Chapter 35– A moment of blessing

The Storm Horizon Sect was still abuzz with the echoes of the tournament. Though days had passed, the impact of Li Tianming's overwhelming display of power still lingered in the air.

At the sect's central arena, disciples watched as formation masters and artisans worked tirelessly to repair the shattered battlefield. Stone slabs cracked beyond recognition were being replaced, the sigils of protective formations reignited one by one. The once-pristine arena bore the scars of a battle that would be spoken of for years.

Whispers filled the air—

"Who exactly is Li Tianming?"

"How did someone completely unknown defeat our top disciples?"

"And what was that terrifying power he unleashed?"

Though some admired him, others—especially those with sect pride—harbored resentment.

Meanwhile, in a private chamber within the sect leader's residence, Tianming, Jiang Chen, and Xie Yuan remained hidden from the eyes of the world, recovering in peace.

------The Storm Horizon Sect was still reeling from the spectacle of the tournament. Though days had passed, discussions of Li Tianming's victory, his shocking power, and his connection to the Celestial Jade of Primordial Chaos continued to dominate every corner of the sect.

In the vast courtyard where the battles had taken place, sect workers tirelessly labored to repair the shattered arena. The once-pristine battle stage was now riddled with deep cracks, and the edges of the stone platforms bore the marks of Tianming's overwhelming celestial energy. Fragments of shattered formations still flickered with remnants of energy, refusing to fade.

Amidst the reconstruction, disciples gathered in hushed groups, their conversations buzzing with speculation.

"That final explosion… I've never seen anything like it!"

"He survived the Heavenly Descent Thunder Array. That shouldn't be possible!"

"It wasn't just survival—he won. He overpowered the chosen prodigies of our sect."

Some were filled with awe, while others harbored jealousy or suspicion. Yet, one common sentiment remained—Tianming was a force that could not be ignored.

Meanwhile, in a secluded hall near the inner sanctum, Lie Xueyan found herself at the center of another discussion.

Several elders and senior disciples confronted her, their expressions stern.

"You brought two complete strangers into the tournament?" one elder accused.

"Did you think this was some kind of game, Xueyan?" another scoffed.

Xueyan, however, stood firm, arms crossed as she met their gazes unflinchingly. "Strangers? Maybe to you. But to me, they were the most worthy participants."

"Worthy?" a senior disciple spat. "One of them nearly destroyed the arena!"

Xueyan merely shrugged. "That's exactly why he belongs here."

The elders fumed, but they had no authority to punish her. She had the backing of the sect master himself. And right now, even they didn't dare to question his will.

Meanwhile, Tianming, Jiang Chen, and Xueyan remained hidden within the sect leader's personal quarters, away from prying eyes and potential threats.

The scent of spirit-infused roasted meat filled the air.

Tianming and Jiang chen were treated as honored guests, given lavish meals and access to powerful healing elixirs. Tianming sat on a cushioned chair, letting the soothing warmth of a Golden Cloud Restoration Pill mend his bruises. Across from him, Jiang Chen devoured a plate of steamed spiritual beast meat, eating with the hunger of a man who had just survived a war.

Xueyan watched them with amusement. "You two really went through hell, huh?"

Tianming smirked. "Let's just say I've had worse."

Xyeyan leaned forward, resting her chin on her palm. "Then tell me. What was life like back at your sect?"

Tianming's fingers tightened slightly around his teacup. Memories of betrayal, exile, and struggle flooded his mind.

Jiang Chen, noticing his hesitation, chuckled. "I can sum it up for him. It was a nightmare."

Tianming let out a low laugh. "Yeah, that's about right."

Xueyan tilted her head. "Then you must be glad to be free of it."

Tianming gazed out the window, where the storm clouds of the sect hovered eternally in the sky. "Freedom isn't just about leaving a place. It's about being strong enough so that no one can ever shackle you again."

Xueyan smiled. "Well, looks like you're on the right path."

Jiang Chen sighed. "And what about me? I was stuck with this guy."

Tianming rolled his eyes. "You should be grateful."

The three of them laughed, their exhaustion momentarily forgotten.

Within the Storm Horizon Sect, Tianming stood on a windswept plateau, watching the clouds churn in the sky. The air here was alive with movement, a place where cultivators honed their speed and wind techniques to an almost untouchable level.

After completing his latest trial, he finally had a moment to breathe. But he knew this was just the beginning.

Beside him, Jiang Chen stretched his arms lazily. "So, what now? We've survived this crazy sect, and your name is already spreading. What's next?"

Tianming's gaze remained steady. "We've gained strength here, but it's not enough. If we want to stand against the ones hunting the fragments, we need knowledge. Our next destination is the Nether Abyss Sect."

Jiang Chen whistled. "From a sky-blessed sect of speed demons to a den of forbidden arts? You don't like simple paths, do you?"

Tianming smirked. "Never have, never will."

He turned toward the horizon, the winds whispering through his robes.

The Nether Abyss Sect was feared, shunned, and cloaked in mystery. But within its archives lay forgotten knowledge—ancient maps, hidden truths, and techniques no righteous sect would dare acknowledge.

If he wanted to outmaneuver the great establishments, he needed more than just power. He needed insight into the very history of the Celestial Jade Fragments themselves.

Behind them, the sky darkened slightly, the first hints of a coming storm.

The world was moving.

And so was he.

---

Coming up next

- the sect leader forces a condition for them to leave.

-Lei Xueyan faces trouble