Morning sunlight burnt away the mist in the forest as Lin Feng and Yu Qian descended down the path leading to the Black Lotus Sect, infamous within the cultivation world for rearing power at all costs. Situated within the jagged cliffs of the Thousand Shadow Range, its dark and sinister towers could be seen from great distances.
This was to be his next step for Lin Feng: Stone Creek served its purpose well, but it was no more than a puddle compared to the ocean that faced him. The Black Lotus Sect would be his crucible, his place of honing and forging power, hardening resolve to steel.
“Not many survive the sect’s initiation,” Yu Qian said, breaking the silence as they approached the gates. “You’ll be tested—physically, mentally, spiritually. Fail, and you’ll either die or be cast out to fend for yourself.”
Lin Feng glanced at her, his expression unreadable. “Good. A weak sect wouldn’t be worth my time.”
Yu Qian chuckled. "That arrogance of yours might actually serve you well here. But remember: the Black Lotus Sect isn't just about strength. It's a den of schemers, manipulators, and killers. Don't trust anyone."
Lin Feng smirked faintly. "Trust is a luxury I gave up long ago."
---
Before them now stood a toweringly enormous black stone gate with intricate carvings of lotus flowers in full bloom amidst chaos, representing the Black Lotus Sect's entrance gates. Two sentries in dark lustrous armor stood in attention.
Yu Qian stepped forward with an air of confidence about her and handed over a jade token inscribed with her name: "Yu Qian, returning disciple, and this one is a potential recruit."
The guards checked the token and stepped aside. As the gates groaned open, Lin Feng felt a pulse of energy wash over him—a barrier, no doubt designed to detect intruders or weaklings.
Beyond the gates, the path opened into a huge courtyard teeming with life. Dozens of disciples sparred, meditated, or studied ancient texts. The air hummed with the buzz of qi as cultivators unleashed techniques in training.
Lin Feng's eyes swept the scene before him, where the disciples seemed sharply divided into two groups. The few strong ones were in black and crimson robes, swaggering about with their noses held high, while the weaker ones scurried about like mice, careful not to cross the path of the strong ones.
"Welcome to the Black Lotus Sect, try not to die on the first day," Yu Qian greeted, beaming at him with a sly smile.
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Lin Feng was plunged straight into the thick of things, whisked away within hours of arrival to the Hall of Shadows, a cavernous chamber where new recruits were tested for their mettle. In tense silence, the other initiates, perhaps a dozen strong, awaited the figure that finally emerged from the shadows.
It was Elder Shen, a man of striking presence, his black robes shimmering faintly with protective runes, and his eyes as if piercing right through flesh and bone.
"Welcome, initiates," Elder Shen said as he commenced in a voice smooth and yet ordered. "You are before the threshold of the Black Lotus Sect, but it is not an assured entrance. What we value more than anything else here are strength, guile, and will. Those who prove themselves join us, while those who don't-well, the Thousand Shadow Range is always hungry."
In the room, tension mounted.
Elder Shen nodded to the center of the room, where several black stone pedestals rose from the floor, each etched with a different rune, all of them shining dimly with energy.
"These are the Pillars of Judgment," Elder Shen continued. "Each one of you will place a hand on a pillar. It will judge your potential and compatibility with the teachings of the sect. Prepare yourselves."
One by one, the initiates went forward. Some were rejected on the spot, their pillars turning to a cold, lifeless gray. Others caused a faint glow, and Elder Shen nodded.
When it was Lin Feng's turn, he went up to the nearest pillar without hesitation. The cold stone seemed to stir a wave of energy that burst into him, probing his soul and dantian.
Nothing happened for a moment. Then, the pillar burst into dark light, brighter than any other in the room. The energy was alive, pulsating with the rhythm of a heartbeat; the atmosphere in the room felt oppressive.
Elder Shen's eyes widened slightly-an unprecedented show of surprise. "Interesting," he whispered. "The pillar thinks you are very compatible. Take a step back."
Lin Feng drew his hand back, his face composed, while the other initiates started to murmur among themselves.
---
The Pillars of Judgment were only the first trial. The next was far bloodier.
The initiates were brought to an open arena where the rules-or rather, lack of rules-were told to them.
"This is the trial of your worth," Elder Shen pronounced. "Fight. Survive. Show us why you deserve to be here."
No further instructions were given. Immediately upon hearing the gong, chaos exploded.
Lin Feng sidestepped the first attack, a wild swing by some boy who had probably wanted to try to take out competitors early to begin with. He struck with accuracy at the boy's solar plexus, sending him to the ground in a crumpled heap.
Around him, the arena turned into a killing field. Some initiates formed temporary alliances, betraying each other in the moments that followed. Others used strength or flashy techniques, exposing themselves—and inviting attacks—from several sides.
Lin Feng in turn moved with calculated efficiency. He did not use his energy on unnecessary combat. He watched, waited for the right moment, and then struck when his targets were most vulnerable.
By the time the trial ended, half the initiates lay unconscious or worse. Lin Feng stood among the survivors, his clothes stained with blood but his expression unyielding.
Elder Shen stepped forward and swept his gaze over the remaining recruits. "Congratulations," he said. "You have earned the right to call yourselves disciples of the Black Lotus Sect. But remember: this was only the beginning."
After the trials, the new disciples were led to their residences within the sprawling compound. Lin Feng's room was small and not so lavishly furnished, but it had everything he needed.
As he was unpacking, there was a sharp knock on his door. He opened it and found a young man with striking features, with an air of arrogance around him. His robes were of higher quality, with the insignia of an inner disciple.
"I'm Zhang Rui," the man said, oozing disdain in his voice. "I've been tasked with overseeing the new recruits. Remember your place, and we won't have any problems."
Lin Feng's eyes met his, his tone icy. "If you want obedience, you'll have to earn it."
Zhang Rui's eyes narrowed. "Careful, newcomer. You may have impressed Elder Shen, but that won't protect you from me."
Lin Feng's smirk was faint but unmistakable. "I look forward to seeing what you can do, Senior Brother."
As Zhang Rui walked away, Lin Feng closed the door, his mind already working. Zhang Rui was obviously a force within the sect-a rival, perhaps even a threat. But threats could be eliminated.
For now, Lin Feng would bide his time.