Chapter 0.02: Tian Yuan(2)

Chapter 0.02: Tian Yuan(2)

Part 1: First Step in Lei State

Act 1: Birth of an Ancient Dragon

The mountain valley was silent, unnaturally silent, as if even the wind feared to move. The ground was cracked and uneven, faint traces of spiritual energy drifting like mist across the terrain, yet at the center of it all stood something that should not exist, something that made the very air tremble uncontrollably. Li Yun and his team stood frozen, their eyes locked onto the young man who had just emerged from the shattered egg, their breathing uneven, their hearts pounding as an invisible pressure pressed down on them, making even standing feel difficult. Behind them, the crystal cave remained open, its jagged entrance glowing faintly as fragments of the broken shell still pulsed with residual energy, as if unwilling to accept that what had been sealed within it was now free.

The young man stood barefoot on the rough ground, unmoving, yet everything around him seemed to revolve in silent chaos. His white clothes fluttered despite the absence of wind, his long white hair drifting slowly as if it possessed a life of its own, and his eyes—those eyes—held something that none of them could understand. Colors shifted within them endlessly, like countless worlds collapsing and being born at the same time, an existence far beyond what they could comprehend. Then, without warning, the colors faded, replaced by a deep, burning crimson, and in that instant, the temperature of the valley seemed to rise as a golden aura erupted from his body, spreading outward in waves that distorted the surrounding space. A faint mark appeared on his forehead, a mystical tattoo with a central point and nine flowing strokes spiraling upward like a silent declaration of something ancient, something terrifying.

No one spoke at first. No one dared to. Even breathing felt like a mistake.

Li Yun swallowed, forcing himself to step forward despite the instinct screaming at him to retreat. His throat felt dry, his body tense, yet he still managed to speak, his voice careful, almost trembling beneath the pressure, "Who… are you?" The words felt heavy the moment they left his mouth, as if they had disturbed something they should not have.

The young man did not answer immediately. His gaze shifted slowly, landing on them for a brief moment before lowering to his own hands, his fingers flexing slightly as if testing the reality of his existence. His expression remained calm, yet his mind was anything but. Thoughts surged within him, fragments of memories that refused to form into something complete, sensations that felt both familiar and distant at the same time. Am I still alive? The question echoed within him, quiet yet heavy, as he examined the flow of power inside his body, the strange lightness he felt, the overwhelming strength hidden beneath the surface. This body… it's different… lighter, yet far more powerful… His eyes narrowed slightly, a faint ripple passing through the golden aura surrounding him. I feel like… an Ancient Dragon.

The air trembled again.

Hua Yun stepped forward next, his expression controlled, though the tension in his shoulders betrayed his unease. He cupped his fists respectfully, lowering his head slightly as he spoke, "Senior, can you… tell us your name?" His voice was steady, but there was caution within it, the kind of caution one used when standing before something completely unknown.

The young man lifted his head slowly, his gaze calm yet carrying an indescribable weight as it swept across them once more. When he spoke, his voice did not simply travel through the air—it resonated, echoing faintly as if the mountain itself was repeating his words, each syllable carrying a strange, invisible force that made the space around them ripple. "My name is Tian Yuan." The moment his name was spoken, the golden aura around him pulsed, and countless strands of multicolored energy spiraled outward like threads of light, wrapping the space in an almost dreamlike distortion. His gaze remained steady as he continued, his tone calm yet absolute, "And do you know where we are?"

Li Yun felt his heartbeat accelerate. The pressure in the air made it difficult to think, yet he forced himself to respond, clearing his throat as he tried to maintain composure. "Senior… we are in the Mountain Valley of Lei State, under the Empyrean Emperor Kingdom." Even as he spoke, he could feel the others behind him struggling, some clenching their fists, others lowering their heads slightly under the invisible weight that Tian Yuan's presence imposed upon them.

Tian Yuan fell silent again, but this time his silence felt different. His eyes seemed distant, his mind turning inward as he processed everything with unsettling speed. Lei State. Empyrean Emperor Kingdom. The names settled into his thoughts as if they belonged there, yet at the same time, they felt foreign. His gaze shifted slightly, observing the group in front of him, measuring their strength, their reactions, their fear. Then, without warning, he spoke again, his voice calm but carrying a sharp edge of curiosity, "Who is the strongest person in Lei State?"

The question caused Li Yun and the others to exchange quick glances, a subtle tension passing between them. After a brief hesitation, Li Yun answered carefully, choosing his words with caution, "Senior… the strongest we know is Hun Feng, the leader of the Soul Refining Sect." The moment the name was spoken, there was a slight shift in the group's expressions, a mixture of respect and unease that did not go unnoticed.

Tian Yuan's eyes flickered faintly, a trace of interest appearing within them as he absorbed the information. The strongest… His thoughts moved quickly, analyzing, comparing, questioning. Yet he did not linger on it for long. Instead, he continued, his tone steady, "Tell me about the sects and clans in Lei State."

This time, Hua Yun responded, stepping forward slightly as he spoke with respect, "Senior, there are five major sects and three great clans that dominate Lei State." His voice grew more stable as he continued, listing them one by one, "The five major sects are the Soul Refining Sect, Profound Rain Cloud Sect, Moonlight Sect, Golden Emperor Sect, and the Thunder Blood Refinement Sect. As for the three great clans, they are the Lei Clan, Ming Clan, and Yao Clan." As each name was spoken, the atmosphere seemed to grow heavier, as if the weight of these powers pressed down on the valley itself.

Tian Yuan remained silent, but his mind was anything but still. Eight major powers. His thoughts moved with cold precision, organizing the information, placing each name into an invisible structure within his mind. His gaze lifted slightly, looking toward the distant sky beyond the valley, his expression calm yet unreadable. The golden aura around him had settled, but the faint distortion in the air remained, a quiet reminder that his existence alone was enough to disrupt the natural order of this place.

Behind him, the broken egg fragments slowly dimmed, the last traces of their energy fading into nothingness, as if their purpose had been fulfilled.

And in that silent valley, surrounded by fear, curiosity, and something far deeper than either, Tian Yuan took his first step into the world of Lei State, a world that had no idea what had just been born within it.

Tian Yuan landed softly on the rocky ground, the air around him still trembling with the fading traces of golden and multicolored aura. He closed his eyes, letting the brilliant light dissipate, letting the residual energy settle into silence. When he opened his eyes again, they were calm, focused, yet unreadable, like a lake that reflected nothing of the storm beneath. He turned toward the hunters and, his voice low but carrying an unshakable authority, asked, "Tell me about your backgrounds."

Li Yun stepped forward first, chest rising and falling steadily, though the tension in his posture betrayed his nervousness. "Senior," he began carefully, "I am from a poor family, but because of my fast cultivation speed, the Thunder Blood Refinement Sect chose me as an inner disciple." His hands were steady at his sides, but the faint tremor in his eyes reflected the immense pressure he felt in Tian Yuan's presence.

Xian Yi followed immediately, his gaze flicking briefly at Tian Yuan before settling on the ground. "Senior, I am in the same situation as Li Yun. Both of us were chosen for our talents by the Thunder Blood Refinement Sect." There was a hint of pride in his voice, but beneath it lay a subtle unease—the awareness that Tian Yuan was no ordinary cultivator.

Hua Yun stepped forward next, his voice calm but firm. "I come from a middle-class family, but my alchemy talent earned me a place as an inner disciple." He straightened his shoulders, as if reinforcing his own resolve in the presence of someone whose strength could swallow them whole with a single thought.

Xu Ming, quieter than the rest, spoke in a soft but unwavering tone. "I am an orphan and lived in an orphanage. The Thunder Blood Refinement Sect recognized my talent and brought me here." His eyes, steady but sharp, reflected a mixture of determination and curiosity, as though testing Tian Yuan's presence without daring to openly challenge it.

Finally, Yao Yue's voice, soft yet commanding, cut through the tension. "I am from the Yao Clan, which sent me to the Thunder Blood Refinement Sect." Her eyes met Tian Yuan's for a fraction of a second, unafraid, intelligent, and deliberate—a presence of subtle authority even among peers.

Tian Yuan's gaze lingered on her, sharp and analytical. If the Yao Clan is a great clan, why would they send Yao Yue here instead of Soul Refining or Profound Rain Cloud Sect? His thoughts raced, the immense, unstable power radiating from his own body making him acutely aware of the fragile balance around him. The others I understand—they come from areas under Thunder Blood's control—but Yao Yue… she is different. He stepped carefully, sensing and calculating the flow of energy in himself. I must stabilize my aura quickly, or the major sects and great clans will notice me immediately.

Li Yun's voice broke through the tense silence, cautious yet respectful. "Senior… can you tell us where you are from?" His question hung in the air, delicate but purposeful, testing boundaries without overstepping.

