As Lin Xuan left the arena, he could still feel the lingering gazes of countless disciples. Some were filled with admiration, others with jealousy, and a few with outright hostility. But he paid them no mind.
Strength was the only truth in the cultivation world.
Those who envied him today would either step aside or become stepping stones in his path tomorrow.
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ELDER HUA’S OBSERVATIONS
Inside a secluded hall of the Inner Sect, Elder Hua sat in deep thought, her fingers gently tapping against the armrest of her chair.
A young woman in a white robe stood beside her. She had an ethereal beauty, her long silver hair cascading down her back, and her eyes held a mysterious depth.
“Master, why did you let him reject the invitation so easily?” the woman asked.
Elder Hua chuckled softly. “Ling Yue, true geniuses cannot be bound. Lin Xuan has the heart of a dragon—if you try to cage him, you only slow his growth.”
Ling Yue’s brows furrowed slightly. “But the Inner Sect would have provided him greater resources…”
Elder Hua’s eyes flashed with wisdom. “Perhaps. But I believe… his potential surpasses the Inner Sect itself.”
Ling Yue remained silent. She had never seen her master so interested in a single disciple before.
Elder Hua leaned forward, a small smile forming. “Let him grow at his own pace. And when the time is right… the entire sect will understand why I let him be.”
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LIN XUAN’S NEXT STEPS
Back in his courtyard, Lin Xuan sat cross-legged, absorbing the essence of the inheritance he had received. The golden energy still pulsed faintly within him, but there was something deeper… something unawakened.
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His fight with Qin Yue had shown him one thing—his current power was not enough.
Yes, he had won.
Yes, he had defeated a prodigy.
But the mysterious figure from Shadow Valley… the threats that lurked beyond the sect… the true powerhouses of this world…
He was still too weak.
Lin Xuan opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing through them.
His path was clear.
He needed to advance to the Foundation Establishment Realm.
And for that, he required resources—many of them.
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A SUDDEN INVITATION
Just as Lin Xuan was about to begin cultivating, a small paper crane flew through his window, unfolding itself into a letter.
His eyes narrowed.
It was an invitation.
From the Sect Leader.
Zhao Feng, who had been sitting nearby, nearly choked on his tea. “The Sect Leader? What does he want with you?!”
Lin Xuan didn’t answer immediately. The Sect Leader was a figure who rarely involved himself in minor matters. For him to summon Lin Xuan personally…
Something big was happening.
He stood up.
“I’m about to find out.”
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THE SECT LEADER’S PRESENCE
Lin Xuan arrived at the grand hall of the Heavenly Origin Sect, where towering pillars stood like silent guardians. Inside, a powerful presence filled the air.
Seated at the highest throne was Sect Leader Bai Tianheng—a man with graying hair, but whose eyes burned with unfathomable wisdom. His very presence made the air feel heavy.
Lin Xuan stepped forward and cupped his fists. “Disciple Lin Xuan greets the Sect Leader.”
Bai Tianheng’s gaze studied him. Then, with a slow nod, he spoke.
“You have caused quite the stir.”
Lin Xuan remained silent.
The Sect Leader’s voice carried a weight of authority. “You possess talent, Lin Xuan. Talent that this sect cannot afford to waste.”
He paused before continuing. “Which is why I have a task for you.”
Lin Xuan’s eyes flickered with interest.
The Sect Leader leaned forward. “A powerful relic has been unearthed in the Ancient Ruins of the Cloud Abyss. I want you to retrieve it.”
The air grew tense.
Zhao Feng, who had just arrived outside the hall, nearly stumbled.
A mission to the Cloud Abyss Ruins?!
That place was a forbidden zone even for Core Disciples!
Lin Xuan’s fingers twitched slightly. A dangerous mission, possibly filled with unknown threats…
But also an opportunity.
A chance to grow stronger.
Lin Xuan met the Sect Leader’s gaze and nodded.
“I accept.”
The storm had begun.