《Sovereign of Celestial Ascent [ Epic Progression Fantasy with the World Map]》 Chapter 1: The Fallen Genius Sovereign of the Celestial Ascent Chapter 1: The Fallen Genius The cold wind howled through the grand courtyards of the Azure River Sect, carrying with it the scent of rain and blood. The setting sun bathed the ancient stone pavilions in a dying crimson light, as if the heavens themselves wept for what was about to unfold. At the heart of the sect¡¯s grand martial arena, Li Tianming knelt in the dirt. His once-pristine white robes were in tatters, streaked with blood and dust. His long black hair, usually tied with the jade clasp of an elite disciple, hung loose and disheveled. He coughed, tasting copper. His hands trembled as he pressed them into the cold stone beneath him. His entire body screamed in agony, his dantian¡ªhis very core of cultivation¡ªshattered beyond repair. Above him, towering over his broken form, stood Li Yunxian, his elder brother. Li Yunxian¡¯s golden robes shimmered under the waning light, his sword still dripping with Tianming¡¯s blood. His expression was one of mocking pity, yet his eyes gleamed with triumph. "You were the pride of our sect, Tianming,¡± he said smoothly. ¡°The chosen heir. A genius who stood above all others.¡± He crouched down, gripping Tianming¡¯s chin, forcing him to meet his gaze. ¡°But what are you now?¡± Yunxian whispered, his voice like venom. ¡°A cripple. A disgrace.¡± Murmurs rippled through the crowd of gathered disciples and elders. The great Li Tianming¡­ defeated? How could this happen? Only one voice spoke with certainty. A deep, authoritative voice that carried over the hushed whispers. ¡°Tianming,¡± came the voice of Li Zhonghai, the sect master¡ªhis father. Tianming¡¯s breath caught in his throat. Even in his weakened state, his instincts screamed at him to rise, to stand tall before his father. But he could not. Not anymore. Li Zhonghai descended from the elder¡¯s platform, his long crimson robes flowing behind him. His expression was unreadable, his eyes filled with disappointment colder than the winter wind. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. Tianming desperately searched his father¡¯s face for even a hint of warmth. A trace of the pride he once saw in those eyes. It was not there. ¡°You have brought shame upon our sect,¡± his father said at last, his voice cutting like a blade. Tianming¡¯s chest clenched. ¡°Father, I¡ª¡± ¡°You are no longer my son.¡± The words struck deeper than any wound Yunxian had inflicted. Tianming¡¯s vision blurred. His breath came in ragged gasps. ¡°No¡­ I¡­ I was betrayed!¡± He turned toward the elders, the ones who had trained him, guided him. Would they not speak for him? But their faces were blank. Indifferent. No one would stand for him. His life, his achievements¡ªeverything had been stripped from him in an instant. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Night fell over the Azure River Sect. Tianming stumbled through the empty courtyards, his vision swimming. Every step sent a fresh jolt of pain through his ruined body. The same sect disciples who once bowed to him, who once called him ¡°Senior Brother,¡± now turned their gazes away as if he were a ghost. Some sneered. Some whispered. None reached out a hand to help. He reached the Cliff of Solitude, a sacred place where disciples once meditated beneath the endless night sky. Now, it was his graveyard. A bitter laugh escaped his lips. All his life, he had fought, bled, and suffered to earn his place. And yet, here he was. A cripple. A discarded waste. His knees buckled, and he fell to the cold, wet earth. The wind howled, and thunder rumbled in the distance. He closed his eyes. Perhaps¡­ it would be easier to let go. To fade into nothingness. But fate was not yet done with him. A sudden, blinding light split the heavens. Tianming¡¯s eyes snapped open as a streak of golden fire shot from the sky, crashing into the cliffside before him. The earth trembled. Ancient runes¡ªforgotten by time¡ªglowed upon the stone. And at the center of it all¡­ A single jade fragment, pulsing with an otherworldly aura. Tianming¡¯s breath caught. The jade whispered to him. Not in words, but in feelings, in echoes of a power far beyond mortal comprehension. His body moved on instinct. Drawn to it. The moment his fingers brushed the jade¡¯s surface¡ª A storm of memories flooded his mind. Visions of gods and demons clashing in the heavens. A celestial war that sundered worlds. And at the heart of it all¡ª A sovereign, clad in golden light, standing at the peak of existence. The voice of the jade resonated within him. "Rise, Sovereign of the Celestial Ascent." Pain burned through his veins, but it was not the pain of death. It was rebirth. His shattered dantian¡­ reformed. No, it was no longer a mere dantian¡ªit was something greater, something limitless. Golden energy surged through him, burning away the weakness, the despair. Tianming gasped, his fingers digging into the earth as the weight of a forgotten legacy settled upon him. The heavens had forsaken him. His family had betrayed him. But now? He had the power to carve his own path. His eyes opened, glowing with celestial fire. Li Tianming was dead. But something far greater had taken his place. -------------------------------------------- Up Next!! Chapter 2 of Sovereign of the Celestial Ascent, continuing Tianming¡¯s transformation, first steps toward revenge, and deeper exploration of his newfound power. A quick summary of chapter 2: The aftermath of his awakening¡ª how his body and spirit have changed. Exploration of the Celestial Jade''s power¡ªmysteries and ancient knowledge. First test of his rebirth¡ªperhaps a battle or an encounter that proves he is no longer the same. Hints of the greater threats ahead¡ªthe sect, enemies, and the road forward. Chapter 2: Rebirth Under the Stars The night sky stretched endlessly above him, shimmering with countless stars. Yet, none shone as brightly as the golden radiance surging within his body. Li Tianming lay on the cold ground, his breath slow and steady. His body, once battered and broken, now pulsed with an unfamiliar yet overwhelming strength. The Celestial Jade of Primordial Chaos had changed him. He clenched his fist. What was once a mere vessel for spiritual energy was now something far greater. His dantian¡ªno, it was no longer just a dantian¡ªhad become a limitless well of primordial power, unlike anything he had ever felt before. ¡±What... am I now?¡± His breathing was steady, but within him, energy roared like a divine tempest. The sect had abandoned him. His father had cast him aside. His brother had stolen everything from him. But now, he was something new. Tianming sat up slowly, flexing his fingers. The pain that had once wracked his body was gone. Not only gone¡ªhe felt stronger than ever before. His golden eyes burned with determination. ¡±This is not the end. This is the beginning.¡± He stood, his movements fluid, effortless. His balance was sharper, his senses keener. It was as if the world around him had slowed while he had become something beyond mortal limits. Then¡ªhe heard them. Footsteps. Multiple. Coming straight toward him. Tianming turned toward the sound. Shadows flickered beyond the trees, their figures barely visible under the moonlight. Sect disciples. A familiar voice rang through the night. ¡°Well, well. If it isn¡¯t our former genius, Li Tianming.¡± Tianming¡¯s gaze sharpened as Li Feng, one of Li Yunxian¡¯s loyal lackeys, stepped into view. Behind him were four other disciples, each carrying swords at their waists. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. They weren¡¯t here by chance. They had been sent to finish him. Li Feng smirked, his hand resting lazily on the hilt of his weapon. ¡°We heard what happened to you. It¡¯s truly tragic. A cripple, abandoned by his own family.¡± The other disciples chuckled. ¡°But don¡¯t worry,¡± Li Feng continued, stepping forward, ¡°we¡¯ve come to help. After all, a useless cripple has no place in this world, don¡¯t you agree?¡± Tianming stared at him, silent. The old Tianming would have felt anger, despair, fear. The new Tianming? He smiled. The smirk caught Li Feng off guard for a moment, but he quickly masked it with a sneer. ¡°What¡¯s so funny, trash?¡± Tianming took a step forward. The air itself seemed to shift. Li Feng frowned. Something felt¡­ different. Tianming wasn¡¯t afraid. He wasn¡¯t pleading. Instead, his golden eyes glowed faintly under the moonlight, filled with something cold. Something powerful. ¡°I was just thinking,¡± Tianming said calmly. ¡°You were always pathetic, Li Feng. Hiding behind Yunxian like a dog.¡± The smile vanished from Li Feng¡¯s face. ¡°You¡ª¡± Before he could react, Tianming moved. Faster than thought. One second he stood before them¡ªthe next, he was upon them. Li Feng barely had time to raise his sword. A palm struck his chest with explosive force. CRACK! He flew backward, slamming into a tree. His body convulsed as he spat out blood. The other disciples froze. ¡±What just happened?!¡± Tianming exhaled slowly, feeling the energy in his veins hum with satisfaction. It had been effortless. The power from the Celestial Jade of Primordial Chaos was more than just a restoration¡ªit had rebuilt him into something else. Something greater. The remaining disciples hesitated, fear creeping into their expressions. Tianming stepped forward. ¡°Leave. Or I break you.¡± Three of them immediately fled into the forest, vanishing into the night. The last disciple hesitated, torn between fear and duty. But when Tianming¡¯s gaze locked onto him, he crumbled and ran. Now, only Li Feng remained, groaning on the ground. Tianming stood over him, watching as he coughed up blood. Li Feng¡¯s eyes were wild with disbelief. ¡°You¡­ this isn¡¯t possible. You were crippled. Your dantian was destroyed!¡± Tianming crouched down, gripping Li Feng¡¯s collar. He leaned in close, his golden eyes burning. ¡°I was broken.¡± His voice was low, cold. ¡°But now? I am something you could never hope to understand.¡± Li Feng trembled. For the first time in his life, he felt true fear. Tianming released him with a shove. ¡°Tell Yunxian,¡± Tianming said as he turned away, ¡°that I¡¯ll be coming for him soon.