Tian Yuan's gaze turned inward, distant, unreadable. He did not answer. After a long, loaded pause, Li Yun nodded slightly, understanding the unspoken respect for secrecy, and lowered his head. "I understand, Senior. You do not wish to reveal your home," he said quietly, the weight of unspoken possibilities heavy in his words.

At last, Tian Yuan spoke again, low and commanding, though without aggression. "Is there a cave in this region?"

Li Yun hesitated, then replied with the utmost respect, "Senior… there is a crystal cave underground. You can enter through this hole." He gestured toward a jagged opening partially hidden by rocks, faint light spilling out from within.

Tian Yuan approached the hole slowly, as if feeling the air itself, sensing deeper currents within the earth. "Stay here. Let no one enter this hole," he instructed, calm but imbued with authority that brooked no disobedience. Li Yun nodded immediately, stepping back and obeying without hesitation.

With a single, fluid motion, Tian Yuan leapt into the hole, disappearing into the crystal cave in the blink of an eye. Inside, the cave was vast, a labyrinth of shining crystal floors that reflected and refracted the faint light, creating infinite illusions. He moved with precision, his senses heightened, analyzing every surface, every flicker of energy. Each of the five floors contained a hundred rooms, vast yet strangely harmonious, and he marveled silently, "How could a dragon create such a place?" The thought was quiet, but his voice, carried only in his mind, echoed with wonder.

He reached the third floor and landed upon the crystal surface with a soft thud. Testing the solidity of the ground, he struck it with his fist, punching straight through into the fourth floor. Crystals erupted outward, scattering across the immense room like stars exploding in a miniature sky. The ceiling remained a jagged hole, the shards hanging like frozen lightning. Kicking off the floor, he descended to the fifth level, sensing something even deeper beneath the apparent structure.

Placing two fingers against the ground, he unleashed a concentrated beam of energy. It carved through hundreds of crystals in a blinding flash, vaporizing them instantly, revealing a secret chamber larger than twenty standard rooms combined. At its center pulsed a massive cocoon, alive with an undulating energy that resonated faintly with his own aura.

The moment he touched it, a familiar surge rushed into his body, a flow that felt like an awakening of something long dormant. The cocoon crumbled into ash almost immediately, leaving him momentarily stunned. Sitting cross-legged amidst the ruins, he closed his eyes, drawing in the gentle, white spiritual energy that suffused the room. It wrapped around him, warming, invigorating, and accelerating his cultivation a hundredfold compared to even Li Yun.

Two hours later, he opened his eyes. They were serene, controlled, sharp. "Finally," he thought, "I've stabilized my spiritual energy. I can roam freely without worrying about instability." His face was serious, yet beneath it flickered the faintest trace of satisfaction. Could this mean I am truly an Ancient Dragon now?

The room fell silent once more, leaving only the faint hum of spiritual energy. Tian Yuan reflected, I don't know what happened after being devoured by the dragon, but I survived. Now I can cultivate. A small smile appeared, but he quickly replaced it with a cold, determined expression.

I must hide my identity. I was once ordinary, suffering while others took advantage of me. Now, I will train and take my revenge. His gaze swept over the crystal labyrinth, sharp and calculating. But how long have I been asleep? What year is it now?

Ascending quickly through the crystal floors, he emerged outside, where Li Yun and the team awaited, eyes wide with astonishment at his transformation. His aura was now calm, measured, yet infinitely potent, and his expression carried the serene confidence of one who had glimpsed eternity.

Tian Yuan's eyes swept across the valley before fixing sharply on Li Yun. "Tell me the date, month, and year," he demanded.

Li Yun swallowed, tension evident even as he composed himself. "This is the 14th of December, 3169," he replied carefully, knowing the implications of his words.

Tian Yuan processed the passage of time, his expression hardening as understanding struck him. One hundred years have passed.

The weight of those lost years pressed upon him, yet his shoulders remained steady, his resolve unshaken. He inhaled deeply, the wind brushing against his face, carrying with it the faint scent of pine and stone, a subtle reminder that the world had continued on without him.

In that moment, standing among the hunters in the quiet mountain valley, Tian Yuan's first step in Lei State was complete. The ancient power within him had awakened, yet his eyes held the cold calculation of one who knew that this was only the beginning.

The golden aura that had once radiated like a living sun was now subdued, controlled, and terrifying in its restraint. And as he glanced across the horizon, the mountains and forests beyond, Tian Yuan silently vowed: this world would know the weight of an Ancient Dragon once it stepped fully into its path.

(Act 1 Ends)

Act 2: Tian Yuan's Strength(1)

Tian Yuan floated silently in the crisp mountain air, his figure suspended as if gravity itself bowed to his presence. The sunlight hit him at a perfect angle, glinting off the faint traces of golden aura that still clung to his robes, though subdued now into a controlled, imperceptible glow. Below, Li Yun and his team stood frozen, their hearts pounding in their chests, eyes locked on him, struggling to reconcile the calm serenity of his posture with the terrifying power they had witnessed just moments ago. The jagged hole that led to the crystal cave yawned beside them, a jagged scar in the mountainside, yet it now seemed almost irrelevant, a minor detail in the presence of Tian Yuan's overwhelming aura. Even the wind moved cautiously around him, carrying the scent of pine and stone, but bending subtly as if to avoid disturbing him. Nature itself seemed to recognize the weight of his existence.

Without a word, Tian Yuan raised a single finger slowly, deliberately, as if the motion itself were trivial, almost casual. He didn't glance at the hole, didn't speak, yet the world seemed to pause in anticipation. The mountains trembled faintly, the rocks beneath them humming with subtle resonance. And then, impossibly, stone began to rise. Chunks of earth, jagged boulders, and scattered rubble lifted into the air, suspended by an unseen force, as if invisible hands were guiding them with meticulous precision. The stones hovered, rotated, and, without a sound, moved toward the gaping hole, filling it perfectly. Within seconds, every jagged edge, every gap was sealed; not a single crack remained. The hole had vanished as though it had never existed, leaving only a flawless stretch of stone where the cave had once yawned into the mountain's depths.

Tian Yuan descended slowly, his feet brushing the surface of the ground with the precision of a predator landing on solid prey. Each step sent subtle ripples through the earth beneath him, the pressure so slight that it was imperceptible to anyone not trained in sensing spiritual energy, yet unmistakable in its dominance. Standing before the group, his expression calm and cold, he spoke, his voice carrying an authority that was not loud, but impossible to ignore. "Take me to the Thunder Blood Refinement Sect." Every word resonated through the valley, smooth, commanding, like a river cutting through stone.

Li Yun bowed slightly, awe and caution mixing in his tone. "Okay, Senior, please come with us." Without hesitation, he turned north, his movements brisk but careful, leading Tian Yuan through the dense mountain path. The rest of the team followed closely, trying not to fall behind, aware that even a single misstep might draw Tian Yuan's silent, watchful gaze.

Tian Yuan walked behind them, his steps almost imperceptible. There was a rhythm to his movement, light yet purposeful, as though the earth itself recognized his passage. Li Yun's senses strained, trying to gauge the aura of the young man behind him, but found nothing. He's… he's like a ghost, yet the pressure is undeniable, Li Yun thought, swallowing hard. It's like he doesn't exist, yet he dominates everything around us.

The mountains stretched endlessly before them, peaks dusted with snow, jagged cliffs rising and falling in sharp contrast, the scent of fresh pine mixed with cold air. Birds circled lazily above, chirping faintly, their calls muffled by the weight of the spiritual energy surrounding Tian Yuan. Even the distant roar of a waterfall seemed muted, as if nature itself deferred to his presence.

After a few moments of silent walking, Tian Yuan spoke again, his voice calm but measured, cutting through the soft rustle of wind. "How long will it take to reach the Thunder Blood Refinement Sect?"

Li Yun glanced back nervously, his gaze flicking at the towering figure behind him. "About six hours, Senior. It is very close."

Tian Yuan's expression remained unchanged, his eyes narrowing faintly as he processed the information. Inside, however, there was a spark of curiosity, a ripple of realization. Six hours… and this is considered close? This world… is far larger than I imagined. The sheer scale of the mountains, the distance between sects, and the lingering traces of ancient energy impressed upon him the vastness of this realm. Even at this level, there are powers and distances I cannot ignore. I must adapt quickly.

Li Yun's heart beat faster, acutely aware of the silence that followed Tian Yuan's response. The young man's mind seemed distant, analyzing, calculating, observing every detail, yet not a flicker of panic or hesitation betrayed him. His calm was absolute, his aura like a blade in the air—sharp, invisible, but capable of slicing through all obstacles.

The path grew steeper as they ascended toward the Thunder Blood Refinement Sect, the air thinner, the wind colder, whipping past the mountain cliffs with biting force. Small avalanches of loose gravel tumbled down the slopes, yet none disturbed Tian Yuan. He walked through the wind as if it were nothing, every step measured, every motion deliberate, his presence bending the elements subtly to his will.

