storm Horizon's bustling energy like a fish to water, his casual confidence making him well-liked among the sect's disciples. He had even struck up an easy rapport with Lei Xueyan, much to Tianming's mild exasperation.
The three of them stood on one of the higher terraces of the sect, watching the final preparations unfold in the arena below.
"This tournament is going to be brutal,"Lei Xueyan said, crossing her arms. "Unlike the usual sect sparring matches, this time we've invited powerful rogue cultivators and young elites from neighboring territories. Even some inner disciples are participating to prove their worth."
Jian Cheng grinned. "Good. I was starting to get bored."
Tianming remained silent, his eyes scanning the stage. His mind wasn't on the tournament—something felt off. He could sense a strange tension in the air, as if unseen forces were watching
Tianming wasn't sure yet. But his instincts told him this was more than just a martial event—something dangerous was lurking beneath the surface.
And if he wasn't careful, this tournament could become a battlefield.
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The Tournament of Power had officially begun.
Thousands of spectators gathered in the Arena of Storms, a massive coliseum built into the mountains. The air was alive with the roar of the crowd as the tournament's first round was about to commence.
A booming voice echoed through the arena.
"Welcome, warriors of Storm Horizon Sect! The Tournament of Power will now begin!"
A floating panel displayed the first matchups.
Jiang Chen smirked. "Let's see what kind of fighters this sect has."
Lei Xueyan nudged Tianming. "Better not lose, or I'll be embarrassed for vouching for you."
Tianming remained silent, his gaze locked on the arena.
He wasn't here just to fight—he was here to dominate.
Arena of Storms
The First Round Begins
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What Comes Next in Chapter 20:
Tianming's first battle in the tournament.
Jiang Chen faces a skilled Storm Horizon disciple.
A dangerous opponent takes notice of them.
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