¡± Li Feng gasped, struggling to stand. He wanted to argue, to spit another insult¡ªbut he didn¡¯t dare. Instead, he stumbled into the forest, vanishing into the darkness. Tianming exhaled, staring at the night sky. This was only the beginning. The moon hung high above, casting its pale light over the silent forest. Tianming¡¯s body still hummed with energy. But deep inside, he knew this wasn¡¯t enough. He had power. But power alone was not enough to take back what was stolen. He needed knowledge. He needed allies. And most of all¡­ He needed vengeance. His lips curled into a smirk. His road to ascension had begun. ---------------------------------------------- What Comes Next? - Tianming leaves the sect grounds, setting off on a journey to grow stronger. - The sect is thrown into turmoil¡ªrumors spread of his survival. - A hidden force begins watching him. - Mu Qingfeng, Tianming¡¯s future rival, takes notice. Tianming is no longer just a fallen genius. He is the Sovereign of the Celestial Ascent. --- Chapter 3: The Path of No Return For the first time in his life, Li Tianming stood beyond the walls of the Azure River Sect, staring at the vast world stretching endlessly before him. The towering mountains loomed in the distance, their peaks piercing the sky like celestial spears. The forests below were a sea of green, shifting with the whisper of the wind. Rivers glistened like silver veins under the pale moonlight, winding through valleys untouched by human hands. The air carried the crisp scent of morning dew, mingling with the fragrance of wildflowers and untamed earth. It was a world vast and unshackled¡ªone he had never truly seen until now. A bitter realization settled in his chest. He had been blind. For years, he had believed that the sect was the center of the universe, that its rules, its traditions, and its rigid hierarchy dictated the path to greatness. He had devoted his entire existence to climbing within those suffocating walls, never once questioning what lay beyond them. He had been a prisoner¡ªnot by chains, but by his own ambition, his own ignorance. And now, as he stood here, breathing in the endless possibilities, he felt a deep, aching regret. ¡±Why did I never look beyond the sect? Why did I let them define my worth?¡±* But regret would not change the past. He exhaled, his golden eyes narrowing with new determination. ¡±I was blind before. But not anymore.¡± With that, he took his first step into the unknown¡ªtoward a future that no sect, no family, and no fate could control. ------ The moon still hung in the sky when Li Tianming emerged from the depths of the forest, his robes fluttering in the cold wind. The Azure River Sect lay behind him, its towering pagodas barely visible beyond the distant mist-covered hills. For the first time in his life, he was truly alone. Yet, as he gazed upon the endless world stretching before him, he felt something foreign, something exhilarating. Freedom. His fists clenched at his sides. ¡±I will never crawl again.¡± With his dantian reborn and his strength returning in ways he couldn¡¯t yet comprehend, he had only one goal¡ªto rise stronger than ever before. And to do that, he needed power. Tianming descended the mountain trails, his boots crunching against the gravel. The sect had once been his entire world, but now, he had to learn how to survive outside its walls. The forests stretched endlessly, filled with towering trees and mist-covered valleys. Wild spirit beasts lurked within, their roars echoing through the hills. But it wasn¡¯t the beasts that concerned him. It was the Azure River Sect¡¯s hunters. Tianming knew that Yunxian, his father, and the elders would not let him leave in peace. They had cast him out, branded him as worthless¡ªbut the moment they learned he still lived, they would seek to silence him. He needed to move fast. But first¡ªhe needed to understand his newfound power. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. --- The Secrets of the Celestial Jade Tianming sat beneath a great willow tree, closing his eyes. He focused inward, sinking into the depths of his own being. Within him, his dantian had become something else entirely. The once-fractured core had been replaced by a swirling vortex of golden energy, its essence crackling with primordial power. This was no ordinary cultivation. This was something ancient, something beyond mortal comprehension. The Celestial Jade of Primordial Chaos had not simply restored him¡ªit had rebuilt him. Suddenly, a voice whispered in his mind. ¡±Awaken the forgotten path¡­¡± His breath caught. This was not a memory. It was a voice from within the jade itself. The knowledge of an ancient era slumbered within him, waiting to be unlocked. His heart pounded. ¡±Then let me see it.¡± The golden energy within him flared, sending a ripple of power through his veins. His body burned¡ªnot with pain, but with boundless potential. A vision flashed before his eyes. A man clad in celestial gold, standing atop a battlefield of gods. A forgotten technique, lost to time. A name¡­ Heaven-Devouring Chaos Art. Tianming¡¯s eyes snapped open, his breath uneven. This was his chance. His path forward. But before he could even begin to comprehend it¡ª A voice called out from the trees. ¡°Li Tianming. You truly are alive.¡± Tianming rose to his feet, his golden eyes meeting the newcomer¡¯s. A figure stepped from the shadows, his silver robes embroidered with azure patterns, his long black hair tied neatly behind him. His expression was calm, confident¡ªbut his eyes held the gleam of superiority. Mu Qingfeng. Tianming¡¯s lips curled slightly. ¡°You followed me?¡± Mu Qingfeng smirked. ¡°You overestimate yourself. I was sent.¡± Tianming¡¯s gaze darkened. ¡°The sect?¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Qingfeng said. ¡°You humiliated Li Yunxian, defied the elders, and survived a fate that should have left you crippled. Do you really think the sect would let you walk free?¡± Tianming exhaled. So they had moved faster than expected. ¡°Let me guess,¡± Tianming said, ¡°you volunteered for this mission.¡± Mu Qingfeng laughed lightly. ¡°How could I resist? A chance to remove a stain on the sect¡¯s name and prove myself superior to you?¡± He stepped forward, drawing his sword in one smooth motion. Azure light danced along its edge. ¡°The sect may have cast you out,¡± he said, ¡°but I will be the one to bury you.¡± Tianming rolled his shoulders. A battle was inevitable. And truthfully? He welcomed it. Mu Qingfeng struck first. He blurred forward, his sword a streak of azure light, slashing toward Tianming¡¯s throat. But Tianming saw it all. He shifted his weight, stepping aside at the last possible moment. The blade missed him by a hair¡¯s breadth. Mu Qingfeng¡¯s eyes flickered with surprise. Tianming smirked. ¡°That all?¡± Mu Qingfeng¡¯s expression darkened. With a flick of his wrist, dozens of azure sword shadows erupted from his blade, each one carrying deadly intent. Tianming¡¯s instincts flared. He moved like flowing water, weaving between the strikes, his body reacting faster than ever before. This was the Celestial Jade¡¯s power. A step. A turn. A sudden counter. Tianming struck. His fist collided with Mu Qingfeng¡¯s chest, sending the elite disciple stumbling back. Mu Qingfeng¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°How¡ª?¡± Tianming flexed his fingers, feeling the raw power surging through him. He was faster. Stronger. And this was just the beginning. Mu Qingfeng gritted his teeth, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. He glared at Tianming, his pride burning. ¡°You think you¡¯re strong now?¡± he hissed. ¡°You¡¯re nothing. Just a fallen dog.¡± Tianming chuckled. ¡°A dog? Maybe. But a dog that bites back.¡± Mu Qingfeng lunged again, his sword glowing with raw energy. But this time, Tianming did not dodge. Instead, he raised his palm¡ªand caught the blade between his fingers. The world froze. Mu Qingfeng¡¯s breath hitched. Impossible. Tianming¡¯s golden eyes burned. ¡°You are not my opponent.¡± And with that, he snapped the sword in two. Mu Qingfeng staggered back, staring in disbelief at his broken weapon. Tianming stepped forward, his voice low, dangerous. ¡°Go back to the sect,¡± he said. ¡°Tell Yunxian, tell my father, tell the elders.¡± His smirk widened. ¡°Tell them I¡¯m coming.¡± Mu Qingfeng stumbled away, his face pale with fury and humiliation. For the first time in his life, he had been defeated so completely. Tianming exhaled, rolling his shoulders. His power was only beginning to awaken. But one thing was clear¡ª His journey had begun. And the Azure River Sect would soon tremble at his return. ------------------------------------------- ### What Comes Next? - Mu Qingfeng returns to the sect, spreading fear of Tianming¡¯s survival. - The first true enemy emerges¡ªsomeone even Yunxian fears. - Tianming seeks a legendary cultivation ground to master the Celestial Jade¡¯s power. - A bounty is placed on his head. The world will soon learn. Li Tianming is no longer a fallen genius. He is the Sovereign of the Celestial Ascent. --- Chapter 4: The First Trial of the Outside World The wind carried the scent of pine and damp earth as Li Tianming stepped deeper into the wilderness, leaving behind the Azure River Sect and everything he once knew. The towering trees above him swayed gently, their emerald leaves whispering secrets of the land beyond. The faint glow of spirit fireflies flickered in the distance, dancing above the moss-covered ground. It was beautiful¡ªwild, untamed, and free. But beneath the beauty lurked danger. This was no longer the sheltered training grounds of the sect. Here, power ruled absolutely. And he was no longer a disciple. He was prey. As he walked, he felt the weight of his ignorance pressing down on him. For years, he had devoted himself to the rigid structure of sect life, believing it to be the pinnacle of existence. But out here, the world stretched endlessly in all directions. He passed ruins of old battlefields, shattered swords embedded in the earth like tombstones. He saw small villages hidden in valleys, where common folk lived their lives far removed from sect rivalries. This was a world he had never thought to explore before. ¡°I wasted my life inside those walls.¡±* The realization stung, but it was also liberating. ¡°I am free now. And I will carve my own path.¡± But freedom came with a price. A rustling in the trees made him halt instantly. His instincts screamed. He wasn¡¯t alone. --- A flicker of movement¡ªsteel flashing in the moonlight. Tianming twisted instinctively, his foot pivoting as a blade sliced through the air where his neck had been a moment ago. Five figures emerged from the shadows, clad in dark armor. Their movements were silent, precise, and deadly. ¡°Assassins.¡±* Tianming¡¯s golden eyes flickered coldly. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. The Azure River Sect had moved faster than he expected. The leader of the group, a tall man with a jagged scar down his cheek, smirked. ¡°Li Tianming. You¡¯ve caused quite a stir.¡± Tianming remained silent, calculating his options. Scarface chuckled. ¡°No need to act tough. We were given simple orders. Kill you, take your body back, and collect our reward.¡± The other assassins fanned out, cutting off every escape route. But Tianming? He smiled. This was exactly what he needed. A real test. Scarface lunged first, his blade glowing with a crimson aura. Tianming met him head-on. His hand shot forward, grabbing the assassin¡¯s wrist before the blade could strike. Scarface¡¯s eyes widened. ¡±What?!¡± Tianming twisted violently, snapping the man¡¯s wrist with a sickening crack. With a flick of his own wrist, he stole the assassin¡¯s blade and drove it into his throat. The other four assassins hesitated. Too late. Tianming moved like a phantom, closing the distance between them in the blink of an eye. His fist shattered the ribs of the second attacker. The third one tried to retreat¡ªonly to find Tianming already behind him. A swift elbow to the spine. A scream. Then silence. The fourth assassin barely had time to lift his sword before Tianming¡¯s palm collided with his chest, sending him flying into a tree. Only one remained. Scarface clutched his broken wrist, terror replacing his earlier arrogance. ¡°You¡­ You¡¯re not human.