Li Yun stole another glance at him, awe and fear mingling in his eyes. "He's… unlike any cultivator I've ever seen. His aura… it's impossible to sense. Yet it presses on you… it demands respect."

The silence between Tian Yuan and the hunters became a weight in itself, punctuated only by the wind and the distant echoes of mountain creatures. The path stretched forward, the jagged peaks slowly giving way to a more defined plateau where the faint outline of the Thunder Blood Refinement Sect appeared, distant yet imposing, its aura unmistakable.

Tian Yuan's gaze hardened as he observed it. Soon… I will test this world properly. Soon, I will know whether these sects are truly worthy of their names—or if they will crumble under my gaze. Yet even with that thought, his expression remained composed, almost casual, as if every calculation, every anticipation of the future, was nothing more than a minor exercise.

The first steps of Tian Yuan in Lei State were complete, but the valley, the mountains, and the looming sect before him were only the beginning. Every detail, every movement, every heartbeat around him had shifted the balance. He had arrived, not as a visitor, but as a presence that would ripple through the fabric of this world, unseen yet undeniably dominant.

Tian Yuan suddenly stopped walking. The group halted immediately, their footsteps fading into the rustling wind and the distant calls of mountain birds. A subtle, almost imperceptible shift in the air made Li Yun's senses prick with unease. He turned slowly, eyes narrowing. "What happened, Senior?" His voice held a hint of nervousness, betraying the tension none of them could hide.

Tian Yuan's gaze remained calm, distant, as if scanning something invisible to all but him. "Do you have a map of Lei State?" he asked, his voice low, precise, carrying a weight that pressed upon Li Yun without force.

Li Yun nodded quickly, fumbling for his bag of holding. With a soft flick of his fingers, the bag opened, and a scroll floated up under his control, hovering before Tian Yuan like a gift. The young man extended a hand, and the scroll rolled gently into his grasp.

The moment Tian Yuan unfurled it, the world seemed to shift. A projection erupted from the scroll, expanding into the air around them, filling the valley with a luminous, three-dimensional map of Lei State. Mountains rose like jagged teeth, rivers carved shining paths across the terrain, and cities glowed faintly with spiritual energy. The air shimmered as the projection seemed to breathe, alive with power. It wasn't a mere map—it was a miniature world, perfect and real, floating in the open air like a sacred artifact.

Tian Yuan's eyes scanned every detail. His gaze fell on the markings immediately: eight yellow arrow-shaped signs, a single green arrow, and a red "X" that seemed to burn with warning. He spoke calmly, each word deliberate. "The yellow arrows represent the locations of the great clans and major sects, correct?"

Li Yun nodded, his voice trembling slightly under the intensity of Tian Yuan's gaze. "Yes, Senior."

"The green arrow," Tian Yuan continued, his tone unchanging, "is our current location. And the red mark…" His eyes flicked to the fiery X. "…represents a dangerous area."

Li Yun blinked, impressed despite himself. "You are correct, Senior."

Tian Yuan's focus shifted to the nearest yellow arrow. It was astonishingly close to their position, almost teasingly near. He reached out, touching the arrow lightly with a fingertip. The moment his finger brushed it, the arrow pulsed, changing color to a vivid blue. Instantly, a name materialized above it: Thunder Blood Refinement Sect.

"This world is massive…" he thought, the weight of realization settling in. "And cultivators live for thousands of years. Six hours of travel… is nothing to them." The landscape of power, time, and distance unfolded in his mind like a living puzzle.

Then, almost without warning, Tian Yuan released his colorful spiritual energy. Streams of reds, blues, golds, purples, and greens spiraled outward from him like rivers of light, each hue vibrating with intent. The energy connected with the projection, latching onto every mountain, river, and city. Within moments, the map's intricate details, the precise location of every sect, clan, and hazard, were imprinted directly into his mind. The projection shimmered once, then vanished—but within him, the map remained vivid, clear, unshakable.

My energy has countless colors… but normal cultivators only have one. I need to hide this, he thought sharply. His mind analyzed the situation, calculating what could betray him. Blue… that's the most common. I've seen it in many cultivators. I'll use that.

Gathering his energy inward, Tian Yuan closed his eyes. For a heartbeat, the world seemed to pause, even the wind holding its breath. Then, opening his eyes, he felt a surge of realization and control. "Strange… I can change my energy, hide it, stabilize it… things only experienced cultivators can do. It feels natural, as if I already know how. That must be it… the Ancient Dragon. It must have lived among humans and learned everything."

Tian Yuan turned his gaze back to Li Yun. "I have memorized the map."

Li Yun nodded, a small sense of relief washing over him. With a snap of his fingers, the projection disappeared instantly. The scroll rolled back into his hand, floating smoothly into his bag of holding as if nothing had happened.

But Tian Yuan wasn't done. The colorful aura he had released now reformed, but not as it had before. It stabilized, coalescing into a pure, serene blue that flowed like water around his body. Newly created… no, newly invented… no… whatever, it's blue now, he thought with a faint smirk, a trace of humor flickering across his otherwise composed face.

The blue energy spread outward, enveloping the group completely. Within moments, it formed a protective barrier, separating them from the outside world. The air inside the barrier stilled, as though removed from time itself. With a simple snap of his fingers, reality itself shifted.

And then, they were gone.

In less than two seconds, the team reappeared on a dense, ancient forest plateau. Towering trees swayed in the wind, their leaves rustling in harmony with the distant cries of unseen birds and the hum of spiritual energy coursing through the air. Before them stood a colossal gate, ancient and imposing, its surface etched with symbols of power that pulsed faintly, resonating with the very mountains around it—the entrance to the Thunder Blood Refinement Sect.

The blue barrier vanished as silently as it had appeared. The group froze, eyes wide, mouths slightly agape, shock settling into their bones.

"What… the hell… we crossed thirteen thousand six hundred kilometers… in two seconds…?" Li Yun whispered, his voice barely audible, as though speaking too loudly might shatter the fragile disbelief that gripped him.

Hua Yun's eyes trembled slightly. "Incredible… this level of control…" Her voice carried awe, tinged with fear, and she glanced at Tian Yuan as though seeking reassurance from someone who was beyond comprehension.

Xu Ming struggled to form words, his face pale. "Is… is that faster than light speed?"

Xian Yi's eyes narrowed, sharp with disbelief. "Even Senior Lin Huang isn't this fast…"

Yao Yue's pulse quickened, her gaze fixed on Tian Yuan with a mixture of fear, admiration, and fascination. Only two seconds… is he even human?

They all slowly turned their heads to look at him, the weight of their expressions telling him everything he needed to know. Tian Yuan paused, letting the realization settle.

"…Why are they looking at me like that?"

Then, in the corner of his mind, a small, amused truth emerged.

"…I overdid it."

For the first time, a faint smirk crept across his face—a rare, almost human flicker of humor amid the aura of omnipotence surrounding him.

The Thunder Blood Refinement Sect loomed ahead, massive and silent, awaiting their arrival, unaware that a storm of unparalleled power had already arrived at its gates.

(Act 2 Ends)

Act 3: Tian Yuan's Strength(2)

Tian Yuan stood silently before the colossal gate, his figure serene yet radiating unshakable authority. The gate loomed impossibly high, a monolith of dark metal that seemed to drink in the sunlight, casting the area around it into a perpetual shadow. Ancient carvings stretched across its surface, winding in patterns that looked less like writing and more like echoes of a forgotten civilization. A faint, pulsing blue glow traced along the edges, like veins of hidden energy, subtly thrum­ing with the rhythm of a heartbeat only cultivators could sense. Even the wind seemed hesitant, brushing against his robes with restraint, as if nature itself recognized the weight of this place. The forest behind him, vast and wild, faded into insignificance compared to the disciplined aura radiating from the gate. This was no mere sect—it was authority, structure, and power manifested in the world.

A cold breeze whispered through the trees, stirring his long white hair and the flowing fabric of his robes. Tian Yuan's gaze was steady, unblinking, locked on the gate. The gate is locked… he mused silently, analyzing every inch of its surface. Not a simple lock, but a method-based restriction. I cannot open it by force. It must require some form of identification… energy-linked, probably a permission card, or something similar. This is a threshold designed for humans, yet it is… clever. His eyes flicked briefly to Li Yun and the others. These people… they should have the key.

Without turning his head, Tian Yuan's voice cut through the charged air, calm and precise, yet commanding: "Use the card and open the gate."

Li Yun's expression tightened. He took a careful step forward, the forest floor crunching softly beneath his boots. "Senior… I'm sorry, but you cannot enter like that. We have permission cards, yes, but they only respond to our own energy signatures. Each person's aura is unique—if you try to use one, it won't respond. And even if you attempted to force it… the consequences may not be simple." His tone was respectful, but a faint tremor betrayed both apprehension and awe.

