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10.63% Ascension of the Silent Guardian / Chapter 10: Chapter 10 – Battles of the Inner Sect

Capítulo 10: Chapter 10 – Battles of the Inner Sect

In one of the dwellings in the floating islands near Elder Liang Wuyin's palace, Jiang Zhenhai sat in deep cultivation. The air around him vibrated slightly, signaling that he was close to breaking through to the next level.

"I'm close to a breakthrough, it shouldn't take much longer," he murmured to himself, reflecting on his cultivation, which had already reached the seventh level of the Mortal Realm and was about to reach the Spiritual Core. As he felt the flow of Qi through his body, a thought crossed his mind. "That boy... Tian Ling... How is his cultivation going?" Jiang Zhenhai thought, recalling the intense battle they had. Tian Ling's face appeared in his mind, and a mix of admiration and expectation filled his heart.

Not far away, in Zhao Xun's dwelling, he cultivated diligently, his eyes fixed, and his mind focused. After witnessing Tian Ling's fight, Zhao Xun realized it would be impossible to compete with him without significant progress.

"If I hold a grudge against him... it'll be my end," Zhao Xun muttered, now fully aware that he needed to accelerate his own progress. He was already at the peak of the Mortal Realm, but the bottleneck to the next level seemed impossible to break. Frustration swelled within him, but he wouldn't let it stop him. "I will break through," he thought with determination.

Further ahead, on an island with several battle arenas, Elder Shen Qixin watched his disciples closely. The surrounding islands were a constant battleground, where Lan Wei and Qin Rong fought tirelessly.

"They still haven't understood the true meaning of battle," Shen Qixin thought, admiring their perseverance, yet knowing that control and precision were essential for victory. "It's only a matter of time before they realize that brute strength isn't enough," he reflected with a slight smile.

Nearby, Yu Meilin's dwelling was in complete silence. The disciple, who shared Tian Ling's same thirst for peace, had gone into seclusion since arriving at the sect. There were no battles for her, only continuous and relentless cultivation. To Yu Meilin, the outside world was a distraction — her only goal was ascension, and she was determined to follow that path at all costs.

Meanwhile, the much-anticipated Inner Sect Tournament was about to begin. This event, held every twenty years, was one of the most awaited in the sect. Only disciples who had reached the Spiritual Core could participate, and while the promise of valuable rewards was tempting, the true prize was the chance to become an elite disciple, directly guided by the sect master.

Jiang Zhenhai and Zhao Xun were among the competitors. Zhao Xun, who had recently broken through to the Foundation Realm, was determined to prove his worth. Jiang Zhenhai, still at the seventh level, faced an obstacle. He knew he needed to push for a breakthrough, and he saw the tournament as an opportunity to do just that.

The crowd's roar was deafening when Elder Shen Qixin announced the start of the competition:

"Let the battles begin! The first competitors are Yang Lau, at the Spiritual Core Realm, and Wu Yu, also at the Spiritual Core Realm. Present yourselves!"

In the center of the arena, Yang Lau and Wu Yu respectfully bowed before taking their combat positions. Yang Lau infused his sword with Qi, advancing like lightning. Wu Yu, in turn, dodged nimbly, already prepared to counterattack with his thin chains that glowed with concentrated Qi. The chains seemed alive, responding to Wu Yu's every command, forming a barrier around his body. When Yang Lau approached for another attack, the chains quickly ensnared him, immobilizing him.

With a single motion, Wu Yu hurled Yang Lau against the arena wall. The impact made his opponent spit blood, and without resistance, he surrendered.

Jiang Zhenhai, watching the fight, was amazed. "Is the difference between realms really that vast?" he thought, feeling a mix of fear and excitement. He knew he was close to reaching that level and mentally prepared for his turn.

The battles continued intensely, with disciples showcasing their techniques, until it was Zhao Xun's time. Despite his recent breakthrough to the Foundation Realm, he soon faced a veteran disciple at the peak of the same realm. Zhao Xun's defeat was swift. Even after correcting his temperament, he stood no chance against the experience of his opponent. "This is not where my journey ends," Zhao Xun thought, already planning his next move after the defeat.

Then it was Jiang Zhenhai's turn. His opponent had recently entered the Spiritual Core Realm, putting Jiang at a disadvantage. However, he was confident in his sword skills. The two bowed to each other and assumed their positions. As soon as the fight began, an explosion of spiritual Qi lifted dust around the arena.

The blows were precise and swift. Jiang Zhenhai pressured his opponent, but the latter did not yield, countering with equal force. The fight seemed balanced until Jiang was struck by a blow that left him momentarily dazed. Feeling the pressure mount, he knew he needed to act. With a quick move, Jiang Zhenhai found an opening and delivered a powerful strike, forcing his opponent to admit defeat.

As the battles continued, in an isolated cave, Tian Ling slowly opened his eyes. It was the same moment the fights were happening, and he hadn't felt time pass.

