As Lin Xuan walked away from the arena, the whispers of the disciples followed him. Some were in awe, others in disbelief, and a few in resentment. An outer disciple defeating an inner disciple was unheard of.
But Lin Xuan didn’t care.
His mind was still replaying the moment his golden energy had erupted. It wasn’t just his physical strength—something deeper had changed. The Celestial Ascendance Scripture was evolving within him, reshaping his very foundation.
But he wasn’t the only one thinking about the battle.
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Inner Sect – Elder’s Hall
A grand hall, towering and majestic, sat deep within the sect, reserved for the most powerful figures of the Heavenly Origin Sect. Several elders sat in their respective seats, their gazes fixed on a floating projection of the battle.
"His strength… It’s abnormal for a Qi Refinement disciple." Elder Mo, a thin man with a sharp gaze, muttered.
Elder Han, a woman dressed in silver robes, nodded. "The power he displayed, those golden runes—have any of you seen something like this before?"
The Sect Master, Tian Zhen, leaned forward. His aura alone made the air tremble. "That technique... It isn't recorded in our sect's manuals. Either he acquired an extremely rare inheritance or… he’s hiding something greater."
The elders exchanged glances.
"Should we bring him into the Inner Sect?" Elder Mo asked.
Sect Master Tian Zhen smiled faintly. "No. Not yet."
The elders raised their brows in surprise.
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
"We’ll observe him. If he grows too fast… then we’ll decide."
The hall fell into silence. Lin Xuan had unknowingly placed himself under the watchful eyes of the highest authorities in the sect.
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Outer Sect – Lin Xuan’s Courtyard
Back in his residence, Lin Xuan sat cross-legged, eyes closed, circulating his qi. His body still buzzed with lingering energy from the battle. He could feel it—his cultivation was nearing a breakthrough.
Just as he was about to enter deep meditation—
Knock. Knock.
Lin Xuan opened his eyes. "Come in."
The door slid open, and Zhao Feng stepped inside, his expression serious. "You’ve made too big of a scene."
Lin Xuan smirked. "You think I should’ve lost on purpose?"
Zhao Feng sighed, sitting across from him. "No, but defeating Wang Jian in front of the entire sect? You’ve drawn the attention of the Inner Sect Elders. Some might see you as a genius, but others… they’ll see you as a threat."
Lin Xuan remained silent. He had already expected this. Strength brought opportunity—but it also brought danger.
Zhao Feng continued, "I also heard something else. Wang Jian's older brother, Wang Renshu, is in the Inner Sect. He’s at Late Foundation Establishment and is known for being ruthless."
Lin Xuan’s eyes narrowed. "So he’ll come for revenge?"
Zhao Feng nodded. "Most likely. Be prepared."
Lin Xuan exhaled. "Then I'll just have to become strong enough that no one dares to challenge me."
Zhao Feng chuckled. "Typical. Well, I just came to warn you. Try not to cause too much trouble—at least for now."
With that, Zhao Feng left.
Lin Xuan closed his eyes once more. If trouble was coming, then he would meet it head-on. He was done being weak.
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Inner Sect – Wang Family Courtyard
Meanwhile, in a grand residence deep within the Inner Sect, a man dressed in dark robes sat in meditation. His aura was terrifying—like a beast on the verge of awakening.
A disciple knelt before him. "Senior Brother Wang Renshu, your brother was defeated by an outer disciple."
Wang Renshu opened his eyes. A chilling light flashed in them.
"Oh? And who was it?"
"Lin Xuan."
Silence.
Then—CRACK!
The stone floor beneath Wang Renshu shattered as his qi surged. His voice was eerily calm.
"Lin Xuan… I will make him regret ever laying hands on my brother."