Tian Yuan was silent for a long moment, his piercing eyes still fixed on the gate. Then, with the slightest nod, he spoke again. "Very well. I will wait outside. Bring your master. I want a permission card."

The hunters team exchanged quick, subtle glances before moving in unison toward the gate. Li Yun's hands moved deftly, opening his bag of holding with a practiced motion, followed by the others. Golden cards emerged from the bags, each one smooth, polished, and faintly glowing with a barely contained spiritual energy. A black strip ran across their surface, shimmering as if alive, responding to the cultivator's presence.

Tian Yuan's eyes narrowed slightly as he observed them. So… this is the permission card.

Each hunter placed both hands on their card, pouring their spiritual energy into it. The aura that erupted was brief but brilliant, flaring like a miniature storm around each of them before being channeled into the card. The cards vibrated in response, light streaming outward in thin, silvery-white currents that stretched toward the ancient gate. The carvings along its edges seemed to drink in the energy, glowing brighter as the streams merged seamlessly with the patterns etched into the metal.

The gate trembled, a deep rumble resonating through the forest as if the mountains themselves acknowledged the ritual. Slowly, imperceptibly at first, a thin seam of blue energy appeared at its center. It grew into a luminous curtain that shimmered like liquid sky, separating the world outside from the inner sanctum of the sect.

Li Yun and the others took a collective breath. Each of them reached forward, touching the glowing layer with fingertips trembling slightly, the spiritual energy of the cards flaring one last time. And then—instantaneously—they flickered, their forms breaking apart like starlight, before disappearing entirely into the blue energy.

The gate's curtain shimmered once more, then solidified, leaving no trace of their passage. Silence fell like a heavy shroud. The forest seemed quieter, the breeze slower, almost as if the world itself were holding its breath.

Tian Yuan remained alone. The gap between him and the sect seemed to stretch endlessly, yet he did not move. His eyes were calm, unwavering, taking in the gate, the forest, and the subtle hum of spiritual energy vibrating in the air. His presence alone bent the attention of the environment; birds did not chirp, leaves did not rustle beyond the faint wind. Time itself seemed to slow around him, measuring his patience, testing his control.

Soon… he thought, voice unspoken but echoing in the threads of reality. Very soon, I will enter.

The gate loomed, silent and eternal, yet it could not hide the fact that a new force, unlike anything this sect had ever known, waited just outside. Tian Yuan's calm exterior masked a mind analyzing everything—the energy of the gate, the surrounding forest, the subtle traces left by the hunters' passage. His aura, stable and composed, radiated outward like a still lake, yet beneath it surged a potential storm that could shatter mountains if unleashed.

For the first time since arriving in Lei State, Tian Yuan felt a small flicker of anticipation—not excitement, not fear, but the steady certainty of one who knows his path. Behind the barrier of silence and distance, the Thunder Blood Refinement Sect awaited the arrival of its newest presence, unaware that the world outside had already been forever altered.

Tian Yuan's eyes sharpened, each iris narrowing as he replayed every detail in his mind—the motion of the gate, the surge of energy, the way the permission cards interacted with the hidden mechanisms. There is a shield integrated with the gate… and a layered method beneath it, he thought, his mind calculating at lightning speed.

First… the permission card requires two energy signatures—one from the master, one from the disciple. Second… it is bound to its owner; no one else can use it. Third… when both signatures are present, a hidden method activates. Fourth… that method channels energy into the gate, which I saw… and memorized. My eyes… they can perceive such things.

His gaze deepened, a subtle glint of calculation in his multicolored aura.

Fifth… the gate returns an invisible energy to the card owner. Sixth… that energy allows passage and teleports the person inside. Seventh… the gate only allows those carrying that invisible energy.

A faint smile curved Tian Yuan's lips. I could replicate this… enter without a card… but that would raise suspicion. I have no identity here. No card. Entering like that would only create unnecessary trouble.

He lowered his head slightly, folding his hands behind his back, and waited. Time stretched thin. The forest whispered as the wind rustled the leaves. The gate remained motionless, unyielding, silent as stone. Tian Yuan stood like a statue, perfectly still, yet the aura surrounding him was calm, controlled, as if nothing could disturb him.

Five minutes passed.

The massive gate trembled once more. Tian Yuan lifted his head, his sharp gaze catching the shift in the energy patterns. The blue barrier shimmered and parted like liquid light.

Li Yun and the others emerged first, flickering into visibility, their expressions a mix of awe and relief. But behind them, a new presence commanded attention.

An old man stepped forward. Bald, his head gleaming faintly in the sunlight, his long white beard flowing to his chest, he looked frail at first glance. Yet the energy around him—subtle but undeniable—spoke of centuries of experience and calculated authority. His white robes were simple but elegant, the faint aura of a cultivator who had long since mastered restraint. His sharp eyes scanned Tian Yuan carefully, filled with assessment, calculation, and something unspoken.

Tian Yuan's mind registered him silently. Who is this… old man? Bald, skinny… deceptively weak in appearance, yet…

The old man's lips curved into a calm smile, his voice smooth and deliberate, carrying weight without effort: "So… you are Tian Yuan, the one who saved my disciples."

Tian Yuan met his gaze evenly. "Yes. I am Tian Yuan."

The old man's smile deepened faintly, his thoughts hidden beneath calm composure. Li Yun mentioned his strength… this one is far from ordinary.

Tian Yuan's voice remained even, neutral, but every word carried certainty. "I want to join your sect."

Shock rippled through the hunters team. Their faces froze, disbelief clear. None had expected such directness—no bow, no formal plea, no hesitation—just pure authority.

The old man's smile shifted, thoughtful but restrained. "Before that… you must pass the admission exams."

Tian Yuan inclined his head slightly. "Okay." But inside, his mind flickered coldly. I can sense his intentions… he doesn't trust me. He's hiding something in his tone.

The old man's gaze didn't waver. "I am one of the twelve masters of this sect."

Tian Yuan's nod was subtle, acknowledging the information while noting it carefully. "Then tell me about the ranking system of your sect."

The old man did not hesitate. "There are seven main ranks. At the top is the Leader—only one exists. Next come two Deputy Chiefs, followed by six Great Elders, then eight Guardians. After that, twelve Elders. Then the Masters—six Grandmasters and six Masters. Finally… the Disciples." He paused, letting the weight of hierarchy settle. "Among disciples, there are five ranks: Core Disciple, Inner Senior Disciple, Inner Junior Disciple, Outer Senior Disciple, and Outer Junior Disciple—the lowest."

Tian Yuan absorbed the structure silently. "How many exams must I pass?"

"Three," the old man replied.

"Explain them."

"There is no need," the old man said with a faint flicker of intrigue in his eyes.

Tian Yuan's lips curved slightly, faint amusement in his thoughts. Then I assume they are easy.

The old man's eyes glimmered briefly. Arrogant… interesting. I will make them harder and see what he is truly capable of.

Tian Yuan's exterior remained calm, yet internally: Motherfucker… I can feel your intentions. You're trying to test me… put me in danger.

The old man turned gracefully and motioned with a snap of his fingers. Instantly, a portal appeared before them, swirling with pure blue energy, space bending unnaturally around it. A distortion hummed in the air, twisting reality, and the ground beneath cracked slightly from the pressure of contained spiritual energy.

Tian Yuan's gaze measured it carefully, unshaken. "So… this is where the exams will take place."

The old man inclined his head in confirmation.

Without hesitation, Tian Yuan stepped forward. His figure dissolved into the swirling portal, leaving nothing behind but the faint shimmer of multicolored aura settling back into the forest. The massive gate stood silent once more, a witness to the arrival of a presence that would soon reshape the Thunder Blood Refinement Sect.

exams

(Act 3 Ends)

{End of 1st Part}

Part 2: Tian Yuan vs Exams

Act 1: Examination(1)

Tian Yuan's body flickered as space twisted violently around him, the air folding in on itself like a collapsing mirror. In the next instant, everything vanished.

He found himself standing in absolute darkness.

There was no sky above, no visible horizon, no sense of distance—only an endless void stretching infinitely in every direction. Even the ground beneath his feet felt uncertain, as if it barely existed, a thin layer separating him from complete nothingness. There was no wind, no sound, no movement—only suffocating silence pressing heavily against his senses. It wasn't ordinary silence; it felt alive, like an invisible force wrapping around his mind, slowly attempting to swallow even his thoughts.

"So much darkness…" Tian Yuan muttered softly. His voice echoed faintly, stretching outward before being completely devoured by the void, leaving no trace behind.

His eyes narrowed. He tried to observe, to sense something—anything—but there was nothing to grasp. No light, no direction, no fluctuation of energy. It was as if he had been thrown into a world that had never been created in the first place. A place outside existence itself.

