Lan Yue’s words lingered in the cold night air.

Lin Xuan met her gaze, searching for any sign of deception. But her expression remained calm, unwavering. A Core Disciple—someone standing near the peak of the sect—had come to warn him personally.

That meant only one thing.

His promotion had stirred the waters.

Lan Yue folded her arms, her sharp eyes studying him. “You may not know it yet, but the Inner Sect is a battlefield hidden beneath a veil of discipline. Strength alone isn’t enough to survive here.”

Lin Xuan exhaled, his expression composed. “Then tell me—who should I be wary of?”

Lan Yue’s lips curled into a faint smile. “Smart question. But I don’t plan on handing you all the answers.”

She turned, her voice growing softer. “Just remember this—power invites envy. There are many who won’t accept an Outer Sect nobody rising so fast. Some will try to suppress you. Others…”

She glanced back, her gaze sharp as a blade. “Might try to eliminate you.”

Lin Xuan didn’t flinch. He had expected resistance, but hearing it confirmed from someone like her…

The real struggle was just beginning.

A GATHERING IN THE DARK

While Lin Xuan absorbed the weight of her warning, deep within the Inner Sect, a different conversation was taking place.

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Inside a dimly lit chamber, several figures sat in silence. Their robes marked them as Inner Sect disciples—but their presence exuded an aura of arrogance and authority.

A disciple with sharp features, Fang Chen, tapped his fingers against the table. “An Outer Sect brat defeated Liu Qingfeng and was promoted directly?” His voice was filled with disdain.

A burly youth beside him scoffed. “Ridiculous. Even if he has some talent, he needs to be taught his place.”

Fang Chen smirked. “The Elders may favor him, but in the Inner Sect, respect is earned… or taken.”

The others nodded in agreement.

Another disciple leaned forward, his voice a whisper. “I heard the Black Moon Pavilion has taken an interest in him.”

The room fell silent.

The Black Moon Pavilion—an underground faction within the sect, known for dealing with problems the Elders wouldn’t openly interfere with.

Fang Chen’s smirk widened. “Then we won’t have to dirty our own hands. Let’s see how long this Lin Xuan lasts.”

THE FIRST TEST

The next morning, Lin Xuan awoke early and stepped out of his courtyard. The spiritual energy here was noticeably richer, making his cultivation progress smoother.

But before he could begin his training—

A cold voice echoed from nearby.

“You’re Lin Xuan?”

Turning, he saw a young man standing with his arms crossed. His robe bore the insignia of a senior Inner Sect disciple.

“My name is Wei Sheng.” The man’s gaze was filled with cold amusement. “I’ve been told to give you a proper welcome.”

Lin Xuan raised an eyebrow. “And how exactly do you plan to do that?”

Wei Sheng smirked. “A duel, of course. No rules. We fight until one of us concedes.”

A small crowd had already gathered. Inner Sect disciples loved watching new entrants get humbled.

Lin Xuan sighed inwardly. So it begins.

He stepped forward, his eyes calm. “Fine. But I’ll warn you now…”

He rolled his shoulders, feeling the golden energy stir within.

“You might regret this.”