The crowds roared with excitement, the stands packed full of disciples. Today was the opening of the Sealed Realm, and everyone wanted to witness this momentous event.

"Can you believe it's finally happening?" a female disciple gushed to her friends. "We're so lucky to be here! I can die happy now!"

"Speak for yourself,” one of her friends elbowed her side lightly. “I plan on living a good long while! But you're right, today will certainly be one to remember."

In the row behind them, two male disciples were having a heated debate.

"That Ziven is supposed to be really impressive. Do you think he has a shot against the big names in there?"

His friend gave him an incredulous look. "Ziven might be crazy talented for his age, but he's still just a junior compared to the Legacy Disciples. pitting geniuses against each other is one thing, but...this is a whole different level."

Before the argument could continue, a sudden commotion from the arena caught their attention.

"Look, someone's arrived!" a sharp-eyed disciple exclaimed.

All eyes turned towards the arena gates as a figure strolled casually into view.

"It's him! The Son of Heaven!" a voice rang out excitedly as people recognized Ziven's striking profile and piercing green eyes.

Ziven paused to give the audience a small smile and nod before moving to stand at the centre of the arena. The smile didn’t reach his eyes though, which remained hard chips of jade, betraying his tightly leashed killing intent.

Those that entered the Sealed Realm at the Core Formation Realm typically exited as an Origin Realm expert. It was exceptionally rare for anyone to reach the Ascendant Realm; however, Ziven had no choice, only by breaking through to the Ascendant Realm would he have a chance at getting revenge.

Xander…I’ll make sure that demonic scum pays, Ziven promised.

One by one, the qualifying disciples filed into the arena.

When all ten disciples had gathered, the hushed conversations took on an uneasy tone. The general consensus was that, despite their impressive showings so far, these disciples were simply out of their depth against true elites.

Right on cue, a collected gasp echoed through the stands. All eyes turned once more towards the arena entrance.

“Look, it’s Brother Lucious!” a female disciple squealed. Unlike with Ziven, the excitement in her voice was genuine.

The number one Black Rose disciple strode into view, midnight robes swaying gracefully with each step. As Lucious approached the other Black Rose disciples, his handsome features settled into an easy smile. He gave Caelum, Hughie, and the rest polite nods.

“Hello there, juniors,” Lucious said warmly as he took up position beside them. “I know things can get dangerous in there. As your senior brother, please know that you can rely on me.”

His sincere tone and comforting words took the crowd by surprise. A demonic cultivator showing such care? It was unheard of!

“So handsome and so kind too!” one girl cooed under her breath. “Why can’t the disciples from our Heavenly Light Sect be more like him? They are just too arrogant!”

Next to arrive was the Black Heart Sect’s number one disciple, Horocus. The red-eyed youth wore a tense, wary expression as he silently took his place.

The other top disciples appeared in short order - Larissa, Celestia, and finally Raphael, pride of the Heavenly Light Sect.

If the crowd was excited by Lucious’ arrival, then they were absolutely frenzied at the sight of Raphael. After all, he represented the undisputed strongest sect amongst the younger generation.

Raphael paused beside Ziven, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Well done on making it here, junior. I'm pleased to see such promising youths from our sect."

Ziven wanted to slap away that condescending hand but managed a stiff nod instead. The time for talking was over. Only strength would matter in the Sealed Realm.

At last, it was time for the guest of honor - the Supreme Elders themselves. Excitement reached a fever pitch throughout the arena stands as disciples clamored for the best view of these legendary figures.

First to arrive was Astrid, Supreme Elder of the White Tiger Sect. With a roar, an enormous white tiger descended from the heavens, its passenger seated calmly on top of its head. The disciples marveled at the incredible sight.

“Amazing! That tiger has to be at least thirty meters long!”

“No way, it’s got to be bigger. Fifty meters at least!”

Next arrived Leontius, Supreme Elder of the Pure Soul Sect, descending gently on a floating cloud. Compared to Astrid's dramatic entrance, his subtle arrival elicited fewer reactions.

"The Pure Soul Sect always favors grace over intimidation."

"But don't underestimate Elder Leontius because of that..."

Right on cue, a piercing shaft of radiance split the heavens as Zofia, Supreme Elder of the Heaven's Light Sect, descended amidst a corona of blazing light. Many disciples cried out, forced to turn their eyes away from the blinding brilliance.

"Such dazzling glory! As expected of the number one righteous sect."

"Elder Zofia's strength is said to be second only the Sect Leader's..."

In contrast, the reaction was more muted when Vowron emerged, riding a creepy chariot pulled by skeletal horses. Trust the Black Death Sect to make such a morbid entrance.

