It was already night, the sect was quiet as it bathed in the azure light of the moon. Shen Yuan emerged from the shadows, his qi rippling faintly as he stepped into the secluded garden. The area felt unnaturally serene. Delicate flowers bloomed amidst pale mist, their petals glimmering faintly under the moonlight. It was a place of eerie beauty, as though nature itself held its breath, anticipating the clash of wills about to unfold.

At the center of this tranquil scenery stood Elder Tian Xu, hands clasped behind his back. He turned slowly, his expression a mix of mild amusement and faint disdain. His deep black robes, embroidered with swirling golden patterns, shimmered in the light, exuding an air of majesty befitting his station.

“So,” Tian Xu began, his voice smooth and mocking. “The little schemer has come out of his den. Tell me, Shen Yuan, what brings you here? Are you here to grovel, confess, or amuse me?”

Shen Yuan’s lips curled into a faint smirk, masking the wariness in his heart. “None of the above, Elder Tian Xu. I merely thought it courteous to greet the man who went through the trouble of uncovering my… presence earlier.”

Tian Xu chuckled, a sound devoid of warmth. “Courteous? A curious word for someone who twists others into knots from the shadows. But go on. Let’s hear what you have to say, child.”

Shen Yuan took a deliberate step forward, careful to maintain his composure under Tian Xu’s scrutinizing gaze. He was keenly aware that every word, every movement, was being measured.

“I couldn’t help but notice your swift intervention earlier,” Shen Yuan said. “It must be tiresome, managing such unruly elders. I wonder… do they not respect your authority, or do they simply fear you less than they should?”

The amusement in Tian Xu’s eyes sharpened, like the glint of a blade. “Bold words for a child who plays with fire. Do you think provoking me will earn you an answer, or are you merely testing your limits before you’re burned?”

Shen Yuan’s smirk faltered for the briefest moment, but he pressed on. “I test nothing, Elder. I merely observe. You stopped their fight with ease, yet you allowed the chaos to fester until the brink. Was it strategy or indulgence?”

Tian Xu’s smile faded, replaced by a calculating expression. “And what do you think, little schemer?”

Shen Yuan met his gaze, his mind racing. “I think you enjoy watching others squirm. You let them clash to reveal their weaknesses, to reaffirm your superiority. But now, you stand before me, entertaining this conversation. Why?”

Tian Xu stepped forward, the weight of his aura pressing against Shen Yuan like a tidal wave. “Why, indeed? Perhaps I’m curious. You’ve managed to sow discord among elders far more powerful than you. But let me be clear: cunning without strength is a blade with no edge. Do you truly believe you can outmaneuver me?”

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Shen Yuan fought to keep his breathing steady under the oppressive pressure. “Belief is irrelevant, Elder Tian Xu. Results are all that matter.”

The elder laughed, the sound echoing through the garden. “Spoken like a true serpent. But tell me, what happens when the serpent’s cunning fails? When it slithers into the dragon’s jaws?”

Shen Yuan’s eyes narrowed. “Then the serpent bites, Elder. And even dragons bleed.”

The amusement in Tian Xu’s expression turned cold. He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “Do not mistake yourself for a predator, Shen Yuan. You are but prey that has momentarily evaded the hunter’s claws. But I will give you this: survive the storm you’ve created, outwit the elders, and I may reconsider your place beneath my heel.”

Shen Yuan’s composure cracked for a moment. “And if I don’t?”

“Then you’ll die,” Tian Xu said bluntly. “And the world will move on without you. A fitting end for one who dares to reach beyond his station.”

Shen Yuan’s fists clenched beneath his sleeves, nails digging into his palms. Each word from Tian Xu was like a dagger to his pride, yet he knew the elder was testing him, waiting for a slip.

“Then why this farce, Elder?” Shen Yuan shot back, a hint of frustration slipping into his voice. “If I’m so insignificant, why waste your breath?”

Tian Xu’s gaze sharpened, and his mocking tone faded, replaced by a quiet intensity. “Because I see potential in you, Shen Yuan. Potential to rise… or to fall. You’ve orchestrated quite the spectacle among the elders, but your schemes, while amusing, lack the refinement of true mastery.”

Shen Yuan’s composure cracked. “What do you mean?”

Tian Xu took another step forward, his towering presence casting a shadow over Shen Yuan. “Let me make this simple for you, boy. A storm is brewing, one you cannot hope to avoid. If you think your petty schemes will protect you, think again.

Shen Yuan straightened, refusing to let fear show. “You seem confident I’ll fail.”

Tian Xu’s expression remained inscrutable. “Confidence? No. I’ve seen countless ambitious fools rise and fall. You’re no different… yet.”

The elder’s gaze bored into Shen Yuan, as if peeling back every layer of his facade. “But I’ll give you a chance. The elders you’ve tangled with are nothing compared to the true powers of this sect. Survive their retaliation, prove that your schemes are more than childish games, and perhaps you’ll earn my respect.”

Shen Yuan clenched his fists. “Respect is earned, not gifted. And I have no need for your approval, Elder Tian Xu.”

Tian Xu’s laughter rang out once more, dark and foreboding. “Bold words for one so green. But let us see if your actions live up to them. The storm is coming, Shen Yuan, and I will be watching. If you survive, perhaps I’ll consider whether you’re worthy of standing in the shadow of a dragon.”

With that, Tian Xu turned and began to walk away, his figure disappearing into the misty expanse of the garden.

As the elder’s presence faded, Shen Yuan exhaled slowly, the tension in his body easing. Yet his mind raced, replaying every word, every gesture.

For the first time in years, he felt the weight of true pressure, the realization that his opponent was not just an obstacle but a force of nature.

But beneath the doubt that threatened to creep into his heart, a flicker of resolve burned bright. If the storm was coming, then he would meet it head-on, not as prey but as a serpent poised to strike.

With that thought, Shen Yuan disappeared.

“Elder Tian Xu, even dragons can fall to cunning serpents… if the serpent strikes at the right moment.”