The atmosphere inside the Infinite Pagoda grew heavier. The decision had been made—Lin Xuan and Zhao Feng had chosen to step into the unknown. But what lay ahead was still unclear.

Sect Master Yan studied them both for a long moment before finally speaking. "To walk this path, you must understand the world beyond our sect."

Elder Mo stepped forward. "Lin Xuan, Zhao Feng, before we send you forward, you must grasp what truly separates the weak from the strong. Tell me—what do you know of the great realms of cultivation?"

Lin Xuan clenched his fists. "We cultivate to break our mortal limits. The stronger we become, the closer we get to immortality."

Elder Mo nodded. "A simple answer, but incomplete." He turned to Zhao Feng. "And you?"

Zhao Feng hesitated but then spoke. "The world is ruled by those who reach the Nascent Soul Realm and beyond. The strongest control vast territories, sects, and empires."

Elder Mo smiled faintly. "Correct. But there's more."

He lifted his hand, and suddenly, a deep golden energy surged around him. The air trembled under his aura. It was the power of a Soul Formation expert.

"Strength is not just about reaching a realm," Elder Mo said. "It is about surpassing limits. About rewriting your own destiny."

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Lin Xuan and Zhao Feng exchanged glances. They had faced strong opponents before, but this… this was something else.

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THE WORLD BEYOND

Sect Master Yan unfolded an ancient scroll, revealing a vast map. "There are many sects, kingdoms, and forbidden lands beyond our reach," he said. "If you wish to truly grow, you must understand what lies ahead."

The map showed three major powers:

1. Heavenly Origin Sect (天元宗) – Their home, a sect with deep foundations but many hidden mysteries.

2. The Azure Thunder Empire – A kingdom ruled by powerful cultivators who enforce strict laws on sects within their territory.

3. The Dark Abyss Sect – A hidden force rumored to practice forbidden techniques, growing in strength from the shadows.

Lin Xuan’s eyes locked onto the Dark Abyss Sect’s location. Something about it sent a chill down his spine.

Sect Master Yan's voice grew cold. "We are not the only ones preparing. Dark forces are already moving. That is why we must act first."

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A NEW CHALLENGE BEGINS

Elder Mo placed two jade slips before them. "Your first task is simple," he said. "Survive."

Lin Xuan picked up one of the slips and felt a rush of information flood his mind. It detailed an ancient trial ground hidden deep within the sect’s territory—the Ruined Moon Valley.

"Enter the valley, defeat its guardian, and obtain the inheritance left behind," Elder Mo commanded. "Only then will you qualify for the true path ahead."

Zhao Feng exhaled sharply. "And if we fail?"

Sect Master Yan's gaze turned sharp. "Then you were never meant to walk this path."

Lin Xuan’s heart pounded. There was no turning back now. The real journey was about to begin.