Yet all other arrivals were forgotten when an earth-shaking draconic roar resounded across the city. All heads turned upwards as the massive form of Val descended from the heavens, flames spewing dramatically around her. The dragon landed with an impact that shook the arena itself.

As Val shrank down into the tiny, cat-sized form, excited chatter broke out amongst the disciples once more.

"Did you see that entrance? Much better than just riding some big cat!"

"Yeah it gave me goosebumps!"

"That dragon fire was insane! I could feel the heat from here!"

"Val is just the cutest! I want a mini dragon pet too!"

Val lapped up the chorus of praise, turning to Slifer with a toothy grin. "Master, did you see that? They loved it!"

Slifer chuckled, patting her head. "Of course, my little Val. You're the star of the show!"

Satisfied, Val scurried to Slifer's shoulder, draping herself across it like a scaly scarf.

Slifer met the gaze of his fellow Supreme Elders. "Shall we begin?" At their nods, Slifer retrieved the golden keys from his robe that would unlock this sacred realm. Each Supreme Elder contributed their key to the collection.

With a flick of his wrist, Slifer sent the keys spinning skyward. Halfway up they collided in a dazzling cascade of light, merging and expanding until a single massive key now hung suspended before them.

Slowly, the colossal key began rotating in place, faster and faster as space itself warped and stretched around it. A resonating hum filled the air as a tiny pinprick of light appeared that rapidly tore itself wider.

Within moments, the air had ripped open entirely, revealing a swirling portal of darkness - the gateway leading into the Sealed Realm!

At an unspoken signal, the five elite legacy disciples stepped forward as one and paused before the portal.

"Try not to die before I can crush you myself," Larissa remarked to Celestia, though her tone held a hint of wry humor rather than true malice.

Celestia's answering smile was polite, if a little strained. "Take care as well, sister."

With no more words wasted, the top disciples dissolved into the void one by one until only darkness remained.

Now the tournament victors stepped up to take their turn. Hughie was practically vibrating with excitement. "This is it, guys! Our time to shine."

Beside him, Zack kept his true feelings carefully concealed. But across the portal, his eyes briefly met Slifer's own. One curt nod was exchanged between Main Body and Avatar - nothing more needed to be said.

Nomed was the last to approach. For just a moment, his eyes darted towards Vowron. But the movement was so brief none noticed. A heartbeat later, the boy too had vanished into the Sealed Realm.

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Just as the portal was beginning to constrict on itself, Slifer stepped forward to retrieve the key. But before his fingers could close around it, his entire body abruptly locked up, muscles seizing and refusing to budge no matter how fiercely his mind strained against the paralysis!

Beside him, the other Supreme Elders seemed frozen in place as well.

"Leave now, quickly!" Slifer urgently communicated to Val through their spiritual bond.

The little dragon shook her head. "And abandon you, Master? Never! I can help you fight!"

"Go, Val! Be with the others - that is how you can best help me now."

Seeing the uncharacteristic sternness in her master's eyes, Val hesitated only a moment longer before spreading her wings and flying away.

Slifer heard dark laughter, then Vowron walked slowly into his field of vision. "So sorry for the delay, friends," the Black Death Sect leader said, smiling coldly. "It seems a few more of my disciples wish to enter the festivities after all."

With a laugh, Vowron's aura swelled explosively. In the span of a few breaths, his strength had already exceeded the Ascendant Realm.

"Half...Immortal Realm!" Zofia spat in disbelief. "Your cultivation...how is this possible?!"

"Come now, Supreme Elder, surely a cunning woman like yourself would have sensed if something was amiss before today?" Vowron purred as he circled the paralyzed Elders like a shark.

"Unfortunately, you simply aren't as clever as you believe. But don't feel too bad," the Black Death Master chuckled as he withdrew a small black cube, etched with pulsating red runes. "A gift from a mutual friend in the Immortal Realms. He certainly has taken a liking to me. And this delightful toy creates a stasis field that can restrain any cultivator below the Immortal Realm."

Understanding mixed with fury flashed in the Elders' eyes.

The smile never leaving his face, Vowron cocked one finger. Responding to his summons, black-clad disciples bearing the insignia of the Black Death Sect began dropping into the arena from the spectator stands.

"You didn't think I would pass up this rare chance, did you?" Vowron smirked. "The flower must seize its moment while the garden lies unguarded."

With that, the death disciples rushed headlong towards the still-open portal leading into the Sealed Realm. But before they could approach it, more figures appeared in their path - led by none other than Morvran!

"I’m afraid this is as far as you’ll go," Slifer's trusted supporter declared. Behind him, other Black Rose members fanned out, preparing to fight the invaders.

Slifer had warned him that Vowron will likely make a move when the portal opens. He had instructed Morvran to tell the Grand Elders to be prepared.

