Xiao Tian stood frozen, his breath caught in his throat. Towering before him was a beast of legend—an enormous creature with scales like molten bronze and flames dancing across its mane and tail. It exuded an aura of age and wisdom, its eyes glowing like twin suns.
Then it spoke—in clear, articulate human language.
"I am the Fire Qilin, Guardian of the Celestial Gate," it said, its voice deep and ancient. "This sacred trial appears only once every thousand years... and yet, only eight hundred have passed since the last."
It leaned forward slightly, eyes narrowing with scrutiny.
"Who are you, boy? And how have you come this far?"
Xiao Tian took a breath, trying to calm the pounding in his chest.
"My name is Xiao Tian," he said evenly. "I entered the gate to take the sect's test... and simply followed the path here."
He chose not to mention the dark dimension, the glowing core stone, or the visions he'd seen.
The Qilin studied him silently, then its voice rumbled again.
"Your cultivation level… it hasn't even reached the early stage of the foundational tier.""Those who reach this place are typically prodigies—gifted both in intelligence and strength—at least at the late stage of foundational level.""Yet you stand here, against reason. Curious indeed…"
The Qilin's gaze shifted toward a stone platform nearby, where an old sword—no, a jian, not a saber—stood embedded in weathered rock.
"Do you see that sword?" the Qilin asked. "That is no ordinary weapon. Every thousand years, the world gives birth to one extraordinary sword—meant to find its wielder."
Its tone dropped to a reverent hush.
"In the past 20,800 years, only three such jian have ever been born.""And the one before you… is the third. It has stood there for 10,800 years, waiting."
Xiao Tian turned to the ancient jian. Rust coated its sword. Moss crept along its hilt. It looked worn, dull, and utterly unremarkable.
He frowned slightly.
"Is this really a divine sword?""And even if it is… how am I supposed to split that massive lake with it?"
As if reading his thoughts, the Qilin continued.
"If you wish to leave this place within ten years, you must draw that sword... and use it to cleave the lake in two.""Only then will the path forward reveal itself. Should you fail... your bones will rest here for eternity."
Xiao Tian said nothing. His eyes remained fixed on the sword, a thousand questions and doubts storming through his mind.
But deep within, a quiet resolve began to form.
Nine Years Later — In the Outer World
Sunlight bathed the training ground of the Tianlong Sect. Disciples moved in synchronized formations, swords glinting under the clear sky. At the center, Bai Ling spun with fluid grace, her strikes sharp, her focus unwavering.
She was no longer the timid girl from years past. She had grown stronger—driven by a promise that echoed in her heart.
A sharp whistle cut through the air.
"Enough!"
Instructor Fei stepped forward, arms behind his back. The disciples halted and turned to face him.
"One month from now, the Inter-Sect Tournament among the Ten Provinces will begin," he announced."The victor from each province will be granted the right to enter the Imperial Palace and meet the Emperor himself."
Gasps spread through the crowd. Even the most stoic disciples stood straighter at the mention of the Emperor.
Fei's voice grew firm.
"This is not merely a test of strength. It is a chance to rise—an opportunity to shape your future. Only one from this sect will qualify.""Fight with everything you have. Win... and become the Pride of Tianlong."
The disciples bowed in unison.
As the group began to disperse, Bai Ling lingered near the garden path. Her eyes wandered until they found a familiar figure leaning against a tree—Bai Wen, the senior disciple who once brought Xiao Tian to the gate.
She approached quietly.
"Senior Bai Wen," she said softly. "Any word... of Xiao Tian?"
Bai Wen exhaled and shook his head.
"It's been nine years. I've searched every province, even crossed into forbidden lands…""But there hasn't been a single trace. It's as if he vanished from the world."
Bai Ling looked down, hands clenched at her sides.
"He said he'd return…"
Bai Wen turned to the horizon, eyes distant.
"If it's him... then I believe he will."