Ascension of the Silent Guardian

Tian Ling and Lian Ziyue quickly returned to the Mythical Realm. As soon as they arrived, he helped Lian set up her Taoist temple, a place dedicated to cultivation. The area, though simple, radiated an aura of serenity and focus. Lian Ziyue watched in admiration as Tian Ling worked with an almost supernatural precision, molding the structure with smooth yet decisive gestures. In just a few hours, the temple was complete, glowing under the soft light of the realm, as if in harmony with the spiritual energy surrounding it.

Lian Ziyue approached, still amazed by Tian Ling's skill and speed. He, on the other hand, maintained a neutral expression, almost impassive, though satisfied with the result.

"Practice diligently, Ziyue," he said in a firm voice, yet with a hint of gentleness in his words. "Don’t let distractions interfere with your progress."

She nodded respectfully, bowing her head in gratitude. "He has really grown a lot since the days he entered the sect," Lian Ziyue thought, a mix of pride and respect filling her mind. "Who would have thought that boy would become so powerful?"

Tian Ling turned to leave, but before departing, he paused briefly, casting one last glance at the newly built temple. "She’ll do well," he thought before heading to his own palace.

Upon reaching his palace, Tian Ling entered his cultivation chamber, a simple space imbued with intense spiritual energy. He sat in his usual position, but this time, he didn’t close his eyes immediately to cultivate. Instead, he remained silent for a few moments, reflecting. His eyes narrowed slightly as he pondered what to do next.

"I’ve already reached the third level of the True Soul Realm," he thought, feeling the energy pulsating through his body. "I think it’s time to test my strength in the simulation arena. I can’t lose momentum."

His mind quickly connected to the system, and soon he found himself in the simulation arena. The environment around him was vast and misty, yet it emitted a palpable sense of reality. He chose Bai Jian as his opponent, the same one he had faced in real life. However, this time would be different. Tian Ling wanted to measure his evasion and defense abilities, not his offensive power. He allowed Bai Jian to fight with all his strength, while Tian Ling intended only to dodge and defend, carefully observing each movement.

Bai Jian’s first strikes were swift and precise, but Tian Ling moved with an almost inhuman lightness and agility. Every attack, every blow, he evaded effortlessly, as if he could predict each move in advance. His body moved like the wind, dodging fluidly, while his eyes remained fixed on Bai Jian, studying him.

The difference in power levels was clear. With his cultivation at the True Soul Realm, Tian Ling could clearly perceive the gap between him and someone at the Perfected Soul Realm. Still, one thing stood out: Bai Jian's soul treasure. The energy from that item shone with an intensity that could turn the tide in a real battle. Tian Ling narrowed his eyes, focusing on the treasure while still skillfully dodging each strike.

After a long fight, Tian Ling exited the simulation and slowly opened his eyes. His face was calm, but a cold evaluation formed in his mind.

"He's slow..." he murmured to himself as he walked around his cultivation chamber. "The only thing setting him apart is the soul treasure. But with the Five Swords of Judgment, I could kill him quickly."

He stopped for a moment, thoughtful. The Five Swords of Judgment were a powerful technique he had begun learning some time ago, but had yet to fully master. "At that time, I had just broken through," he reflected. "I think now I can fully master it."

Determined to perfect the technique, Tian Ling returned to the simulation arena. The Five Swords of Judgment were a complex technique, requiring absolute control over the flow of Qi and precise synchronization between body and mind. Each sword represented a phase of elemental energy and posed its own challenge. "If I master this technique now, my strength will grow exponentially," he thought, focused.

However, Tian Ling soon realized that he had underestimated the complexity of this technique. Even with all his skill and experience, each of the swords demanded a level of control beyond what he had expected. The first sword, which he had already mastered, was just the foundation. The remaining four were like puzzles, requiring a perfect fusion between his energy and his will.

Time began to pass. Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Tian Ling was completely immersed in the simulation arena, trying to master the remaining swords. His mind was focused on every detail, every movement, every nuance of the technique. He adjusted his posture, refined his energy, and tried to understand the depths of the technique.

After three years, Tian Ling finally opened his eyes. His expression was one of frustration, but also of admiration.

