A hushed anticipation filled the arena as a commanding voice echoed, "Everyone, stand up to welcome our king of the Tianxia Empire."

The audience rose in unison, their gaze fixed on the entrance where a figure, wrapped in an air of regality, adorned with a resplendent crown, strode towards the elevated stage.

Just his presence alone brought enormous pressure to the surroundings that no one could help but bow in respect.

King didn't care about them much, he merely glanced at them and issued a casual command, "Stand up."

As the command issued, everyone straightened themselves, though their feet trembling in the presence of the king.

Until this moment, the king had remained seated on his throne above the arena, so no one felt anything. But now looking at him standing in front of them, the audience struggled to fathom the depths of his strength.

With measured steps, the king ascended the fighting stage, and without even sparing a gaze on others, he looked down at Eli Shan.

From behind, the host approached, holding three medals in his hand—a gleaming gold, a lustrous silver, and a humble wooden one. The king was meant to bestow these honors upon the top three students. But Zhang Wei was already on bed rest so he couldn't accept it.

Undeterred, the king extended his hand, and the host placed the silver medal into his palm. Standing before Lin Feng, the king nodded, silently acknowledging his strength.

In response, Lin Feng bowed gracefully, and with a benevolent smile, the king presented him with the silver medal. Lin Feng, his gratitude evident, spoke, "Thank you, King."

The host, positioned nearby, addressed Lin Feng, "Tomorrow, make your way to the royal library to receive both your technique and a reward of one thousand gold coins. For now, you may return to your place of rest."

With a nod and a contented smile, Lin Feng exited the fighting stage.

Next, the king approached Eli Shan and accepted the golden medal from the host. Locking eyes with Eli Shan, the king's smile widened, and Eli Shan, respectful, inclined his head in anticipation of receiving his well-deserved honor.

However, to Eli Shan's bewilderment, he didn't receive any medal... Unable to contain his confusion, he looked up at the king, silently wondering, "Why is the king taking so long to give me my medal?"

Breaking the unexpected silence, the king's voice resonated, carrying a proposition that caught Eli Shan off guard, "I want you to become my disciple!"

Eli Shan, still in a state of shock, stuttered, "Huh?" The unexpected offer had thrown him into a whirlwind of emotions.

Among the spectators, a voice of confusion arose, "Does the king want to accept him as a disciple?"

Another chimed in with excitement, "Yeah, he's incredibly fortunate!"

A third voice added, "It's not just luck; he's proven his strength. It's worth it for the king to recruit and train him!"

The arena buzzed with varied speculations and opinions, everyone offering their own take on the unexpected proposal. Meanwhile, Eli Shan's mind was a tempest of conflicting thoughts. "If you were an emperor, I might have considered it," he mused inwardly, "but you're just a king, and as ruthless as the city lord who torments the weak. Why should I become your disciple?"

Of course, Eli Shan was just thinking about it. He couldn't really say it otherwise he won't even know how he died—especially considering the king's cultivation at the peak of the origin realm. No matter how formidable Eli Shan was, he couldn't confront someone at the peak of the origin realm. Just standing straight before this cultivator took a lot of his strength, let alone fighting against him.

The king, sensing Eli Shan's hesitation, felt a pang of humiliation. How could someone take time to decide to become his disciple?

After what seemed like an eternity, Eli Shan, choosing his words carefully, replied, "I am truly grateful for your generous offer. However, I want to become the emperor's disciple. I hope you will not be offended."

Of course, he was just spouting nonsense. He felt that if he were to include the emperor, then the king wouldn't try to make things difficult for him. As for becoming a disciple or either... he knew someone more stronger than an emperor—his Big Brother Dragon! As for martial techniques, he was convinced that nothing in this world could surpass what he could acquire from his own soul universe.

As Eli Shan's refusal hung in the air, a stunned silence gripped the arena. The king, initially dumbfounded, felt the heat of anger coursing through him. This guy dared to reject him? Clenching his fist, he restrained his fury, realizing that any retaliation might inadvertently disrespect the revered title of 'Emperor' invoked by Eli Shan. If he were to do anything now, then it would look like he was looking down on the emperor.

Amid the crowd, the onlookers shared incredulous glances. This audacious young man had dared to reject the king himself. Whispers of disbelief and speculation circulated, with many questioning the state of Eli Shan's mind.

