Ascension of the Silent Guardian

Tian Ling was determined. He stepped onto his sword and flew towards the vortex that led to the Mythical Water Realm, his next goal: the water elemental core.

As soon as he entered the realm, the system alerted him:

[You have entered the Mythical Elemental Water Realm. The Water Qi is abundant.]

"Great. Once I complete the water elemental core, only four more cores will be left," Tian Ling murmured, clenching his fists with determination. He could feel the power flowing through his body, but also a slight anxiety about what lay ahead. His success in cultivation so far was undeniable, but the road seemed to stretch endlessly, and he knew he was merely at the beginning of something far greater.

The Mythical Water Realm was a place surrounded by mist-covered mountains, with rivers winding through every corner and majestic waterfalls cascading down crystal-clear cliffs. The sound of flowing water and the freshness in the air brought a sense of peace. Tian Ling took a deep breath, absorbing the serenity of the place.

"There are many disciples here as well," he murmured, glancing around. "Few cultivators have more than one elemental core, as the Master said. So far, the place with the most disciples I've seen was the Mythical Wind Realm."

He allowed himself a moment to relax, letting the sight of the waterfalls and the sound of the waters calm his thoughts. However, the weight of responsibility soon returned. He knew he couldn't waste any time. Finding a quiet spot near a waterfall, Tian Ling sat in the lotus position and began absorbing the Water Qi.

As the Qi slowly flowed through his meridians, he felt a lightness in his body. The Water Qi was different from the others, more fluid and easier to manipulate. With every breath, he could feel the energy circulating smoothly, almost as if it was being drawn by an invisible force, deeply connecting him to the realm.

Meanwhile, in the Central Palace of the Serene Mist Sect, the Sect Master was seated at the center of the hall, surrounded by the tranquility that emanated from the place. In front of him, Lian Ziyue knelt, her face tense.

"Master, I can't break through to the Spiritual Core Realm in the Outer Sect. I no longer desire the title of Outer Elder. I wish to return to the Inner Sect to advance," she said, her voice betraying a mix of desperation and frustration. There was weariness in her eyes, as if the pressure of her position was too heavy a burden to bear any longer.

The Master looked at her, recognizing the burden she carried. He sighed softly.

"Little Lian, the position of Outer Elder was your own choice. It will be difficult to allow you to return now," he said, his voice gentle but with a hint of understanding.

"Master, please, I don’t need guidance... I am willing to cultivate on my own. The spiritual energy in the Outer Sect is insufficient for my advancement," she insisted, the determination in her voice growing. The thought of staying where she was, unable to progress, was a nightmare she could not accept.

"I will discuss this matter with the elders and find someone to replace you," the master said, pondering the best way to resolve the situation.

"Thank you, Master," Lian Ziyue responded, with visible relief. She bowed respectfully, a slight smile on her lips.

After exchanging a few formal words, Lian Ziyue left the Central Palace and headed straight to find Elder Mei Lianhua.

"Greetings, Elder Mei Lianhua. How have you been?" Lian Ziyue said, bowing respectfully.

"I’m well, Little Lian. Thank you for asking," the elder replied with a warm smile.

"I wanted to ask about that boy... How is he doing?" Lian Ziyue asked, getting straight to the point.

"Who are you referring to?" the elder asked, curious.

"Tian Ling... I brought that boy to the Outer Sect myself. I’m worried he might not be adapting well to the Inner Sect," Lian Ziyue said, with a tone of concern.

"Don't worry. That boy is a genius! He’s already reached the Spiritual Core Realm. All he knows is how to cultivate!" the elder responded, with evident pride.

"Spiritual Core Realm? So quickly?" Lian Ziyue couldn’t hide her astonishment. She knew Tian Ling was talented, but this... "He’s left me behind without me even realizing... I need to return to the Inner Sect and cultivate as soon as possible!" she thought, feeling a pang of insecurity.

"That’s right. The boy’s destiny is great. I expect a lot from him," the elder continued, her eyes fixed on a distant point, as if pondering an ancient prophecy. "Could he be the one to save us from a future crisis?"

Lian Ziyue nodded, feeling both relieved and anxious to recover the lost time. After a few more kind words, she bid the elder farewell.

Meanwhile, a year passed as Tian Ling continued absorbing the Water Qi.

[Water Spiritual Qi accumulation progress: 66%.]

"It’s progressing faster than I expected. The Water Qi is more fluid, moving through my meridians easily," he murmured to himself, feeling the Qi flood into his core. "Very well. I’ll finish this in less than a year."

Determined to finish as quickly as possible, he closed his eyes and focused deeply on his cultivation.

While Tian Ling concentrated on the Water Qi, on an isolated island surrounded by a vortex a kilometer in diameter, two spy disciples from the Dark Sect were conversing.

"How many years have passed since we arrived here?" one of them asked, his impatience evident in his voice.

"I’ve lost count. When is our master finally going to strike?" the other responded, with a sigh of frustration.

"I don’t know. But what’s so special about this mythical realm that even the master desires it?" the first asked, frowning.

"Perhaps it’s the beasts created here. It’s said that this realm was nurtured by the very founder of the Serene Mist Sect. He’s said to have transcended to the immortal world... or perhaps he’s dead, who knows."

"Tsk, tsk. More likely, he’s dead."

Meanwhile, in an underground lair, thousands of kilometers away from the Serene Mist Sect, seven mysterious figures sat around a table, shrouded in darkness.

"Wei Fenri, have you collected the soul essence of that cultivator from the Nine Stars Realm?" one of the figures asked, their voice low and menacing.

"Tsk. Just an ant. I could crush that sect with one hand. I’ve already passed the task to a subordinate," Wei Fenri replied with disdain.

"Silence!" the figure at the center of the table ordered, with a firm, domineering voice. "I’ve made contact with the higher world recently."

Upon hearing these words, everyone present fell silent, their eyes filled with uncertainty.

"Did the Demon Palace issue any orders?" one of the figures finally asked.

"Yes. We’ve been ordered to stay hidden and increase our strength as quickly as possible."

"What do you mean? Weren’t we supposed to massacre all living beings and then ascend? Why have the plans changed now?" another figure asked, frustration clear in their voice.

"We were told that if we act now, the Righteous Path won’t let it slide. The higher world is watching this mortal world. Soon, this world will face a catastrophe. If we move now, we’ll only give them an excuse to act."

Silence reigned among them. Although reluctant, they all nodded in agreement.

Another year passed.

"Finally... Water Spiritual Core complete!" Tian Ling exclaimed, clenching his fists in satisfaction.

"I’ve reached the fifth level of the Spiritual Core Realm. It was just a minor realm, but I feel my strength overflowing."

He crossed the vortex of the Mythical Realm and returned to the Serene Mist Sect. Eager to test his newfound strength, he immediately headed back to his cave abode, already preparing to train in the simulation arena.