Kai stood at the center, facing Zhao whose aura had grown more violent than ever. His eyes were bloodshot and his body was surrounded by a red glow that shine with harsh energy. Zhao had activated his full elder-level cultivation. It was far beyond anything Kai had faced in his life.Kai could barely keep his stance as the force pressed down on him. His breathing quickened. The System’s voice echoed inside his mind with rapid alerts.[System Alert: Opponent’s cultivation exceeds host by three major levels.][System Suggestion: Activate Ascendant Mastery Protocol.]Kai clenched his fists. “Activate Ascendant Mastery Protocol.”His body reacted instantly. Silver light spread from his core. The system’s interface appeared in front of him, showing detailed readings of his energy levels, attack potential, and damage resistance.Zhao smirked when he saw it. “Still relying on that system of yours? You’re a child playing at leadership,” he said coldly. “You think borrowed power can match the

The ground trembled when two powers clashed. Kai was facing Zhao. The war between Azure Cloud Sect and Crimson Serpent Sect had paused as both sides turned their attention to the duel. This battle would actually determine who held power.Zhao’s aura glowed with red color. His eyes was filled with fury and desperation. “You think killing me will save this sect?” he shouted, his voice echoing through the valley. “You are still a child who doesn’t understand true power.”Kai did not reply. His breathing was heavy, his body covered in cuts and bruises, but his gaze remained steady. His System interface glowed in front of him. When he looked at It, he saw it displaying countless warnings and updates.[System Alert! Host vitality is at 42 percent. Energy capacity is approaching critical limit.][Host Main Quest is to slay the Traitor.][You are to combine high-tier techniques for maximum damage output.]Kai exhaled slowly and steadied his grip on the ground. The energy in him started to cha

The news of Zhao’s death had went through the cultivation world within a few days. The Crimson Serpent Sect was humiliated right before the entire region. But they are back in force. Their banners filled up the skies. The disciples swore blood vengeance. Across the neighboring territories, rumors circulated that the sect had placed a bounty on Kai’s head—an open challenge to every cultivator seeking fame and wealth.Kai stood in the Azure Cloud Sect’s war hall when the first report came in. The Sect Master’s face was grim as he read the message delivered by a trembling disciple. “Crimson Serpent Sect has declared a vendetta,” he said. “Their message is clear. They will not rest until your head is displayed at their gates.”Kai listened without emotion, but the tension in the room was heavy. Elder Yun slammed his palm on the table. “This is madness! They lost one elder, and now they want to destroy the entire balance of the region?”Another elder shook his head. “It is not about balan

The night was a little bit silent when the summons arrived. Kai had just finished checking out the reconstruction plans for the damaged walls when a messenger walked right before him. The young disciple bowed deeply and handed him a sealed scroll bearing the mark of the Sect Master.Kai broke the seal and he went through the short message inside. It contained only a few words: “Come to the Inner Hall. Alone.”He knew immediately that this was not a casual call. The Sect Master rarely summoned anyone privately, not even his senior elders. Kai took a deep breath and left his chamber. As he walked through the silent corridors, his mind stayed alert. The System detected no hostility around him, but he could sense that whatever awaited him would not be ordinary.[System Notice: Emotional fluctuation detected. Recommend caution in conversation.]Kai entered the Inner Hall. The massive doors closed behind him with a soft echo. The Sect Master stood before the ancient altar, his back turned.

The Azure Sect Master sat at the head of the table. His expression was grave. The elders were lined along both sides. Each of their faces was tense. Kai stood near the center. He wore a calm expression. His guild members was waiting outside. They were aware that this meeting would decide the future of their home.The sect master declared that Kai’s guild would henceforth be recognized as an official sub-sect within Azure Cloud. The elders exchanged looks of disbelief. Some immediately voiced their disapproval, arguing that Kai was still too young and too inexperienced to be granted such a title. But the sect master didn't give a listening ear. The Sect Master raised his hand to silence the murmuring room. He continued by saying that Kai had earned this recognition through blood and loyalty. He had fought against betrayal, stood against the Crimson Serpent Sect, and faced the assassins of the Black Moon Pavilion. He had achieved victories that few at his age could dream of. The Sect