"Seventh level of the Foundation Realm. I'm about to break thr—" Before he could finish his sentence, a realization struck him. "Ninth level of the Foundation Realm? Doesn't it stop at the seventh?" he thought, confused. A light shone in his eyes, and he sank back into meditation, focusing on understanding this new knowledge.

After several hours, he opened his eyes again, and words naturally flowed from his mouth, as if they were part of his very essence:

"Flowing Path Technique, second phase. The cultivation must be perfect, the foundation must be stable, and the path, clear. Gather spiritual Qi around your core, form three higher levels, and finally form your Inner Core and break through."

Tian Ling was astonished. "What was that? This technique is incredible! Wait... Elder Lian Ziyue also surpassed the seventh level of the Foundation Realm. I hadn't even noticed. But now that I think about it, what technique is she cultivating?" Immersed in his thoughts, Tian Ling realized he was on the verge of a major discovery.

Then Tian Ling closed his eyes and focused again on cultivation. He wanted to reach the Spiritual Core Realm as soon as possible. He felt confident and determined.

Meanwhile, the Inner Sect Tournament continued. Jiang Zhenhai had to face a disciple who was already at the fifth level of the Spiritual Core Realm. This time, he stood no chance — the power difference was too great. Even so, Jiang Zhenhai felt confident. "Once I break through to the Spiritual Core Realm, I'll be able to compete with them," he thought.

After a few days of celebration for the end of the tournament, the disciples returned to their routine. Cultivation never stops, and for many, the real challenge was yet to come.


Capítulo 11: Chapter 11 – Breaking Through to the Spiritual Core

Five years passed like leaves in the wind. For mortals, it might seem like a long time, but for cultivators, it was merely a nap.

Tian Ling slowly opened his eyes, and a powerful aura emanated from his body, signaling that his spiritual core was about to form. The air around him trembled as if the very atmosphere acknowledged his newfound strength.

"Ninth level of the Spiritual Core... I'm about to break through... incredible," he murmured to himself, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. His eyes sparkled with determination, knowing he was on the verge of reaching a new stage in his cultivation, and the thought only fueled his anticipation.

He took a deep breath, feeling the flow of Qi within his body. Each breath felt heavier, laden with power.

"I need to inform the master and find a safe place to transcend the tribulation," he said, rising quickly, his body light as a feather.

As he exited his cave, Tian Ling accidentally bumped into Yu Meilin, who was passing by at that moment. The collision made him step back.

"Sorry, sister, I didn't see you," he said quickly, bowing slightly as an apology.

"No problem," she replied coldly, her eyes fixed on him. She frowned as she thought, "I can't sense his cultivation? But I'm already at the sixth level of Foundation... strange." A flicker of curiosity crossed her mind, but she held back, continuing on her way.

Tian Ling mounted his sword and flew directly towards his master. The wind cut across his face, but his mind was focused solely on the moment he would break through to the next level.

Upon arriving before Mei Lianhua, he immediately knelt.

"Master, I've reached the final level of the Foundation Realm and am about to break through. I need a place to undergo my tribulation," he said, his voice filled with excitement and anxiety.

Mei Lianhua raised her eyebrows, clearly surprised. Her eyes gleamed as she examined his cultivation.

"What? You're already about to break through?" Her voice, for a moment, broke her usual composure. "This boy... he's already surpassed the seventh level of the Foundation Realm? How is that possible?" she thought. But she quickly regained her serene posture, not letting him see her astonishment.

"Hm, very well. Follow me."

Tian Ling followed her without hesitation as she led him to an island near the central island. The vastness of the place was impressive, and a mystical silence prevailed. All that could be seen were floating vortices, each containing a different image, like portals to distant realms.

"Enter this vortex and begin your tribulation," Mei Lianhua said, pointing to one of the vortices that displayed the image of a towering, solitary mountain.

Without delay, Tian Ling stepped into the vortex. As soon as he passed through, he felt immense pressure. He found himself on a vast plain surrounded by colossal mountains. The sky was heavy and dark, a forewarning of the impending tribulation.

He sat cross-legged and began channeling his Qi, focusing on forming his spiritual core. A slight tension gripped his body. He knew that upon reaching the seventh level of the Foundation Realm, a cultivator had to face the heavens' tribulation — a series of lightning bolts charged with spiritual energy that had to be absorbed to form the core. However, Tian Ling had surpassed that level and reached the ninth, making his tribulation even more intense and dangerous.

The wind began to howl around him, and the clouds in the sky swirled violently. Thunder rumbled in the distance, and Tian Ling felt a drop of sweat roll down his forehead.

"Come on... I'm ready!" he murmured, closing his eyes, fully focused.

Suddenly, the system echoed in his mind, its unmistakable presence:

[DETECTED THAT THE USER IS ABOUT TO UNDERGO THE TRIBULATION OF THE PERFECT SPIRITUAL CORE. DUE TO THE HIGH CONCENTRATION OF SPIRITUAL QI IN THE LIGHTNING, THE SYSTEM WILL PROVIDE A BARRIER THAT REDUCES DAMAGE BY 50% AND INCREASES SPIRITUAL QI ABSORPTION BY 100%.]