Internally, the king had only one thought in his mind—This guy had such a big dream? He, the second strongest person of this empire, hardly ever seen the emperor whose realm was beyond the origin realm, and this guy want to become his disciple?

Without uttering another word, the king vanished into thin air, leaving behind a lingering voice, "Tomorrow, come to my castle to receive your medal and martial technique."

Eli Shan, feeling the weight of the unspoken anger, sighed inwardly, "If worst comes to worst... I will beg Big Brother Dragon to help me."

Turning his attention to the audience, Eli Shan spotted his parents in their seats. A warm smile crept across his face, and with a graceful leap, he landed in front of them, dropping to his humble kneel. "I apologize for not greeting you sooner, Mother, Father," he spoke with sincerity.

Yui Shan and Huang Shan exchanged a glance, a smile playing on their lips. Yui Shan gently placed her hand on Eli Shan's shoulder, silently urging him to rise, her eyes reflecting pride and understanding.

Eli Shan, who had always been Yui Shan's little boy, now stood before her as a towering figure, his presence exuding maturity and strength. Yui Shan gazed at him with tearful eyes, her emotions overwhelmed her. "My son has truly grown up," she whispered, her voice laced with both pride and a mother's bittersweet joy.

Huang Shan joined them, placing a hand on Eli Shan's shoulder, his laughter echoing, "You're a man now, as strong as me, hahaha."

Eli Shan responded with a warm smile, embracing both of them in a heartfelt hug.

Witnessing this family reunion, the onlookers couldn't help but share in the warmth of the moment, smiles of approval spreading throughout the crowd.

Seated with his parents, Eli Shan engaged in lively conversation. "Father, how is the clan doing?"

"Don't worry, son. Our clan is thriving, and with your newfound strength, it's time for our clan to rise more, hahaha," Huang Shan reassured, pride evident in his words.

Eli Shan nodded with a smile, feeling happy hearing his father's praise.

After chatting for a while, the atmosphere turned serious. Eli Shan voiced his concern, "Mother, Father, are you angry that I rejected the king's offer?"

Yui Shan and Huang Shan exchanged a glance before offering reassuring smiles. "What do you think of your parents? We believe in you, our son. No matter what decision you make, your father will always stand beside you," they affirmed.

Eli Shan's heart lightened, yet a lingering worry persisted. "But I fear my choices might affect our clan."

Huang Shan playfully punched Eli Shan's shoulder. "Don't fret, kid. Just do what you want to do. Nothing will happen to our clan. Your dad has some good connections so no one can do anything to us. You know your father is strong too right?"

Stolen novel; please report.

Hearing his father, Eli Shan smiled, "I know, my father is strongest!"

Huang Shan laughed hard, "Hahaha, my son knows his father very well. Don't worry, kid, even if you make mistakes like every human being, your father will clean up your mess, like every good father!" He stood up and slammed his hand on Eli Shan's shoulder, continuing with an encouraging tone, "So, stop worrying and enjoy your life. Do whatever you want and live however you want!"

Hearing his father, Eli Shan didn't know why but all of his worries vanished instantly. He nodded at his father and thought inwardly, "I am really lucky to have a father like you."

They continued to talk and as evening approached, it was time to return to the clan. Huang Shan stood, imparting fatherly advice, "Little Eli, you don't need to worry about anything, understand? We will always be with you, so keep moving forward on your own path."

Eli Shan nodded with a serious expression, "Yes, I understand, father."

Huang Shan smiled with acknowledgment and offered his final word, "Now we will depart for our clan. Come back home soon."

They hugged Eli Shan and got ready to leave. Yui Shan massaged Eli Shan's head and forcefully smiled with wet eyes, "Take care of yourself, little Eli."

Eli Shan nodded, his confidence restored. "Don't worry, Mother. Your son has grown up."

Yui Shan smiled through her tears, bidding farewell, "Take care, and come back home soon." And with that, Eli Shan watched his parents leave, a newfound strength and gratitude swelling in his heart.

Looking at his parents' fading figures, Eli Shan, who had been holding back tears, could no longer contain his emotions. His eyes welled up, and he continued to stand there for a long time even after his parents left.

Feng Qiang, sensing his distress, approached him and inquired, "Why didn't you go to see your parents off at the city gate?"

Eli Shan shook his head, his voice tinged with worry, "I don't know when I'll see them again, but I can't risk any danger befalling them."

