Chapter 24 – The Unexpected Challenger

The tournament grounds were still roaring with excitement after Tianming's victory, but the atmosphere suddenly shifted. A chilling aura spread through the air, sending shivers down the spines of even the most experienced cultivators.

Tianming narrowed his eyes, sensing something—or someone—approaching.

A deep voice echoed through the arena.

"Li Tianming."

Silence fell. The spectators turned their heads toward the highest pavilion, where a lone figure stood at the edge of the balcony.

He was tall, clad in dark robes embroidered with ancient runes, his red eyes glowing faintly under the sunlight. He exuded overwhelming pressure, unlike anything Tianming had felt before.

Jiang Chen's expression hardened. "Who is that?"

Lei Xueyan, still catching her breath from their fight, wiped the sweat from her brow. "That's… impossible."

Tianming remained still. "Who are you?"

The figure took a step forward, and with that single motion, the entire battlefield trembled.

"You may call me Qian Zhen."

Gasps rippled through the audience. The name carried weight—too much weight.

Jiang Chen clenched his fists. "That's… the heir of the Azure Dragon Pavilion."

Tianming's eyes flickered. Azure Dragon Pavilion? One of the most powerful sects in the empire?

Qian Zhen's gaze locked onto him. "I've watched your battles. You show promise." He tilted his head. "But promise alone is not enough to stand at the peak."

The referee hesitated, unsure whether to intervene. "The tournament is over. If you wish to challenge Li Tianming, you must—"

Qian Zhen raised a single finger. A flicker of draconic energy surged from his hand.

The referee froze in place.

Not just him. Every cultivator below a certain level suddenly felt an unbearable pressure pushing down on them, as if an ancient dragon had opened its eyes and was gazing into their very souls.

Qian Zhen smiled slightly. "Li Tianming. Fight me."

Tianming stared at him, then exhaled. "If you wanted to fight, you could have asked normally."

Qian Zhen's smirk widened. "You're amusing."

Tianming's grip tightened around his sword. He had pushed himself to the limit in his last battle, but something about this challenge sent a thrill through his veins.

He wasn't afraid.

He was excited.

"Fine," Tianming said. "Let's see what the Azure Dragon Pavilion's heir can do."

---

The battlefield, still scarred from the last match, once again became the stage for a legendary fight.

Qian Zhen stood at one end, his dark robes fluttering. He didn't even bother to draw a weapon.

Tianming took his stance, celestial energy crackling around him.

The referee, still trembling, finally found his voice. "B-Begin!"

In an instant, Qian Zhen vanished.

Tianming barely had time to react before—

BOOM!

A fist slammed into his chest, sending him flying across the arena.

The impact was so strong that he barely managed to twist his body midair to regain balance. He landed on his feet, coughing. His ribs ached.

He's fast!

Before Tianming could react, Qian Zhen appeared behind him.

"Too slow."

A palm strike slammed into his back.

Tianming crashed into the ground, creating a deep crater.

The audience was stunned.

Lei Xueyan's eyes widened. "He's toying with him."

Jiang Chen gritted his teeth. "No… Tianming's just warming up."

From the crater, a soft chuckle echoed.

Qian Zhen raised an eyebrow. "Still laughing?"

Tianming slowly rose, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth. "Not bad." His red eyes gleamed with something wild. "But you're not the only one holding back."

CRACK!

A surge of celestial energy erupted around him. His wounds instantly healed as his Celestial Jade Art activated at full power. His sword pulsed with golden light, the cracks in its surface glowing brilliantly.

Tianming disappeared.

Qian Zhen's smirk faded—

Before he could react, Tianming was already behind him.

SLASH!

A golden arc tore through the battlefield, sending a massive shockwave across the arena.

The ground split apart.

The sky trembled.

For the first time, Qian Zhen moved back.

The crowd roared in shock.

Tianming twirled his sword, his energy flaring. "Now we're even."

Qian Zhen stared at him for a long moment—then grinned.

"Good," he said.

And then, his true power awakened.

---

What Comes Next in Chapter 25:

Qian Zhen unleashes his Azure Dragon Bloodline.

Tianming is forced to tap into a new power.

A hidden force watches the battle with interest.

The true reason behind Qian Zhen's challenge is revealed.