Chapter 31: The Price of Return

Jiang Chen and Lei Xueyan stood before the ancient Gate of Reclamation, their minds racing.

A life must be exchanged.

Lei Tianxing observed them carefully. "This is not a decision to make lightly," he said. "If you attempt to retrieve Li Tianming before his trial is complete, the celestial forces may resist. Worse, if the ritual fails… both the seeker and the one being retrieved will be lost."

Jiang Chen's jaw tightened. "So there's no other way?"

Lei Tianxing was silent for a moment. Then, he stepped closer.

"There may be one alternative."

Lei Xueyan's eyes snapped up. "What is it?"

The Sect Leader raised his hand, and an ancient jade talisman materialized.

"This talisman belonged to a past Celestial Sovereign. It contains a fragment of divine essence. If we use it, we may be able to force open the gate without a full life sacrifice."

Jiang Chen's eyes narrowed. "What's the catch?"

Lei Tianxing met his gaze. "Whoever channels the energy… will bear the celestial burden. Their soul will be permanently linked to Tianming's fate."

Lei Xueyan inhaled sharply. "Meaning… if he dies, they die too?"

Lei Tianxing nodded.

A heavy silence filled the hall.

Jiang Chen clenched his fists. "I'll do it."

Lei Xueyan turned to him in shock. "What? No! We don't even know if it will work!"

Jiang Chen's expression was firm. "Tianming saved my life more times than I can count. I owe him this much."

Lei Xueyan shook her head. "Then I'll do it too."

Jiang Chen frowned. "Xueyan—"

She met his gaze. "I refuse to stand by and do nothing."

The Sect Leader studied them, then finally sighed. "Very well. But prepare yourselves. Once the ritual starts, there will be no turning back."

---

Meanwhile The Celestial Sovereign's Trial continues

A Battle Against Fate

Tianming stood in the void, his future self looming before him.

Golden light flickered across his opponent's form, celestial symbols flowing like molten energy along his blade.

His past self sneered. "You are not worthy of ascension."

His future self said nothing—he simply raised his sword.

BOOM!

The battle erupted.

Tianming dashed forward, clashing with his future self in a storm of divine energy. Every swing of his blade met an even stronger counterattack. Every step forward was met with overwhelming force.

This was no ordinary fight.

It was a battle against his own destiny.

CLANG!

A powerful strike sent Tianming skidding back. His future self finally spoke.

"You are not ready."

Tianming wiped blood from his lips, smirking. "Then I'll just have to prove you wrong."

He took a deep breath. The Celestial Jade of Primordial Chaos pulsed in his soul.

A new energy flooded his veins.

His sword shone with divine brilliance.

And then—he stepped forward, breaking his own limits.

---

Back in the mortal world, Lei Xueyan and Jiang Chen knelt before the Gate of Reclamation. The talisman floated above them, glowing with celestial power.

The Sect Leader raised his hands, chanting an ancient incantation.

The air trembled. The gate shuddered.

Then—a golden rift split open before them.

Jiang Chen's vision blurred. He could see something beyond the rift—Tianming, locked in battle.

Lei Xueyan gasped. "It's working!"

But then—a powerful force surged from within the gate.

Something was resisting.

A shadowy figure emerged, shrouded in celestial darkness.

"Mortals…" the figure's voice echoed. "You dare interfere with the Celestial Trial?"

The room shook. The energy in the air became suffocating.

Lei Tianxing's expression darkened. "This presence… could it be—"

Before he could finish, the figure struck.

A dark wave of power shot toward Jiang Chen and Lei Xueyan—

The trial was no longer just about Tianming.

Now, they were all part of the battle.

---

What Comes Next in Chapter 32:

-Tianming unlocks a new power within the Celestial Jade.

-Jiang Chen and Lei Xueyan must fight against the celestial entity blocking the gate.

-The final test for Tianming approaches—can he truly surpass himself?

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