Shui Tian Enters the True Ancestor Realm

The Inner Sea of the Realm Sea, Water Origin Spirit Race, ancestral shrine of the fifty-seventh branch.

The hall was dimly lit. Only the pea-sized flames of eternal lamps flickered in the corners, casting their light over row after row of cold spirit tablets.

The air was thick with the mingled scents of old sandalwood and decay.

Shui Tian lowered his head and knelt rigidly on the cold bluestone floor, fists clenched so tightly his knuckles had turned white.

"One permanent Martial Token, and you came back empty-handed. You nearly lost your life in there, too."

An old, indifferent voice came from the raised platform before him. It held not the slightest trace of emotion, yet Shui Tian's entire body trembled uncontrollably.

"Old Ancestor, I..."

"You don't need to say anything."

From the shadows on the platform, a gaunt figure slowly rose. His hair and beard were white, and deep wrinkles covered his face, yet his cloudy eyes held a sharpness that seemed to see through everything.

"You've suppressed your cultivation for too long."

"You thought your foundations were deep and you were invincible among your peers, but you didn't understand how vast the Realm Sea is, or how many prodigies it holds."

"A small setback has unsettled your Dao heart. That is the real problem."

Shui Tian abruptly raised his head, eyes filled with resentment.

"I haven't!"

The Old Ancestor ignored his protest and continued speaking as though to himself.

"Remember, the Water Origin Spirit Race has no use for a good-for-nothing who remains forever at the peak of the True King realm!

"Least of all my Tian He Lineage!"

"Either break through right now and wash away your disgrace with a smooth, decisive breakthrough."

"Or sink into ruin. I'll personally cripple you and save resources for our Tian