The Resurgence of Tianjian Sect

To the southwest of the continent, nestled at the foot of Mount Poluo, lay the ancient city of Tianliu.

The Poluo Mountain Range was abundant in fine gold ore, a natural draw for countless artifact-refining sects. Among these, the Tianjian Sect stood unrivaled, boasting the largest following, the most formidable power, and the grandest reputation.

With a legacy spanning over ten millennia, the Tianjian Sect would undoubtedly have claimed complete dominion over Tianliu City, had it not been for the devastating human catastrophe.

The calamity had inflicted severe damage upon the entire Tianjian Sect.

Though the sect boasted a rich treasury of talismans, magical artifacts, and immortal swords, this very wealth became its bane. Following the demise of Sect Master Nian Cangsheng and his elders, countless opportunistic rogue cultivators stormed the sect, plundering its precious reserves.

Mercifully, Nian Cangsheng had established a formidable sect-protecting formation within the Tianjian Sect before his passing, thus ensuring the continuation of their lineage.

Over the next few centuries, under the relentless efforts of the current Sect Master Nian Yinfeng and his numerous disciples, the Tianjian Sect slowly regained its former vitality, subtly hinting at a powerful resurgence.

Nian Yinfeng, possessing a complete innate spiritual root of the fire element, had only just crossed the threshold into the Golden Core stage eight centuries prior. Now, he stood at the pinnacle of the Mahayana stage, his power immense and his artifact-refining techniques unparalleled.

No cultivator across the realms doubted his potential to ascend to the Heavenly Realm, yet, much like the Saint Water Palace Mistress Luo Bingyan, he steadfastly refused to do so.

He had reached the Nascent Soul stage at the age of thirty-six, and due to his inherently mature features, he consistently appeared to be a man in his prime.

Yet, at this very moment, Nian Yinfeng’s face was clouded with sorrow. His sharp, sword-like eyebrows were deeply furrowed under the immense pressure, and his chiseled features naturally conveyed an imposing dignity, even in his distress.

“Report————”

As Nian Yinfeng pondered a solution, a messenger disciple burst into the council hall with urgent speed.

“Sect Master, the ‘Rare Treasure’ has drawn no fewer than a dozen Mahayana experts to Tianliu City. Hundreds of cultivators from the Soul Transformation, Void Refinement, and Body Integration stages have also arrived, while those in the Golden Core and Nascent Soul stages are simply beyond count. Even, even…”

Whether from sheer tension or rising indignation, the messenger disciple began to stammer, his face flushing a deep crimson.

With a raised hand, Nian Yinfeng conjured a sudden breeze that gently lifted the kneeling disciple before him. “Continue,” he instructed softly.

The messenger disciple steadied himself, finally taking a moment to survey his surroundings. He observed all the sect elders gathered within the hall, and his previously anxious heart gradually settled. ‘With so many masters present,’ he thought, ‘what is there to fear?’

With that thought, the messenger disciple bowed slightly, cupped his hands, and resumed his report. “Sect Master, several thousand rogue cultivators have amassed within twenty li of Tianliu City, appearing to be in some form of deliberation. Among them are even nascent cultivators who have only just achieved Foundation Establishment.”

“Scoundrels! These audacious wretches are going too far! Are they not attempting to exploit this chaos for another round of plunder?!”

A furious roar echoed through the hall, though its source remained unknown. A mahogany chair instantly splintered in response, its fragments dissolving into dust the moment they struck the floor. Every elder and disciple present bristled with indignation.

Nian Yinfeng, of course, fully grasped the implications of the messenger’s report. Yet, as the Sect Master, he knew that the greater the crisis, the more imperative it was to maintain an unshaken composure. Even if his heart held no immediate solution, his demeanor had to remain utterly serene.

This was a profound lesson, diligently imparted by his predecessor and father, Nian Cangsheng.

Nian Yinfeng calmly smoothed his sleeves, a faint smile gracing his lips. “Elder Qi, there is no need to fret,” he began. “Consider the peril our sect faced eight centuries ago, when it teetered on the brink of annihilation. How does that compare to our current predicament?”

At once, Elder Qi understood the Sect Master’s unspoken intent. He responded with a booming voice, “In those days, Mahayana experts, countless rogue immortals, and wandering cultivators stormed our sect’s very treasury! The sheer scale of that assault was immeasurable, and it was, without a doubt, far more perilous than anything we face today.”

Nian Yinfeng offered another faint smile, thinking, ‘Elder Qi truly is the steadfast friend I grew up with. Between us, a single, understated remark is all it takes to convey an entire meaning.’

“As Elder Qi has rightly stated, during that past crisis, our sect’s disciples stood united, ensuring the continuation of our lineage to this very day. How then, can a mere few thousand scurrying rats and gnats cause such a loss of composure among you all today?”

Upon finishing his words, Nian Yinfeng unconsciously brushed the thumb ring adorning his left middle finger. This subtle gesture was a habit he often resorted to when feeling tense, a secret comfort that, fortunately, no one had ever noticed.

Those present in the hall listened as their Sect Master Nian spoke, his words seemingly light and airy, yet imbued with an unmistakable, chilling intent. Each person felt a surge of fervent energy ignite within them, their blood boiling with renewed passion and burning bright.

Nian Yinfeng surveyed his surroundings. No longer did he detect any trace of timidity among them. His heart instantly calmed. Disunity was the gravest fear before battle, but observing the resolute expressions of his disciples and elders now brought him considerable peace of mind.

‘Father,’ he thought, ‘these are truly your finest disciples! Today, I shall stake my very life to safeguard our sect’s integrity.’

With newfound confidence, his thoughts flowed unhindered. Nian Yinfeng began to issue a rapid succession of commands to the various hall masters and elders. The entire sect instantly transformed, surging with activity like a pot of boiling water. The stark contrast to the disciples’ previous indolence, when peace reigned, was so profound it felt as though they were two entirely different sects.

Nian Yinfeng and Elder Qi exchanged a glance, a shared sense of profound relief passing between them.

“Crisis and danger often conceal opportunity,” Nian Yinfeng declared, clasping his hands behind his back as he gazed skyward. “Perhaps this tribulation will prove to be a blessing in disguise!”

“Indeed!” Elder Qi affirmed, casting a quick glance at the Sect Master beside him. Finding the pose rather dashing and elegant, he too clasped his hands behind his back and turned his gaze towards the heavens.

“Elder Qi, I shall depart at once. Please, oversee the sect in my absence.”

“And if you do not return?”

Nian Yinfeng formed a hand seal, summoning his natal flying sword. With a light, confident leap, he landed steadily upon its blade. “I shall most certainly return!” he declared.

With a fleeting flash of sword light, Nian Yinfeng vanished from Elder Qi’s sight in an instant.

Elder Qi gazed at the sky for a long moment, then cupped his hands and offered a solemn bow towards the distant horizon.