Tianyan stood near the edge of the dense forest inside the sect's forbidden area. The light of the hidden realm had dimmed behind him, and the ancient tomb of the Azureflame King was sealed once more.
He turned to face Yanlong and Bailong, the two dragons now in human form. Yanlong wore a black robe and had a cold, sharp aura, while Bailong wore a white robe and radiated calmness.
"You both should leave this place for now," Tianyan said. "Go recover your cultivation. I'll meet you after I finish exploring this forbidden area."
Yanlong frowned slightly. "We should stay and protect you. That was Lord Azureflame King's final command."
Tianyan shook his head. "Your presence will attract attention. I can handle myself here. Restore your strength. That will help me more in the future."
The two dragons looked at each other and nodded. Bailong spoke softly, "As you wish, Young Master. Call us when you need us."
With a swirl of spiritual light, both vanished from the area.
Tianyan turned and walked deeper into the forbidden ground. Strange mists swirled between the ancient trees, and the faint sounds of spirit beasts echoed in the distance. He adjusted the pouch at his waist, sensing the steady power flowing through him from the second dragon soul's awakening.
He was now at the 1st Layer of the Heavenly Passage Realm.
But even with his strength, he stayed cautious.
As he walked through the narrow path between two rocky cliffs, he heard footsteps ahead. A familiar, annoying voice followed.
"Tch, so it's true—you really broke through."
Tianyan stopped.
Liu Yan stood to the left, arms crossed, still bandaged from their last battle but with burning hatred in his eyes. Next to him was another young man with sharp eyebrows, a cold face, and an oppressive aura.
Liu Feng.
His spirit energy surged faintly—stronger than Liu Yan's. He had reached the 6th Layer of the Heavenly Passage Realm.
"So this is the kid you've been losing to?" Liu Feng said with a smirk.
Liu Yan gritted his teeth. "I wasn't prepared last time. He's lucky. But I want to watch when you crush him."
Liu Feng took a step forward and looked at Tianyan like he was looking at an insect.
"I heard you got stronger, but it doesn't matter. Compared to me, you're still weak," he said coldly. "Back then, Chen Xuanming protected you. But now, we're in the forbidden ground. No elders. No rules. No one to stop me."
Tianyan didn't react. He simply looked at Liu Feng, his gaze calm and steady.
"This ground belongs to the strong," Liu Feng continued. "And you… you're just a lucky dog who picked up some scraps."
Tianyan finally spoke, his voice quiet and cold. "You'll regret underestimating me."
Liu Feng narrowed his eyes. "We'll see. I hope you don't cry when I break your bones."
The pressure between them thickened.
But neither made a move—yet.
The wind stirred the leaves around them. Somewhere deeper in the forbidden ground, the roar of a distant spirit beast echoed.
Tianyan stepped aside and walked past them.
"You're not worth it—not yet," he said without looking back.
Liu Feng clenched his fists but let him go, a dark smile curling at his lips. "Soon. I'll make you kneel."
Tianyan kept walking. His eyes were clear, his steps calm.
The battle wasn't now.
But it was coming