A faint chill crept along his spine, subtle but noticeable. Yet Tian Yuan did not panic. His breathing remained steady, his expression unchanged.

Slowly, he raised his hand. Then, he released his aura.

In an instant, blue spiritual energy erupted from his body like the birth of a star in the void. It surged outward in all directions, expanding rapidly, illuminating the endless darkness with a brilliant glow. The light spread across kilometers, forcing the void to retreat as if it feared his presence.

His aura shimmered and pulsed, alive and controlled, waves of energy rolling outward like ripples across an invisible ocean. The emptiness that once consumed everything was now pushed back, revealing a faint structure beneath reality itself.

The ground beneath him finally became visible.

It was rough, uneven stone—cracked, dry, lifeless. Broken rocks and fragments were scattered across the surface, as if the land had long since been destroyed and abandoned. There were no trees, no structures, no sky—only endless stone stretching into dimly lit nothingness.

Tian Yuan slowly turned his head, observing everything with calm precision. His expression remained indifferent, but his eyes reflected analysis, calculation.

"Is this exam meant to test patience?" he said slowly, a faint hint of sarcasm slipping into his voice. "If that's the case… then women would fail instantly."

He paused briefly, then shook his head slightly.

"No… this doesn't feel like patience."

The air changed.

Suddenly The ground trembled.

A deep vibration surged upward from beneath the stone, spreading through the land like a pulse. Cracks began to form rapidly, splitting across the surface like veins, expanding in every direction. Loose rocks shook violently, jumping and rolling as if something enormous was awakening below.

Tian Yuan's expression sharpened instantly. His eyes locked onto the shifting ground beneath him.

"Earthquake?"

Before he could think further

BOOM!

The ground beneath him exploded apart. Stone shattered into countless fragments, shooting outward as a massive crack tore through the earth itself. Dust and debris filled the air as something colossal began to rise from the depths.

A shadow formed. It grew larger.And larger.

Until it completely swallowed Tian Yuan.

The sheer scale of the figure was overwhelming. It continued to rise, layer after layer of stone grinding against itself, producing a deep, thunderous sound that echoed through the void.

Then

It fully emerged. The entire area shook violently as its massive form settled onto the broken ground.A gigantic Earth Golem stood before him.

Its body was constructed entirely of stone thick layers of hardened rock forming a monstrous, towering physique. Cracks ran across its surface, glowing faintly as if molten energy pulsed within. Its limbs were massive, each movement carrying the weight of a mountain.

Its eyes burned with a deep, blood-red light.

At the center of its chest, embedded within layers of stone, was a massive yellow crystal. It shone intensely, like a core of condensed energy, radiating power that distorted the air around it.

Tian Yuan stood still.

For a brief moment, he didn't move.

Compared to the golem—he looked like nothing more than an ant.

The golem lowered its massive head slightly, its glowing eyes locking onto him.

Then it roared.

The sound was deafening.

It shook the very air, sending violent shockwaves through the ground. The stone beneath Tian Yuan's feet cracked further, the force alone enough to destroy ordinary cultivators instantly. Dust exploded outward, and the already broken land trembled under the pressure of that single roar.

Yet Tian Yuan remained standing.

Unmoved.

Unaffected.

His robes fluttered slightly from the force, his hair swaying in the violent wind created by the shockwave—but his body did not budge even an inch. His gaze remained fixed on the colossal creature before him, calm, steady, almost… uninterested.

"Earth Golem…" Tian Yuan whispered, his eyes widening slightly, a rare trace of fear surfacing within them.

His heart began to pound violently against his chest, each beat heavy and loud, echoing through his entire body. For the first time since arriving in this world, something felt… overwhelming.

"Calm down… it's just big… size doesn't mean strength… I am strong… I am strong… I am strong…"

He repeated those words inside his mind again and again, forcing control over his thoughts. His breathing, which had briefly lost rhythm, slowly stabilized. The flicker of fear in his eyes faded, replaced by sharp focus. His expression hardened, turning cold and serious once more.

Without hesitation

He moved.

His body shot forward like a streak of light, the ground beneath his feet cracking from the sudden burst of speed. In an instant, he closed the distance between himself and the towering golem, his figure appearing like a blur against its massive form.

But before he could even reach it

BOOM!

The golem's colossal fist descended.

It moved with terrifying speed, far faster than something of its size should be capable of. The air itself screamed as it tore downward, carrying enough force to crush mountains.

Tian Yuan didn't even have time to react.

The fist struck him directly.

His body was slammed into the ground with overwhelming force, the impact shattering the stone beneath him instantly. The earth split open, revealing burning magma rocks glowing deep below, heat surging upward as cracks spread violently across the land.

A massive shockwave exploded outward, sending debris flying in every direction.

For a moment

Everything went silent.

Dust filled the air, slowly settling over the broken ground.

Then

A figure moved.

Tian Yuan slowly stood up.

His body trembled slightly as he pushed himself upright. His vision spun uncontrollably, the world tilting left and right as his head throbbed with intense pain. Blood trickled down the corner of his mouth, dripping onto the shattered stone below.

He clenched his jaw tightly, forcing his mind to stabilize, forcing his body to respond.

"So powerful…" he muttered under his breath, his voice low but steady as his eyes locked onto the towering monster once again.

The golem raised its fist again.

This time

Tian Yuan reacted instantly.

He leapt into the sky, his body shooting upward with explosive force. The ground beneath him cracked once more from the sudden release of energy. He ascended rapidly, reaching the level of the golem's head within moments.

Midair, his body twisted sharply.

Spiritual energy surged into his arm, flowing toward his fist. He compressed it tightly, forcing the energy into a single point. The air around his fist vibrated violently, distorting under the pressure of condensed power.

Then

He struck.

His fist shot forward with everything he had.

It slammed directly into the golem's forehead.

...

Nothing happened.

The golem didn't move. Not even slightly.

Instead

CRACK.

A sharp, sickening sound echoed through the air.

Pain exploded through Tian Yuan's arm as his bones fractured instantly. The force rebounded back into him, sending a wave of agony through his entire body.

Before he could even process it

The golem moved.

A massive hand shot forward and grabbed him midair. Its grip was absolute, crushing, leaving no room for resistance.

Then

It threw him. Like a ragdoll.

Tian Yuan's body spun uncontrollably as he was hurled high into the sky, the wind tearing past him as he lost all sense of direction. The world blurred, his vision shaking violently as gravity pulled him back down.

As he fell The golem was already waiting.

Its fist rose, perfectly timed.

Then

BOOM!!!

The punch connected midair.

The impact was devastating.

Tian Yuan's body was slammed straight into the ground, flattening against the surface with overwhelming force. The stone shattered beneath him once more, sinking his body deeper into the cracked earth.

Blood burst from his mouth.

His consciousness flickered.

"Hey… show mercy… I was born today… and you're making my birthday my death day…"

The thought echoed weakly in his mind, barely holding together as darkness crept into his vision.

But

He still stood up. Barely.

His legs trembled violently, his body swaying as if it could collapse at any second. Blood covered him completely, dripping from his wounds, soaking into the broken ground beneath his feet.

Before he could stabilize Another fist came down.

BOOM!

He was slammed into the ground again.

Then another.

And another.

The golem did not stop.

Its fists descended endlessly, each strike carrying crushing force, like a relentless storm that knew no mercy.

Stone shattered again and again. The ground caved in under the repeated impacts, forming a deep crater. Dust and debris filled the air, rising like a violent cloud around them.

Each punch broke something. Bones shattered. Flesh tore apart.

Blood sprayed across the broken stone.

Tian Yuan's body was destroyed piece by piece under the relentless assault. His limbs twisted unnaturally, his ribs crushed inward, his teeth shattered and scattered across the ground. His face became unrecognizable, completely disfigured under the continuous blows.

Still The fists did not stop. The storm continued. Until Slowly…

Tian Yuan's eyes lost their focus.The light within them faded.They turned blank.

He was on the verge of death.

Yet

The golem continued.

Relentless. Merciless.

Its massive fists crashed down again and again, each strike carrying enough force to shatter mountains. Tian Yuan's body, already broken beyond recognition, sank deeper into the shattered ground with every impact. Blood flooded his vision, thick and blinding, turning everything into a dark crimson haze.

His thoughts became sluggish.

His consciousness flickered.

He tried to speak—tried to form even a single word

But another punch slammed into his chest.

BOOM!

The impact crushed what little structure remained of his ribs, forcing all the air out of his lungs in an instant. His mouth opened, but no sound came out. He couldn't even scream.

Finally

The golem stopped.

Its massive arm froze midair before slowly lowering.

Then it roared.

A terrifying, deafening roar that shook the entire void. The sound wave blasted outward violently, striking Tian Yuan's already broken body.

