Above the shattered stone field, a strange golden light shimmered quietly. Suspended mid-air like a falling star was a single leaf glowing like molten sunlight. It was no ordinary treasure—even without touching it, everyone present could feel the subtle ripples of vitality and nature radiating from it.
"That... could it be?" Gu Yuntian of the Gu Clan narrowed his eyes.
Lin Yan of the Blood Valley Sect was also stunned. The glowing talismans floating behind him flickered slightly as his breathing grew heavy. "A leaf? But why does it feel like a mountain is pressing down on my soul?"
Meanwhile, the most eye-catching of them all, Cai Lin of the Heavenly Python Tribe, flicked her snake-tail before returning to her fully human form. Her crimson dress hugged her perfect figure, and her golden eyes shimmered like moonlit lakes. "This is not some spirit grass or immortal herb. This... comes from something ancient."
No one knew its true name. But someone whispered the ancient legend.
"The Golden Sun Leaf," one of Gu Yuntian's companions muttered, shocked. "It is said to be a remnant of the mythical Golden Sun Tree—a tree that grew in the primal chaos era. Its leaves contain the rhythm of nature itself..."
Lin Yan scoffed. "Myths. Fairy tales."
"Even myths have roots in truth," Cai Lin responded softly. "And my bloodline can sense it. That leaf is... alive."
Indeed, it pulsed gently, as if breathing.
The Golden Sun Leaf was an ancient treasure no one had seen in countless eras. Its exact abilities were unknown, but legends hinted at its power to bring harmony between body and nature. If refined properly, it could aid in realm breakthroughs, enhance the body's natural comprehension of Dao, and make one more in tune with the world.
Even cultivators who relied on external force could, through it, gain an inner harmony.
Each group—Gu Clan, Blood Valley Sect, and Heavenly Python Tribe—was tensed. Though they had fought moments ago, their gazes were now filled with something even more dangerous than hostility: greed.
Then, from the shadows, a quiet footstep echoed.
A young man in black stepped out. His face was calm. His presence unassuming.
It was Liu Chen.
"Who are you?" Gu Yuntian asked, frowning. Though the youth's aura was hidden, they could tell he was young—around their age.
Lin Yan's eyes flashed as he scanned him. "Early Soul Foundation realm. Hah. You dare come forward now? When the big fish are about to bite?"
Cai Lin tilted her head slightly, her golden eyes curious. "You're not from any of the factions here, are you?"
Liu Chen ignored them. His golden soul was humming. There was no trace of the Ghost Eye here, but this treasure... it was enough for now.
He slowly raised his head and looked at all of them.
"I don't need your names. And you won't need mine," Liu Chen said, his voice calm but strangely chilling.
Gu Yuntian narrowed his eyes. "What are you planning, stranger?"
As Liu Chen is wearing royal clothes with extraordinary temperament, they can feel that the young arrogant boy , they are facing is not ordinary as well as. But Liu Chen discard the symbol of Liu clan from his robes, so they can't know his identity.
Liu Chen smiled faintly. "Simple. I'm going to kill all of you."
Silence.
For a moment, no one moved. Then, laughter erupted.
Lin Yan shook his head. "You're either very brave, or very stupid. You do know there are three Soul Foundation cultivators here? You're one... and alone."
Even Cai Lin arched a brow. "You must be suicidal."
But Liu Chen stepped forward slowly. Each step he took, the air grew heavier.
"You see," he said softly, "I know what that leaf is. And I don't want news of it getting out. None of you are leaving here alive."
His eyes glowed faintly gold.
The three groups tensed.
Gu Yuntian raised a five-colored barrier. Lin Yan summoned talismans that circled him like golden butterflies. Cai Lin's snake qi coiled invisibly in the air.
But even then... a strange chill ran down their spines.
Something about him wasn't right. Something... deeper than just cultivation realm.
Liu Chen stopped just a few steps from the glowing leaf, then turned slightly.
"This place will be your grave."
The wind stopped.
Above, the sun dimmed slightly.
Below, blood from earlier battles still soaked the broken stone.
None of them expected this.
He wasn't just arrogant—he was ready.
And so, just before the battle began, all three powers stared down the mysterious bl
ack-robed youth, unaware that the name Liu Chen would soon become etched in blood.
.....
#Hello readers, this chapter is still short of some word. But I will compensate with next chapter as it would be some fight scenes iconic level as well as our new twist and turn...
I also explain again about cultivation realms
1. Body Practitioner
2. Spirit refining
3. Spirit transformation
4. Soul foundation
5. Spirit core realm
6. Immortal Lord realm
7. Immortal King realm
8. Immortal emperor realm
9. Immortal Venerable
10. Immortal Ancestor ##