¡± Tianming stepped closer, his golden eyes glowing in the moonlight. Then, with a swift strike, he ended it. Tianming exhaled, rolling his shoulders. His body thrummed with raw energy. This power¡ªthe Celestial Jade of Primordial Chaos¡ªwas more than just a second chance. It was an awakening. He had barely tapped into its true potential, yet he had dispatched five trained killers effortlessly. But he wasn¡¯t foolish. This was only the beginning. The Azure River Sect would not stop. If they had sent assassins this quickly, it meant one thing¡ªthey feared him. ¡°Good.¡±* He would make sure their fear was justified. But first, he needed to grow even stronger. ---- Tianming continued his journey, leaving the bodies of his attackers behind. He needed information. A lead. A direction. And then he found it. A group of merchants traveling under the escort of wandering cultivators. Tianming approached cautiously, his hood pulled low over his face. The merchants were gathered around a fire, speaking in hushed voices. ¡°¡­They say the ruins hold the legacy of an ancient cultivator. A power beyond imagination.¡± Tianming¡¯s interest piqued. Ruins? A legacy? One of the escorting cultivators scoffed. ¡°Tch. That¡¯s just a story. No one who enters those ruins ever comes back.¡± The merchant shook his head. ¡°You don¡¯t understand. People have seen it. A golden light in the depths of the ruins.¡± Tianming¡¯s heart skipped a beat. ¡°Golden light¡­?¡±* Could it be¡­ connected to the Celestial Jade? He had his answer. His next destination was clear. Tianming left before dawn, his mind focused, his goal set. The Ruins of the Star-Forged Temple. A place whispered about in fear. A place where many had entered, but none had returned. But Tianming? He wasn¡¯t like the others. He had nothing to lose. And if the rumors were true¡ªhe would leave those ruins stronger than ever before. Unstoppable. His legend was only beginning. ------------------ What Comes Next in chapter 5? - Tianming journeys to the Ruins of the Star-Forged Temple. - A hidden enemy waits for him there. - The Celestial Jade reveals another fragment of its true power. - Mu Qingfeng begins his next move. The world will soon learn: Li Tianming is not just a survivor. He is the Sovereign of the Celestial Ascent. --- Chapter 5: The Ruins of the Star-Forged Temple Chapter 5: The Ruins of the Star-Forged Temple The wind howled across the barren cliffs, carrying the scent of dust and time-worn stone. Towering before Li Tianming was the Ruins of the Star-Forged Temple, an ancient structure forgotten by the world, standing as a graveyard of ambition. Carved into the side of a mountain, the temple¡¯s crumbling pillars bore inscriptions so old that even the passing of a thousand years couldn¡¯t erase them. The entrance yawned before him¡ªa gateway into darkness, a place where countless cultivators had entered, but none had returned. Yet, despite the eerie silence and the warning of the merchants, Tianming felt drawn to it. His Celestial Jade of Primordial Chaos pulsed against his chest, as if whispering to him, urging him forward. He clenched his fists. *¡±If there is power to be found here¡­ I will claim it.¡±* With a final glance at the blood-red sky, he stepped into the unknown. --- The moment Tianming crossed the threshold, the temperature plummeted. The warm, dry air outside was replaced with a deathly chill that seeped into his very bones. The walls of the temple were lined with giant statues, their faces eroded beyond recognition. Torches burned with an eerie blue flame, casting long shadows that danced like ghosts. Ahead, the corridor stretched into an endless darkness. He took another step forward¡ª THUD. Something shifted in the walls. Tianming instinctively jumped back just as the ground erupted beneath him. From the stone emerged a massive spectral guardian, its body composed of swirling golden light, its form shifting between a dragon and a warrior. Its eyes, burning like dying stars, locked onto him. Then, it spoke. ¡±Mortal. You stand before the Gates of the Star-Forged Temple. Only those worthy may proceed.¡± Tianming¡¯s breath steadied. ¡±A test?¡± The guardian raised a blazing spear, pointing it at him. ¡±Defeat me, or be consumed by the void.¡± Tianming smirked. *¡±Perfect. I was looking for a challenge.¡± - The guardian moved first, its spear a streak of golden fire. Tianming dodged, rolling to the side just as the spear shattered the stone floor, leaving a molten crater in its wake. Before he could counter, the guardian was upon him again. Blinding speed. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. A second strike¡ªTianming barely managed to raise his arms in defense. BOOM! The impact sent him skidding across the temple floor. His bones ached, his muscles screamed. But his golden eyes blazed with excitement. ¡±Finally... a real opponent.¡± He pushed forward, channeling the Celestial Jade¡¯s power through his limbs. His veins burned with golden energy, his strength surging. The guardian lunged again, spear thrusting toward his chest¡ª Tianming sidestepped, and this time, he countered. His palm struck the guardian¡¯s core, unleashing a shockwave of raw celestial energy. The guardian staggered, its form flickering. It wasn¡¯t invincible. Tianming smirked. "My turn.¡± He moved like a storm, his strikes precise, each blow tearing away at the guardian¡¯s radiant body. His movements felt faster, sharper¡ªhis Celestial Jade was adapting. The guardian swung its spear in a final, desperate strike¡ª But Tianming was already behind it. With a single palm strike, he shattered its core. The guardian collapsed into golden embers, its form dissolving into nothingness. Silence filled the temple. Then, from the darkness ahead, a door opened. Tianming exhaled, flexing his fingers. ¡±I won.¡± After Tianming defeats the guardian in battle, instead of immediately vanishing, the guardian¡¯s form stabilizes, its golden body reforming slightly. ¡±Strength alone is not enough,¡± the guardian intones. ¡±To claim the legacy of the Star-Forged Temple, you must prove wisdom as well. Answer this¡ª¡° A low hum fills the temple as an ancient riddle appears in the air, glowing with celestial script. *¡±I am not alive, yet I grow. I have no lungs, yet I need air. I have no mouth, yet I devour all. What am I?¡±* Tianming¡¯s mind races. A wrong answer could mean death. His breathing steadies. He recalls the ruins, the history, the symbolism of celestial energy. Then¡ªrealization strikes. He meets the guardian¡¯s glowing gaze. ¡±Fire.¡± The temple rumbles. The celestial script burns away into light. The guardian bows. ¡±You have proven yourself worthy.¡± The door ahead opens, revealing the temple¡¯s true secrets. He took a step forward¡ª But a voice stopped him. ¡°Impressive. I didn¡¯t think anyone else would make it this far.¡± ---------- Tianming turned sharply, golden energy still flickering around his fingertips. A figure emerged from the shadows, his robes dark blue, lined with silver embroidery. His long black hair was tied in a warrior¡¯s knot, and his sharp eyes held a smirk that mirrored Tianming¡¯s own. ¡°You¡¯re not the only one seeking the temple¡¯s power,¡± the stranger said. ¡°I was wondering if I¡¯d have to clear the way alone.¡± Tianming¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Who are you?¡± The man stepped forward. ¡°Jiang Chen.¡± Tianming had heard that name before. A rising talent from the Celestial Wind Sect¡ªone of the Azure River Sect¡¯s greatest rivals. Jiang Chen examined Tianming, a glimmer of amusement in his gaze. ¡°You¡¯re different from the others who came before. You don¡¯t just want the temple¡¯s power¡­¡± His smirk widened. ¡°You need it.¡± Tianming remained silent. Jiang Chen chuckled. ¡°I like that. But I should warn you¡ªif we¡¯re after the same thing¡­¡± His fingers brushed the hilt of his sword. ¡°¡­I won¡¯t hold back.¡± Tianming¡¯s lips curled. ¡°Good. I¡¯d be disappointed if you did.¡± The two warriors stood in the vast, darkened temple, both aware that only one of them could claim the temple¡¯s secrets. But before either could make a move¡ª A distant roar shook the walls. Tianming tensed. ¡°That wasn¡¯t part of the trial.¡± Jiang Chen¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°No. That was something else.¡± The torches lining the temple flickered violently, the golden flames turning black. The ruins began to tremble. And from the depths of the temple¡­ Something ancient awakened. --- Far away, deep within the Azure River Sect, Mu Qingfeng knelt before an elder, his fists clenched. ¡°He¡¯s still alive,¡± Mu Qingfeng spat. ¡°The assassins failed.¡± Elder Fang remained silent, his expression unreadable. Mu Qingfeng¡¯s hands trembled with fury. Li Tianming was supposed to be dead. Instead, he was growing stronger. ¡°We must act now,¡± Mu Qingfeng said. ¡°If he¡¯s allowed to keep rising¡ª¡± Elder Fang finally spoke. ¡°Then we let him.¡± Mu Qingfeng¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°What?¡± The elder smirked. ¡°If Tianming truly seeks revenge, he will return on his own.¡± His gaze darkened. ¡°And when he does¡­ we will be waiting.¡± ---------- What Comes Next in chapter 6? Tianming and Jiang Chen navigate the temple¡¯s final trial. An ancient terror awakens within the ruins. Mu Qingfeng begins laying a deadly trap. The Celestial Jade reveals a hidden truth. Tianming is no longer just a runaway. He is the Sovereign of the Celestial Ascent. --- Chapter 6: The Final Trial Sovereign of the Celestial Ascent Chapter 6: The Final Trial The moment Tianming stepped into the chamber, he knew something was wrong. The air was heavy, thick with an unseen pressure that seemed to crawl beneath his skin. The cavern walls pulsed with faint veins of golden light, illuminating the intricate carvings that lined the stone. Beside him, Jiang Chen exhaled sharply, his hand tightening around his sword. ¡°This place... It¡¯s different from the rest of the ruins. Do you feel it?¡± Tianming nodded. ¡°It feels like something is alive here.¡± At the center of the chamber stood an ancient pedestal, and upon it rested a jade artifact encased in a barrier of swirling energy. Tianming¡¯s heart quickened. Could this be the inheritance left behind by the ancient sovereign The Celestial Jade. It radiated a gentle, almost inviting glow, yet the closer Tianming got, the more his instincts screamed at him to be careful. Jiang Chen took a cautious step forward, but before either of them could move further, a deep rumbling filled the chamber. The carvings along the walls shifted, the stone shifting like living flesh. The golden veins pulsed violently, and a low voice, neither human nor beast, echoed through the air. ¡°Who dares disturb my slumber?¡± A chill ran down Tianming¡¯s spine. Before he could react, the ground beneath them shook violently, and a shadowy presence began to rise from the depths of the cavern. A figure, draped in ancient, tattered robes, materialized before them. Its eyes burned with celestial fire, its presence overwhelming. Jiang Chen instinctively raised his sword, his stance defensive. ¡°A spirit¡­ No, something worse.¡± Tianming held out a hand. ¡°Wait. It hasn¡¯t attacked yet.