The Inner Sect's gates loomed large as Li Tian stepped outside, the Devouring Core pulsing beneath his chest with golden-purple light. Beyond the mountains lay the World Tournament grounds, a convergence of the strongest disciples from countless sects, clans, and academies.
Whispers followed him even before he arrived:
"The mortal from the Inner Sect?"
"Devouring Core… no spirit root… yet survived the Spirit Realm?"
"He might actually be unstoppable."
Li Tian ignored the murmurs, focusing on the journey ahead. Every step carried him closer to a battlefield that tested not only power, but wit, strategy, and endurance.
Arrival at the Tournament
The arena was colossal, a sprawling valley surrounded by jade mountains. Spectators from multiple sects filled the stands, their eyes glinting with curiosity and anticipation. The air hummed with spiritual energy, thick and tangible.
Han Xue appeared beside him, her expression serious. "This is different from the Inner Sect Tournament. Every participant here is exceptional. Some are prodigies born with rare spirit roots, some have mastered forbidden techniques. You must stay sharp."
Li Tian nodded. "I'm ready. The Core is ready."
She gave a faint smile. "Then show them what a mortal with no spirit root can do."
First Battle: A Test of Strategy
The first opponent was Ling Feng, a prodigy of a rival sect with dual wind and water roots, known for speed and adaptability. The bell rang, and Ling Feng darted forward, water and wind converging into slicing streams aimed to overwhelm Li Tian instantly.
Li Tian's Devouring Core pulsed, golden-purple aura flaring. He absorbed and twisted the energy, converting Ling Feng's attacks into a series of controlled blasts that disrupted the flow of the arena itself.
The crowd gasped. Energy arcs collided above the arena, creating dazzling displays. Li Tian's mastery of the Core was not brute force—it was fluid, precise, and terrifyingly effective.
With a calculated burst, he forced Ling Feng into retreat. Victory was clean, strategic, and left the opponent unable to predict his next move.
Han Xue's voice echoed in his mind: "Observe, adapt, and control. That is your strength."
Zhao Ming's Shadow
No sooner had Li Tian secured his first victory than Zhao Ming appeared again, flanked by new disciples from a rival sect who had been following him.
"You think your little victories here mean anything?" Zhao Ming sneered, electricity crackling along his arms. "I will crush you before anyone else gets the chance!"
Li Tian's Core reacted instantly, absorbing small arcs of lightning while assessing the threat. "I won't underestimate you," he replied calmly.
The battle began with a storm of elemental attacks. Zhao Ming and his allies tried to overwhelm Li Tian with coordinated strikes. But the Core now had refined mastery over its golden-purple aura, allowing Li Tian to absorb, redirect, and manipulate energy flows with precision.
Instead of a direct confrontation, Li Tian created openings by manipulating their attacks against them, isolating Zhao Ming and forcing his allies into defensive positions.
Zhao Ming snarled, eyes blazing. "Next time… you won't be so lucky!"
Li Tian remained calm, letting the Core pulse rhythmically, absorbing the pressure of the battle as though it were nourishment.
Hidden Threats
While Li Tian progressed through his matches, he sensed unseen observers in the arena—strong cultivators cloaked by spiritual energy, measuring his Core, probing his limits.
One figure, partially shrouded, exuded an aura of immense power. Even from a distance, Li Tian felt the Core pulse violently, sensing the intelligence and intent behind it.
Han Xue, noticing his attention, whispered: "Be aware. Some here are not participating for the tournament… they are scouting, testing, and waiting for opportunities. Do not let your guard down."
Li Tian exhaled, steadying himself. "Then I'll make sure they notice the wrong thing: me, alive, and stronger than they expect."
Advancement and Core Growth
By the end of the first day, Li Tian had defeated multiple top-tier opponents. The golden-purple aura of the Core intensified, now visible even at a short distance—a beacon of both awe and fear.
His strategies combined battlefield control, energy manipulation, and precise timing, demonstrating that intellect and Core mastery could surpass natural talent.
Han Xue approached after his last match. "The Core… it's evolving faster than I anticipated. But be cautious—attention comes with danger. Enemies, and perhaps allies, will begin to move against you."
Li Tian nodded, his eyes scanning the horizon. "Let them come. Every test… every opponent… every hidden hand… I will face them all."
A Glimpse of Greater Danger
As night fell over the tournament grounds, Li Tian meditated beside the arena. Stars glittered above, but his Core pulsed in resonance with a distant, unknown force—an intelligence, neither beast nor sect disciple, aware of his rise.
Han Xue sat silently nearby. "Something is watching you… beyond these grounds," she whispered.
Li Tian opened his eyes, golden-purple light flickering across his face. "Then I will be ready for whatever comes next. The tournament… the world… even the heavens themselves… I will rise beyond them."
The mortal with no spirit root had stepped onto the world stage. His name would be remembered, feared, and challenged—but nothing would stop him from forging his destiny.