Chapter 10: The Sect’s Judgment


    Tianming’s victory should have been the end of it. But in the Celestial Radiance Sect, power always came with consequences.


    Word of his duel spread like wildfire. Some called it a miracle. Others called it a threat.


    And in the upper halls of the sect, behind sealed doors—his fate was being decided.


    Inside the Grand Council Chamber, a group of elders and high-ranking disciples gathered.


    At the head of the room sat Elder Yan, a neutral figure who presided over sect affairs with an air of wisdom. His sharp eyes studied the reports before him.


    "So," he mused, "Li Tianming has proven himself once again."


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Across from him, an elder scoffed. "A fluke. Nothing more."


    Mu Qingfeng leaned forward, his voice measured but laced with hidden intent. "With all due respect, Elder Yan, Tianming’s rapid growth is… unnatural. He returns from the ruins with sudden strength, defeats an elite disciple, and yet offers no explanation? Can we really ignore this?"


    Another elder nodded. "There may be merit to these concerns. What if he has acquired a forbidden technique? What if he threatens the balance of the sect?"


    Elder Yan remained silent, but his fingers tapped against the table in thought.


    Then, finally—he spoke.


    "For now, we will watch him. If his strength grows beyond reason, we will act."


    Mu Qingfeng smiled, though his eyes remained cold. "Of course, Elder Yan. I only seek what’s best for the sect."


    But deep down, he knew—this was only the beginning.


    ---


    Meanwhile, Tianming stood atop one of the sect’s highest peaks, gazing at the vast landscape before him.


    Jiang Chen approached, arms crossed. "They’re watching you now. You realize that, don’t you?"


    Tianming exhaled. "Let them watch." His grip tightened around the Celestial Jade of Primordial Chaos. "If they want to challenge me, they’ll have to do more than just whisper in the shadows."


    Jiang Chen smirked. "That’s what I wanted to hear."


    The storm was coming. Tianming could feel it in his bones.


    But fear had no place in his heart.


    He was ready.


    ---


    Next Chapter Preview: Chapter 11 – The Assassins in the Dark


    As Mu Qingfeng’s schemes deepen, a shadow moves against Tianming. An unknown force strikes from the darkness, forcing him into a battle where honor holds no meaning. With betrayal lurking at every turn, Tianming must learn—not every enemy fights in the light.


    He was not just a survivor


    .


    He was the Sovereign of the Celestial Ascent.


    ---