¡± The entity¡¯s burning gaze landed on Tianming, and the jade in his grasp flared to life, sending out golden ripples that filled the chamber. A test. The ruins had been waiting. And now, they would judge him. The spirit raised a skeletal hand, and in an instant, the chamber transformed. Tianming and Jiang Chen were no longer standing in a cavern but floating in a void of swirling golden mist. Suddenly, phantoms appeared¡ªwarriors clad in celestial robes, their weapons drawn. Their faces were blurred, but their intent was clear. Kill or be killed. The first attacker lunged. ¡°Mortal, you dare seek the inheritance of the Celestial Ascent?¡± The voice was like rolling thunder, reverberating in Tianming¡¯s bones. Tianming tightened his grip around his sword. So this is the guardian of the trial¡­ Tianming barely had time to draw his blade before the clash of metal rang through the air. The force behind the strike sent him skidding backward, his arms numb from the impact. Beside him, Jiang Chen was already moving, his Storm Edge Swordplay cutting through the mist, dispersing a phantom warrior before another took its place. ¡°They¡¯re testing us!¡± Jiang Chen shouted. ¡°Prove we are worthy, or we die!¡± Tianming gritted his teeth. The Celestial Jade was resonating with his core, and suddenly, knowledge¡ªnot his own¡ªpoured into his mind. ¡°Embrace the void. Become the storm.¡± His instincts sharpened. The next phantom came at him, but this time, he didn¡¯t meet its blade head-on. Instead, he sidestepped with Celestial Void Step, his body shifting like mist. His sword lashed out, cutting through the phantom effortlessly. One by one, the warriors fell. Until only one remained. The spirit. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. It no longer watched¡ªit attacked. With impossible speed, it was upon them. Tianming barely had time to react before a searing hand slammed into his chest, sending him crashing into the void. Pain. And then¡ª Understanding. Images flashed before his eyes. A war long forgotten. A civilization lost to time. A power buried beneath these ruins. And a warning. ¡°Beware the False Celestial.¡± The vision faded. The guardian wasted no time, raising its massive spectral blade and bringing it down in a sweeping arc. Tianming reacted instantly. He sidestepped, the blade narrowly missing him and crashing into the stone floor, sending cracks rippling outward. Before the guardian could recover, Tianming surged forward, his sword shimmering with celestial light as he struck. His blade met resistance mid-air¡ªan invisible force repelling his attack. The guardian¡¯s barrier! So brute force won¡¯t be enough¡­ The guardian countered with an explosive palm strike. Tianming barely managed to block, but the impact sent him skidding backward, his feet digging trenches into the ground. He gritted his teeth. The guardian was testing more than just strength¡ªit was testing comprehension. If this trial belonged to the Celestial Ascent Sect, then the key wasn¡¯t mere force. It was ascension itself. Closing his eyes for a brief moment, Tianming focused inward. He recalled the engravings on the walls¡ªthe runes that had glowed the moment he entered. Understanding struck him like a bolt of lightning. He shifted his stance, adjusting his breathing, and let his qi flow in sync with the ancient energy in the cave. His body felt lighter, almost as if he were stepping beyond the constraints of the mortal realm. The guardian lunged again, but this time, Tianming didn¡¯t dodge. He ascended¡ªhis body flickering like mist, evading the attack as though he were beyond physical limitations. His sword pulsed with newfound energy, and with a single strike, he pierced through the guardian¡¯s barrier. The spectral warrior let out a final, echoing roar before dispersing into wisps of light. The cave fell silent. Tianming exhaled, steadying himself as he approached the altar. The barrier around the jade artifact flickered, then vanished. Reaching out, he grasped the jade treasure. The moment his fingers touched its surface, a flood of energy surged into him, knowledge searing into his mind. A technique¡ªone lost to time. The Celestial Void Step. His pulse pounded. With this, his movement technique would surpass anything he had before, allowing him to phase between the material and ethereal realms. Just as he was absorbing the information, the sealed entrance behind him trembled. Someone was coming. The cave walls pulsed with an eerie glow as Tianming advanced further, the jade artifact still warm in his grasp. The moment he had claimed it, the ruins had responded, as if something ancient had begun to stir. But he wasn¡¯t alone. A groan echoed from behind him. Tianming spun around, sword raised, only to find Jiang Chen staggering from a collapsed passageway, his robes torn and his left arm bleeding. ¡°Jiang Chen!¡± Tianming rushed to him, catching him before he collapsed completely. ¡°What happened?¡± Jiang Chen let out a sharp breath. ¡°The moment you passed the trial, something changed in the ruins. The path behind me crumbled¡ªI barely managed to escape.¡± He coughed, forcing himself upright. ¡°But that¡¯s not all. I sensed something¡ªan awakening.¡± Tianming frowned. ¡°I felt it too.¡± A deep tremor ran through the cave, as if responding to their words. The air thickened with unseen pressure, an ominous presence pressing down on them. Jiang Chen wiped the blood from his mouth. ¡°We need to leave. Now.¡± But before they could move, the entrance exploded inward. Mu Qingfeng and his disciples strode into the chamber, their expressions sharp with greed and malice. ¡°Well, well.¡± Mu Qingfeng smirked. ¡°Two rats scurrying about in the dark.¡± His gaze flickered toward the jade artifact in Tianming¡¯s grasp. ¡°Hand it over, Junior Brother. You¡¯ve already proven your talent¡ªI¡¯m simply taking what should belong to the strongest.¡± Jiang Chen, still catching his breath, let out a dry chuckle. ¡°Funny. I thought sect rules didn¡¯t favor outright robbery.¡± Mu Qingfeng¡¯s smirk deepened. ¡°Rules?¡± He stepped forward, hands glowing with crackling Thunderfire Qi. ¡°Rules don¡¯t apply in a place like this.¡± Jiang Chen tensed. He wasn¡¯t in the best shape, but Tianming knew he wouldn¡¯t back down from a fight. Tianming tightened his grip on his sword. ¡°I earned this treasure.¡± His voice was calm but firm. ¡°If you want it¡ªcome take it.¡± Mu Qingfeng¡¯s eyes flashed. ¡°Very well.¡± With a flick of his wrist, a bolt of lightning-infused fire shot toward Tianming. Tianming moved on instinct. The Celestial Void Step activated, his body flickering like a mirage as he evaded the attack. The ground where he had been standing moments ago exploded into molten rubble. Jiang Chen, despite his wounds, launched forward, slashing at the nearest disciple. His Storm Edge Swordplay sent a burst of cutting wind through the cave, forcing two attackers back. Mu Qingfeng¡¯s eyes widened slightly. ¡°Interesting¡­ but not enough.¡± He gestured, and his remaining disciples surged forward. Tianming and Jiang Chen moved in perfect sync¡ªparrying, dodging, striking with deadly precision. Tianming¡¯s sword sliced through the air, forcing one disciple into retreat, while Jiang Chen¡¯s wind techniques sent another crashing into a rock formation. But Mu Qingfeng hadn¡¯t made his real move yet. And then¡ª BOOM! A pulse of ancient energy erupted from the depths of the cave. The fighting stopped immediately. A deep, guttural whisper filled the air. ¡°Who dares desecrate my domain?¡± The temperature plummeted. The torches flickered violently before extinguishing, plunging the cave into near darkness. Jiang Chen, despite his injuries, grabbed Tianming¡¯s sleeve. ¡°That¡¯s what I sensed earlier.¡± His voice was grim. ¡°This place isn¡¯t just an old ruin¡ªit¡¯s a tomb.¡± Mu Qingfeng stepped back, his confidence wavering for the first time. ¡°What¡­ is this?¡± The shadows near the far end of the chamber twisted. Then something stepped out. A figure clad in ancient robes, its face obscured by darkness, eyes burning with celestial fire. Jiang Chen whispered, ¡°An awakened spirit.¡± Tianming gritted his teeth. Whatever had been sealed here was now awake. And it was angry. -------------------- Coming up next in chapter 7 -Tianming and Jiang Chen battle Mu Qingfeng¡¯s forces as the spirits wrath intensifies -Tianming unlocks a hidden ability from the Celestial Jade. -Jiang Chen makes a shocking revelation about Mu Qingfeng¡¯s true motives. -The temple begins collapsing, forcing them to escape. Tianming is no longer just a runaway. He is the Sovereign of the Celestial Ascent. Chapter 7: The Ruins and the Tomb Chapter 7: The Ruins and the Tomb The tension in the air was suffocating. Mu Qingfeng¡¯s sharp gaze flickered between Li Tianming and Jiang Chen, his fingers twitching over his weapon¡¯s hilt. The atmosphere crackled with unspoken hostility. "You should hand over what you found," Mu Qingfeng said coolly. "Everyone in the sect will hear about this soon. Do you really think you can keep it for yourself?" Tianming narrowed his eyes. "You¡¯re welcome to try." Jiang Chen took a step forward, his hand resting on his sword. "We don¡¯t have time for this." Mu Qingfeng¡¯s smirk faltered slightly. He was confident in his abilities, but facing two opponents who had just survived the ruins¡¯ trial made him hesitate. His instincts screamed at him¡ªthis wasn¡¯t a fight he could win. His lips curled into a forced chuckle. "Hmph. This place is a tomb. I have no interest in staying any longer." Without another word, Mu Qingfeng turned and fled into the shadows. Tianming and Jiang Chen didn¡¯t chase him. He wasn¡¯t their biggest concern right now. Instead, a deep tremor shook the ruins. The very air around them grew heavy. The trial was not over. --- The altar in the center of the chamber flared with an ominous glow. Ancient inscriptions ignited, spiraling across the walls in golden patterns. A powerful force surged through the air, making the very stone tremble. A deep, guttural voice reverberated through the chamber: "Only the worthy may claim the Sovereign¡¯s Legacy. Face the Judgment of the Eternal Guardian." From within the vortex of golden energy, a towering figure emerged¡ªan armored specter wreathed in celestial power. Its hollow eyes burned with divine fire, and in its grip was a colossal halberd that crackled with lightning. Tianming clenched his fists. "It¡¯s not over yet." Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Jiang Chen exhaled sharply. "We should have known there was another trial." The Eternal Guardian raised its weapon high, summoning a storm of celestial lightning. The ruins trembled as a spirit within the chamber stirred¡ªan ancient presence that had been long dormant. - A whisper drifted through the chamber, soft yet overwhelming, filling the air with an ethereal resonance. "You who seek the Sovereign¡¯s power¡­ prove yourselves." A faint figure materialized behind the altar, its form flickering between existence and nothingness. It was a shadowy spirit, draped in ancient robes, its eyes filled with unfathomable wisdom. Tianming¡¯s mind raced. Was this the lingering will of the Sovereign? Or something else entirely? But there was no time for answers. The Eternal Guardian lunged, its halberd slicing through the air with terrifying speed. Tianming barely dodged, feeling the wind pressure cut across his cheek. Jiang Chen retaliated with a powerful sword strike, but the guardian¡¯s armor absorbed the blow effortlessly. The fight had begun. -- Tianming¡¯s mind sharpened. Raw power won¡¯t be enough. There must be a pattern in its attacks¡­ a weakness. Then he noticed it¡ªthe guardian hesitated slightly before each lightning strike. "Jiang Chen! Aim for its left flank right after it attacks!" Tianming shouted. Jiang Chen nodded, trusting Tianming¡¯s instincts. As the guardian swung again, Jiang Chen dashed in, his blade glowing with his full strength. The strike landed precisely on the weak point, shattering part of the guardian¡¯s armor. The guardian staggered. For the first time, it looked vulnerable. Sensing an opportunity, Tianming channeled his full energy into his blade. The Celestial Jade resonated, flooding him with an overwhelming power. The guardian let out a final roar and lunged once more. Tianming met its charge head-on. With a burst of speed, he sidestepped at the last moment, twisting his blade in a precise arc. A piercing golden light exploded through the chamber as his sword struck true¡ªsevering the guardian¡¯s core. The specter froze. Cracks spread across its form like shattered glass before it dissolved into radiant particles. The ruins fell silent. --- As the dust settled, the spirit behind the altar remained. Its gaze bore into Tianming, as if measuring his very soul. "You have proven yourselves," it murmured. "The Sovereign¡¯s Legacy is yours." The altar shifted, revealing a floating golden sigil pulsing with divine energy. Tianming stepped forward, feeling an unseen force pulling him toward it. The sigil shot forward, embedding itself into Tianming¡¯s chest. A surge of celestial power flooded his meridians, expanding his cultivation base. His vision blurred as ancient knowledge poured into his mind. Jiang Chen watched in shock. "You¡­ what did you just obtain?" Tianming clenched his fists as golden light flickered across his skin. "A power that will change everything." --- Far from the ruins, back in the sect, Mu Qingfeng stood in a quiet courtyard, his hands clenched behind his back. His lips were pressed into a thin line as he listened to a report from a hooded figure. "So, Li Tianming survived the ruins?" Qingfeng''s voice was calm, but his eyes flashed with something cold. "Not only survived," the hooded disciple replied, "but he obtained some kind of legacy. There¡¯s no doubt¡ªhe¡¯s growing stronger." Mu Qingfeng exhaled slowly. He had expected Tianming to die in that forsaken place. Now, his return would only make things more complicated. His hands tightened. If Tianming continued to rise, he could become a real threat. But Mu Qingfeng was not foolish. He would not challenge Tianming directly¡ªnot yet. Instead, he would let the sect handle it for him. A slow smirk spread across his lips as he turned to his informant. "Spread the word. Li Tianming has obtained something from the ruins¡ªsomething powerful. Let¡¯s see how long he can hold onto it." The sect was filled with wolves. And now, all of them would have their eyes on Li Tianming. ------------------ Next Chapter Preview: Chapter 8 ¨C The Wolves of the Sect -Rumors of Tianming¡¯s newfound power spread through the sect, drawing admiration and hostility alike. -Mu Qingfeng¡¯s schemes take root, turning powerful disciples against him. -A formal sect duel is declared, forcing Tianming to defend his claim. As tensions rise, unseen forces begin to move in the shadows. -Tianming must prove that his power is not a mere stroke of fortune. He was not just a survivor. He was the Sovereign of the Celestial Ascent. Chapter 8: The Wolves of the Sect Chapter 8: The Wolves of the Sect Li Tianming and Jiang Chen stepped through the towering gates of the Celestial Radiance Sect, the weight of their journey still heavy on their shoulders. The ruins had tested them, reshaped them, and now, as they returned, it was clear¡ªthey were no longer the same disciples who had left. But they were not the only ones who had changed. From the moment they crossed the threshold, whispers filled the air. "Li Tianming survived?" "Not just survived¡ªhe returned with some kind of legacy!" "They say he obtained power from an ancient Sovereign!" Tianming¡¯s gaze swept across the courtyard. Disciples paused mid-training, casting wary or envious glances his way. The sect was buzzing with speculation, and at the heart of it all was him. Jiang Chen scoffed. "Looks like Mu Qingfeng wasted no time." Tianming smirked. "Let them talk. If they want proof, they¡¯ll get it soon enough." But as they advanced, it became evident¡ªwords alone were not the only danger. Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. --- At the central training grounds, a group of elite disciples gathered. Among them stood Wu Yuan, a senior disciple known for his brutal efficiency in duels. His sharp eyes locked onto Tianming the moment he arrived. "So, the fallen genius returns with newfound power?" Wu Yuan¡¯s voice carried across the courtyard, drawing attention. "How convenient." Tianming met his gaze without flinching. "If you have something to say, say it." Wu Yuan smirked. "I say we put these rumors to the test." A murmur rippled through the crowd. A challenge¡ªone that no one could ignore. "The sect values strength above all else," Wu Yuan continued. "So why not prove yours in a formal duel?" Tianming¡¯s expression remained unreadable, but inside, his blood surged with excitement. Jiang Chen stepped forward. "This is obviously a setup." "Perhaps," Tianming said, his lips curling into a smirk. "But I was planning to remind everyone where I stand anyway." With a single step forward, he accepted the challenge. The duel was set for the next sunrise. --- High above, in the halls of the inner sect, Mu Qingfeng watched from the shadows. A faint smile played on his lips as he observed the commotion below. "Good," he murmured. "Let him struggle. Let him fight. The more attention he draws, the more enemies he makes." Behind him, an elder stood, his expression unreadable. "Are you certain this is wise? If he truly obtained a legacy, he may be stronger than before." Mu Qingfeng chuckled. "Stronger? Perhaps. But he is still just one man against the weight of the sect." He turned, his eyes gleaming with cold calculation. "By the time I¡¯m finished, he will be crushed under it." --- As night fell, Tianming stood alone in the courtyard, gazing up at the moonlit sky. He could feel it¡ªthe storm brewing around him. The duel, the whispers, the growing hostility. But he did not fear it. He thrived in it. Jiang Chen approached, arms crossed. "Are you ready for this?" Tianming exhaled slowly, his grip tightening around the hilt of his sword. "More than ever." ---------------- Next Chapter Preview: Chapter 9 ¨C - As the duel begins, Tianming faces Wu Yuan, a formidable opponent backed by the sect¡¯s elites. - Every move he makes is scrutinized, every strike a statement. -Tianming is no longer just fighting for himself¡ªhe¡¯s fighting for his place in the heavens. He was not just a survivor. He was the Sovereign of the Celestial Ascent. Chapter 9: The Duel of Rising Flames Sovereign of Celestial Ascent Chapter 9: The Duel of Rising Flames The first rays of dawn stretched across the sky, painting the Celestial Radiance Sect in hues of crimson and gold. The sect¡¯s Grand Duel Arena stood at the heart of the training grounds, a circular stage surrounded by towering stone pillars inscribed with ancient battle formations. Today, it was filled with disciples¡ªwhispering, watching, waiting. At the center of it all, Li Tianming and Wu Yuan stood face to face. "The duel begins!" The elder presiding over the match raised his hand, and in the next instant¡ªthe battle exploded into motion. --- Wu Yuan wasted no time. With a flick of his hand, flames surged around him, forming a spiraling inferno. His Scarlet Tyrant Fist was a technique known for overwhelming force, and he intended to use it to crush Tianming immediately. "You talk big, but let''s see if you can withstand this!" Tianming barely had a second to react before Wu Yuan was upon him, his fist blazing like a meteor. The sheer heat warped the air. BOOM! Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! Tianming twisted his body, narrowly avoiding the impact as the force shattered the stone beneath him. Dust and embers filled the air. But Wu Yuan wasn¡¯t finished. A second punch, then a third, each more violent than the last. Tianming¡¯s movements were sharp, precise¡ªeach step measured, each dodge calculated. He let Wu Yuan push forward, let the crowd believe he was struggling. Let them underestimate him. Then, at the perfect moment¡ª He struck. --- Tianming¡¯s sword flashed in the sunlight, its edge humming with raw energy. He didn¡¯t waste movement¡ªone clean arc, straight toward Wu Yuan¡¯s exposed ribs. Wu Yuan barely managed to raise his arm in time¡ªbut he was too slow. SLASH! A thin line of blood appeared across his arm, his flames flickering unsteadily. The crowd gasped. "He actually landed a hit on Wu Yuan?!" Wu Yuan gritted his teeth. "Lucky strike!" His aura burst outward, flames consuming the entire stage. But Tianming stood firm, his eyes cold, his stance unwavering. "Was it?" --- Wu Yuan roared, summoning a massive flame construct¡ªa fiery dragon¡¯s maw that threatened to engulf Tianming whole. "Burn!" The inferno surged forward. But Tianming raised a single hand. His Celestial Jade of Primordial Chaos pulsed. A new force awakened within him¡ªone that had slumbered since the ruins. A chilling wave of golden energy surged from his body, meeting the flames head-on. For a moment, fire and celestial light clashed. Then¡ª Wu Yuan¡¯s flames shattered. A shockwave blasted outward, sending Wu Yuan skidding across the arena. He coughed, stunned. The crowd fell silent. --- Tianming lowered his hand, his breath steady. Wu Yuan pushed himself up, but his legs trembled beneath him. He looked into Tianming¡¯s eyes¡ªand saw something terrifying. Unshakable will. Absolute confidence. Power beyond reason. The realization hit him like a hammer. He had already lost. "...I concede," Wu Yuan muttered. The elder raised his hand. "The winner¡ªLi Tianming!" --- Next Chapter Preview: Chapter 10 ¨C The Sect''s Judgment Tianming¡¯s victory sends shockwaves through the sect, drawing the attention of both allies and hidden enemies. While some elders begin to take notice of his potential, others¡ªthose aligned with Mu Qingfeng¡ªsee him as a threat. In the shadows, a new plan begins to take shape, one that may force Tianming into a battle far more dangerous than a simple duel. Tainming was not just a survivor. He was the Sovereign of the Celestial Ascent. --- Chapter 10: The Sect’s Judgment 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¡ªhis 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¡ªhe 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¡ªthis 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 ¨C 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¡ªnot every enemy fights in the light. He was not just a survivor . He was the Sovereign of the Celestial Ascent. --- Chapter 11: The Assassins in the Dark Chapter 11: The Assassins in the Dark The moon hung high over the Azure River Sect, casting pale silver light over its ancient halls and towering peaks. Yet in the darkness, danger lurked unseen. Tianming had sensed it for days now¡ªa presence watching him, waiting. Tonight, that presence finally moved. -- Tianming stood at the edge of his training ground, his senses sharpened. The wind carried the faint rustle of leaves, but something about it felt unnatural. Too controlled. Too deliberate. Jiang Chen had warned him earlier. "Mu Qingfeng won¡¯t act openly. He¡¯ll send others to do his dirty work." Tianming smirked. Let them try. He closed his eyes, focusing his spirit sense outward. The Celestial Jade of Primordial Chaos pulsed faintly in his chest, resonating with the world around him. Then¡ªmovement. A whisper of shadow. A flicker of steel. Without hesitation, Tianming sidestepped just as a dagger slashed through the air where his throat had been. His attacker landed softly on the ground¡ªa figure clad in black, face hidden behind a mask. No words, only deathly silence. An assassin. And then another dropped down from the rooftop. And another. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Ten in total. Tianming¡¯s lips curled into a cold smile. "Is this all Mu Qingfeng could send?" The assassins said nothing. They attacked. --- They moved in sync, their daggers gleaming under the moonlight, striking at his vitals with inhuman precision. But Tianming was faster. A surge of primordial energy roared through his veins as he activated his movement technique¡ªCelestial Mirage Steps. His form blurred, leaving behind afterimages as he dodged between the strikes. One assassin lunged. Tianming caught his wrist and twisted. A sickening crack filled the air as the assassin¡¯s arm bent unnaturally. Another slashed at his back. Tianming spun, catching the blade between his fingers, snapping it like brittle wood. Steel flashed. Shadows moved. The cold edge of a blade aimed for Tianming¡¯s throat. He twisted¡ªjust in time. The dagger barely missed him, slicing the air where his neck had been. Jiang Chen¡¯s sword roared to life, slashing through the darkness, forcing the attackers back. "They¡¯re not just ordinary killers," Jiang Chen muttered, eyes narrowing. "These are trained assassins. Sect-trained." Tianming didn¡¯t answer. He already knew. Mu Qingfeng had pulled the strings faster than expected. -- The assassins were fast. Too fast. Injured, drained from the ruins, Tianming and Jiang Chen fought on the edge of survival. Tianming moved like a phantom, weaving between blades, striking with precise force. Jiang Chen¡¯s sword danced like lightning, cutting through the night. Yet, the assassins kept coming. Their coordination was terrifying¡ªsilent, ruthless, perfect. "We can¡¯t keep this up," Jiang Chen gritted out, parrying a strike. "We need to break their formation." Tianming¡¯s eyes flickered. An idea. --- He suddenly dropped his defense. "What the hell are you doing?!" Jiang Chen snapped. But it was a trap. The assassins saw an opening¡ªand lunged. Too late. Tianming¡¯s palm exploded with celestial energy, twisting the flow of the battle. A forceful shockwave blasted through the valley, sending the assassins stumbling. Jiang Chen moved instantly. His blade gleamed in the moonlight¡ªand three assassins fell. For the first time, the remaining attackers hesitated. "You didn¡¯t expect us to fight back, did you?" Tianming smirked, blood dripping from his lips. "It as an impressive display. But against me, tricks like that won¡¯t work." One assassin tried to retreat, but Tianming was already there. A single strike to the chest. A pulse of energy from the Celestial Jade sent the assassin flying backward, smashing into a wall. Unconscious. The remaining two hesitated. Fear. Tianming¡¯s golden eyes gleamed. "You chose the wrong target." They turned to flee¡ªbut Jiang Chen was waiting. A flash of his blade. Two bodies collapsed. The battle was over before it had truly begun. The mission had failed. --- Tianming crouched beside one of the fallen assassins, removing his mask. A stranger. Not a disciple of the sect. Jiang Chen sheathed his sword. "Hired mercenaries. Mu Qingfeng didn¡¯t want any connection to this." Tianming nodded. "He¡¯s getting desperate." Jiang scoffed. "And he will try again." Tianming stood, his gaze fixed toward the towering halls of the sect. Mu Qingfeng wanted to remove him from the board. But he had made a fatal mistake. Tianming wasn¡¯t just a piece on the board. He was the one flipping the entire game. And now, it was his turn to make a move. --- Next Chapter Preview: Chapter 12 ¨C A Dangerous Invitation Mu Qingfeng changes his tactics. Instead of striking from the shadows, he forces Tianming into the light¡ªchallenging his honor in front of the entire sect. A deadly test awaits, where strength alone may not be enough. He was not just a survivor. He was the Sovereign of the Celestial Ascent. --- Chapter 12: A Dangerous Invitation Chapter 12: A Dangerous Invitation The assassination attempt had failed. But Mu Qingfeng was not a man who accepted failure. If Tianming could not be removed in the shadows, then he would be dragged into the light. --- Tianming stood before the massive Azure River Sect Hall, its golden doors carved with ancient sigils of power. A hundred disciples gathered, whispering. Why had he been summoned? At the top of the grand steps, Elder Yan, the highest-ranking elder, sat with a solemn expression. Beside him stood Mu Qingfeng, his face carefully neutral¡ªbut his eyes gleamed with triumph. Tianming¡¯s instincts screamed trap. "Li Tianming," Elder Yan¡¯s voice echoed, "you are called before the elders today because serious concerns have been raised about your recent actions." Tianming¡¯s gaze flicked to Mu Qingfeng. So this was his game. If he couldn¡¯t kill him in the dark, he would destroy his reputation in public. Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. --- Mu Qingfeng stepped forward, voice calm but sharp. "It is no secret that Tianming has risen in strength at an unnatural pace." He turned to the crowd. "And after he returned from the ruins, something changed. Is it not strange that he, once discarded by fate, could now defeat our top disciples?" A ripple of uncertainty spread through the disciples. Jealousy. Doubt. Fear. Mu Qingfeng continued, "Even more troubling¡ªassassins were mysteriously found dead near his quarters last night. If Tianming is innocent, then why is blood always found at his feet?" Whispers turned into murmurs. Doubt became suspicion. Elder Yan raised a hand, silencing the noise. "Li Tianming, you may speak in your defense." --- Tianming laughed. The sound was quiet, but it held no fear. Only amusement. He stepped forward, facing Mu Qingfeng directly. "You speak well, Senior Brother Mu. But there is one flaw in your argument." He swept his gaze across the crowd. "If my strength is unnatural, then why has no one else in the sect matched me? Why do you, Mu Qingfeng, stand here spinning words instead of proving your strength in battle?" Silence. A challenge had been thrown. Tianming took another step. "As for the assassins¡ªwhy do you assume I am the criminal when I was the one attacked? Unless, of course¡­" He smiled. "You know something we don¡¯t?" Mu Qingfeng¡¯s expression darkened. He had expected Tianming to be defensive, but instead, he had turned the accusation back onto him. Elder Yan exhaled. "Enough. There is only one way to settle this dispute." He turned to Tianming. "You will undergo the Trial of Celestial Purity." A hushed silence fell over the disciples. The Trial of Celestial Purity was a sacred ritual¡ªone that tested a disciple¡¯s spirit to reveal their true nature. If Tianming refused, he would be seen as guilty. If he accepted, he would be placing himself at the mercy of the sect¡¯s judgment. Tianming met Elder Yan¡¯s gaze without fear. "Very well. I accept." The game had shifted. And he was ready. --- Next Chapter Preview: Chapter 13 ¨C The Trial of Celestial Purity Forced into the trial, Tianming must prove his innocence¡ªor risk being cast out of the sect. But the trial holds dangers beyond mere judgment. When an unexpected force interferes, Tianming will have to fight for more than just his name. He was not just a survivor. He was the Sovereign of the Celestial Ascent. --- Chapter 13: The Trial of Celestial Purity Chapter 13: The Trial of Celestial Purity Beneath the grand Azure River Sect Hall, an ancient formation hummed with power. The Trial of Celestial Purity was about to begin. Tianming stood at its center, his expression calm. He knew this was Mu Qingfeng¡¯s trap. If the sect¡¯s elders declared his soul tainted, he would be expelled¡ªor worse. But if they thought he would just sit back and accept their judgment, they had underestimated him. --- Elder Yan raised his hand. The formation¡¯s light flared, golden threads weaving through the air, forming an ethereal mirror. "Li Tianming," Elder Yan¡¯s voice echoed, "the Mirror of Celestial Purity will reflect the truth of your soul. If you have committed evil, the mirror will reveal it." Mu Qingfeng smirked. He had bribed one of the formation elders. The mirror would be biased against Tianming. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. But Tianming merely smiled. He had his own plans. --- As Tianming stepped forward, the mirror¡¯s surface rippled. For a moment, nothing happened. The disciples watching grew restless. Then¡ªimages formed. First, a scene of Tianming fighting the assassins sent after him. Blood stained the ground. Gasps rang through the crowd. Mu Qingfeng¡¯s smirk widened. "There! Proof of his violence!" But then¡ªthe images shifted. A new vision formed: Mu Qingfeng speaking in secret with the assassins. The audience froze. The very mirror meant to condemn Tianming was revealing Mu Qingfeng¡¯s treachery! Mu Qingfeng¡¯s face went pale. --- Elder Yan¡¯s expression darkened. "Mu Qingfeng, do you deny this?" Mu Qingfeng gritted his teeth. "It¡ªit¡¯s a lie! The mirror must be broken!" Tianming chuckled. "Funny. You seemed to trust the mirror a moment ago." Jiang Chen, standing at the side, smirked. "Looks like the heavens have their own sense of humor." The disciples whispered. Doubt turned toward Mu Qingfeng. -- Mu Qingfeng clenched his fists. He had lost control of the situation. He needed to act now. Boom! A sudden explosion shook the hall. A black-robed figure burst through the ceiling, masked and wreathed in demonic energy. Tianming¡¯s eyes narrowed. "Demonic cultivators?" The intruder lunged for the mirror. If it was destroyed, all evidence against Mu Qingfeng would be lost. Tianming moved first. He wouldn¡¯t let the truth be erased. Sword light flashed. Battle erupted. --- Next Chapter Preview: Chapter 14 ¨C The Battle in the Sect Hall The truth has been exposed, but Mu Qingfeng won¡¯t surrender quietly. With demonic forces interfering, chaos erupts within the Azure River Sect. Can Tianming survive the storm¡ªor will this be the moment his enemies finally crush him? He was not just a survivor. He was the Sovereign of the Celestial Ascent. --- Chapter 14 – The Burning Resolve ¡¤Sovereign of Celestial Ascent Chapter 14 ¨C The Burning Resolve The shattered remains of the Mirror Trial flickered behind them. Li Tianming and Jiang Chen fled. Their bodies ached, their wounds burned, but they could not stop. Behind them, the beings Mu Qingfeng had unleashed¡ªchaes-born horrors of ancient power¡ªpursued them. The air crackled with dark energy. The sky itself seemed to twist as the monstrous figures closed in. Their distorted forms moved like liquid shadows, their eyes gleaming with cold, mindless hunger. ¡°We¡¯re not going to outrun them forever!