His eardrums burst instantly. The world went silent. Absolute silence.

No sound. No vibration. Nothing.

Then

CRACK… CRACK…

A strange sound echoed—not through hearing, but through sensation. The massive golem's body began to fracture. Lines spread across its enormous form, glowing faintly as if something inside was breaking free.

In the next moment

It shattered.

The colossal body exploded into countless fragments of stone, collapsing inward as if it had lost its purpose.

From within it

A smaller figure emerged.

A muscular, six-foot-tall Earth Golem.

Its body was compact, refined, perfectly shaped for combat. Every movement it made was precise, controlled, far more dangerous than the brute force of the giant before it. The yellow crystal in its chest was smaller—but its glow was denser, more concentrated, radiating a far more terrifying pressure.

It floated downward slowly, descending like a silent executioner.

Then

It raised its hand.

Sharp rock shards formed instantly around it, condensing out of the surrounding stone like blades forged from pure earth.

They shot forward.

Piercing through Tian Yuan's broken body.

His arms.

His legs.

And

His eyes. Darkness. Complete darkness.Tian Yuan was now blind.

His limbs were destroyed. His body couldn't move. He couldn't hear.He couldn't see. He couldn't speak. He couldn't move.

He was completely paralyzed.

A living corpse.

Outside the profound world

The old master sat calmly on a wooden chair inside a quiet, ancient-style room. The walls were aged, carved with faint patterns that told stories of the sect's long history. The air was still, filled with a sense of quiet authority.

Before him floated a crystal ball, glowing faintly, displaying everything happening within the examination space. Every movement, every strike, every drop of blood—reflected clearly within it.

Outside the house, Li Yun and the others trained, their movements steady, unaware of the horrifying scene unfolding within the exam. Laughter and the sound of clashing techniques echoed faintly in the distance, completely disconnected from the brutality inside.

The old master narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Why is he not using his power…?" he muttered, his voice low, thoughtful. "Is he weak… or did I overdo it?"

A subtle doubt crept into his mind.

Then

He snapped his fingers.

Inside the profound world

The muscular golem froze midair.

Its movements stopped completely.

Then

Its eyes turned purple.

Something changed.

The atmosphere shifted instantly, a darker presence taking control of the body.

A ripple spread through space

And the old master's figure appeared within the void.

He landed quietly beside Tian Yuan's broken, motionless body, his expression calm as he observed the scene. His sharp eyes scanned every detail, analyzing the condition of the boy before him.

"He's dead…" he muttered under his breath.

The possessed golem slowly raised its finger.

Flames erupted instantly, blazing into existence with intense heat, spiraling forward toward Tian Yuan's body.

Within seconds

The flames consumed everything.

His body turned to ash. Nothing remained.

The old master sighed softly, disappointment flashing briefly across his face.

"I thought he was strong… but he was just a weakling."

Then

Something moved. A hand pierced through the golem's chest from behind. The old master's eyes widened instantly.

"What—?!"

The hand reached forward—grabbing the glowing yellow crystal embedded in the golem's chest

And ripped it out.

Standing behind the golem

Tian Yuan.

Alive.

The golem's body trembled, its strength fading as the crystal was removed. Its head turned slowly, its movements weakening, unstable.

The old master's mind shook violently.

"How…? Wait… was that body… a clone?"

Tian Yuan glanced at the crystal in his hand, his expression calm, cold, completely unaffected by everything that had just happened. There was no trace of pain, no sign of struggle—only control.

"I'm not dumb enough to risk my real life fighting blindly in darkness," he said calmly. "I created a clone… and hid underground, waiting for the right moment."

His voice carried quiet confidence.

Absolute certainty.

He raised his hand slightly.

Then

He crushed the crystal.

CRACK.

The sound echoed sharply through the void.

The golem collapsed instantly, its body crumbling into lifeless fragments. The purple glow in its eyes faded, disappearing completely.

Silence returned once more.

Complete silence.

Tian Yuan lifted his gaze forward, his voice suddenly rising, filled with dominance and authority that echoed across the entire space

"I CLEARED THE FIRST EXAM!"

A faint smile appeared on his face.

Above him

A beam of pure white energy descended.

It enveloped his body completely, washing over him like a cleansing light, stabilizing the space around him.

Then

In the next instant

He disappeared.

(Act 1 Ends)

Act 2: Examination(2)

Tian Yuan's eyes darted around the room, absorbing every detail. The sunlight catching the dust in the air, the faint aroma of dried herbs, the slight creak of the wooden floor—it all felt unnervingly real. His mind recognized patterns, small inconsistencies—a shadow that didn't match the angle of light, a faint ripple in the air near the doorway, a soft humming resonance that vibrated through his spiritual perception. Everything whispered: this was not reality.

But the illusion tugged at him, and for a fleeting moment, he felt something he hadn't allowed himself to feel in years—comfort, warmth, a sense of belonging. His chest tightened as memories long buried rose like waves, each one sharper than the last. The voices of the illusionary parents were perfect replicas: not just in tone, but in cadence, subtle gestures, the way their eyes reflected concern and love.

"Honey, come, dinner is ready," the woman said again, her voice folding around him like a soft blanket. The sound resonated in his chest, and for an instant, he stepped forward. His fingers itched to touch her, to feel the connection that years of absence had stolen from him. His mind screamed at him to stop—this was a test, an illusion meant to trap him—but his body betrayed him, moving as if compelled by some deep, primal memory.

Tian Yuan froze mid-step. His breathing hitched. "This… this is dangerous," he muttered under his breath, his eyes scanning the room with renewed intensity. The corners of the walls shimmered slightly, the wooden panels breathing subtly as if alive. The herbs on the shelves emitted faint, unnatural sparks of spiritual energy, almost imperceptible—but to someone attuned like Tian Yuan, they were screaming signals.

He clenched his fists, forcing himself to ground his senses. Blue spiritual energy began to bloom around him, a faint aura radiating outward, stabilizing his perception and anchoring him to the truth. Tiny particles of light, multicolored and fluid, flowed along the contours of the room, revealing the cracks in the illusion. The image of his parents wavered. The warm light that bathed the floor flickered unnaturally, casting shadows that danced in ways the sun could never produce.

The illusion reacted instantly. The warmth faded, replaced by an eerie chill, and the parents' expressions twisted, their smiles faltering into expressions of concern tinged with fear. "Why are you angry, honey?" the mother asked, her voice now slightly distorted, almost mechanical. The father's figure shimmered, flickering as if the energy sustaining him was unstable.

Tian Yuan's eyes narrowed. "So… this tests more than memory or sentiment. It tests my emotional control." His aura expanded further, blue energy flowing like liquid light around him, forming a protective barrier. He extended his spiritual senses outward, scanning the boundaries of the illusion, seeking the core that sustained it.

The floor shifted. The walls rippled. The ceiling stretched as if the room itself were alive, bending reality around him. A pulse of energy surged from the center, targeting him, attempting to manipulate his emotions directly, to drag him into attachment and hesitation. Tian Yuan felt the pressure pressing against his mind, whispering memories, regrets, and longing. It was suffocating, a psychic vise that could break a weaker cultivator in moments.

A faint smirk crossed his face. "Clever," he muttered. "But not clever enough."

He raised a hand and split a small fraction of his energy into a clone. The clone stepped forward calmly, radiating a similar aura, perfectly mimicking his own signature. The illusion reacted immediately, targeting the clone first, sending waves of emotional manipulation and spatial distortion to crush it. Yet, the clone dissipated and reformed seamlessly, each iteration learning from the last. Tian Yuan's mind moved faster than the illusion could adapt.

"Focus on the mechanism, not the bait," he thought. He began tracing the flow of spiritual energy that sustained the illusion, following the threads that connected the distortions, the subtle flickers of imperfection, the hidden conduits that maintained the room. Every shelf, every cup, every shadow became part of a puzzle, each element containing a small signature of the true energy behind the exam.

The old master observed from afar, expression unreadable, but a faint crease formed between his brows. "Interesting… he does not panic, yet he calculates. He does not blindly attack. He adapts."

Tian Yuan stepped toward the illusionary table. He gathered his aura into his hands, then released it slowly, letting it flow across the room like water, filling every crack, illuminating every hidden thread. The parents' figures flickered violently, screaming in silent anguish as their forms destabilized. The sunlight fractured into shards of pure energy, revealing the room beneath the illusion—a blank, ethereal space pulsing with the exam's true energy signature.

"Phase one… bypassed," Tian Yuan muttered. A faint smile touched his lips as he surveyed the now-revealed arena. But he knew this was just the beginning. The test would escalate, becoming more complex, more dangerous. Emotional manipulation was just the first layer—the puzzle had more teeth.

From above, the old master leaned forward, his eyes glinting with anticipation. "This boy… he is unlike any before him. Let's see if he can handle the next stage."