"Tsk, this technique is truly extraordinary..." he murmured, shaking his head. "After three years, I’ve only managed to master three of the five swords."

He sighed deeply, but there was no discouragement in his heart. On the contrary, the complexity of the technique only motivated him to continue. "I’ll master the last two swords after I break through to the Perfected Soul Realm," he decided. "At my current level, it doesn’t make sense to try now."

Determined to leave that goal for the future, Tian Ling closed his eyes once more and returned to cultivating. His focus was now entirely on advancing to the next level of his realm.

Meanwhile, in the outside world, the situation was becoming more chaotic. The war between the demons had intensified day by day. The Green Demon, a sinister and powerful figure, was consolidating his dominance over the lands around the Nine Stars Region. His army of demons grew with each battle, and their attacks on the borders of the Serene Mist Sect became increasingly frequent.

Disciples of the sect, both veterans and newcomers, were sent to defend the borders, but many returned gravely injured, or didn’t return at all. The casualties increased, and the atmosphere within the sect was one of concern and fear. However, Tian Ling, immersed in his cultivation, was oblivious to all this. For him, the focus was singular: reaching the Perfected Soul Realm.

Thus, another three years passed like the wind.

When Tian Ling opened his eyes again, he felt a familiar aura approaching the portal to the Mythical Realm. He frowned, immediately recognizing the presence. "Yu Meilin?" he thought, intrigued. "What does she want now?"

He stood up slowly, still a bit frustrated at being interrupted in the middle of cultivation. His plan had been to emerge from his meditation only when he had broken through to a minor level, but it seemed his plans would be delayed.

As he walked toward the portal, his thoughts were still focused on his imminent breakthrough. "I was so close to breaking through to the fourth level of the True Soul Realm," he reflected, feeling the energy stabilizing within him. "Why leave now and take unnecessary risks? Being interrupted like this is a setback."

Yu Meilin awaited him at the portal, and as soon as she saw him, she gave a slight smile, though Tian Ling could perceive a certain tension in her gaze. He received her formally and led her to his palace. Despite his slight irritation, he still maintained a natural interest in her, mainly due to her willpower and undeniable beauty.

Inside the palace, he pulled out two mats for them to sit on. The silence between them was heavy, almost suffocating. Yu Meilin looked at Tian Ling with curiosity, but also with evident caution. "I still can’t see beyond his cultivation," she thought, intrigued. "But the strength he showed in the past... is definitely beyond the Core Spirit Realm."

Tian Ling, sensing the growing discomfort, was the first to speak, breaking the silence with a soft smile:

"What brings you to me, sister Meilin?" His voice was calm, but there was a hint of curiosity. He knew she wouldn’t seek him out without reason.

Yu Meilin took a deep breath before responding:

"I’m leaving to face the demons at the sect's borders. I want to train and gain battle experience. I thought maybe you’d want to join me." Her voice was direct, but there was a touch of expectation. She knew Tian Ling's presence could change the course of the battles, but she also felt a deeper connection with him, though she wasn’t sure what it was.

"No." Tian Ling’s response was dry and direct, without hesitation.

Yu Meilin was surprised by the immediate response and frowned.

"Why?" she insisted, her voice sounding disappointed. "Fighting at the borders would be a good opportunity to gain merit and real experience. Just cultivating in isolation isn’t enough to make you stronger."

Tian Ling sighed, clearly not in the mood to argue.

"I’m about to break through to the fourth level of the True Soul Realm," he explained patiently. "At this moment, all I need is time and focus. Fighting now would be a waste of energy and would delay my progress. It doesn’t make sense."

Yu Meilin shook her head, realizing she wouldn’t be able to convince him.

"Alright then..." she said, with a note of resignation in her voice. "I hope you break through soon. The situation at the borders is worsening by the day."

They talked for a few more minutes, discussing the war situation and the ongoing demon attacks. Tian Ling listened, but his heart and mind were entirely focused on one thing: reaching the next level of cultivation. Even though he wanted to help at the borders, he knew his priority lay elsewhere.

When Yu Meilin finally said her goodbyes and left the palace, Tian Ling remained silent for a moment, watching her departure. "She seemed like she wanted to say something else..." he thought, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Is she thinking the same as Jin Yu? Never mind... When she’s ready to speak, she will."