Chapter Twenty-Nine: Entering the Small World

Early the next morning, as the bell tolled from the outer sect of the Five Elements Sect, its sonorous echoes reverberated throughout the entire outer sect. The disciples who had earned a place in the Small World during the grand competition all rose into the air, their expressions solemn, and made their way toward the central plaza of the outer sect.

As these disciples soared skyward, the other outer sect disciples looked up at their figures, for every one of them was renowned within the sect.

Iron-Blooded General Yang Tie, the Scion of Turbid Times Ou Ming, the Sun and Moon Blade Zhang Meng, Earth-Shattering Hammer Wang Bo, the Innate Sword Body Dongfang Tian, and this competition’s dark horse and champion, Chen Yi, among others—ten in total—these were the top ten of the recent grand competition, each having secured a quota to enter the Small World.

Dongfang Tian appeared vigorous, his entire being like a sword unsheathed. Clearly, his earlier injuries had healed, and after a month of cultivation, his strength had grown, seeming on the verge of breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage. Zhang Meng’s eyes reflected the great sun and cold moon, blade energy weaving around him, indicating further mastery of his Sun and Moon Blade Technique. His close friend Wang Bo appeared even more robust and powerful than before.

Yang Tie’s iron-blooded aura was denser than ever, while the wind and thunder seemed to swirl about the fan in Ou Ming’s hand. Each of the top ten exuded a stronger presence than they had during the competition; it was clear that none had been idle during the past month and had all dedicated themselves to relentless cultivation.

“How many of these ten will return from the Small World? And how many will never come back? The path of cultivation is a cruel one, where only the strong survive,” some outer sect disciples murmured as they watched. “But if one wishes to go further and soar higher on this path, one must adapt to this law of survival.”

Just as the ten disciples arrived at the central plaza, the two elders leading the expedition appeared before them. Both elders were at the Integration stage, evidence of how seriously the sect regarded this journey to the Small World.

“This journey into the Small World is fraught with danger. You are all aware of the hazards of such uninhabited worlds. The Five Elements Sect has discovered many such worlds before, and countless disciples have perished exploring them. I hope you will all return, but I must ask: does anyone wish to withdraw? If so, now is the time. Once you are there, it will be too late to turn back,” one of the elders said sternly, his face austere.

This speaking elder was Li Jian, famed for his strictness within the sect. Beside him stood Elder Ma Qi, tasked with protecting Chen Yi and the others throughout their journey.

After Elder Li Jian finished speaking, not one of the ten disciples withdrew. Though the Small World was filled with peril, danger always walked hand in hand with opportunity. Within, countless rare treasures awaited those brave enough to seek them—treasures that could greatly advance their cultivation. None would let such a chance slip by.

“Very well, since no one wishes to withdraw, let us depart,” Elder Li Jian said, producing a flying vessel—a spiritual artifact, judging by its formidable aura.

With both Integration-stage elders working in concert, the flying vessel surged forward at a tremendous pace, heading toward the location of the Small World. As the vessel sped onward, the disciples each found a spot to sit cross-legged, seizing every moment to cultivate and further their strength. Protected by the vessel’s barriers, they had no fear of being swept away by the winds above.

The vessel moved with astonishing speed, reaching a peak between the Tianlong Mountains and the boundless sea in less than an hour. Descending to the mountaintop, Elder Li Jian stowed the vessel and unleashed his formidable Integration-stage aura, deterring any nearby demon beasts from approaching.

Not long after their arrival, the Sword Sect’s party arrived, flying their swords to the summit. At their head were two elders, their faces glowing with health, hair jet-black, and posture as straight as swords—a far cry from the image of thousand-year-old monsters; they looked more like handsome youths of seventeen or eighteen.

Behind the two elders stood ten elite disciples of the Sword Sect, led by a youth whose presence was thunderous—arrogant and unyielding. From the whispers among the Five Elements Sect disciples, Chen Yi learned that this youth was Lü Tian, first place in the Sword Sect’s outer sect competition. Born with a natural thunder body, he cultivated the Myriad Thunder Sword Art and stood at the peak of the ninth level of Qi Refinement, ready to step into Foundation Establishment at any moment. He would be a formidable rival within the Small World.

Within the Small World, one had to be wary not only of the world’s dangers but also of the other disciples. Greed could turn even allies into adversaries, and none could know another’s heart—caution was always wise.

“Brother Lin, Brother Chu, it’s been centuries since we last met. It appears your cultivation has improved,” Elder Li Jian greeted the Sword Sect elders.

“Haha, Brother Li, Brother Ma, it’s been years, and your progress is impressive as well!” one Sword Sect elder replied jovially.

“Since everyone is here, let’s begin. The disciples are growing impatient,” Elder Ma Qi interjected.

“Agreed,” the other three elders responded in unison.

The four elders moved to the center of the summit, forming intricate hand seals and channeling their spiritual power.

With a thunderous roar, the space before them shattered like a broken mirror, revealing a dark portal the size of a door—a gaping black hole, utterly lightless.

Chen Yi understood that this spatial rift was the entrance to the Small World. Only by being connected to the main world and anchored within it could such a Small World avoid being torn apart by chaotic spatial currents.

“The entrance to the Small World is open. Enter quickly. Remember, you have only one month. To return, you must make your way to the center of the Small World, where we can open the exit to let you back. If you become lost within, you may never return. Be mindful!” Elder Li Jian warned.

At his words, the twenty young outer sect elites soared forward, vanishing into the spatial rift.

Not daring to linger, Chen Yi leapt after them, stepping into the black portal. After a dizzying distortion of space, he finally emerged within the Small World. At once, he felt a rush of spiritual energy, more than twice as dense as in the outside world. Cultivating here would yield results twice as quickly with half the effort.

If Chen Yi could spend a full year cultivating in this Small World, he might well break through to Foundation Establishment. Unfortunately, he could only remain for a month, so his priority would have to be seeking out the world’s precious spiritual treasures.