The Rise of an Evil Sect Leader

As Ye Tian stepped out of the ring, all eyes in the arena followed him. The once-ignored Serpent Shadow disciple had transformed into the center of attention. Whispers spread like wildfire, echoing from every corner.

"Who is he really?"

"His techniques are so brutal… How can someone like that be in the outer disciples?"

"I heard he's a nobody. How did he get so strong?"

Some looked at Ye Tian with awe, others with envy, and many with outright hostility. But Ye Tian walked through the crowd as though they didn't exist. His cold demeanor and unshakable confidence made him look like an untouchable predator among lambs.

The Sect Elders' Interest

High above the arena, seated on an elevated platform, the sect elders observed the tournament with sharp, discerning gazes. Each elder wore flowing robes embroidered with ancient symbols of the Jade Serpent Sect, their presence suffused with authority.

One elder with silver hair and a stern face, Elder Wu, leaned forward. "That disciple, Ye Tian… Have you noticed his techniques?"

"Hmm," Elder Fang murmured, his narrowed eyes watching Ye Tian's figure. "The energy he uses… it's unrefined yet powerful. It doesn't resemble any of our sect's orthodox arts."

"More importantly," another elder interjected, "he defeated Zhao Kun with a single strike. That's not something a typical outer disciple can accomplish."

Elder Wu's gaze darkened. "Investigate his origins. Someone with such skill didn't appear out of nowhere."

A Brewing Conflict

Back among the disciples, Ye Tian returned to the Serpent Shadow Division's section. Luo Xiang greeted him with an amused grin, though a trace of wariness flickered in his eyes.

"You really have a way of drawing attention," Luo Xiang said, slapping Ye Tian's shoulder lightly. "Now everyone wants a piece of you."

Ye Tian didn't respond, merely glancing toward the Golden Fang Division. The disciples there shot him venomous glares, their pride wounded after Zhao Kun's humiliating defeat. Among them, a tall youth with sharp features and an oppressive aura stepped forward—Chen Feng, Zhao Kun's senior brother.

Chen Feng's gaze locked onto Ye Tian with murderous intent. "Ye Tian," he called out, his voice loud enough to silence those around him.

Ye Tian turned his head, his golden eyes meeting Chen Feng's glare without a hint of fear.

"You humiliated my junior brother," Chen Feng said coldly, his spiritual energy subtly flaring. "Enjoy your small victories while they last. The next time we face each other, I'll make you kneel."

The crowd erupted in whispers again. Chen Feng was one of the Golden Fang Division's strongest outer disciples—already at the Seventh Layer of Qi Gathering. His reputation alone made most disciples avoid him at all costs.

Ye Tian's expression remained indifferent. He looked at Chen Feng as though he were no more than a passing shadow. "You'll regret making threats you can't fulfill," Ye Tian replied, his tone calm yet bone-chilling.

Chen Feng's face darkened, but before he could respond, the elder overseeing the tournament called for silence.

"The next matches will determine the remaining fifty disciples to advance to the group stage," the elder announced. "Prepare yourselves!"

An Unexpected Meeting

As the tournament continued, Ye Tian leaned against a wall near the outer edges of the arena, conserving his strength. He had no interest in watching the weaker disciples struggle.

"Ye Tian," a soft, melodic voice called out.

Ye Tian turned his head slightly and saw a young woman approaching him. She was dressed in pristine white robes embroidered with golden threads, and her beauty was ethereal. Her long black hair fell like silk, and her bright eyes shone with intelligence and curiosity. She was Lin Yue, one of the most prominent female disciples in the Jade Serpent Sect.

Some of the nearby disciples gasped, whispering among themselves.

"That's Lin Yue! She's from the inner sect!"

"What's she doing talking to a nobody like Ye Tian?"

Lin Yue stopped a few steps away from Ye Tian, her expression calm and composed. "You're Ye Tian, correct?"

Ye Tian raised an eyebrow. "And if I am?"

Lin Yue studied him for a moment before smiling faintly. "You've caught the attention of many people today. Your strength is… intriguing."

"I'm not here to entertain people's curiosity," Ye Tian replied coldly.

Lin Yue didn't seem offended. Instead, she chuckled softly. "That arrogance of yours… I wonder how far it'll take you." She turned to leave but paused. "Be careful, Ye Tian. The stronger you become, the more enemies you'll make—both on and off the battlefield."

Her words lingered in the air as she walked away, leaving Ye Tian to ponder them.

The Final Challenge of the Day

As the elimination rounds drew closer to an end, Ye Tian was called for his third match. This time, his opponent was a disciple from the Iron Bone Division—a hulking brute named Ma Lei, known for his monstrous strength and savage fighting style.

Ma Lei entered the ring, cracking his knuckles and grinning wickedly. "I've been waiting for a chance to crush you, Ye Tian. Let's see how you handle real strength!"

The crowd buzzed with excitement.

"Ma Lei is at the Sixth Layer of Qi Gathering!"

"Ye Tian's luck has run out!"

Ye Tian stepped into the ring with his usual calm demeanor. He stood opposite Ma Lei, his gaze cold and unreadable.

The elder raised his hand. "Begin!"

Ma Lei roared like a beast, charging at Ye Tian with terrifying speed. His fists, reinforced with spiritual energy, descended like hammers.

"Iron Mountain Smash!"

Boom!

The ground cracked beneath the force of Ma Lei's attack, dust and debris exploding into the air.

"Is it over?" someone gasped.

But as the dust cleared, Ye Tian stood unharmed once again, his hand outstretched—catching Ma Lei's fist with a single hand.

"What?!" Ma Lei's eyes bulged in shock.

Ye Tian's grip tightened, and a chilling smile curved his lips. "You call this strength?"

Before Ma Lei could react, Ye Tian's free hand shot forward, his palm glowing with dark energy.

Nine Hell's Serpent Palm!

Boom!

The strike landed on Ma Lei's chest with devastating force, sending him flying out of the ring like a broken rag doll. He crashed into the ground outside the platform, unmoving.

The elder quickly raised his hand. "Winner: Ye Tian!"

The Rising Threat

The crowd erupted once more, but this time the excitement was tinged with unease. Ye Tian had defeated three opponents—each stronger than the last—with almost insulting ease.

From his position on the platform, Elder Wu's gaze turned sharp. "This boy… is dangerous."

Meanwhile, Zhang Wei and Chen Feng watched in silence, their fists clenched in anger.

"We can't let him continue to show off," Zhang Wei muttered. "The next round… I'll face him myself."

Ye Tian stepped off the stage, ignoring the crowd's cheers and glares alike. As he walked back to his section, the faint whispers of the Heavenly Soul Relic echoed in his mind.

"More blood… more power… rise, Ye Tian…"

He smirked.

Let them come.

The weak would fall, and the strong would kneel. This tournament was only the beginning.