The silence in the hall was deafening.

Liu Qingfeng coughed, wiping the blood from the corner of his lips. His eyes burned with frustration, but beneath it, a hint of admiration flickered. He hadn't expected to lose—not to an Outer Sect disciple.

Lin Xuan, however, stood still, his palm slightly trembling. The golden runes that had manifested during the clash had already faded, but their lingering presence left a deep imprint on his consciousness.

What was that power?

The elders sitting above the arena exchanged glances.

Elder Mu Jian finally broke the silence. “To overpower a Peak Foundation Establishment cultivator in a direct clash…” He stroked his beard thoughtfully. “Lin Xuan, do you know what kind of power you wield?”

Lin Xuan clenched his fist and shook his head. He could feel it—something deep inside him was awakening, but it wasn’t fully under his control yet.

Elder Mu Jian smiled faintly. “It doesn’t matter for now. What matters is your potential.”

He turned to Elder Yun, who had been silently observing the battle. “I believe we have seen enough?”

Elder Yun nodded. “There is no doubt. Lin Xuan has surpassed the qualifications of an Outer Sect disciple. His talent is wasted there.”

Murmurs spread among the seated elders. Some nodded in agreement, while a few remained skeptical.

Elder Mu Jian raised his voice, making the decision official.

“Lin Xuan, from this moment onward, you are no longer an Outer Sect disciple.”

The hall grew tense.

“You shall be promoted directly to the Inner Sect.”

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A NEW BEGINNING

The declaration shook the gathered disciples.

An Outer Sect disciple being promoted in such a manner was unheard of. Usually, one had to pass rigorous trials and years of cultivation to even qualify. Yet, Lin Xuan had done so in a single battle.

Liu Qingfeng sighed, shaking his head. “A loss is a loss.” He stepped forward and looked Lin Xuan in the eye. “I’ll admit, you’re strong. But the Inner Sect isn’t as simple as you think.”

His lips curled into a smirk. “Welcome to the real battlefield.”

With that, he turned and left, leaving Lin Xuan to absorb the reality of what had just happened.

Zhao Feng grinned, walking over and slapping Lin Xuan’s back. “Well, that escalated quickly! So, Inner Sect, huh? You better not forget about me when you become a bigshot.”

Lin Xuan exhaled, steadying himself. The battle had ended, but he knew—this was only the beginning.

THE INNER SECT’S MYSTERIES

That night, Lin Xuan was led to his new residence. Unlike the Outer Sect’s cramped dormitories, Inner Sect disciples had their own courtyards. His new home was spacious, surrounded by lush greenery and infused with spiritual energy far purer than in the Outer Sect.

Sitting cross-legged in meditation, he focused inward.

The golden inheritance energy still coursed through his meridians. Yet, when he tried to control it—

It resisted.

It was as if the power had a will of its own, responding only in times of danger.

His brows furrowed. I need to understand this inheritance… before it controls me.

But before he could ponder further—

Knock. Knock.

A soft knock echoed outside his door.

Lin Xuan opened his eyes and stood up. When he slid the door open, he was met with an unexpected sight.

A young woman stood under the moonlight, her robes flowing elegantly. Her dark eyes held a quiet intensity, and her presence carried an undeniable authority.

She was no ordinary disciple.

“Lin Xuan,” she spoke, her voice calm yet commanding. “I am Lan Yue, a Core Disciple of the Heavenly Origin Sect.”

Lin Xuan’s eyes slightly narrowed. A Core Disciple? Why would someone of her status come looking for me?

Lan Yue studied him for a moment before speaking again.

“You’ve caught the attention of the Elders… but not just them. There are others watching you now.”

She paused, then her next words carried a weight that sent a shiver down Lin Xuan’s spine.

“Be careful. The Inner Sect is far more dangerous than you realize.”