¡± Jiang Chen growled, his sword dripping with dark ichor from their previous battles. Tianming''s breath was ragged. His energy was fading. The Celestial Jade of Primordial Chaos pulsed faintly in his chest, but its power was running thin. Every burst of celestial energy had drained him more than he expected. ¡°Then we don¡¯t run.¡± Tianming¡¯s voice was hoarse, but firm. ¡°We fight.¡± Jiang Chen exhaled sharply, gripping his sword tighter. ¡°I was hoping you¡¯d say that.¡± --- The chaes-born struck first. Twisting figures lashed out, their claws cutting through the air like blades. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Tianming dodged, barely, but his limbs felt heavy. Too slow. A dark claw raked across his shoulder, pain searing through his body. Jiang Chen moved fast¡ªhis sword cut through the darkness, severing one of the creatures in half. But the others did not stop. They came in waves, a tide of shifting, writhing death. I need to end this now. Tianming¡¯s palm ignited, golden energy crackling along his veins. The last of his power. He didn¡¯t hesitate¡ªhe thrust his hand forward, unleashing a shockwave of celestial force. The blast tore through the battlefield, light swallowing the shadows whole. And then¡ªsilence. The last creature crumbled into dust. Tianming swayed, nearly collapsing, but caught himself at the last moment. His vision blurred. His stamina was gone. He had won¡ªbut barely. --- He stood there for a long moment, blood dripping from his fingers. Then, he clenched his fists. ¡°I thought I was ready.¡± His voice was quiet. Cold. ¡°But I was wrong.¡± The truth was undeniable. He had power¡ªbut not enough. Strength¡ªbut no endurance. Knowledge¡ªbut not mastery. He looked at his own hands. Still too weak. I can¡¯t stop here. He thought of his father. His brother. The ones who had cast him aside. He had sworn vengeance¡ªbut standing here, barely surviving this battle, he realized something. '' I¡¯m not strong enough to take them on. Not yet.'' His jaw tightened. One day, he would return. One day, he would stand above them all. But not yet. He turned to Jiang Chen, whose expression was unreadable. ¡°You still standing?¡± Jiang Chen asked, wiping blood from his cheek. Tianming exhaled, pushing away his frustration. ¡°Barely.¡± Jiang Chen nodded. ¡°Then let¡¯s move. We¡¯ve got a world to see.¡± Tianming¡¯s gaze hardened. A world to conquer. --- The Azure River Sect was no longer his home. Not yet. Not until he could return as someone truly unshakable. The land beyond stretched vast and unknown. But he was not alone. Storm Horizon Sect ¨C A sect known for their speed and mastery of wind techniques, said to be untouchable in battle. Nether Abyss Sect ¨C Practitioners of forbidden arts, feared and shunned by all. Grand Lotus Temple ¨C An order that claimed enlightenment, wielding divine techniques of unfathomable depth. Ironblood Warlords ¨C Mercenary cultivators who bowed to no sect, feared and respected across the land. These were the forces that ruled the world beyond. And Tianming? He was just getting started. --- Next Chapter Preview Tianming and Jiang Chen step into the wider world, where new sects rise and greater dangers await. Meanwhile, Mu Qingfeng tightens his grip, ensuring that enemies lurk in every shadow. The journey of ascension has only begun. "Tianming was not just a rogue cultivator seeking strength. He was the Sovereign of Celestial Ascent." --- Chapter 15 – Into the Unknown Sovereign of celestial ascent Chapter 15 ¨C Into the Unknown The battle had drained them, yet there was no time to rest. The ruins had collapsed into silence, but the world outside was vast and filled with dangers far greater than what lay behind them. Li Tianming and Jiang Chen moved quickly, their bodies weary but their spirits sharp. The distant mountains loomed ahead, veiled in the mist of dawn. Each step away from the Azure River Sect was a step further from the past¡ªand a step closer to the unknown future. Tianming''s heart burned with quiet resolve. He had thought himself prepared, thought that power alone would be enough. But the battle against the chaes-born creatures had revealed the truth. Strength without endurance, power without refinement¡ªit would never be enough. The Celestial Jade of Primordial Chaos stirred within him, its energy depleted from the previous battle. The once-brilliant golden veins had dimmed, a reminder of his limits. The path of cultivation was not just about acquiring strength but mastering it, shaping it into something indomitable. The wind carried whispers of the world beyond, the lands that stretched far past the boundaries of the Azure River Sect. Here, he was no longer just Li Tianming, the outcast. Here, he was nothing. But that also meant he could become anything. Jiang Chen walked beside him, his grip firm on the hilt of his sword. He, too, had faced his own reckoning in the ruins. The name Mu Qingfeng still lingered between them¡ªa shadow neither had forgotten. That battle was not over. The Azure River Sect might have abandoned Tianming, but Mu Qingfeng had not. There would come a day when the debt would be repaid. But not today. The mountains ahead were only the beginning. Beyond them lay the Storm Horizon Sect, its warriors swift as the wind, their techniques unmatched in speed. Rumors spoke of a sacred trial held once a decade, where only those who could outpace the storm itself were permitted entry. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Further still, the lands of the Nether Abyss Sect stretched into darkness. A place feared even among the strongest cultivators, where forbidden arts thrived and shadows whispered secrets long buried. A single misstep in those lands meant eternal damnation. The Grand Lotus Temple, shrouded in divine radiance, stood as an oasis of wisdom and power. But their enlightenment came at a cost¡ªone few were willing to pay. And then there were the Ironblood Warlords, mercenaries bound by no sect, their might recognized by all. To gain their respect was to stand among the strongest. Each path held danger. Each path held opportunity. Tianming¡¯s fingers curled into a fist. He had no home to return to, not yet. The Azure River Sect would not see him again until he had climbed higher, until his name alone could shake the heavens. For now, he would walk forward. For now, he would carve his path in this boundless world. The landscape stretched vast before them, shifting between dense forests and rocky hills. After what felt like hours, they found a small abandoned outpost, likely once belonging to traveling cultivators. The wooden structure was worn and barely standing, but it provided shelter from the wind. It would have to be enough. Inside, Tianming lowered himself against the rough wooden wall, exhaling as the fatigue set in. His body had reached its limit, and yet, his mind remained sharp. He could not afford to lower his guard. Jiang Chen sat across from him, wiping dried blood from his sword. His expression was unreadable, but Tianming knew his thoughts were the same¡ªthey had survived this trial, but only barely. >Strength alone wasn¡¯t enough. The truth had become clearer than ever. If Tianming had truly been strong, he wouldn¡¯t have had to flee. If he had been powerful enough, Mu Qingfeng wouldn¡¯t have dared to make a move against him. He clenched his fists. This world did not reward mere ambition¡ªit rewarded those who had the power to force their will upon it. And he would gain that power. While Tianming sat in the darkness of a worn-out outpost, another figure stood in a place far grander. Li Xuanfeng, his elder brother, stood beneath the golden banners of the Azure River Sect, his robes pristine, his presence commanding. Unlike the younger brother he had once abandoned, he had never been cast aside. He was a chosen heir, a name spoken with respect. And yet, he was not without conflict. The news of Tianming¡¯s escape from the ruins had already reached him. Not just survival¡ªbut growth. A flicker of irritation crossed his otherwise calm features. He had discarded Tianming, left him in ruin. He should have disappeared. And yet, he continued to rise. Behind him, the sect elders whispered, their plans for the future unfolding. Mu Qingfeng, his pawn, had failed. But that was only the beginning. If Tianming sought to return one day, he would find a world far less forgiving than before. Li Xuanfeng turned his gaze toward the horizon, where his younger brother wandered in exile. Let him struggle. Let him rise. Because when the time came, he would crush him once and for all. --- --- Next Chapter Preview As Tianming and Jiang Chen recover, the world moves against them. A new threat lurks in the shadows, and the next step in Tianming¡¯s journey begins. Meanwhile, the Azure River Sect watches his movements carefully, plotting his downfall. "Tianming was not just an exile forging his own fate. He was the Sovereign of Celestial Ascent." Chapter 16– The Assassin’s Trail Sovereign of celestial ascent Chapter 16¨C The Assassin¡¯s Trail The scent of blood still lingered in the cold night air. The fire in the outpost had burned down to embers, casting flickering shadows across the wooden walls. Tianming sheathed his weapon, exhaling as the tension in his body remained tight like a drawn bowstring. Jiang Chen leaned against the wall, his breath heavy but controlled. The assassin had retreated, yet the battle had left its mark. "We need to move," Jiang Chen said, wiping the blood from his blade. "They won¡¯t send just one." Tianming nodded. "Whoever it was, they wanted us dead before we could recover. That means they¡¯re afraid of what we¡¯ll become." Jiang Chen smirked, despite the exhaustion. "Good. Let them be afraid." They stepped out into the darkness, leaving the ruined shelter behind. Their journey had no time for rest. The hunter had failed¡ªnow the ones in the shadows would have to answer for it. A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. --- The next morning, they found the assassin¡¯s body. He had fled deep into the forest, but not far enough. His corpse lay slumped against a tree, a single dagger buried in his heart. Someone had silenced him before he could return. Tianming crouched beside the body, inspecting the wound. "A clean kill. Whoever did this didn¡¯t want him talking." Jiang Chen crossed his arms. "A warning, or a cover-up?" Tianming stood. "Both." There was something carved into the tree beside the body¡ªa symbol neither of them recognized. "This wasn¡¯t just any assassin," Jiang Chen muttered. "Someone powerful is pulling the strings." Tianming¡¯s grip tightened. It didn¡¯t matter who it was. He would find them. And when he did¡ª --- Beyond the immediate threat, the world was shifting. The Storm Horizon Sect had begun its internal selection tournament¡ªan event that could shake the balance of power in the region. The Nether Abyss Sect was rumored to be seeking something ancient, something hidden. The Grand Lotus Temple¡¯s envoys had been sighted moving toward the borderlands. The Ironblood Warlords continued their brutal conquest, their ranks swelling. The world did not wait for anyone. Jiang Chen turned to Tianming. "Where to next?" Tianming looked to the distant mountains, where new challenges awaited. "Forward. Always forward." ------ Next Chapter Preview The assassin was only the beginning. The real threat lurks deeper, and Tianming is determined to uncover it. Meanwhile, powerful sects move, and a storm is brewing on the horizon. "Tianming was not just a wanderer seeking power. He was the Sovereign of Celestial Ascent." --- Chapter 17 – The Gathering Storm Sovereign of Celestial Ascent Chapter 17 ¨C The Gathering Storm The mountains loomed before them, jagged peaks cutting into the sky like the fangs of a great beast. The wind howled through the narrow valleys, carrying whispers of distant battles and hidden dangers. Tianming and Jiang Chen moved cautiously along a narrow trail, their senses sharpened. The assassin had been silenced, but that only confirmed one thing¡ªthey were walking into something far greater than a simple grudge. "We can¡¯t move blindly," Jiang Chen said, scanning the cliffs. "Someone doesn¡¯t want us alive. That means we¡¯re getting close to something important." Tianming¡¯s gaze darkened. "Then we¡¯ll make them regret not finishing the job." Ahead, the mountain path led toward a forgotten stronghold¡ªone that held answers. --- They found the ruins just before nightfall. Broken pillars, shattered statues, and faded inscriptions lined the stone walls. Time had long abandoned this place, but Tianming felt something stirring beneath the surface. