The Serpent's Ascent and the Whispers of the Void Serpent
After the trials, Liang Tianyu had achieved an unprecedented level of renown within the Heaven Spirit Sect, though his true identity remained a secret to the wider world. His extraordinary abilities, particularly his mastery over the blade, earned him a new, awe-inspiring moniker among those who witnessed his prowess: the Void Serpent. This name, whispered in hushed tones, alluded to his uncanny sword techniques, which seemed to strike from nowhere, leaving opponents bewildered and defeated as his blade carved through defenses and energies alike, creating a momentary "void" where an attack once was. Yet, Liang Tianyu remained indifferent to his burgeoning reputation, understanding that such notoriety often invited more trouble than acclaim, especially given his efforts to remain hidden from the three great spirit sects.
The sect granted the participants a ten-day reprieve to prepare for the upcoming competition. With my own preparations long complete, I seized this opportunity to further solidify my cultivation in the middle layer. The ten days passed swiftly, a blur of concentrated effort and meditative refinement.
On the morning of the eleventh day, an elder, his aura radiating the profound power of the Middle Transformation Realm, gathered us. "Everyone here," he boomed, his voice resonating with authority, "is among the best in our sect. I have high hopes that you will emerge victorious and bring glory to our name. Now, come, settle yourselves upon this spiritual beast while I elucidate the rules of the competition."
A magnificent spiritual beast, a colossal serpent radiating an ancient, primordial energy, awaited us. It was easily in the early stage of the Transformation Realm, its scales shimmering with an ethereal glow. One by one, we found our places upon its broad, scaly back, the sheer power emanating from the creature a testament to its formidable nature.
"Listen closely, disciples," the elder began, his gaze sweeping over our expectant faces. "This competition isn't just a test of individual prowess; it's a demonstration of our collective strength and unity. It will be a three-way contest between our Heaven Spirit Sect, the Blossom Spirit Sect, and the Thunder Spirit Sect."
A ripple of murmurs went through the group at the mention of the rival sects. The elder continued, unfazed.
"The competition will unfold in three distinct stages, each designed to challenge different aspects of your cultivation.
First, the Trial of Verdant Peaks: You'll be dropped into a vast, untamed mountain range. Your objective is to gather as many rare spiritual herbs and locate as many hidden spiritual veins as possible within three days. Each discovery earns your sect points. But beware, for this realm is home to numerous spiritual beasts, and the other sects will undoubtedly be vying for the same resources. Cooperation within our sect is paramount. Remember, stealth and strategic resource acquisition are key here. Any direct confrontation with members of other sects is strictly forbidden unless provoked defensively."
He paused, letting the information sink in. "Next, the Gauntlet of Shifting Sands: This stage will test your combat prowess and endurance. Teams from each sect will enter an arena where they'll face waves of artificially conjured spiritual beasts and formations. The objective is to survive for as long as possible and defeat as many constructs as you can. Points will be awarded based on survival time, number of defeated constructs, and the overall condition of your team at the end. This is where your battle formations and individual techniques will shine. And yes, in this stage, direct confrontation with other sect members is permitted if it serves your strategic advantage, though it won't directly earn points."
A thrill of anticipation ran through me. This was where the Void Serpent would truly make his presence felt.
"Finally," the elder declared, his voice rising, "the Conclave of Harmonious Spirits: This last stage will be a battle of wit, insight, and spiritual harmony. Each sect will present their strongest formation, and the task will be to break the opposing sects' formations while defending your own. This stage demands not only individual strength but also profound understanding of spiritual arrays and synchronized teamwork. The sect that successfully breaks both opposing formations or maintains their own while inflicting the most damage will be declared the victor. This is where strategy and teamwork are paramount. All abilities are allowed."
"The sect with the highest cumulative score across all three stages will be crowned the champions. Now, are there any questions?"
A few disciples raised their hands, and the elder patiently addressed their queries about specific rules and scoring. Once satisfied, he gave the command, and the massive spiritual serpent began its majestic ascent, carrying us toward the distant lands where the competition would be held.
Five days later, after a journey that felt both swift and arduous upon the back of the magnificent serpent, we arrived at the grand gathering place for the competition. The sheer scale of the event was breathtaking. Pavilions adorned with the insignias of countless sects dotted the landscape, their vibrant banners fluttering in the wind.
As members of one of the three great spirit sects, the Heaven Spirit Sect, we were indeed treated with immense deference, almost like royalty. Other sects, eager to curry favor or glean secrets, approached us with respectful bows and polite inquiries. Many, having heard whispers of my success in creating breakthrough pills, subtly attempted to extract the recipe from me.
"Esteemed alchemist," one elder from a minor sect began, his tone honeyed, "your reputation precedes you. The efficacy of your breakthrough pills is truly legendary. Would you consider sharing such a marvel with us? Perhaps for a generous exchange?"
I smiled politely. "I appreciate your interest, Elder, but the breakthrough pill recipe is a closely guarded secret of our Heaven Spirit Sect. Such matters are beyond my individual discretion; the sect's prosperity is tied to it, and they wouldn't allow its dissemination."
The elder's face fell slightly, but he didn't press further. Involving the sect directly made any further pursuit of the recipe a political minefield they clearly wished to avoid. It was a convenient and effective way to politely decline without causing offense.
As we navigated the bustling encampment, a familiar and imposing aura approached us. It was a contingent from the Thunder Spirit Sect, their bodies crackling with barely contained electrical energy. At their forefront was a tall, imposing figure, his eyes sharp and his presence radiating a powerful, almost tangible pressure. He was undoubtedly one of their leading disciples, perhaps even their sect master's direct protégé. His gaze swept over our group, lingering for a moment on Liang Tianyu, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes.
"Greetings, disciples of the Heaven Spirit Sect," he stated, his voice deep and resonant, a hint of static in the air around him. "We meet again sooner than expected."
Behind him, several Thunder Spirit Sect disciples scoffed. "Look at them, acting as if they've already won," one sneered, loud enough for us to hear. "Their pills might be good, but that won't win them a competition based on true might."
Guang Li, one of the Heaven Spirit Sect's strongest peak Nascent Soul disciples, bristled, his hand instinctively going to his sword hilt. But before he could retort, the imposing leader of the Thunder Spirit Sect contingent shot a silencing glare at his own disciples.
"Enough," he rumbled, his voice cutting through the chatter. "A true cultivator shows their might in the arena, not with idle talk." He then turned his gaze back to us, specifically to Liang Tianyu. "I look forward to seeing the rumored 'Void Serpent' in action. May the best sect prevail."
His words carried a challenge, and a subtle acknowledgment of Liang Tianyu's growing reputation, even amongst rival sects. The air crackled with unspoken tension and anticipation. The stage was set.