The world was still.
The echo of Lin Feng's final strike still lingered in the air, vibrating through the cracked battlefield. The Heaven's Eye above had dimmed, its once-blinding light reduced to drifting embers that fell like golden rain.
All across the arena, the geniuses of the continents watched in stunned silence.
He had done it.
Lin Feng — the lone cultivator from the long-forgotten Eastern Continent — had defeated the Heaven's Chosen of the Central Continent, shattering an era-old record and reclaiming glory for his homeland after centuries of humiliation.
The silence broke as golden light rippled from the sky. The seven Higher Realm Envoys descended in unison, their robes gleaming with divine power. Their mere presence caused the heavens to hum — laws bent and space trembled.
At their center floated an ancient jade box wrapped in golden seals.
The white-robed envoy — calm, ancient, and sharp-eyed — spoke, his voice carrying the weight of the heavens.
"Lin Feng of the Eastern Continent. You have overcome the Trials of Heaven, defeated every chosen heir beneath the skies, and proven your fate defies limitation. As decreed by the Higher Realm, you are granted a Saint-Grade reward — the Ninefold Nirvana Pill."
A murmur rippled through the crowd.
A Saint-Grade Pill — one capable of rebirthing the body, tempering the soul, and fortifying the foundation beyond mortal limits. Such a pill was not merely treasure — it was destiny incarnate.
The jade box floated down toward Lin Feng. As it opened, a wave of pure, holy energy surged outward, washing through the heavens like dawn light. Within rested a single, golden pill — rotating gently, emitting faint draconic echoes and celestial runes that danced around it.
Even from afar, cultivators could feel their qi tremble.
"That's… a living pill!" someone whispered. "It's breathing!"
Lin Feng gazed at it in silence. Beneath its sacred glow, he sensed life — a force that resonated with his own dragon bloodline, as if it recognized him.
He clasped his fists and bowed.
"My thanks to the Higher Realm."
The envoy nodded, his tone now softer.
"You are the first in a thousand years to earn the Saint-Grade reward through your own strength. With this, you may step beyond the mortal boundary at any time."
He paused, then gestured toward the heavens.
"You may also choose your ascension path — the sect you will enter in the Higher Realm. The Divine Martial Temple, the Eternal Dragon Hall, and the Heavenly Sword Domain all await those who surpass the trials."
Lin Feng's gaze turned upward. After a quiet moment, he said evenly:
"I choose the Heavenly Sword Domain."
The envoys exchanged glances. Surprise flickered in their eyes.
"The Heavenly Sword Domain," the white-robed envoy repeated. "A path of eternal edge and endless battle. Few mortals dare choose it. Why?"
Lin Feng's lips curved faintly.
"Because my master once said — beyond this world, the Sword Sovereign Sect's ancestor left a mark in the Heavenly Sword Domain. If I am to walk this path, I'll follow it to its end."
The envoy studied him for a long moment, then nodded solemnly.
"Very well. The heavens have acknowledged you. You have one year before ascension. Prepare yourself — for once you cross the boundary, there is no turning back."
He raised a glowing scroll, golden runes spiraling around it.
"This is the Path of Ascension. When the time comes, it will open to guide you to the Heavenly Sword Domain."
Lin Feng accepted it with both hands, his eyes steady.
"Understood."
The envoy smiled faintly — rare warmth crossing his divine expression.
"One year, Lin Feng. Then the heavens will open for you."
With that, the envoys vanished into the clouds. The golden light faded, leaving only silence — and Lin Feng standing alone beneath the fractured sky, the Saint Pill's glow reflected in his eyes.
---
When the Eastern Continent delegation returned, the skies above the Sword Sovereign Sect glowed with celebration.
Countless sword peaks shone like mirrors, reflecting a single name — Lin Feng.
Disciples cheered across the mountains. Bells rang, banners unfurled, and even the sword spirits slumbering beneath the sect awakened briefly in approval.
On the main peak, the Sect Master stood waiting — flanked by elders and Lin Feng's old master, the First Elder.
As Lin Feng landed, the Sect Master's stern face softened into pride.
"You have done what no one dared dream — brought the Eastern Continent back into the eyes of Heaven."
Lin Feng bowed deeply.
"It was all due to the teachings of my master and the will of the sect."
The First Elder grinned, slapping Lin Feng's shoulder.
"Ha! Finally, the brat admits it. I told the Sect Master this one would cause a storm in the heavens!"
Laughter broke the tension. Even the Sect Master's lips curved slightly.
But behind the joy was a trace of worry — the Higher Realm was not kind to prodigies.
Still, for that night, they allowed celebration to reign.
---
Lanterns lit the peaks like stars. Disciples feasted, sang, and retold Lin Feng's battles in exaggerated detail.
Away from the noise, Lin Feng sat quietly in his courtyard. Sun Mei and Fatty soon joined him, both smiling yet bittersweet.
"Boss," Fatty said, "so it's true — you're ascending next year?"
Lin Feng nodded slightly.
"One year to consolidate my path. That's all."
Sun Mei looked at him softly. "A year passes fast."
"Then," Lin Feng said with a small smile, "we make it count."
Fatty grinned. "Still the same old Lin Feng."
Sun Mei's eyes glistened faintly, but she smiled. "We'll be waiting — even if it takes a thousand years."
They laughed quietly beneath the lanterns, the night breeze carrying the soft scent of peach blossoms across the courtyard.
---
Days later, Lin Feng climbed the Sword Sovereign Peak. The ancient stone monument of the sect's founders stood tall, etched with centuries of sword marks.
He placed his palm upon it — and sword qi surged like a tide, intertwining with his. The monument trembled faintly, resonating with his destiny.
"You carried us to the heavens once," Lin Feng whispered. "Now, I'll carry our name back."
Sword light erupted, piercing the clouds, forming a vast azure dragon coiling around the peak before fading into the sky.
--
That night, Lin Feng stood on his rooftop, the golden Saint Pill floating before him, radiating serene brilliance.
"Ninefold Nirvana Pill," he murmured. "One day, you'll be the bridge to my next realm."
He closed his eyes, sealing the pill within his core ring, and gazed toward the stars.
Far beyond mortal sight, in the Higher Realm, an unseen presence stirred — ancient eyes opening in curiosity.
"So… the Eastern continent produces such a monster?"
"He bears dragon blood, sword intent, and fate-defying qi," another voice whispered. "When he ascends, test him. The heavens grow restless."
The voices faded, but Lin Feng felt a faint ripple in the air — as though destiny itself were watching.
Still, his expression remained calm.
"One year," he said quietly, sheathing his sword.
"One year, and the heavens shall remember the name — Lin Feng."
The moonlight gleamed upon him like silver, illuminating a figure already half a step beyond the mortal sky.