CHAPTER 57: CHAPTER 57: THE JADE FLOWER DESCENDS, FRIENDLY RIVALRIES

The courtyard of the Sanatan Flame Sect shimmered beneath the early sunlight, its stone tiles still holding the warmth of the day before. Disciples moved about in the distance, their figures casting long shadows across the training grounds. At the heart of it all stood Shaurya, his face glowing with childlike excitement.

The familiar System Window appeared before him, golden runes spinning like gears of fate.

[Mission Reward: Defeating the Royal Family and Protecting Your Sect]

Reward 1: System Sect Level Up – From Level 1 to Level 2.

Congratulations. Divine Weapon Vault (Unlocked). You may now obtain Immortal-Level Weapons with Dharma Points.

Reward 2: +1000 Dharma Points. (Total: 1100 Dharma Points)

Reward 3: Weight Bracelets (Unlimited). Special Item: Bracelets that increase gravity-like weight upon the body, aiding in the strengthening of physical training.

Reward 4: 1x Divine Summon. (You now possess 2x Divine Summons.)

Shaurya’s eyes widened with glee. His body moved before his mind could catch up. He leaped high into the air, his robes fluttering wildly as he tried to hug the glowing system window—only to pass right through it. With an agile twist, he flipped forward and landed neatly upon the polished floor.

Then, unable to contain himself, he began to dance.

Like an unrestrained child, he twirled and jumped, his laughter echoing in the hall.

"Whoa! So many rewards! Defeating the royal family is super worth it. The rewards will increase the power of sect too much. Yaaa. Waaaa. Yoooo hooo!"

The system’s voice, usually calm and mechanical, carried a hint of embarrassment as it spoke.

"Host. Please behave."

Shaurya halted mid-step, turned his head with exaggerated seriousness, and coughed to regain his composure. But the sparkle in his eyes betrayed his excitement.

"I forgot that I got one Divine Summon when I destroyed that assassins’ organization. Ok then, it’s the perfect time. System, I want to use both Summons. Now."

The panel shimmered again, radiating golden light.

System Message:

Congratulations Host for using 1x Divine Summon.

Ding. Congratulations Host. You got an Inner Sect Elder: The Jade Flower, Feng Yu.

A fabricated backstory appeared alongside the message, woven with the system’s usual dramatic flair:

Feng Yu, which means "Wind Jade," is a swordsman known for his beautiful and graceful technique. He comes from a noble clan that values aesthetics as much as power, from your homeland. His fighting style is akin to a dance, fluid and elegant, with each sword movement resembling the delicate petals of a flower swaying in the wind. However, underneath this beauty lies lethal and deadly precision. His movements are fast and precise, cutting through defenses as easily as a blade cuts through silk. You both are from the same hometown, and your family once helped his. He admires you deeply and has agreed to join your sect as an Inner Elder.

Shaurya’s eyes went wide with shock.

"Whoa. You even made a great story, Systu. I am impressed."

As if answering his words, the heavens themselves stirred. Dark thunderclouds rolled across the sky above the sect, blotting out the sunlight. The disciples gasped and froze as streaks of lightning split the heavens. A golden portal formed in mid-dark clouds, arcs of electricity lashing violently around it.

Shaurya’s face lit with anticipation. "Here it comes!"

From within the swirling brilliance, a lone figure slowly emerged.

The sect members stood rooted in place, their faces paling with awe. Elder Wu’s voice broke with panic as he shouted,

"Sect Master. What is going on?!"

Shaurya raised his hand, his expression calm despite the storm.

"Calm down. He is not a threat but our new elder."

Shock spread even deeper through the crowd.

The portal sealed itself, the thunderclouds dissipating as though they had never existed. The figure descended gracefully, robes billowing, until his feet touched the ground.

It was Feng Yu.

His frame was slender, almost delicate, yet carried a presence that commanded attention. Sharp, refined features gave him the appearance of an immortal. His pale skin seemed flawless, his glossy black hair tied into an intricate braid, threaded with small jade beads that shimmered faintly in the sunlight. His flowing silk robes, dyed in shades of soft crimson, seemed to ripple like water with his every movement. In his hand, he carried an ornate jian—the hilt carved from white jade, the blade polished so sharply that it gleamed like a flawless mirror.

Shaurya stepped forward, his hand raised in greeting.

Feng Yu’s eyes landed on him, widening in recognition. He quickly strode forward and bowed respectfully.

"Long time no see. Shaurya. I mean Sect Master."

Shaurya’s heart stirred. Wow. He recognized me. He is acting just like that fake story.

A laugh bubbled from his lips.

"Welcome to the Sanatan Flame Sect, Elder Feng Yu."

Feng Yu bowed deeper, his voice filled with sincerity.

"It’s my honour to become the elder of your sect."

Turning back, Shaurya looked toward Elder Wu and Elder Wan.

"Elder Wu and Elder Wan, please take him and show him our sect and explain everything."

They both nodded quickly, still processing the shock, and departed with Feng Yu.

Shaurya’s grin widened. Another window appeared before him.

System Window:

Feng Yu – Realm: Nascent Soul Level 1.

Shaurya blinked in surprise.

"His level is same as mine. Hahahahaah. Now my sect becomes the most powerful in this kingdom. No one comes near it. Soon I will make it stronger in world."

The system’s voice cut through his celebration with dry bluntness.

