The gates of the Heavenly Sky Sect loomed tall, untouched by war. But the moment Li Xuan and his legion stepped through them, the air itself seemed to tighten.
Silence fell.
Dozens of outer disciples halted mid-step. Inner disciples paused their cultivation routines. Even elders watching from elevated peaks leaned forward.
It wasn't just Li Xuan's presence—it was the choking killing intent radiating from his entire legion. Every disciple behind him carried a hardened gaze, a scarred body, and a will forged in fire.
They weren't just returning from the Special Realm.
They were survivors of hell.
System (Long Chen's voice):
"You know what happens now, right? The cowards in robes will smile at you. The arrogant will scheme. And the jealous? They'll wish you were dead. Get ready, brat—the real battles begin inside the sect."
Li Xuan said nothing.
His saber remained at his waist, but his aura never retreated.
At the Outer Circle Courtyard
"Li Xuan… he's back."
"No. That's not Li Xuan anymore—that's a war spirit wearing his face."
The courtyard that once mocked him now trembled at his return. But he didn't stop to acknowledge their stares. He returned to his quarters, sat down, and began cultivation like nothing had changed.
To him, this was just the beginning.
But in the shadows, sect politics ignited.
At the Inner Sect Pavilion
"He killed dozens of demon disciples?"
"Not just that—he returned with a legion that fought on par with ours."
A robed figure sneered. "That outer circle dog is too proud. He must've stumbled onto some inheritance in the realm."
Another inner disciple narrowed his eyes. "Should we inform the elders?"
"No. Let them watch. If he dares step out of place… we'll bury him ourselves."
System Notification:
—New Mission Added: Survive the Sect's Storm—
• Objective: Withstand the pressures of jealousy, suppression, and open hostility from rising sect factions.
• Reward: 300 LCP + Potential Core Hall Opportunity
• Warning: Failure Consequences – Cultivation suppression, assassination attempts, and potential expulsion.
Long Chen (chuckling):
"Well, you've poked the nest. Let's see if you can crush it."
Li Xuan grinned.
"I don't crush nests. I burn them down."
Simulation Room – New Legion Training Module Activated
While Li Xuan meditated, his legion trained endlessly under Long Chen's guidance. Their coordination improved. Their resolve solidified. And their bond as a war unit became undeniable.
System Shop Update:
• Formation: Seven-Star Lockdown Formation – 200 LCP
• Passive Skill: Warborn Tempering (Legion-Based) – 350 LCP
• Alchemical Boosters: Combat Stamina Pills (Tier 1) – 90 LCP / batch
Li Xuan purchased one.
He wouldn't rush power.
But he would prepare—for war, for schemes, and for the inevitable blood that sect rivalry demanded.
Meanwhile, in the Core Disciple Hall…
A scroll floated into the hands of a young man seated in a lotus position. He wore a black jade token around his waist—the mark of a core disciple.
"Li Xuan…?"
He read the report. His fingers tightened.
"He returned… and killed my cousin in the realm."
A cold smile spread.
"Then it seems we'll meet soon."
System Status
• Cultivation: Foundation Establishment – Stage 1 (90/500 EXP)
• Long Chen Points: 123
• Skills: Phantom Step, Face-Slapping Divine Art, Predator's Pressure, Reactive Saber Flow
• New Mission: Survive the Sect's Storm
• Legion Strength: Sharpening (Training Under Simulation Room)
• Enemies: Inner Disciples (Hostile), Core Disciple (Target Marked)
• Simulation Efficiency: 78%
• Reputation: Demon of the Outer Circle / Commander of Hell Legion