Feng Qiang didn't really understand anything and just as she was about to ask for more details, Eli Shan interrupted her, "Let's go back to our room."

Once in his room, Eli Shan's expression turned serious as he entered his soul world.

There, before the mighty dragon, he found himself met with a waiting gaze. "I was waiting for you," the dragon remarked.

Eli Shan nodded, admitting, "I suppose you know everything. Are you thinking the same as me?"

Dragon replied, "You want to reject the king's offer but you are afraid that he will harm your family and clan right?"

Eli Shan nodded.

The dragon disclosed, "What you may not know is that he wants to snatch your sword technique too."

Eli Shan, though not entirely surprised, remarked, "Yes, I know my cultivation technique is valuable. But I didn't expect the king himself to desire it. I suppose I'll have to keep a low profile now."

Suddenly, something struck in his mind as he realized something. "Could it be... he is asking me to be his disciple so that he can easily take my cultivation technique?" he pondered aloud.

The dragon, confirming his suspicion, nodded without hesitation. "That's half true. He also realized that you are stronger than any other candidate. He wants to train you to be his strongest weapon and take your technique in exchange for your training... That's what we call, two birds with one stone."

Eli Shan nodded slightly, his face filled with worry.

Looking at Eli Shan's worried expression, the dragon didn't feel good and looked at the sky. Suddenly, he felt an invisible power piercing his brain, and forming a map inside his mind coupled with some instructions.

After a moment, the dragon turned its gaze back to Eli Shan. "There's a way for you to become strong enough to defend yourself."

Eli Shan regarded the dragon with a mix of curiosity and skepticism, "You really think so? You think I can become strong enough in one day?"

Little Kai nodded, explaining, "Remember the sword cave? The first step is to clear the cave and reach its end as soon as possible."

Eli Shan nodded, "If I can become even a bit stronger than before, then I am ready to do anything."

With that, Eli Shan disappeared from his place and appeared before the familiar entrance of the sword cave. With resolve in his eyes, he rushed forward, instantly reaching the place he left the last time. He looked at the dark aura filling the passageway with determination, and thought, "I will clear this passage in under two hours at most!"

With a step inside the sword aura, he unleashed the power of the Devourer. In the next instant, the sword aura of passage began to swirl around Eli Shan and drawn into his body like a powerful magnet attracting metal.

As he progressed, pain surged through his body, but he pressed on with clenched teeth. "No matter what, I will overcome this difficulty at any cost!"

Walking further, wounds appeared in every part of his body, blood staining his every step. The overwhelming pressure of the sword aura forced him to bend, but Eli Shan pushed forward. "Is this my limit? No! I will use every bit of my strength before giving up!"

His cultivation of the seventh stage of the zun realm erupted with sword aura, providing some protection to his battered body. But what was his sword aura and puny cultivation in front of this overwhelming cave? Soon, his skin tore apart, blood gushing from the wounds as he pressed forward.

"Aaah!" Eli Shan's agonized cry resonated in the cave, his body now completely covered in blood. Despite the overwhelming pain, he adamantly refused to halt his determined advance. "I... I will not stop yet!" he whispered, his voice strained, his body stained red with the evidence of his struggles.

For a while, Eli Shan moved forward like a dead person, his hands hanging down lifelessly, his eyes blank. It seemed as though the cave had drained him of all vitality. Yet, driven by an unyielding resolve, he continued to press on unconsciously, muttering to himself, "I... cannot give up yet for my parents."

As thoughts of his parents surged through his mind, a spark ignited in his lifeless eyes. "Was I thinking about giving up? Me? No!!! I will devour everything in this cave. Aaaah!" With newfound determination, Eli Shan's roar echoed through the passage, signaling his unyielding commitment to overcome the challenges laid before him.

Suddenly, a remarkable transformation began within Eli Shan's battered form. His body, which was covered in wounds, began to heal. The sword aura lingering in his wounds began to dissipate, and a surge in his devouring power created a dark domain of the devourer, shrouding him in an ominous energy.

Boom!

The cave reverberated as an overwhelming sword intent coupled with a formidable sword aura erupted from Eli Shan, showing a new realm of sword intent. Eli Shan clenched his fist with happiness and whispered with his blood-red face, "Finally, the fifth realm of sword intent!"

