The morning sun hung high above the Mojin Sect, its golden light spilling across the countless peaks like flowing silk. Spiritual mist curled between mountain ridges, and the air trembled faintly with the hum of qi veins buried deep within the earth.
At the Core Peak, a few disciples were gathered, whispering among themselves as a figure in black robes passed overhead, gliding across the sky like a streak of light.
> "Look! That's Brother Cang Yan!"
"He's already able to fly without a spirit tool…"
"I heard he broke through to the Martial King Realm—at only eighteen!"
Their voices were filled with awe and disbelief.
Among them, one disciple clenched his fists and whispered in admiration, Brother Cang Yan is truly a peerless genius. Even the Sect Leader once praised his talent as unmatched in a hundred years.
Meanwhile, the man in question—Cang Yan—landed gracefully before a grand marble staircase that led to the Grand Elder's Hall. His black hair fluttered gently in the wind, faint traces of golden light flickering beneath the surface of his crimson eyes.
Just as his feet touched the ground, a young sect disciple hurried toward him and bowed deeply.
> "Brother Cang Yan, the Grand Elder is already waiting for you in the main hall."
Cang Yan nodded calmly.
> "I understand."
He walked up the stairs, each step echoing faintly in the silent courtyard. The massive doors of the Grand Elder's Hall stood open, releasing waves of spiritual energy that pressed against the air like a living force.
Inside, the atmosphere was solemn. Golden lanterns floated in midair, and at the far end of the hall sat Grand Elder Man Luo—a middle-aged man with long silver hair and eyes that seemed to pierce through the soul. His presence was neither oppressive nor gentle; it was like standing before the endless heavens themselves.
Cang Yan stepped forward, clasped his fists, and bowed.
> "Disciple Cang Yan greets Master."
Man Luo slowly opened his eyes, a faint smile touching his lips.
> "Rise, my disciple. Tell me—how has your cultivation been progressing? What realm have you reached now?"
Cang Yan hesitated for a brief moment.
In truth, he had already stepped into the Martial Lord Realm, a level far beyond the Grand Elder's current understanding of his disciple's progress.
If he revealed this now, his master would surely be shocked.
After a short pause, he replied calmly,
> "Master, I recently broke through to the Martial King Realm, seven days ago."
Man Luo's eyes brightened instantly. He rose slightly from his seat, his expression filled with pride.
> "Good! Very good! As expected of my best disciple. At such a young age, to reach the Martial King Realm... Even the Sect Leader himself would be astonished if he heard of this."
A wave of warmth passed through Cang Yan's heart. He had concealed the full extent of his strength, but even this small recognition from his master felt meaningful.
Man Luo continued, his voice carrying faint authority.
> "Cang Yan, I summoned you today for an important matter. Two months from now, the Mojin Sect will hold the Grand Sect Tournament. Every disciple, from outer to core, will participate. This is a chance for all to test their progress—and for me to select the next generation of the Sect's pillars."
He paused, his gaze settling firmly on his disciple.
> "I want you to take part. You must enter the top five ranks."
Cang Yan's calm expression didn't waver. The faintest of smiles curved his lips.
> "Understood, Master. I will not disappoint you. I'll ensure I reach the top five."
Man Luo chuckled softly, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.
> "I do not doubt it. Still, do not grow arrogant. The Sect is vast, and there are always hidden talents—some trained by other Elders, some returning from years of tempering in the outside world. Treat each battle seriously."
> "Yes, Master."
For a brief moment, silence filled the hall. The air between them rippled with unspoken understanding—the bond of a master and disciple who both knew the path of cultivation was endless and filled with peril.
Finally, Man Luo spoke again, his tone softer.
> "Go now. Focus on consolidating your foundation. A single unstable step can topple even the tallest tower."
Cang Yan bowed once more.
> "Disciple understands."
As he turned to leave, Man Luo watched him go, a thoughtful gleam in his eyes.
This child… his talent surpasses even my imagination. Perhaps, one day, he will walk beyond the Martial Emperor Realm itself.
Outside the hall, Cang Yan descended the stairs. The wind stirred his robe as he gazed at the distant mountain peaks shrouded in light.
> "The Grand Sect Tournament, hm?"
A faint, confident smile crossed his face.
> "Then I'll show the entire Mojin Sect what true strength means."The afternoon sun shone brightly over the Mojin Sect Market, casting warm light over rows of elegant pavilions and bustling stalls.
The air carried a faint fragrance of spirit herbs, mixed with the clinking of spirit stones and the chatter of disciples haggling for treasures.