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. "A sect once stood here," Jiang Chen observed, brushing dust from a fallen plaque. "The Scarlet Moon Pavilion. They vanished decades ago." Tianming ran his fingers along a deep scar in the stone. "Not without a fight." The air was heavy, charged with the remnants of old battles. Something had happened here¡ªsomething violent, something hidden. Then, the ground beneath them shifted. A low, grinding noise echoed through the ruins. Jiang Chen cursed. "That didn¡¯t sound good." From the depths of the stronghold, a presence awakened. --- A spectral figure emerged from the ruins, its form flickering like a dying flame. A guardian of the past, bound by duty. "You are not welcome here," the phantom¡¯s voice echoed. "Only those who seek the truth with strength may proceed." Tianming met its gaze without fear. "Then test me." The phantom¡¯s form solidified, and in an instant, the battle began. Tianming and Jiang Chen fought as one, blades clashing against ethereal strikes. The guardian¡¯s power was immense, but Tianming had faced death before¡ªhe would not break. Blow after blow, the fight pushed them to their limits. But Tianming refused to yield. With a final surge, he struck, cutting through the phantom¡¯s defenses. A moment of silence. Then, the guardian bowed. "You have proven your will," it said. "The path ahead is yours to walk." As the spirit faded, a doorway opened in the ruins, revealing a hidden chamber. Tianming stepped forward. "Let¡¯s see what they tried to keep buried." ----- Next Chapter Preview The ruins hold secrets long forgotten, but not all truths are meant to be uncovered. As Tianming and Jiang Chen step further into the unknown, they must decide¡ªhow far are they willing to go for power? And who else is watching? > "Tianming was not just a seeker of strength. He was the Sovereign of Celestial Ascent." --- Chapter 18 – Secrets Beneath the Ruins Sovereign of celestial ascent Chapter 18 ¨C Secrets Beneath the Ruins The hidden chamber stretched deep into the mountain, the air thick with the scent of age and dust. This place had been sealed for decades¡ªperhaps even centuries. Tianming stepped forward cautiously, his eyes adjusting to the dim glow of ancient inscriptions lining the walls. Jiang Chen followed, his expression unreadable. "This isn''t just an abandoned sect hall," Jiang Chen murmured. "This was a vault." A vault meant treasures, knowledge¡­ and dangers. Tianming reached out, running his fingers over the carvings. They spoke of a sect¡¯s final stand, of betrayal from within, and of a power buried in the dark. Then, the symbols flared to life. The ruins had not been left unguarded. --- The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. A sudden force gripped the air, pressing down on them like a tidal wave. The ground trembled, and from the depths of the chamber, chains slithered like living serpents. The shadows in the room twisted, coalescing into a figure bound in silver restraints. A prisoner¡ªnot of flesh, but of soul. "Who dares disturb my slumber?" The voice was ancient, heavy with power. The figure¡¯s form flickered, its eyes burning with an eerie blue light. Tianming steadied his stance. "We seek the truth." "The truth?" A cold chuckle. "The truth is that power comes with a price. And you are not ready to pay it." The chains lashed out. Tianming and Jiang Chen barely dodged as the room erupted into chaos. A battle had begun¡ªnot just for survival, but for the knowledge buried here. --- Blades flashed in the dim light, sparks flying as metal clashed against spectral force. The entity¡¯s power was overwhelming, its strikes carrying the weight of centuries of rage. Tianming gritted his teeth. His body still bore the exhaustion of their journey, but there was no room for hesitation. "Jiang Chen!" He called out as the chains lunged again. Jiang Chen reacted instantly, his blade cutting through the restraints. A gap in the entity¡¯s defenses¡ªTianming seized it. He gathered his strength, unleashing a final strike that tore through the spectral figure. The entity howled, its form unraveling, and then¡ªsilence. The chamber settled. The chains, now lifeless, crumbled to dust. Jiang Chen exhaled. "That was close." Tianming turned to the altar at the heart of the vault. Something rested there¡ªa fragment of an ancient artifact, humming with energy. This was what the ruins had been hiding. As he reached for it, a thought burned in his mind. Every victory brought him closer to his goal. But at what cost? He grasped the artifact. And the power within awakened. --- Next Chapter Preview With the vault opened, Tianming and Jiang Chen uncover a relic lost to time. But power never comes without consequence, and already, unseen forces are beginning to move. As the past reaches for the present, will Tianming be the hunter¡ªor the hunted? > "Tianming was not just a seeker of forgotten knowledge. He was the Sovereign of Celestial Ascent." --- Chapter 19 – Whispers of the Forgotten Relic ¡¤Sovereign of celestial ascent Chapter 19 ¨C Whispers of the Forgotten Relic The moment Tianming¡¯s fingers closed around the relic, a pulse of energy surged through his veins. It was neither warm nor cold¡ªjust an undeniable force, seeping into his body like ink in water. The chamber fell silent. Even Jiang Chen, standing nearby, felt the shift in the air. "What did you just take?" Jiang Chen¡¯s voice was cautious. Tianming tightened his grip. The relic wasn¡¯t just an object¡ªit was a key. But to what, he wasn¡¯t sure yet. Then, as if responding to his thoughts, the inscriptions on the walls flickered again. A voice, distant and fragmented, echoed in the ruins. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. "The one who takes this bears the burden of fate." And then¡ªa vision struck. --- For a brief moment, the world around Tianming changed. He was no longer in the ruins but standing in the middle of a battlefield, watching a war that had already been lost. The sky burned red, and fallen warriors littered the ground. A sect was being erased from history. At the heart of it all stood a man, his robes tattered, his eyes filled with unyielding defiance. He clutched the same relic Tianming now held, murmuring words that made no sense¡ªuntil his gaze suddenly turned toward Tianming, as if seeing him through time. "You are too late." A shattering noise. And the vision ended. --- Tianming staggered back, the relic still clutched in his hands. His breathing was uneven, his body drenched in cold sweat. That wasn¡¯t just a memory¡ªit was a warning. Jiang Chen noticed immediately. "What did you see?" Tianming shook his head, trying to piece it together. "This relic¡­ it''s tied to something bigger. A war. A forgotten sect. And something that hasn¡¯t died yet." Jiang Chen¡¯s expression darkened. "If it hasn¡¯t died, then it might be watching us even now." A sharp gust of wind howled through the ruins, carrying the weight of unseen eyes. They had uncovered something that should have remained buried. And somewhere, far away, something else had started moving. --- Next Chapter Preview Tianming¡¯s actions in the ruins have awakened an ancient force, but he is not the only one who has noticed. As the world shifts, unseen enemies begin to make their move. Can Tianming harness the relic¡¯s power before it consumes him? > "Tianming was not just a witness to fate. He was the Sovereign of Celestial Ascent." --- Chapter 20 – The Stirring of Giants ¡¤Sovereign of Celestial Ascent Chapter 20 ¨C The Stirring of Giants As Tianming and Jiang Chen emerged from the ruins, the air outside felt heavier, charged with an unseen force. The relic, though silent in his grasp, pulsed faintly¡ªlike a slumbering beast waiting to awaken. They had escaped the ancient vault, but they had not left its consequences behind. Jiang Chen exhaled sharply. "Where do we go now?" Tianming looked toward the distant horizon. Returning to their sects was no longer an option¡ªnot yet. "Somewhere we can recover," Tianming said. "Somewhere we can understand what we just took." This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Jiang Chen nodded, but a shadow lingered in his eyes. They were no longer just wanderers¡ªthey were marked men. And soon, they would learn exactly what that meant. --- Far from the ruins, beneath the endless sky, forces unknown to them had already begun to stir. In a secluded temple high in the mountains, a robed figure knelt before a glowing formation. Symbols danced across its surface, whispering of something long forgotten¡ªnow unearthed. A voice, low and ancient, resonated in the chamber. "The relic has awakened." The robed figure raised his head, his expression unreadable. "Then it begins once more." Across the continent, others were listening. --- Tianming and Jiang Chen pressed forward through a dense forest, their bodies still aching from the previous battle. But they weren¡¯t alone. In the silence between the trees, something moved. Tianming stopped, his senses sharpening. It was not a beast, not a rogue cultivator¡ªbut something worse. Jiang Chen caught on as well. "They found us." Then¡ªthe first attack came. A blade of light tore through the trees, splitting stone and earth alike. The ground erupted in chaos, dust swallowing the battlefield. The pursuers had arrived. And they weren¡¯t here to negotiate. --- Next Chapter Preview Tianming and Jiang Chen are forced into battle as unseen enemies close in. But are they truly the hunters¡ªor merely pawns in a far greater game? With the relic¡¯s power still unknown, Tianming must fight not just to survive, but to unravel the truth before it¡¯s too late. > "Tianming was not just a fugitive. He was the Sovereign of Celestial Ascent."