The battlefield still reeked of blood and scorched earth. The ten sect coalition had been broken — not by a master's intervention, but by two young cultivators whose names now carried the weight of whispered fear.
In the mortal realm's taverns and marketplaces, rumors spread like wildfire:
> "Lin Yuan's spear pierced seven men in one strike."
"Xiao Mei's sword dances faster than the eye can follow."
"They say their master didn't even lift a finger."
The Azure Sky Sect elders found themselves in a strange position — both proud and unsettled. Such strength was a double-edged blade. It attracted both respect… and enemies.
In the sect's main hall, Lin Yuan stood before the elders, his expression calm. "The coalition was a waste of our time. They'll think twice before attacking again."
One elder, voice trembling, asked the question on everyone's mind. "Did your master… watch?"
Xiao Mei gave a small, knowing smile. "He always watches."
Far above, in the Upper Realm, Tian Yuan sat on the balcony of his half-built manor, sipping tea made from herbs the system had "gifted" him — herbs that smelled suspiciously like mortal green tea.
> [Ding! Mission: Establish your Divine Orchard.]
[Reward: Soil Purification Array, Level 2. Also, a slightly smug Golden Dragon will stop complaining about the dust in your realm.]
"Divine Orchard?" Tian Yuan raised a brow.
> [Yep. Apples of Immortality, peaches that take three centuries to ripen, and grapes so strong they could knock out a god.]
The ground below him was still barren and cracked. It would take time, effort, and the right formations to make it thrive. But a slow smile curved his lips — this was his realm, and soon, it would be untouchable.
Back in the mortal realm, a shadow moved in the alleys of the capital city. A hooded figure whispered to a merchant:
"The disciples of Tian Yuan are strong… but strength can be broken."
The seeds of the next conflict had already been planted.
(END OF CHAPTER)