Thunder rolled in the distance as clouds gathered above the Hidden Star Sect. The skies churned, a reflection of the chaos brewing beneath the surface of the cultivation world. News of Lin Tianming's awakening and his success in the Celestial Ancestor's tomb had spread like wildfire, igniting curiosity, fear, and ambition across the great sects and ancient clans.
In the grand assembly hall of the Hidden Star Sect, the sect's elders gathered around a floating projection of the continent. Star-engraved tokens floated midair, marking the powerhouses and their movements. Tensions had begun to rise.
"Tianming," Grand Elder Yunxiao said, "your presence has disturbed the balance. Every major force is now moving. This is no longer just about you—it's about what you represent."
"What I represent," Tianming replied calmly, "is the end of stagnation. The old order will fall. It's time for something new."
Master Mo stepped forward and placed an ancient scroll on the table.
"It's time for you to participate in the Grand Convergence."
Zhao Yueyin narrowed her eyes. "You mean the gathering of all sect heirs?"
"Yes," Yunxiao said. "It happens once every century. This time, it's being held by the Aurora Sect. Tianming's presence is expected… and feared."
Tianming rolled the scroll open. On it was a map leading to the Cloudspire Plateau—the location of the Grand Convergence.
---
On the Journey to Cloudspire Plateau
Tianming, Zhao Yueyin, and a small contingent of disciples from the Hidden Star Sect began their journey the next day. The route passed through the Jadewind Valley, a notoriously unstable region filled with rogue cultivators and forbidden beasts.
The valley welcomed them with biting wind and jagged cliffs. Fog clung to the ground like hungry spirits.
Zhao Yueyin stopped suddenly. "Something's wrong."
The wind changed.
Arrows shot from the mist.
Tianming raised his hand, activating his protective array.
> System Alert: Ambush Detected. Initiate Defensive Protocol – Celestial Dome
A golden dome of starlight materialized around them, blocking the incoming arrows. Moments later, twenty figures emerged from the mist, clad in black robes, their faces covered.
"Rogue assassins from the Crimson Veil," Zhao Yueyin said, drawing her blade. "Someone's already trying to remove you."
Tianming nodded and unsheathed Starpiercer.
A burst of qi exploded from him.
> System Boost: Strength x3 for 60 seconds. Cooldown: 1 hour
He dashed into the fray.
Zhao Yueyin followed, her blade like a crescent moon.
In moments, half the assassins lay defeated. The others tried to flee.
Tianming flicked his wrist. "Starchain Bind."
Golden chains erupted from the ground, ensnaring the survivors.
One of them hissed, "You won't survive the Convergence. The Grand Thrones won't allow it."
Tianming knelt. "Then tell them I'm coming."
---
Three Days Later – Cloudspire Plateau
The plateau stretched endlessly, high above the clouds, with floating stone islands orbiting its center. On each island stood a representative sect. The sky above shimmered with protective formations. This was the heart of cultivation authority in the land.
Sects such as the Golden Sun Sect, Frostjade Valley, and Thunder Monolith Clan were all present. And in the very center stood the representatives of the Celestial Mandate Hall.
As Lin Tianming and his party arrived, a hush fell over the gathering.
He stepped onto the central platform, eyes calm, steps steady.
"Lin Tianming."
The voice came from a silver-robed youth—Su Qianyu, heir of the Aurora Sect.
"You stand here uninvited. The Convergence is for sect-approved candidates."
Tianming raised his hand. "By right of the Celestial Ancestor's trials, I claim the seat of Heaven's Chosen."
Gasps followed. Even the representatives of the Celestial Mandate Hall shifted.
Su Qianyu narrowed his eyes. "Then prove your worth in the Trial of Four Paths."
---
Trial of Four Paths: Path One – Martial Challenge
The first path was a martial challenge—combat against another sect heir in front of all witnesses. Tianming stepped into the ring, facing Feng Ziran of the Thunder Monolith Clan, a beast of a cultivator wielding a warhammer that crackled with lightning.
Feng laughed. "You? You don't even have muscle."
Tianming smiled. "Muscle isn't everything."
The gong sounded.
Feng charged.
Tianming stood still, then stepped to the side just as the hammer struck. The earth shattered.
> System Skill Activated: Star Step Mirage
He blurred, creating afterimages.
Feng swung wildly but hit nothing.
Then—
> System Technique: Heavenfall Spiral
Tianming leapt, blade spinning in golden arcs. He crashed down on Feng's shoulder, sending the giant man flying out of the ring.
Silence.
Then applause.
---
Path Two – Alchemy and Formation
Contestants were required to refine a rare elixir and design a defensive array under timed pressure. Tianming used celestial fire and starlight essence to craft a pill that restored spirit qi ten times faster than normal.
For the formation, he copied an ancient pattern from the Quiet Moon Library and innovated on it mid-contest, creating a self-healing shield array.
The judges were stunned.
"He didn't just meet the requirement," one muttered. "He innovated beyond it."
---
Path Three – Philosophical Duel
Here, contenders debated spiritual doctrines. Tianming faced Xu Liang, a renowned monk from the Dawn Temple Sect.
Xu Liang quoted ancient scriptures. Tianming countered with his lived experiences, challenging outdated logic with compassion and modern insight.
"The heavens do not judge," Tianming said, "They only test. It is mortals who must create justice."
The crowd murmured. Xu Liang bowed.
"I concede."
---
Path Four – Judgment of the Ancients
The final trial was personal. Each heir stood alone before an ancient mirror that revealed their deepest fears and secrets.
Tianming entered the chamber.
The mirror showed the dark version of him again.
"You may win here," it said, "but you will always fight me."
"I know," Tianming replied. "That's what makes me strong."
The mirror cracked.
Outside, the judges waited nervously.
Then the chamber doors opened.
Tianming emerged, unchanged, his eyes burning with purpose.
---
After the Trials
Tianming stood on the central platform as the Grand Judge raised his voice.
"Lin Tianming has passed all four trials with unprecedented excellence. By right of skill, wisdom, and courage—he is acknowledged as Heaven's Chosen!"
The sky cracked.
A golden sigil appeared above Tianming's head.
From the clouds descended a massive jade token—the Sigil of Convergence. It hovered above him, glowing with celestial light.
Every sect lowered their banners in acknowledgment.
Even Su Qianyu bowed.
Zhao Yueyin approached silently. "They respect you now."
"They will fear me soon," Tianming said softly.
Above them, the second star pulsed again.
---
To Be Continued in Chapter 36: Rise of the Heaven's Chosen