After Qin Chen finished refining pills, the Sect Master shooed away the reluctant Elder Mu.
"Qin Chen. Follow me."
Sensing the graveness in his voice, Qin Chen's eyes narrowed and he followed without a word.
Qin Chen sat in the grand hall, his golden-purple eyes flickering with an unreadable light as he studied the Sect Master.
The atmosphere in the chamber had shifted.
It wasn't the usual playful arrogance that Qin Chen often displayed when dealing with the sect's elders.
No, this time, even he could tell—this was something serious.
The Sect Master's expression was calm, but there was something heavy behind his gaze, something that carried the weight of centuries of responsibility.
Then, he spoke.
"Qin Chen, tell me—what do you know of the Great Wilderness Tournament?"
Qin Chen's brow raised slightly. "Not much. I assume it's an important competition?"
The Sect Master chuckled, but there was no amusement in it. "Important? That would be an understatement."
He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the armrest of his throne.
"Once every ten years, the greatest forces of the Northern Wilderness gather for a battle that decides everything—resources, rankings, and influence."
"Millions of geniuses compete, hailing from the strongest sects, ancient clans, and hidden immortal families."
His voice lowered, carrying an edge of frustration.
"And in all its history, the Azure Sky Sect has never once placed in the top 10,000."
Qin Chen's eyes flickered. "That bad?"
The Sect Master nodded. "That bad."
He exhaled slowly, his golden gaze locking onto Qin Chen.
"You may think that because we call ourselves a 'sect,' we stand among the top-tier powers of this region. But the truth is far harsher than that."
"The Azure Sky Sect is only a Grade 3 force. Albeit in the middle of the pack, we aren't at the top either."
Qin Chen narrowed his eyes.
He had suspected this, but hearing it confirmed made things clear.
The cultivation world was divided into grades—Grade 1 forces were legendary sects and immortal clans, Grade 2 forces were massive regional overlords, and Grade 3 forces were barely above minor powers.
And right now, the Azure Sky Sect was at risk of falling even further.
"This year will be worse." The Sect Master's tone darkened. "One of my old enemies, Gu Tianhai, has recently joined the Divine Frost Sect—a Grade 2 force. He has power, resources, and influence, and he has already moved to block us from rising. Not only does he hate me to the bone, but he hates our sect as well."
Qin Chen tapped his fingers against his knee. "So, he's going to make sure the Azure Sky Sect stays weak."
The Sect Master nodded. "Exactly. By preventing us from placing well in the tournament, we will lose access to critical resource points and cultivation grounds. If we fall below a certain threshold, our sect's land will be reduced, our disciples will have fewer resources, and eventually—"
"The Azure Sky Sect will crumble."
Qin Chen leaned back slightly, arms crossed, as he absorbed the weight of the Sect Master's words. The Great Wilderness Tournament wasn't just some grand competition—it was the ultimate battleground that determined the fate of countless sects, clans, and organizations in the region.
But something still didn't add up.
He narrowed his eyes. "How strong are the forces participating in this tournament? If there are millions of cultivators competing, that means there must be sects leagues above the Azure Sky Sect."
The Sect Master nodded approvingly. "It's good that you're thinking ahead. Allow me to explain."
He waved his hand, and a massive spiritual projection formed in the air—a map of the Northern Wilderness.
Golden markings lit up across different regions, their intensity varying in brightness.
"The power structure of the Northern Wilderness is divided into three grades."
At the very top, three shining emblems appeared, each radiating an overwhelming presence.
"There are three Grade 1 Forces that rule over the Northern Wilderness. Each of them is an overlord capable of dictating the fate of entire regions."
Heavenly Sword Sect (Sword Dao Supreme Rulers)
-The undisputed masters of the Sword Dao in the Northern Wilderness.
-Every single core disciple is at least a Sword King, while elders hold the title of Sword Sovereigns or above.
-Their Sect Master, Jian Wuyi, is said to have comprehended the legendary Heavenly Sword Intent, capable of cutting through space itself.
-Known for strict discipline and a relentless pursuit of the ultimate sword path.
-Any disciple from this sect is considered a terrifying opponent in battle.
Everlasting Immortal Palace (Bloodline Supremacy & Dao Heritage)
-A mysterious force that focuses on ancient bloodlines, Dao inheritances, and divine constitution awakenings.
-Their disciples are carefully selected, often possessing mythical beast bloodlines or unique physique talents from birth.
-The Sect Master, Xuan Yue, is rumored to have an immortal bloodline, making him nearly unkillable.