Disciples in various-colored robes moved between shops—outer disciples in plain gray, inner disciples in blue, and core disciples in black-gold robes embroidered with the sect's emblem.
Amid the crowd walked a young man dressed in simple black—Cang Yan.
Though he wore no badge or token of rank, his calm demeanor and unshakable presence made heads turn as he passed. His crimson eyes reflected faint traces of divine light, and even his casual steps carried an elegance that set him apart from the crowd.
He stopped before a clothing store whose sign read "Flowing Silk Pavilion." Inside, racks of robes shimmered with faint spirit energy—each woven with spiritual threads that could resist fire, water, or even minor attacks.
Cang Yan examined a set of dark robes trimmed with gold.
> "This one," he said softly. "I'll take it."
The shopkeeper, an elderly inner disciple, nodded hurriedly, his voice trembling with respect.
> "Y-yes, Brother Cang Yan! Excellent choice, excellent choice!"
Cang Yan placed several mid-grade spirit stones on the counter, took the folded robe, and turned to leave.
Outside, the market's crowd had grown noisier. Many disciples whispered as they noticed him.
> "Is that… Senior Brother Cang Yan?"
"The Grand Elder's disciple? The one who's already at Martial King Realm?"
"He's so young… and his aura feels like a deep abyss…"
Cang Yan ignored the murmurs. To him, the noise of the market was like the whisper of the wind—present, but distant.
As he moved toward the next stall, a gentle yet familiar voice called from behind.
> "Junior Brother Cang!"
He paused and turned.
A girl in elegant sky-blue robes approached. Her long hair shimmered in the sunlight like strands of silk, and her clear eyes curved with a soft smile. Her aura was steady, refined—a mark of an accomplished inner disciple.
Recognition flickered in his eyes.
> "Senior Sister Xiao Ji," Cang Yan greeted calmly, inclining his head slightly. "I was just purchasing some necessities."
Xiao Ji smiled warmly.
> "You rarely visit the market, Junior Brother. I almost didn't recognize you! The last time we met, you were still in closed cultivation."
> "Indeed," he replied. "Time passes quickly in meditation."
She giggled softly.
> "You and your calm nature never change. While the rest of us are struggling just to stabilize our realms, you make progress that leaves even the elders speechless."
Cang Yan's expression remained serene.
> "Talent is nothing without perseverance. Senior Sister's progress is impressive as well—I can sense you've reached the late Spirit Core Realm."
A faint blush touched Xiao Ji's cheeks at his words.
> "You still have that sharp perception, Junior Brother. You always see through others so easily."
Cang Yan smiled faintly, holding a small bundle of items—spirit ink, paper talismans, and new robes.
> "These are just small purchases before I return to cultivation. The Sect Tournament draws near, and I must be prepared."
Her eyes brightened.
> "So you're entering the tournament too! I heard the Sect Leader himself will watch this year. Many of the inner and core disciples are eager to prove themselves… but most already believe you'll take one of the top positions."
> "Predictions mean little," Cang Yan replied calmly. "Strength is proven only through battle."
For a moment, silence settled between them. The gentle wind lifted Xiao Ji's hair, carrying the faint scent of lotus blossoms.
She looked at him quietly before saying,
> "Still… I hope you'll be careful. Not everyone in the tournament will admire your talent. Some will envy it."
Cang Yan met her gaze. His eyes glowed faintly crimson beneath the sunlight.
> "If they wish to challenge me," he said softly, "then I'll show them what separates heaven and earth."
Xiao Ji stared for a heartbeat—then smiled again, though a flicker of awe crossed her face.
> "You've truly changed, Junior Brother Cang. The calmness is the same… but your presence now feels like standing before a storm hidden behind clear skies."
He offered a faint nod.
> "Then I'll take that as a compliment, Senior Sister."
Xiao Ji chuckled, covering her lips with a hand.
> "Always so serious."
They walked together for a short while through the lively market, talking lightly of the sect's affairs. Finally, near the end of the path, Xiao Ji stopped.
"Junior Brother, I'll be cheering for you at the tournament. Don't hold back."
> "I won't," he replied simply, his tone neither proud nor humble—just absolute certainty.
She smiled once more before walking away, her figure vanishing into the colorful crowd.
Cang Yan stood for a moment, watching her go. Then he turned his gaze toward the distant peaks, where the Sect Tournament arena was being constructed, glowing faintly under layers of protective formations.
> "Two months," he murmured. "Let the storm begin."
He adjusted the bundle in his hand and continued down the market road, disappearing into the flow of disciples.