chapter 34– Collect the seven fragments
Tianming stood at the center of the ruined trial chamber, his body still thrumming with celestial energy. He clenched his fist, feeling the transformation deep within his bones. His senses had sharpened, his mind clearer than ever before. The Celestial Jade of Primordial Chaos had awakened in full, and its power was now his to wield.
Jiang Chen, still watching him warily, finally spoke.
"You said you've broken the chains of fate… but what does that mean?"
Tianming exhaled, letting the golden energy settle within him. "It means I am no longer bound by the destiny set for me. The heavens cannot control my path anymore."
Lei Xueyan crossed her arms, her sharp eyes narrowing. "Sounds great… but does that mean we don't have to worry about anyone chasing after you now?"
Tianming gave a small, knowing smile. "No. If anything, the danger has only increased."
Lei Tianxing, the sect master, watched him with an unreadable expression. "You're correct. Now that your power has been revealed, there will be forces beyond your imagination moving against you."
His voice was grave, but there was also something else—respect. Tianming was no longer just a promising disciple or a fallen genius. He was something more now.
The sect master stepped forward, his gaze sharp yet contemplative.
"I have been waiting for someone like you," he said. "This is why I held the tournament—to find the ones destined for something greater."
Tianming frowned. "You knew this would happen?"
"I knew someone would rise above the rest," Lei Tianxing admitted. "I did not know who it would be, but the world does not lack for ambition—it lacks those strong enough to carry the burden of destiny." He folded his arms behind his back. "I have done my part in this grand scheme, but your journey is far from over."
Tianming's golden eyes glowed. "What do you mean?"
Lei Tianxing's voice lowered. "The Celestial Jade of Primordial Chaos is incomplete."
Tianming's breath stilled.
"There are seven fragments scattered across the land. Only when they are reunited will the true power of the jade be revealed. If you wish to reach the peak, you must seek them."
Jiang Chen's eyes widened. "Seven fragments? Then Tianming—"
"He must embark on a new journey," Lei Tianxing confirmed. "And the world will not stand idly by. Others will seek the fragments as well."
Lei Xueyan narrowed her eyes. "Who?"
The sect master's expression darkened. "The Four Great Establishments. They were formed before even our sect's founding, and their strength is unmatched."
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The Four Great Establishments
Across the lands, the echoes of Tianming's awakening had already begun to ripple through the world.
Far to the north, within the Everfrost Immortal Palace, a woman draped in glacial robes stood atop an icy peak. Her piercing eyes gazed into the distance as a disciple hurriedly reported to her.
"The Celestial Jade has been awakened once more."
The woman's lips curled into a slight smile. "Interesting. The cycle begins anew."
Meanwhile, within the Azure Dragon Pavilion, an elder sat upon a grand throne, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the armrest.
"So, the boy has surfaced," he mused. His voice held neither amusement nor fear—only calculation. "Send word to our envoys. We must not let him gather the fragments uncontested."
Deep within the mountainous caverns of the Obsidian Flame Sect, a man clad in dark red armor stared into the roaring inferno of a sacred forge. His molten-gold eyes flickered with intrigue.
"A new contender for the throne of the heavens… Let's see if he burns or rises."
And high above the skies, hidden within the celestial mists of the Heavenly Dao Sect, an old man sat in meditation. His divine senses stretched across the world, sensing the disturbance in fate.
"The celestial balance has been tipped," he murmured. "A storm is coming."
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The Journey Begins:
Back in the sect, Tianming stood before Lei Tianxing, his resolve firm.
"The fragments will not remain hidden forever," Lei Tianxing said. "The establishments will move, either to claim the power for themselves or to prevent others from obtaining it."
Tianming clenched his fists. "Then I must move first."
Lei Tianxing nodded. "And to do so, you must choose your next destination."
"Where do I start?"
The sect master's eyes gleamed with approval.
He told him about three prominent sects other than the Storm Horizon sect that may have the answers.
The Nether Abyss Sect—A sect of forbidden arts, shunned and feared by the world. Whispers say they cultivate the power of death itself.
The Grand Lotus Temple—An order seeking enlightenment, wielding divine techniques of unfathomable depth. Their wisdom is unparalleled, but their strength is no less fearsome.
The Ironblood Warlords—Mercenary cultivators who bow to no sect, their strength earned through countless battles. Feared and respected across the land.
Lei Tianxing's gaze turned solemn. "Choose wisely. Where you go next will determine the battles you face and the allies you gain."
Tianming remained silent for a moment before speaking.
"I will go to the Nether Abyss Sect first."
Lei Xueyan's eyes widened. "Why them?"
Tianming's gaze was steady. "If I am to seek the fragments, I will need knowledge—maps, ancient records, hidden truths. The Nether Abyss Sect is said to have access to forbidden archives. They know secrets that others fear to even speak of."
Lei Tianxing stroked his beard. "A dangerous choice."
Jiang Chen sighed. "Why am I not surprised?"
Tianming smirked. "If there's an easy road, I've never found it."
Lei Tianxing turned away, his voice carrying finality. "Then go. Find what you seek… and be prepared. The storm on the horizon has only just begun."
Tianming took a breath. He could already feel the weight of this journey pressing upon him.
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What Comes Next in Chapter 35:
Tianming departs for the Nether Abyss Sect.
Trials and forbidden knowledge await.
The Azure Dragon Pavilion makes its next move.