Chapter 32: Breaking the Shackles of Fate
The shadowy figure loomed over Jiang Chen and Lei Xueyan, its presence distorting the space around them. Its form was barely human—more of a celestial wraith, with shifting tendrils of divine energy writhing around it.
"You dare break the balance?" Its voice was neither male nor female, but an echo of countless souls speaking as one. "The Celestial Trial is not to be interrupted."
The Gate of Reclamation trembled, its golden light flickering as though struggling against the entity's presence.
Lei Tianxing's face was grim. "I had hoped we could avoid this…" He turned to Jiang Chen and Lei Xueyan. "This is the Celestial Guardian. It exists solely to enforce the will of the heavens."
Jiang Chen drew his sword, his body tense. "And I assume it's not going to let us through?"
"No," the Sect Leader said. "It will destroy you before it allows interference."
Lei Xueyan's hands tightened into fists. "Then we'll just have to beat it."
The Celestial Guardian raised a hand, its fingers elongating into claws of pure light. The air itself became heavy, pushing down on them with the weight of an entire realm's authority.
Then—it attacked.
BOOM!
A wave of celestial energy surged forward, tearing through the chamber like a divine storm.
Jiang Chen leaped aside, dodging just in time. Lei Xueyan shot into the air, summoning her flame-infused spear and countering with a fiery arc.
CLASH!
The impact sent shockwaves through the temple.
But the Guardian didn't falter.
It merely turned its head, its glowing eyes locking onto Lei Xueyan.
"Unworthy."
A single word—and an unseen force slammed into her chest, sending her crashing against the temple wall.
Jiang Chen's heart clenched. "Xueyan!"
Lei Tianxing acted immediately. Ancient sigils flared to life around him as he unleashed a binding spell. "Divine Shackles—Ensnare!"
Golden chains shot out, attempting to wrap around the Guardian.
But the celestial being simply waved a hand, and the chains shattered like fragile glass.
The Sect Leader staggered. "Damn it… Its power is beyond even my reach…"
Jiang Chen's eyes burned with determination. He turned to the Gate of Reclamation—it was still open.
If they could hold the Guardian off long enough, Tianming might be able to return on his own.
They just had to survive until then.
---
Inside the celestial void, Tianming clashed blades with his future self, their strikes sending ripples of energy through the realm.
Every movement was like fighting against destiny itself.
Each time he struck forward, his future self matched him perfectly. Every technique, every counterattack—it was as if he was fighting an opponent who knew his every thought.
Tianming gritted his teeth.
"If I can't defeat myself…"
His future self's golden eyes burned like twin suns. "Then you have no right to ascend."
BOOM!
The golden figure vanished—then reappeared behind him.
Tianming barely twisted his blade in time. CLANG! Sparks flew as divine steel met divine steel.
His future self leaned in close.
"You think power alone will allow you to surpass fate?"
Tianming's breath was ragged. His arms ached. His Celestial Jade of Primordial Chaos pulsed, but even with its divine energy flowing through him, he was losing.
No—he wasn't just losing.
He was stagnating.
His eyes widened.
"This isn't about strength."
For so long, he had fought for revenge. He had fought to prove himself. He had fought to survive.
But now—he was facing something far greater.
The test wasn't about being the strongest.
It was about being worthy of ascension.
His grip on his sword tightened. His breath slowed. He looked at his future self, not with defiance—but with understanding.
His lips curved into a small smile.
"I see now."
He lowered his sword.
His future self froze.
Tianming took a deep breath.
"I don't need to defeat you."
The Celestial Jade shone brighter than ever before.
At that moment—he stopped trying to be stronger than his future.
Instead—he accepted it.
A burst of golden energy erupted around him, breaking the shackles of fate.
The celestial void trembled.
His future self's golden eyes softened.
"Finally," it whispered. "You understand."
And then—it merged with him.
A wave of knowledge, memories, and divine energy flooded through Tianming's soul.
A new path had opened before him.
The Celestial Jade of Primordial Chaos had finally awakened in full.
---
Back in the mortal realm—
The Gate of Reclamation shone brilliantly, its golden light growing unbearable.
Jiang Chen and Lei Xueyan, battered and barely standing, shielded their eyes.
The Celestial Guardian halted mid-attack, its glowing form flickering.
Lei Tianxing's breath hitched. "Could it be…?"
And then—he stepped through.
Li Tianming emerged from the gate, his body wreathed in golden light. His presence was different. Greater. More refined—as if the heavens themselves had acknowledged him.
The Celestial Guardian, sensing this change, slowly knelt before him.
Jiang Chen and Lei Xueyan stared in shock.
Tianming's golden eyes gleamed. His aura was unshakable.
He had returned.
And he was stronger than ever.
---
What Comes Next in Chapter 33:
Tianming's new abilities are revealed.
The Sect Leader questions what Tianming has become.
The Azure Dragon Pavilion learns of Tianming's return—and prepares to act.
A mysterious celestial force begins watching Tianming from afar…
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