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Chapter 14: The Final Clash – Evergreen Secrets and Silent Vows
Boom!
A shockwave exploded from the center of the arena. Sword light and wind force collided in brilliant arcs. Clouds churned above as two figures clashed—Xiao Tian, now among the top contenders of the Holy Land, and Lin Zhen, a famed outer sect genius with a Storm Tiger bloodline.
"Storm Tiger Roar!"
Lin Zhen's beast blood erupted. His body surged with violent True Aura, his fists infused with primal force and wrapped in lightning veins.
Xiao Tian's expression was calm, like still water in a deep well.
His sword—Verdant Flow—remained sheathed.
> [Script Fragment: Lin Zhen]
[Fate: Blue]
[Opportunity: Storm Tiger Bone Core – 40% fusion]
[Weakness: Heart Meridian Instability under Pressure]
Xiao Tian activated his technique.
Azure Wind Steps—Middle Phase.
His figure blurred.
The next instant, Lin Zhen spasmed mid-air. His spiritual pressure surged uncontrollably, rupturing the energy circuits near his heart.
Swish—
The sound of a blade sliding into its sheath echoed as Lin Zhen collapsed, unconscious.
The crowd gasped.
"He defeated Lin Zhen... without drawing his sword?"
"He's already stepping into the peak of the outer sect!"
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Quasi Holy Son Ascension
Elders descended, eyes gleaming.
"Xiao Tian is hereby declared Quasi Holy Son of the Taichu Holy Land. He shall take residence upon Verdant Cloud Peak, and lead disciples into the Evergreen Secret Realm."
Cheers rang through the arena. The eyes of inner sect geniuses turned solemn—this young man from the handyman quarters had risen beyond their reach.
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Return to the Peak
Verdant Cloud Peak, draped in mist and flowing spiritual energy, now served as Xiao Tian's cultivation grounds. Inside his hall, incense burned quietly.
A soft knock came at the gate.
"Enter."
A girl in a snow-white maid uniform stepped forward and knelt, her silver-blue eyes lowered. She removed her veil, revealing the stunning beauty beneath.
It was Ye Qingyu—the girl he had once bought from a slave trader, whose Life Script shimmered with red and golden entries.
> [Fate: Red – Phoenix Sword Soul (Sealed)]
[Loyalty: 95% (Voluntary Bond)]
[Hidden Opportunity: Dual Sword-Heart Synchrony (Unawakened)]
"I was born with a sealed fate," Ye Qingyu spoke softly, "sold into chains before I could wield a sword... Until you gave me freedom."
She looked up, her gaze filled with unwavering resolve.
"Please allow me to remain by your side—as your maid, your sword bearer... and your blade in the shadows."
Xiao Tian stood still, silent.
"…Very well," he said. "From this day on, you will stay here at Verdant Cloud Peak. No longer a slave—my people will treat you as one of my own."
A faint light flickered behind Ye Qingyu's pupils, as if a sleeping will stirred.
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Secret of the Evergreen Realm
That night, Xiao Tian stood in the holy library reserved for quasi holy sons. The truth of the Evergreen Secret Realm was laid bare.
> "A battlefield dressed as a trial. Every twenty years, the Five Great Holy Lands clash for ownership of ancient ruins, lost scriptures, divine herbs, and weapon fragments."
> "Only those with monstrous talent dare venture deep into the Realm's core… where Supreme Physique awakenings and incomplete Immortal Monarch inheritances rest in silence."
Xiao Tian's lips curved into a cold, calm smile.
"To those with fate... it is a blessing. To those with the Life Script System... it is prey."
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