-Their palace is located on a floating continent, unreachable by normal means.
Netherworld Abyss Sect (Darkness & Forbidden Dao Masters)
-Feared by all, this sect controls darkness cultivation, forbidden techniques, and soul-related Dao.
-Their disciples cultivate in life and death, often treading the line between righteous and demonic cultivation.
-Their Sect Master, Mo Tianhai, is known as the Abyssal Emperor, rumored to be able to command the souls of fallen cultivators.
-Few who offend this sect ever survive.
Beneath the Grade 1 sects, 10 glowing emblems spread across the map, marking the locations of Grade 2 forces.
The Sect Master's expression darkened slightly.
"These are the forces that we directly compete with. They may not be absolute overlords like the Grade 1 sects, but they are still leagues above us."
A glowing description appeared beneath each emblem.
Divine Frost Sect (Frost Dao Experts & Azure Sky Sect's Rival)
-Specializes in ice and frost-based Dao techniques.
-Known for producing Nascent Soul geniuses in every generation.
-Gu Tianhai, the Sect Master's old rival, has recently joined as an elder, making things even more difficult for Azure Sky Sect.
Crimson Thunder Hall (Lightning Dominators)
-Masters of Heavenly Tribulation Lightning techniques.
-Their disciples can often wield lightning Qi far beyond their cultivation level, making them lethal in direct combat.
-The Hall Master, Lei Tianxiong, has survived three heavenly tribulations, something even Nascent Soul cultivators struggle with.
Verdant Yang Temple (Body Refinement Masters)
-This sect focuses on body cultivation, making their disciples physically indestructible monsters in battle.
-Their inner disciples can shatter mountains with bare fists and endure direct sword strikes without flinching.
Moonlit Spirit Sect (Illusion & Spiritual Domination)
-A force that specializes in mental attacks, illusions, and spiritual enslavement techniques.
-Their strongest disciples can control the battlefield without lifting a finger, trapping their enemies in illusions so deep they can't distinguish reality from fantasy.
Celestial Flame Pavilion (Fire Cultivators & Alchemists)
-Masters of fire-based cultivation techniques and alchemy.
-Their influence over alchemy gives them a monopoly on high-tier pills, making them one of the wealthiest forces.
The remaining Grade 2 forces each specialized in different Dao paths, but all were significantly more powerful than the Grade 3 forces like Azure Sky Sect.
The Sect Master waved his hand, dismissing the projection.
His golden eyes gleamed with an intense seriousness as he looked at Qin Chen.
"These are the forces that will be present in the Great Wilderness Tournament."
"Even our strongest core disciple can barely be considered a good opponent against their better disciples."
"Although he is currently in the Golden Core realm, he has been in seclusion for the past year attempting to break through to Nascent Soul…however, forming your nascent soul is no easy task. It takes most cultivators decades...if they reach that point."
"The average geniuses from the Grade 2 forces are not the problem. In order to keep their hold onto power, their stronger disciples will directly target all the disciples from other sects who have a chance at making it to the top 1000. So even if my disciple is stronger than some of them, there's no chance. The best geniuses among the Grade 2 forces have already broken through the Nascent Soul realm. No need to even mention the Grade 1 forces."
His voice lowered slightly.
"But if we can make a breakthrough—if we can place even within the top 10,000… then our sect will finally be recognized among the true powers of the region. One of the stronger Grade 3 forces."
"And if one of our disciples places among the top 1,000…"
A heavy silence filled the room.
"Azure Sky Sect will become a Grade 2 force."
Qin Chen exhaled slowly.
So this was the real reason why the Sect Master was so desperate.
The sect's future was riding on this tournament.
If they failed, they would be left in the shadows.
If they succeeded, they could rise among the great sects.
And now, Qin Chen had become the greatest hope of the Azure Sky Sect.
He tilted his head slightly, considering everything.
A year?
That was an eternity with the system.
With every mission, every breakthrough, and every resource he consumed, he would rise at an unstoppable pace.
Would he just aim for the top 10,000?
No.
Would he settle for the top 1,000?
No.
A smirk spread across his lips.
"Sect Master, you've told me the stakes… but tell me something else."
The Sect Master raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
Qin Chen's golden eyes burned with boundless ambition.
"Who placed first in the last Great Wilderness Tournament?"
The Sect Master paused, before exhaling lightly.
"A monster from the Everlasting Immortal Palace… a cultivator named Ye Tianxuan."
"And his current cultivation?"
"…Saint Realm."
Qin Chen's smirk widened.
