The sun dipped below the horizon, casting an amber hue over the Sanatan Flame Sect’s towering structures. Shadows lengthened as evening approached, blanketing the sect in a tranquil but anticipatory silence.
Within the gravity training chamber, however, peace was the last thing in the air.
First Level Training Grounds
Disciples meditated cross-legged on stone platforms while others clashed in duels, pushing their spiritual and physical boundaries to the brink. None held back. The air buzzed with spiritual energy, bodies moved with blinding speed, and the clashing of weapons echoed like thunder.
Elder Wu observed carefully, correcting stances and movements with the sharp eye of a seasoned master.
"Zong Bu," he called, his voice stern yet encouraging. "You’ve improved. But it’s not enough. You must push beyond your limits!"
Zong Bu nodded in silent understanding, sweat dripping from his brow. Without hesitation, he resumed dueling with fierce resolve.
Meanwhile, Elder Wan had taken a group of disciples of his alchemy hall, and teach them his new creation.
"Look carefully, disciples," Elder Wan instructed, unveiling a small red-glowing pill. "These are the upgraded explosive pills. One pill can kill a peak Qi Refiner and severely injure even a Core Formation peak cultivator."
"We are going to make them ," he continued, carefully measuring ingredients, while his disciples observed with bright, curious eyes.
Second Level Training Grounds
Here, the gravity doubled to 20x normal. Elder Liya and Lin Shu split the disciples into two groups.
Lin Shu led Su Quan, Muo Qian, and several other female disciples through advanced formations, their bodies moving like flowing water. Across the chamber, Elder Liya trained Xu Ran, Xiao Lian, Xiao Rui, Lee Bie, and a few others.
"You’re all doing great," Elder Liya praised, her tone strong and confident. "If you continue , and push past your limits, we can stand against the Royal Army."
Her words ignited a fresh wave of determination. Though the gravity strained their muscles and bones, no one wavered.
In a corner of the chamber, four towering figures stood with confident smiles—Wang Tian, Luo Chen, Sheng Lu, and Lu Fang. Their presence radiated power, the gravity seemingly a minor inconvenience.
Wang Tian chuckled and pulled out his greatsword. "Loser treats the winner to a meal."
Lu Fang smirked. "I have no objection. After all, I’m going to win."
Sheng Lu raised an eyebrow. "Your dream is good, but the winner will be my Majesty."
Wang Tian sighed. "Sheng Lu, how many times do I have to tell you? I’m not your Majesty. I’m your senior disciple right now—and as your senior, I order you to go all out."
Sheng Lu bowed with loyalty. "As you command, my lord."
Luo Chen unsheathed his Lotus Sword and pointed it at Wang Tian. "Less talk. More fight."
In a flash, he charged.
Wang Tian dodged nimbly and countered with his Fist. Luo Chen tilted his head, narrowly avoiding the blow.
Beside them, Sheng Lu and Lu Fang clashed with equal ferocity. Steel clanged, fists flew, and energy rippled through the chamber.
Luo Chen vs Wang Tian
The disciples gathered to watch, inspired by the sheer intensity of the battles. Sparks flew as Luo Chen’s sword danced in sweeping arcs, meeting Wang Tian’s fists and blade strikes.
Their clash intensified.
"Mountain Breaking Fist!" Luo Chen roared.
"Iron Fist!" Wang Tian met him head-on.
A powerful shockwave rippled outward, forcing both combatants to slide back several feet—only to lunge again. Wang Tian takes out his sword and strikes. Luo Chen also counter him. Thier swords are striking continuously.
Under 20x gravity, their movements were fluid, almost casual. They had adapted, evolved.
"Lotus Swift Slash!" Luo Chen Roared and attack
"Lightning Cracking Slash!" Wang Tian with full power.
The two techniques collided with a deafening boom, a surge of energy blasting outwards. Sheng Lu and Lu Fang were knocked back by the sheer force, eyes wide.
The entire second floor shook.
Elder Wu and Elder Wan below looked up with furrowed brows.
"Powerful energy... from the second floor?" Elder Wu muttered.
Back on the second level, Wang Tian and Luo Chen didn’t stop. They clashed, again and again, their blades sparking like lightning.
Then, they leapt back, drawing deep breaths. Time for their final move.
"Ultimate Sword Strike!" they both roared.
The explosion of energy that followed cracked the air. Even the elders stepped back. A glowing light consumed the space, and silence reigned for a moment.
As the dust cleared, the crowd held their breath. Wang Tian and Luo Chen stood still.