Tian Yuan's expression hardened. "Bring it on.

Tian Yuan's hands shot up instinctively, slapping himself as if to wake from a dream, breaking the temporary haze clouding his mind. His eyes snapped open, scanning the room with razor-sharp focus. The familiar faces of his parents shimmered in the light, filled with warmth, yet something about the way they moved, too precise, too perfect, set his instincts on edge.

Before he could process the dissonance, new figures appeared—his uncle and aunt, their faces twisted in malice. Knives gleamed in their hands, cold steel reflecting the soft sunlight, and they advanced with lethal intent, pressing the blades to the throats of his parents.

"Stay away from my parents!" Tian Yuan shouted, voice cracking with raw emotion, but it fell into the void like a stone in a bottomless pit. In a heartbeat, the knives cut deep. His parents crumpled, their expressions twisted in pain and accusation.

"We died because of you," his father rasped, anguish etched into every word.

"You're useless… trash. You cannot even protect your family," his mother added, her voice slicing through him sharper than any blade.

Tian Yuan went silent for a moment, jaw tightening, grief and rage boiling like molten steel within him. Then, with a roar that split the air, he released a surge of spiritual energy. Blue and red light erupted around him, fracturing the illusionary room. Walls cracked, shelves splintered, and the serene domestic scene shattered into jagged, glitching fragments.

His uncle and aunt transformed violently, their forms twisting into monstrous parodies of life. Wolfish faces, elongated fangs, spider-like limbs, and dark gray skin turned them into living nightmares. They charged, predatory and inhuman, faster than his eyes could track. Tian Yuan leapt into the air, channeling concentrated energy into two blazing beams that shot past the monsters, detonating the fractured ground in violent explosions. Dust and splinters swirled around him, but he remained composed, every movement calculated, every breath controlled.

Then, pain exploded in his back. Two swords plunged into him from behind, and he spun midair, eyes wide with shock. Before him stood his parents—or illusions of them—their hands bloodied, weapons driven deep into his body. Tears welled up, burning with the mix of grief, confusion, and rage.

Red energy flared from Tian Yuan's eyes, his body morphing into a vessel of raw power. Shadows twisted around him, coiling like living serpents, responding to his inner fury. He lunged at the illusions, seizing the figures of his parents, crushing them as the nightmare itself seemed to obey his wrath. Darkness enveloped him, yet clarity guided each movement, each strike precise and unstoppable.

The trial escalated further. Wave after wave of monstrous illusions devoured his parents, tearing them limb by limb, head by head, each scene a knife in his heart. He cried out, powerless to stop the illusions, yet unwilling to submit. His clone emerged from the shadows, mirroring his movements, preparing for the next attack.

Then came the final test. A translucent glass wall materialized before him, perfectly clear, separating him from a new illusion: a fake Tian Yuan embraced parental figures, smiling with perverse satisfaction. The fake son crushed their heads effortlessly, over and over, while the cycle repeated endlessly. Rage and disbelief surged through him, his spiritual pressure climbing to monstrous levels.

Step by step, he advanced, each movement exuding absolute dominance. The glass wall trembled, then shattered under the sheer weight of his will. His aura erupted fully, a tidal wave of spiritual energy obliterating every illusionary figure.

The darkness collapsed entirely, replaced by a blinding white void. In its center, a small shadow creature trembled under the residual force of his energy. Tian Yuan walked toward it deliberately, crushing it beneath his foot. His figure radiated finality, absolute authority.

"I won," he whispered, his body still thrumming from the trial's residual strain. Moments later, a brilliant beam of white light descended, enveloping him completely. Within an instant, the light absorbed him, carrying him out of the void entirely.

(Act 2 Ends)

Act 3: Examination(3)

The moment Tian Yuan opened his eyes, a cold and lifeless silence wrapped around him like a suffocating shroud, his feet already planted on the rough stone surface of an enormous arena that stood isolated within a dead forest where every tree looked twisted and hollow, their bark cracked as if drained of all vitality, their branches stretching unnaturally toward the dark sky as if silently mourning something long lost. The air itself felt heavy, pressing down on his chest, and even the faintest movement of his breath echoed unnaturally in the stillness, making it feel as though the entire world was watching him. His gaze moved slowly, cautiously, scanning every corner of the empty arena, his instincts screaming that this place was not real, yet dangerously real at the same time, and his voice came out low but steady, "Where am I."

The answer came not in words but in light, as the sky above suddenly cracked open and a pillar of pure white brilliance descended violently onto the arena, slamming into the ground with a deafening force that sent cracks spreading like spiderwebs beneath Tian Yuan's feet, dust rising in thick clouds as the pressure of that light crushed the surrounding air. Tian Yuan instinctively raised his arm to shield his eyes, his pupils shrinking under the overwhelming brightness, and slowly, as the light began to fade, a figure revealed itself from within. An old man stood there calmly, his hands hidden behind his back, his posture straight, his presence quiet yet incomprehensibly heavy, as if the entire arena itself revolved around him. His face carried no expression, his eyes deep and unreadable, yet the pressure he emitted made Tian Yuan's body instinctively tense, every nerve screaming danger.

"I didn't expect that you could clear the first two exams," the old man spoke, his voice calm yet echoing across the arena like distant thunder, carrying a weight that could not be ignored.

Tian Yuan inhaled slowly, forcing down the pressure pressing against him as he answered honestly, his lips curling into a faint, tired smile, "Those two exams were very hard, I almost failed, but luckily I passed."

The old man's gaze remained unchanged, as if such words held no meaning to him, and he spoke again without delay, "Now this battle will be your last trial."

Tian Yuan's fingers curled slightly, his body stiffening for a brief moment before he spoke again, his tone calm but grounded in reality rather than pride, "But how can I fight with you, I am not that powerful."

"I will adjust my power to give you a fair fight," the old man replied, his voice absolute, as if fairness itself bent to his will.

A silence fell between them, thick and suffocating, before Tian Yuan slowly nodded, his hesitation disappearing as a sharp determination filled his eyes, "Okay, I am ready." His fists tightened, muscles coiling as he prepared himself, his breathing steadying as he locked onto his opponent.

The next instant, the ground beneath him shattered as he exploded forward, his body moving like a blur as he closed the distance instantly, leaping into the air with a powerful kick aimed directly at the old man's head, the force of it cutting through the air with a sharp sound. The old man calmly revealed his right hand from behind his back and raised it slightly, and the moment the kick landed, the impact echoed like steel striking a mountain, the force dispersing uselessly as if it had never been enough. Tian Yuan's eyes narrowed, but he did not stop, landing instantly and stepping forward again as his fist shot toward the old man's chest with precision, only for the old man to shift slightly and let it pass.

Tian Yuan's attacks intensified, his fists becoming a relentless storm, each strike faster and heavier than the last as he attempted to overwhelm his opponent through sheer pressure, his breathing steady yet forceful, his movements sharp, but the old man dodged everything with minimal motion, each movement precise, effortless, as if he was simply stepping around something already known. Tian Yuan's expression darkened slightly, but he adapted instantly, lowering his stance and sweeping his leg toward the old man's feet in a calculated attempt to break his balance, the strike landing perfectly, yet the old man did not move even slightly, his body unmoved like an immovable mountain.

"These are your tricks," the old man said calmly, his tone flat, without mockery yet cutting deeper than any insult.

Before Tian Yuan could react, the old man's hand shot forward and grabbed his throat, lifting him into the air effortlessly as his feet left the ground, the grip tightening instantly as his breathing was cut off. Tian Yuan's hands grabbed the old man's wrist instinctively, his muscles straining, veins bulging as he tried to break free, his vision beginning to blur, yet even in that suffocating moment, he forced his knee upward with all his strength, slamming it into the old man's jaw, only for the impact to feel like striking unbreakable stone, no reaction, no movement, nothing.

"Accept defeat, you're not strong," the old man said, his voice calm, absolute.

Tian Yuan's lips slowly curled upward despite the suffocating grip, a faint smile forming as his voice came out hoarse yet steady, "Really."

In the next instant, his body dissolved into smoke, slipping through the old man's grasp as if it had never existed.

The old man's eyes flickered slightly, a rare reaction, "What."

Before he could react further, Tian Yuan appeared behind him, his leg already descending with force as it slammed into the old man's back, sending him crashing into the ground with a loud impact that cracked the arena floor. Tian Yuan did not stop, his fists crashing down repeatedly, each punch carrying everything he had as the ground shattered beneath the force, his breathing growing heavier, his eyes sharp, focused entirely on the moment.

Outside the Profound World, the hunters sat in lotus positions, unaware of the brutal battle unfolding, spiritual energy flowing through the air and entering their bodies. Li Yun remained calm, his breathing steady, as the energy moved smoothly into him, gentle and obedient, while the others struggled, their faces tense as they forced the energy into their bodies, sweat forming as they fought to maintain control.

