Lin Xuan ran his fingers over the jade token, its surface cold and smooth. The weight of Elder Mo’s summons pressed upon him, heavier than it should have been. The name itself carried power—Elder Mo was known as a cultivator who stood at the pinnacle of the Inner Sect, someone who rarely involved himself with new disciples.

Was this an opportunity? Or a trap?

Either way, there was no backing down.

As he turned back to his residence, murmurs spread in the courtyard. The battle against Jiang Yue had already made him a topic of discussion, but a summons from Elder Mo? That was an entirely different level. Many would kill for a chance to receive personal attention from such a figure.

He ignored the stares and shut himself inside his quarters.

“I need to be prepared.”

Sitting cross-legged, he activated the Heavenly Script, allowing his energy to circulate through his meridians. The fight had revealed some weaknesses in his techniques—his Starfire Palm was powerful but lacked efficiency in prolonged battles. His Heavenly Flow Steps provided speed, but not enough to truly suppress stronger opponents.

He needed to refine them.

Hours passed in meditation. He analyzed the battle, adjusted his movements in his mind, and reinforced his understanding of the Qi Sea Realm. Slowly, his inner energy grew more refined, the golden strands of the Heavenly Script intertwining with his cultivation base.

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As the first light of dawn crept over the mountains, Lin Xuan opened his eyes. He had barely slept, but his mind was sharper than ever.

It was time.

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The Inner Sect’s Cloud Sky Pavilion was an imposing structure, reserved for high-ranking elders and core disciples. Lin Xuan approached it, his steps steady despite the curious glances from the passing disciples. The jade token in his hand pulsed faintly, guiding him toward a secluded courtyard.

As he stepped inside, an invisible pressure descended upon him. The sheer presence of the one waiting ahead was enough to make his muscles tense.

Elder Mo sat on a stone platform, dressed in simple white robes. His expression was unreadable, but his gaze carried the weight of decades of experience. A single flick of his finger could probably crush dozens of Inner Sect disciples.

“You’re Lin Xuan?” Elder Mo’s voice was deep, almost carrying a hidden force.

Lin Xuan clasped his hands in greeting. “Disciple greets Elder Mo.”

Elder Mo observed him for a moment before speaking. “You defeated Jiang Yue, a disciple at the peak of the Qi Sea Realm, while only being at mid-Qi Sea Realm yourself.”

“I was fortunate,” Lin Xuan replied humbly.

“Fortune?” Elder Mo chuckled. “Strength determines fortune. Do you know why I summoned you?”

Lin Xuan remained silent, waiting for the elder to continue.

“There are whispers of a tournament among the Inner Sect factions. The winner will be granted entry into the Hidden Valley, where ancient inheritances lie. The competition is not for the weak.” Elder Mo’s sharp gaze locked onto him. “I have my own reasons for wanting you to participate.”

Lin Xuan’s mind raced. A tournament? An ancient inheritance?

Elder Mo continued, “If you agree, I will personally oversee your training.”

Lin Xuan’s heart pounded. A chance to receive guidance from a top elder was a rare opportunity. But he also knew this came with risks—why had Elder Mo chosen him? What was his true goal?

Still, in this world, power was everything.

He clenched his fists and looked straight into Elder Mo’s eyes. “I accept.”

Elder Mo nodded, a hint of satisfaction in his expression. “Good. Your training begins now.”

Lin Xuan exhaled. The battle for the Inner Sect had truly begun.