Then, Wang Tian smiled.
Luo Chen dropped to his knees, panting heavily.
"The battle is over!" Xiao Rui shouted.
"And Wang Tian won again!" Muo Qian added, clapping. "Wow, he’s super cool."
Su Quan rushed to Luo Chen and helped him up. "Hey, are you alright?"
Luo Chen, still smiling, nodded. "Don’t worry. I’m too strong to fall."
He turned to Wang Tian. "You won again."
"Of course, now you have to treat me a meal." Wang Tian chuckled. "But you did really great."
Luo Chen gave him a thumbs-up, which Wang Tian returned.
Elder Liya clapped. "Alright, you two rest. Everyone else—resume training!"
Lu Fang and Sheng Lu shared a grin.
"Let’s finish our battle," Sheng Lu said.
Lu Fang slipped into a stance. "Just don’t cry when I beat you."
Lin Shu watched from the side, her gaze drifting toward the entrance to the third level.
"I hope Shaurya is alright..."
Third Level: 40x Gravity
Shaurya lay on the stone floor, drenched in sweat, muscles aching, chest rising and falling with each labored breath.
"The energy that shook the chamber... must’ve been those two brats," he muttered.
Images of Wang Tian and Luo Chen flashed in his mind. "But the energy is now disappeared means the battle is over. Probably Wang Tian beat Luo Chen again."
The system chimed in.
"Wow, host, your guess is spot-on."
Shaurya grinned as he slowly pushed himself to his feet. "That wasn’t a guess. I know my disciples well. That is the mark of a true leader."
He straightened his spine, trembling. "They’re doing great... and as their master, I can’t fall behind. I am the sect leader of Sanatan Flame Sect."
He roared: "Shaurya the Great!"
A powerful aura burst from him. Then, with renewed vigor, he began to train.
Punches, kicks, shadow boxing, martial arts forms—he flowed through them all. His power surged. His spirit ignited.
"Royal family... I don’t care how strong you are. You’ve picked the wrong sect to mess with. I’ll destroy you."
He moved faster. His aura glowed with divine brilliance.
The disciples and elders exited the training chamber, exhausted but improved. Wang Tian and Luo Chen were completely worn out. Sheng Lu, Lu Fang, and others limped with sore bodies and satisfied smiles.
Elder Wu glanced around. "Where is the Sect Leader?"
Lin Shu and Elder Liya froze.
"He’s still inside!" Lin Shu gasped.
"He went to the third level from the beginning..." Elder Liya murmured.
They all looked toward the chamber’s gate.
Lin Shu joined her hands and whispered, "I hope you’re alright."
The door creaked open.
Shaurya stepped out slowly, bleeding, pale, barely standing. His robes were torn, his breathing shallow.
The sect stared in stunned silence.
Lin Shu rushed to his side, eyes full of worry. "Are you alright? You look terrible. You look like you have fought with someone?"
Shaurya gently patted her head. "I fought the gravity. It’s too strong in there."
Lin Shu froze. Her cheeks turned crimson.
The sect gasped in unison.
Shaurya sees them confused, blinked and then he realised, he quickly pulled his hand back. "L-Lin Shu... I didn’t mean—"
Her head still bowed, Lin Shu whispered, "It’s alright. You must be tired. Go rest. I’ll cook something healthy for you."
Before he could respond, she vanished in a blur.
Elder Liya chuckled. "Kids these days are so shy. I’ll go help her."
The disciples remained frozen, jaws agape.
Shaurya looked at them. "what about all of these weird reactions from you all?"
Instantly, the disciples turned their heads awkwardly.
"The weather is nice."
"Have you visited that place—"
"You... I’m... you... we... uh...oh"
"You know I’m a boy and you’re a male..."
They babbled nonsense, eyes wide.
Shaurya tried to smile. Are they all fools? he thought. One thing is clear—they’re very bad at acting.
He sighed. "I’ll need to train that out of them too."
Outside, by the kitchen
Lin Shu leaned against a wall, her face still red. She clutched her chest, her heart racing.
"H-How could he do that in front of everyone? He’s such a fool..."
Elder Liya arrived. Lin Shu instantly regained composure and busied herself with cooking.
Elder Liya smiled knowingly. "Kids these days..."
Then Scene shift and shows a glimpse of the huge Royal Army. Leading by General Chu Kang, a big man sitting on a blue Qilin. Silver armour. A huge Axe in his hand. Looking very dangerous.