The Rise of an Evil Sect Leader

The Jade Serpent Sect buzzed with an electric energy as the Outer Disciple Tournament drew closer. Across all divisions, disciples trained with desperation, pushing their bodies and techniques to the limit. This tournament was their one opportunity to gain favor with elders and secure the coveted rewards—resources, techniques, and, most importantly, status.

For the Serpent Shadow Division, however, it was different.

Where other divisions treated the tournament with celebration and fanfare, the Serpent Shadows trained like wolves in the dark. Their reputation as rejects and troublemakers cast them aside as underdogs, but for Ye Tian, this obscurity was an advantage.

Rising in the Shadows

Over the next few days, Ye Tian's victories continued to spread through the division. Every disciple who dared challenge him fell swiftly, each defeat more humiliating than the last.

By now, none of the Serpent Shadow disciples dared provoke him. Even Luo Xiang, who often watched his matches with lazy interest, began to take him more seriously.

One evening, as Ye Tian sat cross-legged beneath an ancient tree, cultivating the Nine Hell's Serpent Palm, Luo Xiang approached, hands tucked into his tattered robe.

"You've caused quite a stir, you know," Luo Xiang said, his tone half-amused. "It's been years since anyone in this division drew attention, yet here you are—dominating."

Ye Tian opened his eyes, his voice calm. "Strength speaks for itself. If I didn't dominate, someone else would."

Luo Xiang's smirk widened, but a hint of caution flashed in his gaze. "And yet, you're painting a target on your back. You may have defeated Liu Shan and the others here, but the tournament is a different beast altogether."

"I welcome it," Ye Tian replied, his lips curling into a faint smile.

Luo Xiang chuckled, though his expression remained serious. "Just don't die too quickly, kid. You're far too interesting for that."

With that, he walked off, leaving Ye Tian alone beneath the moonlight.

A Brewing Rivalry

In the Serpent Fang Division, where Zhang Wei had been placed, the atmosphere was anything but peaceful. Zhang Wei sat seething, his knuckles white as he gripped his training sword.

"What did you say?" he growled, glaring at the disciple kneeling before him.

"Senior Brother Zhang, it's true," the disciple stammered. "That Ye Tian—he's been dominating the Serpent Shadow Division. Word is he's undefeated."

"Undefeated?" Zhang Wei's voice dripped with disdain. "In that trash division? Who cares?"

"B-but, Senior Brother," the disciple continued nervously, "many are starting to talk about him… They say he's the dark horse of the tournament."

Zhang Wei slammed his fist into the table, splitting it in half.

"A dark horse? Him?!" Zhang Wei spat, his eyes narrowing with malice. "I'll crush him in the tournament. I'll make him kneel and beg for mercy in front of the entire sect!"

The Mysterious Invitation

On the eve of the tournament, a strange letter arrived at Ye Tian's door. The parchment was dark and sealed with black wax bearing the Jade Serpent Sect's crest.

"Meet me at the Hollow Lantern Pavilion at midnight. I have something of interest for you."

Ye Tian studied the letter, his instincts sharpening. It reeked of conspiracy.

Still, curiosity and his own ruthlessness guided his actions. If someone's plotting against me, he thought, I'll kill them before they can act.

The Hollow Lantern Pavilion

The Hollow Lantern Pavilion stood at the edge of the sect grounds, an abandoned structure shrouded in mist and legend. Rumors claimed it was haunted, and few dared venture near after dark.

Ye Tian arrived at midnight, his steps silent as he moved through the overgrown courtyard. Lanterns dangled limply from cracked beams, their faint glow flickering like ghostly flames.

"Welcome, Ye Tian," a voice echoed from the shadows.

Ye Tian turned, his expression calm but alert. A figure stepped forward—a tall man clad in black robes, his face obscured by a mask carved with serpent patterns.

"Who are you?" Ye Tian asked coldly.

The masked man chuckled softly. "That's not important. What matters is that I bring you an opportunity."

"Speak."

The man flicked his wrist, tossing a jade token toward Ye Tian. He caught it effortlessly, examining the intricate markings on its surface.

"That token is an invitation to the Dark Serpent Gathering," the man said. "A secret tournament held for disciples who desire more than what this sect offers—power beyond their wildest dreams."

Ye Tian's eyes narrowed. "And what do you gain from inviting me?"

"Me?" The man's voice was laced with amusement. "Consider this a test of your worth. If you survive the Dark Serpent Gathering, doors will open to you—doors that even the elders of this sect cannot close."

Before Ye Tian could respond, the man disappeared into the mist, leaving only his chilling words lingering in the air.

"Survive, Ye Tian. The real game begins soon."

Ye Tian's grip on the jade token tightened, his heart pounding with anticipation.

"Interesting," he murmured to himself, a cold smile spreading across his lips.

A Night of Preparation

Back in his chamber, Ye Tian sat quietly, the jade token resting in his palm. The whispers of the Heavenly Soul Relic stirred again, dark energy rising within him like a storm.

"Power…" the whispers called. "Seize it…"

Ye Tian's eyes flashed golden for an instant. "The Dark Serpent Gathering, huh? Looks like the tournament will be more entertaining than I thought."

He stood, stretching his body as faint cracks echoed through his bones. The energy inside him was restless, begging to be unleashed.

For Ye Tian, the Outer Disciple Tournament was no longer just about proving himself.

It was about domination.

The Morning of the Tournament

The Jade Serpent Sect's grand arena was alive with excitement. Hundreds of outer disciples gathered, their faces a mix of determination, fear, and anticipation. The sect elders sat on high platforms, their gazes sweeping over the crowd like hawks.

At the center of it all, Ye Tian walked calmly, his presence unnoticed by most but felt by all who dared look too closely.

The disciples of the Serpent Shadow Division clustered at the back, nervous and uncertain. Luo Xiang gave Ye Tian a lazy wave. "Don't embarrass us, kid."

Ye Tian smirked faintly. "I won't."

From across the arena, Zhang Wei's gaze locked onto him, his hatred burning like a flame.

"You won't survive this, Ye Tian," Zhang Wei thought darkly.

The arena master, a stern elder with silver hair, rose to his feet and addressed the crowd.

"Disciples of the Jade Serpent Sect, welcome to the Outer Disciple Tournament! Today, the strong will rise, and the weak will fall. Show no mercy, for this is the way of the sect!"

The crowd erupted in cheers, the bloodlust in the air palpable.

Ye Tian stood in the center of it all, his expression calm as ever.

Let them come, he thought. One by one, I will crush them all.