"Good. That means I have a goal."
The Sect Master stared at him, stunned for a moment.
Then—he chuckled.
This kid…
He wasn't just aiming for a good ranking.
He was aiming for the heavens.
Qin Chen still had some doubts though.
"One last question. What's the point? If the Grade 1 and 2 forces are already so much stronger than the rest, why even hold the competition?"
"They don't have a choice." The Sect Master said flatly.
Qin Chen grew confused, who could force a Grade 1 force to do anything?
Just as he was about to ask the Sect Master cut him off.
"Celestial Dao Palace."
Qin Chen's mouth formed an O shape as he started to have a slight inkling of the situation.
The Celestial Dao Palace was legendary in their continent. Known by all, even commoners, as the strongest force on the continent.
The Sect master continued, "Not only do they practically rule the central continent, but they have access to the most important item that exists on our continent."
"Dao Ascension Platform."
He went on solemnly, "It is no secret, once a cultivator reaches the pinnacle of cultivation, they can shed their mortal body and become immortal. However, ascending without help carries great risks, even at their level, most of the cultivators who have attempted it have perished. Blown to pieces by the tribulation. The Dao Ascension Platform allows for an essentially smooth ascension, and all forces on the continent rely on the Celestial Dao Palace for this."
Qin Chen exhaled slowly, absorbing the information.
So essentially, the Celestial Dao palace held a monopoly on an item desired by all cultivators. No wonder they could force even Grade 1 forces to compete.
The Sect master continued on,"It's not necessary for you to know about all of this at your current level, but with your talent, you will find out at some point."
"The Celestial Dao palace has remained in power for tens of thousands of years because any cultivator who wants to ascend through the Dao Ascension Platform must make a Dao Oath to protect them for a century. So at all times, there are cultivators at the pinnacle of our world guarding their palace."
"They hold the tournament because without constant competition amongst each other, they are afraid of the rest of the Grade 1 forces uniting against them. Instead, they are too blinded by competing among one another for resources."
Qin Chen took a deep breath, then decided to put aside thoughts about the Celestial Dao Palace for now, it was beyond his current reach.
A year from now, the strongest geniuses from the Northern Wilderness will gather to compete.
For other participants, a year wouldn't make much of a difference.
But for him?
A year with the system?
A smirk tugged at his lips.
He had no idea how strong he'd be after a whole year.
But he was certain of one thing.
He wouldn't just place in the top 10,000.
He would crush his entire generation.
The Sect Master saw the smirk and chuckled. "I see you understand the opportunity before you."
He leaned back slightly, his golden gaze unwavering.
"Qin Chen, I won't force you to participate."
"But if you choose to accept this challenge, then know this—the entire sect will back you with everything we have."
"No restrictions. No limits. Whatever you need, you will receive."
The hall fell silent.
The Core Elders exchanged glances, their expressions ranging from shock to cautious excitement.
They had never seen the Sect Master place so much hope in one person before.
But after everything Qin Chen had done…
Could they really doubt him?
Qin Chen finally stood up.
He rolled his shoulders, exhaling softly before meeting the Sect Master's gaze.
"Fine."
"I'll do it."
The Sect Master's eyes gleamed. "Then from this moment on, Qin Chen—you are no longer just a Core Disciple."
"You are the hope of the Azure Sky Sect."
As Qin Chen was stepping onto a stage that would shake the Northern Wilderness—
Far away, within the grand halls of the Qin Clan, a new message had arrived.
A formal messenger, dressed in Azure Sky Sect robes, stood before Qin Tian, the Clan Patriarch.
The messenger bowed respectfully before delivering the message.
"The Azure Sky Sect treats Qin Chen as one of our most valuable assets. I have already been informed that he is to be given the highest level of treatment possible."
Qin Tian nodded, his sharp gaze flickering.
"The Clan requests that Qin Chen return home for a visit."
For a long moment, silence filled the grand hall.
The Qin Clan had ignored Qin Chen for years.
And now?
Now that he was a rising monster in the Azure Sky Sect, they wanted him to return.
Qin Tian finally smiled, but there was something calculating in his gaze.
"Very well."
He gestured to one of his elders. "Prepare an official invitation."
His golden eyes gleamed.
"If Qin Chen returns… then the Qin Clan's era of dominance may begin."
Qin Chen, unaware of his clan's request, left the grand hall, his mind already turning toward his next steps.
The Great Wilderness Tournament was now his goal.
A year from now—he would ascend beyond this sect.
And nothing…
Nothing would stop him.