TIANXUN MOUNTAINS.

Reece emerged as the uncontested victor with no one daring to challenge him following his impressive display of force, the attention of the other disciples turned towards him as he walked out of the arena. Though his cultivation base on a normal scale had a significant drop, his Tao Soul was reshaping his cultivation, but it wasn't dropping neither was it advancing but rather it was still dormant. 

He walked out of the arena leaving the other sects disciples fighting and challenging each other. With his cultivation drop from the nascent soul realm to the foundation building realm caused his faction to fracture. Without his cultivation base those who were following him started to disappear and leave him. Like a lone warrior he walked out of the arena like the day he arrived all alone. 

Lucy came out to help Reece, she helped him up and dragged him to his room as the disciples who once followed him were no longer there, in the Jao sect it was an unwritten rule that your cultivation base was your ultimate show of strength and determinant of the influence it had.

With her knowledge of his current vulnerability and her genuine concern for his well-being, she saw a chance to gain his trust and cooperation. Reece's current predicament was much worse than imagined even the elders who wanted to support him and take him as their closed in student turned away as nobody wanted a disciple whose cultivation kept decreasing. As she tended to Reece's injuries, Lucy struck up conversations with him, subtly working her way into his confidence. She provided comfort, support, and a sympathetic ear, listening to his struggles and offering words of encouragement.

Lucy knew that gaining Reece's trust was essential to carrying out her father's task. She aimed to become a trusted ally, allowing her to learn more about Reece's circumstances and intentions. It was a delicate dance, as she had to balance her true mission with the genuine connection she was forming with Reece.

As time passed, Reece began to reciprocate Lucy's affection and warmth. Their bond had grown deeper, and he found comfort in her presence during a time when he felt vulnerable and alone. The connection between them had transcended mere companionship, and he started to develop genuine feelings for Lucy.

Reece's initial reservations and concerns about Luce weighed down as he recalled the first time they met in the forest while he was hunting demon beast back in what was now the demon's territory. He found solace in Lucy's care, kindness, and unwavering support. Their shared experiences and the emotional connection they had fostered over time started to transform into a romantic attachment.

The two of them, despite their respective backgrounds and missions, had found love and understanding in one another. It was a slow and gradual process, but the depth of their feelings for each other became undeniable. At least it was on one part especially on Reece's part he was already falling in love with Luce.

Reece's journey, which had begun with isolation and a decline in his cultivation base, had taken an unexpected turn. He had not only regained a sense of belonging but also discovered a profound connection with Lucy. This love brought a new companion to his life, and he kept trying to fawn over Lucy each time that it took much of his time, and he couldn't get much accomplished in his cultivation.

Other than the love story unfolding in the sect the disciples were called to an assembly by elder Xian, he was going to select a few disciples to head to the barrier and into the land beyond that and the sect's atmosphere was abuzz with anticipation as Elder Xian called for an assembly of the disciples. It was a significant event, and the word had spread that Elder Xian was about to make an important announcement. As the disciples gathered in the assembly area, whispers and hushed conversations filled the air.

Elder Xian, a figure of authority and power in the sect, stood at the forefront, a grave expression on his face. He began to address the assembled disciples, explaining the purpose of this gathering. He revealed that the time had come for a select group of disciples to embark on a crucial mission beyond the barrier, into the unknown land, that the sect had managed to secure a crucial spot through the contest that had ended.

The news sent ripples of excitement and apprehension through the crowd. This was a rare opportunity, and the chosen disciples would have the chance to explore uncharted territories and discover untold treasures and secrets. The selection process was of utmost importance, and Elder Xian's eyes scanned the eager faces, carefully considering each disciple's potential.

Among those called forth were Reece and Lian, who had both made a name for themselves in the sect, albeit through different paths. Reece, the once-fallen genius, who had led the sect to finally get a spot in this chance to enter beyond the barrier. Lian, on the other hand, a disciple who had been defeated by Reece during the Jao contest.

Their selection signaled the importance and potential danger of the mission. Reece, Lian and a select authentic disciples from the inner sect's core and also a few extra disciples were going to be sent for this expedition, they were seen as valuable assets for the expedition. The sect placed its trust in their abilities to overcome whatever challenges lay beyond the barrier and to return with valuable resources.

As Elder Xian continued to outline the mission's details and the expectations of the chosen disciples, the gravity of the situation weighed heavily on the assembly. After the assembly they were to leave immediately and regroup with the other sects outside the demon forest and the elders were to escort them.

The elders from various sects gathered together, their powers combined to form a formidable force creating an opening in the barrier that was large enough for the disciples to pass through, yet sturdy enough to prevent any of the formidable Enlightenment Realm beasts from crossing over into their world. The elders were to remain behind the barrier to combat any enlightenment realm beasts that came through the barrier when it was opened. 

Elder Xian and the other sect leaders exchanged their greetings and got ready to start. With practiced precision and immense power, they focused their energy on the barrier that had guarded the Demon Forest for centuries. As they concentrated their efforts, a rift slowly began to form in the otherwise unyielding barrier.

The disciples watched as the elder's power worked its magic, punching a hole in the barrier. The hole opened up in the barrier and the disciples rushed in without any thought. Kenshin Peak sect disciples, Blood and Rebirth sect, Resplendent sun sect and the major families rushed in without prior notice and some of the Jao sect too. Reece, the Tranquil Lotus clan and Tongtian sect waited for a while before they rushed in.

While waiting outside the barrier the disciples who had initially ventured in the barrier with Reece approached him and asked if they could form a team and venture in once again together. With a smile he walked in with them and this time the land beyond was different and the difference was so evident that the disciples who rushed in had stopped to witness the sights.

Before them stretched a landscape of ethereal beauty. Fields of iridescent flowers swayed in a gentle breeze, emitting a sweet, intoxicating fragrance that danced on the air. Waterfalls cascaded from floating islands above, their waters shimmering with hues unseen in their realm.

But the true wonder lay at the center of this mystical land. Rising from a shimmering lake was the Celestial Temple. Its spires reached high into the sky, adorned with crystals that refracted the sunlight, creating a dazzling spectacle of color and light. The temple seemed to pulse with an ancient energy, drawing their gazes like a magnet.

And then, there was the towering tower. Reece and the other disciples had heard legends of such structures, but to witness it was beyond their wildest dreams. It was a colossal edifice of crystal and fire. Flames danced along the crystalline surface, casting a fiery glow that illuminated the surrounding landscape. Demon beast running around the landscape, and it was a sure sight to see, and the danger was evident as they could feel the aura from them as they crossed over the landscape. From a far they could see the mountains floating above and the waters crashing down from the mountains down, the mountains floated in layers like steps leading to the heavens.