After a few moments of silence, Rayan stood in place, trying to comprehend what had just happened. He never expected to gain such power so quickly, especially after the experience with the legacy inside the hall.
He looked at his hands, feeling the celestial energy flow through him in a completely new way. He was no longer just an ordinary sect leader — he now carried the legacy of all the past generations.
But there was no time to be awestruck. One thought consumed his mind… the next step!
He raised his head to look at the Celestial Dragon, who was staring at him as if trying to read his very soul.
"I believe you now understand that this is only the beginning," the Celestial Dragon said in a calm voice that carried undeniable power.
Rayan nodded. He knew that receiving the legacy didn't mean he had reached the peak — it meant his responsibility had just become much greater.
"The Lost Valley is now a sacred shrine, and the sect has regained a part of its glory," he murmured as he looked toward the horizon.
"But there's still much to be done."
He turned to his three disciples, who were still watching him with admiration and amazement.
"We must begin our core plan... Dawn Valley is our next destination. But first, we need to ensure the sect is ready for any threat that may come."
Seriousness marked their expressions, especially Li Shen, who nodded firmly and said:
"After your disappearance for a month, we noticed strange movements near the sect. Some minor sects have started getting closer, as if testing our strength."
Rayan narrowed his eyes. This didn't surprise him. The Celestial Sect had been forgotten for a long time, and now that it had begun to rise again, it was natural that other powers would try to see what was going on.
But what concerned him more was the type of sects that were moving.
"They're not just weak sects..." Li Shen continued with concern. "There are reports that the Iron Fist Sect and the Fractured Sky Sect have started sending spies near our lands."
Rayan's expression immediately changed. These weren't just any sects — they were among the mid-level powers of the mortal world, known for their ruthless ambition.
"Well then, if they want to test us..." Rayan said with a cold smile, "let's make them regret it."
---
At that moment, a powerful voice echoed in the sky, drawing everyone's attention to the main gate of the sect.
"Who dares stand against the Celestial Sect?!"
The voice was deep and filled with awe — and yet, it wasn't human.
It was the Celestial Dragon who had released that warning, and its eyes glowed with a fearsome golden light.
---
In one corner of the sect, a group of disciples who weren't close to the inner leadership watched everything with worry.
"Did you hear? The Sect Leader returned after a full month, and it looks like he came out stronger than ever!" one of them whispered.
"Not only that — they say he received the entire legacy of the sect... doesn't that mean he'll restore its former glory?" another asked excitedly.
But amid the excitement, one of the disciples spoke in a low voice: "But that also means the enemies will start to move... Are we ready for that?"
---
At the gates of the sect, a group of people appeared, dressed in different robes, but their symbols clearly revealed their affiliation — the Iron Fist Sect and the Fractured Sky Sect.
One of them, a large man with a long scar across his face, walked forward slowly, wearing a mocking smile.
"So, this is the Celestial Sect that's been making noise recently?" he said loudly.
No one answered, but the air was heavy with tension.
Then, Rayan finally appeared at the sect gate, his eyes glowing with immense power.
"If you're here to test us..." he said in a calm yet commanding voice, "then I welcome you."
---
The Celestial Dragon, who had watched it all, gave a cold smile.
"It seems the true test has finally begun."
---
End of Chapter