The Inner Sect was always a place of ambition and struggle, but now, a new name was spreading like wildfire—Lin Xuan.

For some, it was a name filled with admiration. A new genius rising from obscurity, defeating an established Inner Sect disciple in a single battle.

For others… it was a problem that needed to be crushed.

A SILENT WARNING

Lin Xuan walked through the Inner Sect courtyard, his steps steady as ever. He could feel it—the stares.

Some were filled with curiosity. Others held envy. But the most dangerous ones… were filled with malice.

“You feel it, don’t you?” Zhao Feng walked beside him, hands behind his head. “They’re watching you, waiting for an excuse to act.”

Lin Xuan gave a slight nod. “Let them watch.”

Zhao Feng sighed. “I don’t know if you’re fearless or just reckless.”

They passed by a group of disciples, whispering among themselves.

“Did you hear? Fang Chen is looking for him.”

“I heard Lei Qian might step in himself.”

“If that happens, he’s finished.”

Lin Xuan ignored them. He had no time for rumors.

Strength was the only answer.

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A CHALLENGE APPEARS

As they reached Lin Xuan’s courtyard, a figure blocked their way. Fang Chen.

He stood with his arms crossed, a smirk on his face. Behind him, several other Inner Sect disciples loomed, forming a semi-circle.

“You’ve been making quite the name for yourself, Lin Xuan,” Fang Chen said. His tone was casual, but his eyes held something sharp. “Senior Brother Lei Qian wants to meet you.”

Lin Xuan met his gaze, unmoved. “And if I refuse?”

Fang Chen’s smile widened. “Then I suppose… accidents happen in the Inner Sect.”

A quiet tension filled the air. Zhao Feng clenched his fists, his body tensing beside Lin Xuan.

Lin Xuan, however, remained calm. He wasn’t the same as before.

“You talk too much,” Lin Xuan said, stepping forward. “If your Senior Brother wants to see me, he can come himself.”

A flicker of irritation crossed Fang Chen’s face.

“Then let’s see if you deserve to speak like that.”

With a flick of his hand, Fang Chen attacked.

A CLASH OF INNER SECT POWER

He moved with speed, his palm glowing with violent Qi. The ground beneath him cracked as he unleashed a direct strike toward Lin Xuan’s chest.

But—

BANG!

Lin Xuan met him head-on.

A powerful shockwave erupted as their palms clashed. The sheer force sent dust flying into the air.

Fang Chen staggered back, eyes wide. “What—”

Lin Xuan’s footwork blurred as he closed the distance, delivering a crushing punch to Fang Chen’s ribs. CRACK!

Fang Chen vomited blood as he flew backward, crashing into the ground.

Silence.

The watching disciples froze.

Zhao Feng grinned. “Well, that was satisfying.”

Lin Xuan stood tall, looking down at Fang Chen. “Tell Lei Qian… if he wants to fight, he knows where to find me.”

Fang Chen coughed, glaring up at Lin Xuan with a mix of hatred and disbelief.

This wasn’t just defiance.

This was a declaration of war.

LEI QIAN’S INTEREST IS PIQUED

Within a secluded hall, Lei Qian sat in silence as a trembling disciple delivered the report.

“…Fang Chen was defeated in a single exchange.”

Lei Qian’s fingers tapped against the table. “I see.”

A pause.

Then, for the first time in a long while… he smiled.

“Well then,” he murmured. “Let’s see just how far this newcomer can go.”