Inside the arena, everything changed in a single instant.

The old man's fist moved, striking Tian Yuan's chest with overwhelming force and sending him flying into the air, his body twisting as pain exploded through him, and before he could recover, the old man pointed his finger forward, a thin beam of light forming instantly before shooting forward and piercing through Tian Yuan's head. His body went limp instantly, falling lifelessly to the ground as the old man disappeared.

The world shifted.

Tian Yuan stood again at the center of the arena, his breathing steady but his eyes filled with confusion, "Huh what."

Light descended again. The old man appeared again.

Tian Yuan rushed forward instantly, but the old man simply raised his finger and fired, the beam piercing his head again before he could react.

Darkness swallowed everything.

Again.

Tian Yuan's eyes snapped open, his body already moving as he rushed forward, twisting his body the moment the old man raised his finger, narrowly dodging the beam as it passed beside his face, his fist rising in a sharp uppercut aimed at the old man's chin, but before it could land, the old man's fist struck first, smashing into his face and slamming him into the ground with overwhelming force.

The world shattered again.

Tian Yuan stood once more, his breathing slightly heavier, his eyes darker, filled with a growing understanding as he stared at the descending light, then at the old man, his voice low and steady, "I am in a constant cycle of life and death."

The old man said nothing. The battle began again.

Time passed without meaning, the arena witnessing countless battles as Tian Yuan fought, died, and stood up again, his movements changing, his reactions sharpening, his body adapting, pain becoming familiar, fear fading into nothing.

Two months had passed, though time felt meaningless inside the arena. Tian Yuan's senses were sharpened to the limit, each nerve screaming with anticipation, each heartbeat resonating like a drum across the empty forest that surrounded the colossal stone arena. The sky above was a murky gray, heavy clouds roiling as if the heavens themselves were holding their breath. The air smelled faintly of ozone, of charged energy lingering from battles fought countless times, each echo of the past strikes still reverberating faintly in the oppressive silence. His palms were slick with sweat, his fists clenching instinctively as he stood in the center, feet firmly planted on the fractured stone, muscles coiled like springs ready to explode. He did not rush blindly this time; patience and observation had been burned into him after countless repetitions, each failure a lesson carved into his bones.

The pillar of light descended from the sky again, brighter than ever, slamming into the arena floor with a deafening roar that shook the very earth. Dust erupted in thick clouds, and Tian Yuan's eyes narrowed as the light began to clear. The old master emerged from the brilliance, calm, unwavering, as though the storm of his own presence had no effect on him. His hands remained behind his back, posture rigid, yet the energy he radiated pushed against Tian Yuan like a physical weight. For a moment, the world seemed to pause, the silence stretching so thick it was suffocating, pressing against Tian Yuan's chest as though the arena itself was holding its breath, waiting for the battle to begin.

Without hesitation, Tian Yuan exhaled sharply, muscles rippling as he surged forward like a striking snake, his body a blur of motion as he closed the distance between them in an instant. The old master reacted calmly, lifting a single hand, and the clash began—not with words, but with action. Their fists collided, the sound like thunder exploding across the arena, sparks flying as raw force pressed against raw force. Tian Yuan's fists moved like a storm, each strike precise, brutal, carrying everything he had learned, yet every attack was dodged, every kick parried effortlessly. Still, he adapted, weaving through openings, exploiting the smallest gaps, his breathing steady despite the burn in his muscles, despite the sting of his own blood leaking from a split lip.

The old master retaliated with absolute control, his movements fluid yet impossibly fast, each punch and kick striking with pinpoint accuracy. Tian Yuan took hits that would have shattered lesser cultivators, yet he kept moving, his body a machine of instinct and determination, dodging just enough to survive, countering with calculated strikes that forced the old master back ever so slightly. Every impact left cracks on the stone floor beneath them, dust and debris rising like the ghosts of battles past, while the wind whipped around the arena, scattering leaves and twigs in a chaotic spiral. Tian Yuan's mind was a storm of focus, his eyes locked on his opponent's every twitch, his entire being vibrating with tension, every muscle straining against exhaustion.

A hard blow slammed into his side, sending a jolt of pain up his spine, but he refused to stagger, planting his feet and swinging a rapid series of punches. The old master dodged, sidestepped, barely moving, until Tian Yuan feinted a left punch and drove his knee forward, aiming at the old master's chest. The strike landed, and for the first time, the old master shifted his weight slightly, his eyes flickering with recognition of Tian Yuan's growing skill.

"You're stronger than I expected," the old master said calmly, voice cutting through the roaring wind, yet somehow still devoid of fear or strain. "But strength alone is not enough."

Tian Yuan's lips curled into a grim, bloodied smile. "I'm ready for more." His body coiled, launching a sudden, impossible sprint, feet barely touching the ground as he darted beneath the old master's guard, his fist aimed straight at the master's chest. The old master raised his hand, a spark of lightning suddenly flickering between his fingers. The arena seemed to shudder, a low rumble rolling across the stone as the sky darkened further.

"Let me show you… real power," the old master said, voice echoing across the arena like the distant rumble of a storm that had existed long before the world itself.

Lightning descended in a jagged streak, striking the ground mere inches from Tian Yuan. The force blew him backward, tossing him across the arena like a ragdoll. Pain exploded in his body, searing flesh and bone, but he rolled with the impact, launching himself back onto his feet with relentless determination. Another bolt struck his shoulder, sending blood spraying, scorching the air, yet Tian Yuan ignored it, forcing his legs to push against the fractured stone beneath him, each step cracking the arena with thunderous force as he advanced toward the old master once again.

"You… this is all you have?" Tian Yuan growled, his voice low, resonant with raw determination, each word carrying the weight of two months' worth of struggle, pain, and failure. His fists glowed faintly, his aura igniting like a wildfire, weaving around him as he pushed forward despite everything, despite the bolts of lightning tearing through the arena, despite the jagged cracks beneath his feet threatening to swallow him.

The old master's eyes narrowed, and lightning gathered around his form, striking the ground violently, jagged explosions echoing as he unleashed an earth-shattering barrage of thunder techniques. Tian Yuan staggered, fire and electricity burning through his skin, yet he advanced, every step deliberate, his breathing steady even as pain tore through his chest. The storm became almost unbearable, wind whipping his hair across his bloodied face, clouds twisting violently overhead, the scent of ozone thick in the air, but he did not hesitate.

With a final roar that seemed to pierce the heavens themselves, Tian Yuan lunged forward, his body a bullet of determination, and in one unstoppable motion, he slammed his hand through the old master's chest. Energy exploded outward in all directions, the storm suddenly dissipating, the arena shaking violently as silence fell like a tidal wave. The old master looked at him, a faint, almost imperceptible smile gracing his face, and then his body began to dissolve, light leaking from every pore.

"Good," he said, voice calm, almost approving, before disappearing completely.

Tian Yuan's legs gave out, and he collapsed to the ground, consciousness fading into darkness, the arena and forest vanishing into nothingness.

When he opened his eyes again, he was in a void of black, endless and quiet, the silence absolute, the pressure of existence itself absent. He looked around slowly, his voice steady, almost distant, "That was… an illusion in my dream."

A white light descended, soft this time, gentle but impossibly bright, and as it cleared, the old master stood before him once more, calm and silent. Tian Yuan's chest rose and fell steadily, the fight finally over, his eyes locking onto the master with a mix of exhaustion and triumph.

"So… did I pass the exam?" Tian Yuan asked, his voice filled with quiet hope, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

"Yes," the old master replied simply, his tone devoid of celebration, yet filled with undeniable authority. "You passed."

Tian Yuan exhaled, relief washing over him like a tide, a genuine smile breaking across his face. "Yes…" he murmured, the weight of two months of relentless trials finally lifting from his shoulders.

The old master snapped his fingers, and reality shifted violently. In an instant, Tian Yuan appeared before the hunters' team, the familiar scent of the training grounds filling his senses, the sound of spiritual energy humming as they cultivated in lotus posture. He looked at them calmly, noting their steady forms, the gentle glow of energy entering their bodies.

"They're in cultivation," he said quietly.

"Two months have passed," the old master's voice came from behind him, steady and observant.

Tian Yuan turned slowly, meeting his gaze, calm and unwavering. "So… I am now your disciple."

"Yes," the old master replied, his voice even, though a rare thought flickered across his mind. I made the exams extremely difficult… yet he still passed.

Tian Yuan lifted his gaze to the sky, the faint light of the sun filtering through the canopy above, his expression serene yet resolute. "Finally," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the hum of spiritual energy around him, "I am in the Thunder Blood Refinement Sect."

The forest seemed to exhale with him, the weight of the past trials falling away as he finally stood as a disciple of the sect, ready to face the future with unshakable determination.

(Act 3 Ends)

{End of Part 2}