With the breakthrough, his sword aura became more refined, darker, and polished. With his new strength, Eli Shan continued to move forward even faster and soon saw a light at the end of the passage. Spotting the light, he clenched his teeth tightly, increasing his devouring strength to the fullest, and running toward it with his full speed.

After what felt like an eternity, he finally reached the end of the passage and collapsed onto the ground, breathless. "Huff, huff, I did it! Finally, I really did it." Then he thought of something and pondered, "I was feeling something is affecting my blood when I was on my way," he reflected, sitting down and glancing ahead, only to see a crystal ball placed on an altar. "But why is there only a single ball here! And why do I not feel anything affecting my blood anymore?" he murmured in frustration.

Standing up, Eli Shan picked up the crystal ball and scrutinized it. "It doesn't look particularly impressive. I wonder if this can help me get stronger... Huh?"

Abruptly, Eli Shan felt a wave of dizziness envelop him, and as the world spun around him, he struggled to maintain his balance. When he finally steadied himself, he found that he was no longer within the confines of the oppressive cave. Instead, he found himself standing outside the cave. Before him lay a massive dragon, observing him with a watchful gaze.

Perplexed, Eli Shan surveyed his surroundings, but couldn't find the cave anymore. He again turned back to the big dragon and asked, "Big brother, where is the cave? And... have I been transported outside?"

The big dragon nodded in affirmation, "Indeed. It seems you have cleared the cave and obtained its core. Therefore, there was no need for the cave to exist any longer."

Though still puzzled, Eli Shan decided not to press the matter further. He extended his hand, presenting the crystal ball to the dragon. "Big brother, is this the core you were talking about?"

Little Kai, the dragon, nodded. "Yes, this is the core."

Eager for answers, Eli Shan continued, "Could it help me cultivate faster?"

Little Kai shook his head, "No. This crystal is not for cultivation but a map of a place perfect for cultivation."

Hearing this, Eli Shan's eyes lit up. "Then let's go, brother!"

Little Kai nodded and took the crystal ball from Eli Shan's hand. With a firm grip of his colossal hand, he shattered it into countless pieces.

Seeing this, Eli Shan jumped in alarm and questioned, "Big brother, what did you do? Why did you break the crystal ball? How will we go to the cultivation place now?"

Looking at irritated Eli Shan, Little Kai smiled, "Don't worry kid. The will of this universe has suggested to me a better place than this map. Or you would like to waste your time going to that mapped place?"

"No no. Let's go to the place that the will of this universe suggested you." Then Eli Shan remembered something and looked at the dragon in shock, "What? Will of this universe? What is that?"

Little Kai nodded, "Every world and universe has a will. They are born after a universe or a world reaches a certain age. This universe is ancient, so it's given that it has its own will too."

Eli Shan nodded in understanding. "Then what is the will's purpose? And why is it helping me?"

Little Kai explained, "The will is above everything. It maintains the balance and dao inside a universe. It's helping you because you are the master of this universe!"

Even though Little Kai revealed most of the truth, he concealed one thing. It was not the will of the universe but the dark lord himself who suggested the new place. However, he couldn't disclose this to Eli Shan.

Hearing Little Kai's explanation, Eli Shan put a hand behind his head and smiled goofily, "Oh, haha. I almost forgot that I am the master of this universe. Big brother, let's go now."

Little Kai nodded and bowed before Eli Shan, "Come. I will give you a ride."

Eli Shan, dumbfounded by the unexpected offer, stammered, "No, no, big brother. How can I do it? Please, let's go there with teleportation like before when we traveled to this cave."

A warm and reassuring smile adorned Little Kai's dragon face. Without a word, he extended his enormous hand toward Eli Shan, gently lifting him with surprising ease and placing him on his head. Eli Shan caught off guard, let out a startled cry as he found himself sitting on the dragon's mighty scales.

Little Kai maintained his friendly smile and explained, "The place we are heading is not near. We have to travel to several worlds and break through many barriers to reach there. And right now, you are not strong enough to control your universe that you can teleport us that far away. So don't be so modest and hold me tightly."

Sitting on the dragon's head, instead of completely hearing the dragon's words, Eli Shan was thinking that he was already in the seventh stage of the zun realm, but in front of his big brother dragon, he was not strong enough to even control his body!

Amidst these contemplations, Eli Shan suddenly recollected the dragon's words, and a shock of realization washed over him.

"Huh? I can control this universe?"