The Grand Beast Canyon quivered under an invisible force, its jagged cliffs and towering rock formations trembling as if in anticipation of a mighty awakening. The air itself vibrated with an oppressive pressure, heavy and charged, crawling over every surface and searing through the lungs like molten metal. At the heart of the canyon, the gate of the secret realm hovered, a dark anomaly wreathed in mist and flickering energy, ready to open at any moment. Shaurya and his sect members arrived, their feet stirring small clouds of dust on the stone-strewn ground, the aura from the secret realm brushing against them like a tangible, electric wave.

Shaurya paused, taking a slow, deliberate breath, letting the energy wash over him. His eyes narrowed slightly, pupils catching the shifting hues of the realm's power—pulsing violets, deep crimsons, and cold azure sparks dancing in the mist. So this is the power of a Nirvana Realm cultivator, he mused silently, lips curling into a grin. Fascinating. If a Level 9 Nirvana Realm cultivator can release such terrifying power, then what might the peak Nirvana Realm and immortal realm exude?

Lin Shu, sensing his awe, stepped close, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Her voice, soft and certain, brushed against the tension in the air. "Don't worry. I believe someday you will surpass him. And that day will come soon."

Shaurya's chest swelled with pride at her words, a warmth spreading through his core. Around them, the disciples adjusted their stances, feeling the pressure but not faltering. Wang Tian, arms crossed, wore a devilish smirk, his aura radiating arrogance.

"This is nothing," he proclaimed, voice echoing across the canyon. "At my peak, I used to crush cultivators of this level with ease. Hahahaha!"

Luo Chen cast him a sidelong glance, irritation flaring beneath his calm exterior, while the disciples nearby watched Wang Tian with wide, admiring eyes.

"Whoa… Wang Tian, you are amazing!" Muo Qian exclaimed.

"My majesty is the strongest of his time," Sheng Lu added with a proud laugh.

From the side, Elder Liya covered her mouth, stifling her amusement, her pink aura faintly shimmering in the morning light. "And yet he was still killed by his brother—half his strength," she remarked, her voice teasing.

Sheng Lu froze mid-smile, jaw dropping. Wang Tian turned rigid, his smirk vanishing as the weight of her words struck him like a hammer. "What did you just say, you old witch?!" His fist glowed with a brilliant purple energy, ready to strike.

Elder Liya's aura flared pink, a whip of energy as she yelled, "Oh, didn't you hear? Check your ears… No, check your brain—but you can't do this, because you don't have one!"

Wang Tian surged forward instinctively, while Elder Liya matched his movement. But Luo Chen's firm grip on Wang Tian and Elder Wan holding back Elder Liya prevented the collision, the tension crackling between them like lightning over the canyon.

Shaurya's laughter rang out, deep and commanding, rolling through the canyon like thunder. Both adversaries froze mid-motion, lowering their stances in obedience. They bowed lightly to him, acknowledging his authority and calm presence.

Shaurya turned, striding forward with purpose. The crunch of his boots on the rocky terrain echoed across the canyon, a herald to the approaching storm. Just then, more sects began arriving. Liu Xiang led the Jade Phoenix Sect, regal and composed yet brimming with contained fury. Beside him, Zhou Xian, young master of the Blood Saber Sect, marched with measured confidence. On Shaurya's left, Jade Phoenix, and on his right, Blood Saber, forming a corridor of tension and anticipation.

Liu Xiang's eyes locked on Shaurya, face twisted in anger, aura flaring. He raised a finger, shaking with righteous fury. "You… first, you humiliate us in the tournament, cripple my strongest disciple, and kill my spies. Again and again, you step on my nerves this time!" He stepped forward, fist raised.

Shaurya turned his head smoothly, glancing at him over his shoulder, voice cold and absolute. "Kneel down."

Suddenly, an immense, invisible pressure slammed into Liu Xiang, forcing him onto his knees. The ground beneath cracked from the weight of the unseen force. Zhou Xian's lips curled into a smirk as he observed, stepping forward, confidence radiating. Shaurya's gaze shifted toward Zhou Xian, the pressure on Liu Xiang vanishing in an instant. Liu Xiang gasped, teeth gritted. "Damn you, brat!"

An elder quickly helped him to his feet. "Sect Master, we will take our revenge inside the secret realm—with our special weapon," he assured.

Liu Xiang's expression hardened into a devilish grin. "Good… he is only arrogant because of his strength. But not for long. Against my special weapon, he is nothing—a mere ant waiting to be crushed."

Shaurya stepped forward, standing directly in Zhou Xian's path. Their eyes locked, a silent duel of intent. Shaurya could feel the pure killing intent radiating from Zhou Xian—not of hatred or rage, but absolute precision and lethality. Shaurya smiled faintly. "How may I help you?"