Even as the first clashes broke out across the arena floor, more powerful auras from both sides joined the fray. Like ripples in a pond, the combat quickly expanded outwards to engulf the entire coliseum.

Amidst the chaos, Fenlock leapt into action. Unleashing furious screams amplified by his sound cultivation, he caught a group of Black Death Nascent Soul cultivators off guard. They clamped hands over their ears in agony, only to find themselves cut down ruthlessly by Morvran’s men.

With an earth-shaking roar, Val suddenly reappeared in her massive form. The dragon dove into the enemy ranks, claws and fangs shredding all in her path.

Several Black Death cultivators screamed as they were snatched up in her jaws, crushed and devoured in seconds. Others tried to fight back only to be blasted by scorching flames.

Yet despite the Black Rose members’ efforts, the Black Death cultivators continued to press forward with fanatical determination.

For each one killed, two more seemed to take their place.

Trapped behind their barriers, the Supreme Elders could only watch helplessly as their disciples fought and fell before their eyes.

"Damn you, Vowron!" Zofia screeched. "I'll see your sect destroyed for this!"

"Now now, no need for such hostility," Vowron chided mockingly. "Not that it matters anymore..."

Ding!

New Task: Save The Supreme Elders

Reward: 5,000 Karmic Credits For Each Elder You Save

Slifer released a sigh as he saw the task notification pop up in his vision. A part of him had briefly considered just letting Vowron kill the other Supreme Elders—it would certainly weaken the major sects. However, if the Elders were to all perish here in Black Rose territory with Slifer as the only survivor...well, the backlash would be immense.

His thoughts were interrupted by Vowron’s expression twisting into a sneer. “I believe I’ll start with you, Slifer.”

Slifer’s eyes widened in surprise as Vowron’s own flashed red, his body morphing into an emaciated, lich-like form. With astounding speed, the Death Sect leader conjured a bone spear caked in swirling black energy and hurled it straight towards Slifer’s heart.

The spear passed harmlessly through Slifer's body, embedding itself into the arena wall behind. The other Elders didn't even flinch, already aware of Slifer’s space technique.

"A space cultivator," Vowron hissed in understanding. "An amusing trick, but it only delays the inevitable."

After circling Slifer for a little while, he noticed Slifer’s form become corporeal, he darted forward, bony claws reaching towards Slifer’s throat.

And in that instant, a massive green cauldron materialized between them!

Caught by surprise, Vowron was unable to stop his momentum in time. An irresistible force latched onto his body, dragging the Death Sect leader towards the open cauldron.

“What is this?!” Vowron shrieked, struggling in vain against the pull.

With a final scream, he was swallowed by the ancient artifact.

A heavy thud sounded as the lid slammed shut over the opening. Faint banging could be heard coming from within as the cauldron quickly vanished into Slifer’s storage ring.

At the same moment, the Supreme Elders found themselves able to move once more, the stasis field broken. Zofia’s eyes were wide with disbelief as she turned on Slifer.

“You...you’re an alchemist as well?” she demanded.

Slifer let out a laugh. “I dabble from time to time.”

The Elders exchanged dubious looks. That had clearly been no ordinary pill cauldron, but an immortal-grade treasure! No mere dabbler would possess such a tool.

Seeing their skepticism, Slifer sighed internally. In truth, the cauldron was something he brought recently from the Shop—he’d felt the need for alternate sources of income, and in the novels alchemists always ended up rich. Besides, few dared provoke someone with the backing of countless pill-hungry cultivators. Should anyone be foolish enough to try...well, they’d quickly come to regret it.

Ding!

Reward: 15,000 Karmic Credits

“You have my gratitude for saving us, Brother Slifer,” Leontius said with a respectful bow.

Astrid nodded firmly in agreement. “We are in your debt.”

Zofia’s eye twitched, but she too offered grudging thanks.

Slifer waved off their words hurriedly, turning his focus back to the collapsing portal. With a flick of his sleeve, he summoned the golden key back into his hand. The gateway winked out of existence, sealing off access to the interior plane.

Slifer watched as the Supreme Elders took to the air, flaring their cultivation bases. The disciples below instantly froze at the overwhelming pressure.

“Take the invaders captive!” Slifer ordered. “Morvran, have them sent to the dungeons for interrogation.”

“At once, Master!” The pudgy man bowed before racing off to relay the commands.

As the death cultists were being chained and led away, Morvran paused to report back. “Master, I’m afraid a handful managed to slip past us into the portal before it closed.”

Slifer frowned, glancing at the other Elders. Too many unscheduled entrants could potentially destabilize the delicate balance of energies within the pocket realm.

Typical xianxia complication, Slifer mused. What better way to end the first book than by trapping the protagonists in a collapsing world?