(Tian Ling's Perspective)
The wind from the forbidden zone carried the metallic scent of ancient blood and dry leaves.
Tian Ling walked slowly toward the edge of the thick mist that marked the exit from that hidden realm. His steps were light, but his gaze shone with clarity—the gaze of someone born to perceive every fluctuation of the world.
Every variation in Qi, every movement of air, every falling leaf…
Everything echoed directly in Jun Tian's soul through the Celestial Soul Link.
But Tian Ling didn't mind.
That constant flow of shared consciousness was his compass—and his strength.
He raised his right hand.
On his wrist, a ring-shaped rune shone in golden and purple hues.
It was the Spiritual Bridge Ring, Jun Tian's refined creation, with a crucial modification:
Everything Tian Ling stored there would be instantly transferred to Jun Tian's true body.
Without distance limits. No risk of loss. No interference.
The rune pulsed softly—almost like a heart.
"Perfect," Tian Ling murmured, a discreet smile appearing. "Thus, I will gather opportunities… and he will transform them into power."
The density of the mist shifted.
Ahead, the spiritual veil curved like an invisible portal.
The boundary of the forbidden zone.
Tian Ling reached for the black sword strapped to his back—the weapon whose soul had awakened and nearly killed Jun Tian months before.
Its dark surface reflected the clone's tranquil face.
And then—the memory came.
A memory pierced the link without warning.
It wasn't Tian Ling's.
It was Jun Tian's.
A past mired in the dark, oppressive presence of the sword.
The blade floated in the air, slowly spinning, as if it had awakened from some sort of deep slumber.
A voice came from within the blade, a female voice: cold and proud, hungry.
"You. little spiritual flame. dare to wield me?"
The aura of the sword spread out like a black tide.
Distorted faces of cultivators it had consumed were torn from the shadows around it.
Jun Tian stepped a little backward.
The presence was accompanied by an overwhelming heaviness.
Yue Lian screamed within his consciousness:
"Don't touch her! She's too hungry!"
But it was too late.
The sword shot out like a dark lightning bolt, aiming directly at his heart-not to wound him, but to possess him, to take his body as a vessel. —Your spirit… your destiny… —the voice anxiously whispered —are perfect for me…
Then, for the very first time, the seal of chaos on Jun Tian's chest began to radiate a glow.
The sword froze in mid-air.
Absolute silence.
The soul of the blade quivered.
And for the first time since its creation… it felt fear.
The memory faded.
Tian Ling ran his hand over the black blade, now silent.
"You tried to kill him," he said serenely, "and now you belong to him completely."
The sword trembled, responding with submission.
It was no longer a threat.
The touch of chaos had marked its soul and destroyed any possibility of rebellion.
"Very well," said Tian Ling, sheathing it. "Let's go. There's a lot of work ahead."
With a firm step, he crossed the barrier.
The World Beyond the Veil
The light struck him like a blow.
Tian Ling narrowed his eyes.
The air was different—lighter, but also wilder.
Spiritual Qi flowed like invisible rivers, far purer than that of the ruins.
Vast mountains rose in the distance.
Rivers as large as cities cut through the land.
Ancient creatures roared in the deep forests.
It was a vibrant world.
A living world.
Tian Ling smiled, feeling the pulse of Jun Tian's soul through the link.
"So this is the Tianxu Continent… the Celestial Void."
Jun Tian's breath mingled with his—curiosity, vigilance, anticipation.
Tian Ling walked a few steps into the forest, feeling the Qi circulate through his newly formed meridians.
"Brother…" he murmured, "I will seize opportunities for you. And when you fully awaken… nothing in this continent will be able to stop you."
Roars echoed in the distance.
The sound of battle cut through the wind.
Tian Ling raised his head.
"Looks like there's trouble already."
He advanced, the wind clearing a path before him.
The clone's journey had begun.