The mountains shook, the rivers roared, and the sky itself seemed alive as the Sect War reached its ultimate peak. The Inner Sect, reinforced by Li Tian's guidance, faced a coalition of rival sects who had marshaled their strongest disciples, powerful elders, and hidden assassins.
Li Tian stood at the forefront, the Devouring Core spiraling in a perfect golden-white-purple loop around him. Every pulse was a command to the battlefield; every thought instantaneously manifested in energy control. His aura radiated calm dominance, a storm waiting to be unleashed.
Han Xue appeared beside him, eyes scanning the chaotic battlefield. "This is the final test, Li Tian. Every life here matters. Focus, and strike only when it counts."
Li Tian's gaze swept over the enemy lines. "Then I will end this war swiftly. Let the heavens witness the rise of true power."
The Battlefield Erupts
Rival sects surged forward, elemental storms colliding violently with defensive barriers. Lightning tore through fire, wind twisted earth, and shadow energy writhed, consuming all it touched.
Li Tian moved like a phantom, his Core absorbing attacks, converting destructive energy into his own power, and redirecting it in controlled arcs that disrupted enemy formations.
Zhao Ming and Xuan Wu, fresh from the World Tournament, led the charge against him. Their combined aura nearly rivaled that of ancient sect leaders.
"You've grown, but this is war!" Zhao Ming bellowed, summoning massive lightning serpents that raced toward Li Tian.
Li Tian's Core flared violently, golden-white-purple energy expanding in a protective sphere. "Then let's see whose will shapes the battlefield!"
Advanced Spirit Realm Confrontation
In the midst of chaos, the Advanced Spirit Realm portal reopened, unstable energy rippling outward, threatening to engulf parts of the battlefield.
"This is the perfect opportunity," Li Tian whispered to Han Xue. "We control the portal… we control the war."
Stepping into the portal, Li Tian entered the realm, a place alive with elemental storms, ancient spirits, and ruins of forgotten sects. Shadow beasts emerged immediately, testing his Core's ultimate mastery.
The Devouring Core absorbed their attacks with instinctive precision, energy pulses twisting and redirecting. The beasts, sensing the Core's intelligence and power, yielded without a fight, allowing Li Tian to advance deeper.
Clash with the Enemy Elite
Inside the realm, Zhao Ming and Xuan Wu ambushed him. Shen Wu, the Heavenly Spirit Prodigy, appeared from a hidden corner, six elements crackling around him.
Li Tian's Core flared to its ultimate state. Every attack was anticipated, every counter optimized. He absorbed lightning, fire, wind, and void energy, converting them into a radiant spiral that controlled the battlefield.
With strategic precision, he separated the enemies, isolating Zhao Ming and Xuan Wu, while forcing Shen Wu into defensive postures. The Advanced Spirit Realm itself trembled under the concentrated energy of their battle.
Core Evolution & Final Power Surge
The Devouring Core achieved ultimate evolution, transcending all previous limits. The golden-white-purple aura expanded in sentient loops, resonating with every elemental energy present.
Li Tian focused, merging absorbed energies into a single coherent force. The realm responded, shifting under his command, forming barriers, currents, and attack vectors perfectly aligned with his strategy.
A final surge of energy erupted, striking Zhao Ming, Xuan Wu, and Shen Wu simultaneously. Their attacks collided with the Core, then were absorbed, neutralized, and redirected, leaving them staggered and defeated.
Victory and Aftermath
Emerging from the portal, Li Tian stood atop the battlefield. The Inner Sect had gained complete dominance. Rival sects retreated, shocked by the mortal's power.
Han Xue appeared, her eyes gleaming with pride. "You've done it, Li Tian. Not just victory… you've become a legend."
Li Tian exhaled, the Core's golden-white-purple aura still radiating immense energy. "This is only the beginning. Greater threats, ancient relics, and the unknown await. I must be ready."
From the shadows, distant sect leaders and hidden enemies observed, their expressions a mix of envy, awe, and fear. The Devouring Core's ultimate awakening had made Li Tian a storm no one could ignore.
"This… is only the start," Li Tian murmured, fists clenched. "Every challenge, every secret… the heavens themselves will witness my rise."
The mortal without spirit roots had ascended. The first great era of his legend was complete—but the world still held secrets, dangers, and power beyond imagination.