Zhou Xian laughed darkly. "You? Help me? Oh, come on, stop joking. You are a little sect master of a sect that's only recently gained hype. But not for long. Your hype will end soon."

Shaurya's laugh carried, echoing over the canyon. "My sect's hype will not end. Because my sect is the hype. And as for me… forget it. Don't even dream it." He waved his hand dismissively without even looking at Zhou Xian.

Zhou Xian clenched his fists, deadly intent lighting his eyes. "I will kill this guy with my own hands!"

From above, the Moonlight Pavilion descended elegantly, guided by their veiled master. The air grew colder as their presence swept in, silver moonlight reflected faintly off their flowing robes. The woman's head tilted, and she assessed the Sanatan Flame Sect with calculating eyes. "So this is the Sanatan Flame Sect," she murmured. Her two female elders beside her nodded in silent agreement.

The veiled woman's gaze shifted to Shaurya, and her heartbeat faltered. The air around her seemed to still, her own pulse quickening. The elders beside her exchanged stunned glances. "So handsome…" they whispered, eyes wide.

The master herself, Meng Liyu, felt a warmth she had not expected. Blushing, she slowly lifted her veil, revealing a cascade of silver hair, moonlit eyes, and flawless jade-white skin. Her sharp features radiated authority, beauty, and deadly grace. The disciples of her sect could not believe their eyes; the master had revealed herself casually, yet the effect was undeniable.

Lin Shu's possessive instincts flared immediately. She noticed the woman's gaze lingering on Shaurya. Clenching her fists, she felt protective tension surge. Shaurya, however, remained entirely composed, raising an eyebrow in mild curiosity.

"Yes? Do you want any help, Miss?" he asked casually.

Meng Liyu's voice trembled. "I… I am the master of Moonlight Pavilion. Meng Liyu. Who… are you… Mister Handsome?"

Shaurya's lips curved into a confident smile. "I am Sect Master of Sanatan Flame Sect. Shaurya the Great."

Meng Liyu staggered slightly, shocked. Wait… this guy is the sect master? She thought, disbelief rippling through her. How could someone so young, charismatic, and commanding be the leader of the Sanatan Flame Sect? She had expected something frail, old, perhaps weak—yet here stood a true master, capable and magnetic.

Her breath hitched, and she dared to ask the question that had been burning in her mind. "Are you… single? Even if you're not… would you like to marry me?"

A hush fell. Shaurya blinked in stunned silence. The disciples' jaws dropped. Lin Shu's knuckles went white.

Shaurya swiftly placed his hand on Lin Shu's shoulder, pulling her closer. "Sorry to disappoint you, Miss Meng Liyu. I already have someone I love—and I am only hers."

Lin Shu's murderous aura dissipated immediately. She looked up, eyes snapping open, and blushed deeply. Leaning against Shaurya like a soft princess, her warmth radiated across him. The disciples cheered inwardly, knowing their master's love story had finally advanced. Elder Liya smiled, nodding approvingly.

Meng Liyu's expression darkened. "Are… are you rejecting me for her?" she hissed, narrowing her eyes as she studied Lin Shu. She's pretty, but… she noted mentally.

Shaurya chuckled, confident and unwavering. "Even if you are every man's dream, I am not among those men. And who said she has nothing besides her pretty face?" He hugged Lin Shu tightly. "She has me."

Lin Shu's face burned scarlet as she hid against him, a soft, delighted warmth spreading through her chest.

Meng Liyu staggered back, furious and flustered. "Impossible… How…? This is the first time I've proposed to someone and got rejected! How… how can this be?!" She slammed her foot against the stone ground, leaving a visible crack, and turned away.

Her two elders hastily steadied her. Clenching her teeth, she muttered, "If not the easy way… then I'll find another way. But he will be mine!"

Shaurya sighed, shaking his head. "What's wrong with this woman?"

Lin Shu, still hidden against him, spoke in a cold, steady tone. "Shaurya…"

He looked down at her.

Her eyes met his, cold yet soft. "If you dare fall for her…"

Shaurya trembled slightly, a rare shiver running through him. "Never. I promise. I am only yours."

Lin Shu's lips curved into a satisfied smile, her heart finally at ease. Around them, the disciples teased and laughed, reveling in the drama and the master's indomitable charm.

The Grand Beast Canyon's tension hung thickly, but Shaurya's confidence radiated like sunlight piercing through mist. The secret realm's gate shimmered ominously in the distance, ready to awaken. And with their master leading them, the disciples of Sanatan Flame Sect felt invincible.

To be continued…

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