Far across the mortal realms, atop the jagged peaks of the Eastern Azure Mountains, the Celestial Radiance Grand Sect floated like a fortress carved from the heavens. Palaces hovered above cliffs, sustained by torrents of spiritual energy, rivers of qi flowing like molten silver between terraces and courtyards. Even the light bent subtly as it passed through the sect's aura, casting fractured reflections on jade statues and golden spires.
Within the Eternal Jade Terrace, junior disciples trained tirelessly. Among them sat Lian Zhen, a Core Formation disciple, his golden core of condensed spiritual energy glowing faintly beneath his robes. His crimson aura—born of his Crimson Soul Qi—coiled subtly around him, reacting to his emotions even as he meditated. Though young, the air itself vibrated around him; every movement hinted at power far beyond his peers.
Suddenly, the massive jade doors burst open. Lian Zhen's junior sister stumbled inside, clutching something trembling in her hands. His attention snapped instantly—his Core Formation senses detecting a surge of residual energy far stronger than normal: a shattered Life Jade.
"My lord…" she gasped, voice trembling. " Your Father…and the Azure star Sect… it has been destroyed. Not a single disciple survived…"
Time froze. The fractured Life Jade in her hands flickered weakly, its residual energy twisting chaotically. Lian Zhen's golden core pulsed, crimson qi flaring outward like coiling serpents, bending the very light around him. Floating terraces trembled under the pressure. Even Radiant Phoenix Hall and Azure Dragon Pavilion seemed to shiver as the heir of the sect absorbed the news.
"Explain," he commanded, voice low, but laced with authority that made junior disciples instinctively bow.
"Report…" she stammered. "A cultivator… peerless, unstoppable. She razed everything. Your Father… Life Jade shattered instantly. Nothing remains…"
Lian Zhen's pupils narrowed, a crimson mist flaring around him, reacting to his rising anger. Core Formation energy spiraled around his body, coiling and snapping like living dragons. His Crimson Soul Qi licked the edges of the courtyard, corroding stone faintly as his body hummed with barely contained power.
"My father… is dead?" His whisper cut through the air like a blade. "Who… dared…"
When he heard the name
The name came like fire from his lips, the first step in a vow forged in rage:
"Yuan Liuyue…"
The cultivator whose power had obliterated the Azure Star Sect leaving nothing but echoes of devastation and humbling even the mighty Lian Zhen
Lian Zhen's aura erupted fully, golden and crimson spirals intertwining violently, shaking the Eternal Jade Terrace. His golden core pulsed outward, sending tremors that rippled through the lower palaces. The rivers of qi around the sect twisted unnaturally, responding to the storm building within him.
He clenched the shattered Life Jade. Even fractured, it thrummed faintly with residual energy,. His breathing deepened, each exhale a roar contained fury, bending air, tilting floating platforms, and causing distant disciples to stumble.
"Not yet… not now," he whispered, teeth clenched. "I am not yet strong enough. But I will be. And when I am…"
His crimson mist coalesced into serpentine forms, coiling around him like spectral dragons. Every syllable dripped with pure hatred:
"Yuan Liuyue…"
The mountains trembled. The floating palaces shifted imperceptibly. Even distant dynasties felt faint vibrations—a silent warning of the storm rising
Though is father's sect lay in ruins, a new threat had emerged: Lian Zhen, bound by grief, rage, and a terrifying potential, whose vow of revenge would echo through the mortal realms for decades to come.