Tian Ling smiled.

"It will halve the damage and increase my absorption? Incredible!" he exclaimed, astonished.

A golden barrier formed around him, shimmering in the air, as the first lightning bolt tore through the sky and struck him. The impact was terrifying. Even with the system's protection, he felt the overwhelming force of the spiritual energy being absorbed into his body, and the pain was intense. His muscles trembled, and the pressure on his body was immense. He clenched his teeth, determined.

The lightning bolts continued to fall, one after another. With each strike, Tian Ling's core solidified further. The mountains around him shook, and the sound of thunder seemed to tear through the very air. For seven days and seven nights, he endured the tribulation, absorbing every bolt and transforming it into power.

At last, the final burst of energy flashed across the sky, and the storm dissipated.

"Finally... what a dominating experience," Tian Ling murmured, feeling his spiritual core pulsing within him. He had broken through.

Upon exiting the mystical realm, Mei Lianhua awaited him.

"Congratulations on reaching the Spiritual Core Realm," she said with a slight smile. However, in her mind, something kept echoing: "This child... his Qi aura is absurdly pure." She silently admired Tian Ling's talent.

"What do you plan to do now? Maybe take on some missions?" she asked, trying to hide the expectation in her voice.

"No, master. I plan to return to cultivation and stabilize my foundation before venturing out."

"I understand that diligent cultivation is important, but you need opportunities to advance. Simply cultivating won't be enough to reach the next levels."

"I understand, master, but I don't like taking risks. When I feel powerful enough, I'll go out and explore the world," Tian Ling replied firmly, with conviction.

She observed him for a moment, astonished by the firmness in his words. "He has so much talent, but he needs to go out and seek opportunities..." she thought, though she knew he wouldn't budge.

Without further delay, Tian Ling returned to his cave to stabilize his cultivation. Six months passed, and finally, he had consolidated his core. At that moment, the system echoed once again in his mind.

[DETECTED THAT THE USER HAS ADVANCED TO THE SPIRITUAL CORE REALM. YOU WILL RECEIVE TWO JARS OF SPIRITUAL CORE PILLS AND AN EARTH-GRADE TREASURE.]

[CONGRATULATIONS ON OBTAINING THE EARTH-GRADE TREASURE: DIVIDING SWORD.]

His eyes lit up, focusing on the sword the system had just announced. Another message appeared:

[DIVIDING SWORD: AN EARTH-GRADE TREASURE, DEVELOPED THROUGH YEARS OF ACCUMULATED QI FROM HEAVEN AND EARTH. IT CAN WITHSTAND LARGE AMOUNTS OF SPIRITUAL QI AND STRENGTHEN ALONG WITH ITS WIELDER.]

Tian Ling was thrilled. In a month, the treasure recognized him as its master, after he continuously injected spiritual energy into it.

Soon after, the system surprised him again.

[DETECTED THAT THE USER LACKS COMBAT EXPERIENCE. THE SYSTEM WILL CREATE A SPECIFIC AREA FOR YOU TO TRAIN YOUR POWERS. THIS AREA WILL NOT AFFECT YOUR BODY OR MIND. SIMPLY THINK OF THE SIMULATION ARENA.]

Tian Ling felt intrigued but quickly focused. When he opened his eyes, he found himself in a completely white, empty room. A screen appeared in front of him, displaying the names of several people he had known over the years, including his disciple sister, his master, and the sect leader.

"What is this? Am I supposed to choose someone?" he murmured, still confused, but ended up selecting the sect leader.

In an instant, the Sect Leader of the Misty Cloud Sect appeared before him, expressionless.

"Hello, mast—" Before he could finish his sentence, the sect leader raised his hand, and with a single motion, Tian Ling's body and soul were destroyed. Instant death.

He woke up in his cave, disoriented, his breath ragged.

"Huff, huff... what was that?" he murmured to himself, inspecting his body. Everything was fine, as if nothing had happened.

"So, I can fight everyone from that list?" As soon as he asked the question, another screen appeared before him.

[YES, BUT TO BE ADDED TO THE LIST, YOU MUST HAVE MET THE PERSON.]

Tian Ling was excited about this new feature. Finally, he could gain the combat experience he lacked without any real risk. He returned to the simulation room with renewed enthusiasm, determined to improve his skills. He once again chose the sect leader, but this time he moved first, charging forward to attack. In the blink of an eye... instant death.

"Ah... I'm still no match for someone in the True Soul Realm," he muttered, frustrated.

Suddenly, he remembered Jiang Zenhai, a cultivator he had trained with before. Perhaps it would be wiser to start by facing opponents closer to his own level, gradually developing his strength and combat experience.

Determined to follow this plan, Tian Ling sat in the lotus position again, focused on honing his skills. He knew that, with time, he would be able to defeat even the sect leader.

 

Author's Note:

Thank you so much for reading! 😊 If you're enjoying the story, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to leave a comment below and share your favorite moments, theories, or even what you'd like to see next! Your feedback really helps motivate me to keep improving and bringing you more chapters. Let's chat—don't be shy! 😄


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