The Ominous Warning.

Chapter 8: The Ominous Warning

Tianyang's voice was laced with a sense of foreboding as he spoke to Ling Tian. "Quickly, go and inform Mrs. Mei to gather our most powerful cultivators. We have...unwanted visitors."

Ling Tian's heart skipped a beat as he hastened to the hall. He found Mrs. Mei, her eyes wide with fear as he relayed Tianyang's message.

"The God travelers have returned?" she stammered, her voice shaking.

"Yes, please gather the cultivators and inform the elders," Ling Tian urged, his face set in a grim expression.

Mrs. Mei rushed to find Elder Tang San, the patriarch of the Dragon Den Clan. Meanwhile, Tianyang confronted the Gods, his bravery unwavering.

"What brings you to our realm?" Tianyang demanded, his voice firm and resolute.

The Gods spoke in unison, their voices booming and authoritative. "Fear not, mortal. We come to warn you of the great war unfolding in the Middle Realm. It will soon spread to the Lower Realm, and you must prepare. The fate of your world hangs in the balance."

Tianyang's curiosity got the better of him, and he listened intently as the Gods vanished into the portal.

Duan Hai approached Tianyang, concern etched on his face. "Tianyang, where are the God travelers? The warriors are arriving soon."

Tianyang's expression turned somber. "Tell them to stand down. The Gods didn't come to harm us. They brought a warning of an impending war in the Lower Realm."

Ling Tian approached Tianyang, a mix of emotions on his face. He wrapped his arms around Tianyang in a tight hug. "We'll survive this, Master Tianyang. We'll fight with every breath in our bodies."

Tianyang's eyes welled up with tears as he hugged Ling Tian back. "Ling Tian, promise me you'll keep yourself safe. Promise me you'll protect our realm, no matter the cost."

Ling Tian's eyes brimmed with tears as he looked at Tianyang. His voice was barely above a whisper. "I promise, Master Tianyang. I'll protect our realm with my life."

As Tianyang flew away, the cricket sounds filled the night air. Ling Tian sat alone, his mind consumed by thoughts of gaining more power. He rummaged through his bag and retrieved the three scrolls, his eyes scanning the intricate symbols etched onto the parchment.

"What secrets are hidden within you?" Ling Tian whispered, his fingers tracing the ancient markings.

Ling Tian sat cross-legged on his bed, eyes closed, and began to cultivate. Four hours passed, and his aura transformed, shifting from yellow to a brilliant silver, indicating he has unlocked foundation establishment level one. His body now radiated a soft, white glow, and his physique had changed, his muscles more defined, his height slightly increased.

As he opened his eyes, a greenish spirit orb emerged from the ancient scrolls, hovering before him. The orb merged with Ling Tian's forehead, and a vision unfolded before his eyes. He saw four majestic Gods, their souls sacrificed to save the realms from darkness. Their essence formed a divine vessel, shining brightly. However, a figure with striking red and white hair appeared, desecrating the altar and summoning an ominous darkness that engulfed the realms.

The vision faded, and a diamond mark was drawn on Ling Tian's forehead, but he remained unaware. leaving Ling Tian breathless and disoriented. His head throbbed with pain, and he collapsed onto his bed, exhausted. Just then, the morning bell tolled, signaling the start of a new day.

Ling Tian rose, his eyes sunken from lack of sleep. He quickly washed and dressed, then headed to the training ground. Today, they would visit the Alchemy Furnace. As he arrived, his fellow students greeted him with cheerful faces, but Ling Tian's red, tired eyes stood out.

Rui Li teased, "Hey, Ling Tian, what happened to your forehead? Did you run into a wall?"

Ling Tian's face contorted in concern. "What's on my forehead?"

Rui Li chuckled, pointing to the white diamond shape. "You've got a weird diamond mark on your forehead, dude."

Ling Tian's eyes widened in shock. "What?!" He rushed to the nearby stream, peering into the water. The reflection revealed the diamond mark, leaving Ling Tian perplexed. "What is this? I need to ask Tianyang."

Liang Wong interrupted, "Alright, let's head to the Alchemy Furnace!"

The students followed Liang Wong, eager to explore the furnace. Inside, they were greeted by the alchemists. Liang Wong explained, "We're here for pills and to learn some new recipes."

An Dong, the lead alchemist, welcomed them. "Feel free to browse our collection, but avoid the pills near the windows."

As Ling Tian searched the shelves, he spotted a white Foundation Establishment pill. Just as he reached for it, he collided with a beautiful girl, Lianhua, who was also after the pill. They both fell to the ground.

Lianhua apologized, her voice soft. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. Umm, well, Lianhua, what about you?"

Ling Tian smiled, taking in her striking features. "I'm Ling Tian."

As they stood up, Lianhua's eyes sparkled. "I'm after the Foundation Establishment pill."

Ling Tian hesitated, not wanting to dispute the pill with Lianhua. He decided to search for another pill, leaving the Foundation Establishment pill to Lianhua.

While browsing, Ling Tian stumbled upon a pill labeled low-grade. However, something about it seemed off. He picked it up, and his eyes widened as he realized it was actually a high-grade Divine Awareness Pill.

The pill was said to enhance spiritual awareness and senses. Ling Tian's heart racing with excitement, he added the pill to his collection.

Liang Wong instructed the students to cultivate and test the pills. They sat down, focusing their energy, and soon the air was filled with the sounds of breaking through and healing.

Ling Tian closed his eyes and cultivated. A brilliant blue light erupted from his body, accompanied by a warm yellow glow. The light intensified, piercing through the ceiling, and all eyes turned to Ling Tian.

An Dong's voice thundered through the furnace, "Tao Liu, how could you be so careless? How did a high-grade pill like the Divine Awareness Pill end up among the low and middle-grade pills?"

An Dong's gaze bore into Ling Tian, who was still radiating the intense blue and yellow light. The air was electric with anticipation, and the students watched in awe, wondering what would happen next.