The sky of the Sword Sovereign Sect was quiet too quiet.
A soft wind swept through the sect's mountain range, carrying the faint fragrance of spirit blossoms.
For the first time in months, no smoke of battle rose in the distance.
No clash of swords echoed in the valleys.
Lin Feng sat cross-legged within his courtyard, his aura flickering like a blue flame.
The faint shimmer of divine energy coiled around him, spiraling into his core. His body trembled slightly, veins glowing faintly beneath his skin.
Inside his dantian, the Nine-Headed Dragon coiled around his golden core, roaring in a rhythm that echoed with heaven's law. His Sword, Battle, Dragon, and Slaughter intents fused into one — a vast ocean of willpower.
Crack—!
A pulse of energy erupted. The ground beneath him split slightly as divine light surged into the sky.
His eyes opened slowly — two streaks of azure and crimson light flashing within them.
"God Realm… fully stabilized."
For a moment, silence filled the courtyard. Then he exhaled slowly, his breath long and steady. His wounds — once deep enough to kill saints — were gone. His soul burned brighter than ever.
He rose, the air trembling faintly around him.
Outside the courtyard, familiar figures waited — Sun Mei, Yang Busi, Fatty, Li Yuexin, and his master.
Each wore the same mixture of pride and sadness in their eyes.
"You've really decided to go?" Fatty asked, voice cracking a little as he forced a grin.
Lin Feng nodded. "The path forward lies beyond this sky. If I remain here… I'll only stagnate."
Sun Mei lowered her head, biting her lip. "Still… it feels too soon."
Yang Busi stepped forward, her eyes shining with a rare gentleness. "You've carried the Eastern Continent on your back, Lin Feng. It's time the heavens saw who you are."
Li Yuexin smiled faintly, her usual coldness softening. "The Heavenly Sword Domain is no ordinary place. You'll be tested far beyond what this world can offer. But… if anyone can rise there, it's you."
Lin Feng turned toward his master.
The old man stood silently, his white robes fluttering against the wind. His hands were clasped behind his back, his gaze distant — yet filled with a quiet pride.
"Master," Lin Feng said, bowing deeply. "You taught me the meaning of the sword, of will, of never yielding. I owe you everything."
His master smiled faintly. "You owe me nothing. You carved your own path, Lin Feng. Even I could not have foreseen how far you would go."
He stepped closer, placing a hand on Lin Feng's shoulder. "But remember this — in the higher realm, strength alone is not enough. The heavens are vast and cruel. Keep your heart firm, and your sword will never bend."
"I will remember," Lin Feng said solemnly.
The sky suddenly shifted — dark clouds parting as a radiant golden vortex appeared high above the sect. Divine runes shimmered within it, forming an ancient sigil of the Heavenly Sword Domain.
A deep voice resonated from the heavens:
"Lin Feng of the Sword Sovereign Sect. You have been chosen by the decree of the Heavenly Sword Domain to ascend to the Higher Realm. Step forth."
The voice was ancient, echoing across heaven and earth. Every disciple in the sect looked up in awe as divine light cascaded down like a waterfall.
Lin Feng took a step forward, but his heart trembled faintly.
He turned back to the people who had walked beside him through blood and chaos.
"Fatty, Sun Mei…" He smiled faintly. "Don't slack off. When I descend again someday, I expect you both to be legends."
Fatty sniffed, pretending to wipe sweat off his face. "Tch. Who says we won't be? I'll be the fattest legend in the realm."
Sun Mei's lips quivered into a smile, but tears brimmed in her eyes. "You better come back someday, Senior Brother."
Yang Busi crossed her arms. "You still owe me another duel."
Lin Feng chuckled softly. "Then train hard. I'll collect that debt when I return."
Finally, his eyes met Li Yuexin's.
For a heartbeat, neither spoke. Her gaze was calm — yet the faintest trace of reluctance flickered there.
"Don't let the higher realm change you, Lin Feng," she said quietly. "And don't forget… some people are waiting for you to come back."
"I couldn't forget even if I tried," he replied softly.
She smiled — the kind that hid too much behind its calm surface.
Then his master raised his hand, and a streak of azure light wrapped around Lin Feng, lifting him slowly into the air.
"Go, Lin Feng," his master said. "Go and see the world beyond ours. Go and carve your name among the stars."
The divine light from the vortex intensified. The runes spun faster, resonating with Lin Feng's aura.
The envoy's voice rang out again:
"Heavenly Sword Domain welcomes its chosen disciple. Ascend!"
With a final nod, Lin Feng stepped into the light.
The world seemed to blur — the mountains, the sect, the people below fading into streaks of gold and azure.
He felt his body dissolve into pure energy, his soul pulled through endless space.
Countless stars flashed before his eyes, galaxies flowing like rivers of light.
For a fleeting moment, he looked down — seeing the Sword Sovereign Sect growing distant below.
"Master… everyone… I'll make sure the heavens remember the name Lin Feng."
His words echoed softly into the void.
Then the light consumed him entirely.
The vortex sealed itself, and silence returned to the mountain.
Lin Feng's master gazed at the sky for a long while before turning away.
"Go, Lin Feng. From now on… your battles are no longer bound by this realm."