Lin Xuan followed the dark-robed disciple through the long, winding path leading to the Inner Sect’s Grand Hall. His body still ached from the battle with Wang Renshu, but he couldn’t afford to show weakness.

Zhao Feng walked beside him, arms crossed. “You realize they’re probably going to test you, right?”

Lin Xuan nodded. “I expected as much.”

The Inner Sect rarely summoned outer disciples, and when they did, it was never without reason. Lin Xuan’s victory had shaken the sect, and now… the real powerhouses were paying attention.

As they stepped past the massive golden gates, they were greeted by towering statues of ancient cultivators—sect ancestors who had once dominated the world. The sheer pressure in the hall was overwhelming. Even Zhao Feng’s usual carefree attitude seemed restrained.

At the end of the hall, six elders sat in a semi-circle. Their expressions were unreadable, but their eyes held the weight of decades of cultivation.

In the center, a man with long black hair and golden robes stood with his hands behind his back. His presence alone made the air feel heavier.

This was Elder Mu Jian, one of the highest-ranking figures in the Heavenly Origin Sect.

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He spoke, his voice calm yet powerful.

"Lin Xuan, do you know why you’ve been summoned?"

A TEST OF STRENGTH

Lin Xuan clasped his fists. “Because of my victory in the Outer Sect.”

Elder Mu Jian nodded. “Indeed. Your rapid growth has drawn attention. But strength alone does not determine one’s place in the sect.”

Another elder, a woman with icy blue eyes, leaned forward. “We must determine whether you truly deserve to advance… or if your power is borrowed and fleeting.”

A low murmur spread across the hall. Lin Xuan could already tell what was coming.

Elder Mu Jian raised a hand. “You will face an Inner Sect disciple in battle. If you prove yourself, we will discuss your future. If you fail—” His voice grew sharp. “—you will remain where you are.”

Lin Xuan exhaled slowly. Another battle… already?

Zhao Feng gave him a pat on the back. “You better not lose. I have money on this.”

Lin Xuan rolled his eyes. “Of course you do.”

THE CHALLENGER APPEARS

A door at the side of the hall creaked open, and footsteps echoed through the chamber.

A tall young man walked in, his presence commanding instant attention. His long red hair flowed behind him, and the crimson aura around him flickered like fire. He carried a long sword on his back, and his eyes burned with intensity.

The elders introduced him with respect.

"This is Liu Qingfeng, an Inner Sect disciple ranked in the top hundred."

Liu Qingfeng smirked. "You may have dominated the Outer Sect, but the Inner Sect is an entirely different world."

Lin Xuan met his gaze, his fists tightening. Another fight… another test.

Elder Mu Jian raised his hand. “Begin.”

And just like that…

The battle started.