"Yeah, so you are saying a level 12 sect is considered powerful?"

The realization struck Shaurya like a bolt of lightning. His laughter died, his smile fading.

"Oh. I forgot about this. My sect is still a level 12 sect. I have to find a way to increase its level quickly. But, first of all, it’s only one summon. What about my other summon?"

The panel shimmered again.

System Message:

Ding. Congratulations Host for using 1x Summon. You obtained the Map of Ancient Emperor An Ning’s Secret Realm along with the Key to that Secret Realm.

Shaurya frowned.

"Hey Systu, what is this thing?"

A golden radiance appeared before him, coalescing into a glowing scroll and a sapphire-blue token that hovered in the air.

System Response:

This is the key and map of An Ning’s Secret Realm. It was created by a Nirvana Realm Level 9 powerhouse—the Shadow Blade, An Ning. With this key, you can enter the realm, which opens once every 500 years. Currently, it will open in one year. The map will guide you to the treasures hidden within.

Shaurya laughed, his voice brimming with excitement. He slipped both items into his storage ring.

"This is super worth it. 1 year, you said? Fine. Secret Realm of An Ning, just wait—I will collect every treasure from you. Hahahahah!"

Not far away, at the sect’s training grounds, Lin Shu and Elder Liya stood watching Shaurya’s odd behavior from a distance. Elder Liya tilted her head, frowning slightly.

"Now why is he laughing like this?"

Lin Shu scratched his cheek awkwardly.

"Who knows. The things he does, no one can understand."

Elder Liya nodded solemnly, then turned toward the disciples.

"Let’s start their training."

Lin Shu nodded back, and they both stepped aside.

In the center of the grounds, Su Quan and Muo Qian faced one another. Each gripped a wooden sword in her right hand. Muo Qian smirked confidently as she dropped into her battle stance. Su Quan, with steady eyes, raised her sword and pointed it directly forward.

"Are you ready?"

Muo Qian grinned.

"Always."

Elder Liya’s sharp voice rang out.

"Start the battle!"

Both girls surged forward at once, their steps echoing against the stone tiles. Wooden swords clashed with a sharp crack, each trying to overpower the other.

Muo Qian roared, forcing Su Quan backward with raw strength. Her sword arced down in a fierce slash, only to be blocked. They screamed in unison, striking again and again, the repeated collisions sending shockwaves rippling through the air.

Purple aura blazed from Muo Qian’s body, while a radiant blue aura flared around Su Quan. Their strikes grew faster, smoother—like flowing rivers crashing against one another.

Each collision rattled the ground, sparks of light bursting from their swords. Elder Liya and Lin Shu exchanged impressed glances as they observed.

Shaurya, still nearby, glanced at them briefly and smiled, then leaned back, folding his arms.

The battle grew fiercer. Both girls used Areial Steps, appears infront of eachothers in an instant. Su Quan releasing blue aura while Muo Qian releasing purple aura. Their voices rang out in perfect unison.

"Ultimate Sword Strike!"

Their swords ignited with golden light, turned completely golden. They swung.

The impact shook the training ground with a deafening boom.

CRACK.

Su Quan’s wooden sword splintered into pieces, fragments scattering through the air. She staggered backward, her footing slipping. Before she could recover, Muo Qian’s blade halted mere inches from her neck.

With a victorious smile, she said,

"The battle is over."

Su Quan exhaled deeply, then smiled back. They bumped fists, their rivalry tempered with camaraderie.

Elder Liya and Lin Shu approached, clapping enthusiastically.

"That was a nice battle." Elder Liya said.

"You both improved a lot." Lin Shu added.

Watching them, Shaurya closed his eyes and chuckled softly. He reclined on his couch, stretching lazily.

"Their girlfriends are just like them. Brothers of Destruction and Sisters of Destruction—what a combination. Hahahahah."

With a satisfied grin, he closed his eyes.

Meanwhile, inside the gravitational training chamber, two figures pushed themselves to their limits. The air shimmered with invisible pressure as Wang Tian and Luo Chen gasped for breath, sweat dripping down their battered bodies. Thier robs are torn apart.

They forced themselves through endless push-ups, sit-ups, and squats, their muscles trembling under the strain. Then, with unyielding determination, they began to run laps around the chamber.

Five hours passed.

Finally, they collapsed to their knees, gasping, drenched in sweat.

"I am feeling like my body is going to break," Luo Chen groaned.

Wang Tian clenched his fists, forcing a grin despite his exhaustion.

"Oh. But I am still fit and fine."

Luo Chen’s eyes widened in disbelief. Straightening suddenly, he barked,

"I am more okay than you."

Their gazes locked, sparks of rivalry igniting. With gritted teeth, they charged one another.

Their fists collided with a thunderous crack, and immediately they unleashed a storm of blows—punch after punch, their roars echoing through the chamber. Shockwaves rippled outward, accross the vast space of gravitation chamber.

In another part of the sect, Shaurya reclined comfortably, sipping a chocolate milkshake while the system displayed their training on a hovering screen.

He sighed in satisfaction, then yawned.

"I should take a nap."

Stretching out, he lay back on his bed, drifting into sleep.

The scene split like mirrored glass—on one side, Su Quan and Muo Qian clashed joyfully with wooden swords; on the other, Wang Tian and Luo Chen pounded fists into one another with unrelenting will.

All of them smiled as they fought, their spirits blazing.

To be continued...