A shimmering blue hue appeared in the distance before Nathan. He was underwater, yet his body didn't need to breathe. Moonlight filtered through the layers of water in wavy lines, illuminating his surprised face.

He knew what that blue light was—the vortex that had brought him to this world. Unlike last time when he tried to swim away from it, he now swam towards it urgently. Jessica wasn't here, but he wanted to return. He couldn't bring himself to care anymore. His fingers moved sluggishly through the water as he neared his goal. Something seemed to be pulling him back, but he persisted. Just as his fingertips were about to touch the dark vortex, he was suddenly yanked backward. He drifted through the currents, thrashing wildly.

"NO!" Nathan jolted awake, gasping as if he'd been holding his breath for ages.

Before him was the interior of the medical tent, doctors and nurses pausing in their tasks to look at him with concern.

Wordlessly, he lowered himself back down, acknowledging his protesting wounds.

The doctor returned to the monitoring screen, leaving Nathan to his thoughts.

Was that real?

He couldn't shake the vision he'd just experienced. If he had managed to touch the gateway, would he have returned? Or was his exhausted mind simply showing him what he wanted to see?

Sighing dejectedly, he resembled a deflated balloon. The vitality and radiance he'd displayed earlier had vanished completely. He had been the victor, reaching the top 2. But like the stages of grief, the true impact only hit him now as he reached his performance peak.

After about thirty minutes of lying there, his body had mostly recovered. He absently nodded when the doctor asked if he wanted to continue the match and left to report back to the elders.

Zeryn didn't even have time to visit before Nathan was stepping onto the arena, looking like a drifting corpse.

Nathan raised his head, seeing Keira Valaine before him, and was overwhelmed by her divine beauty. Standing face-to-face with the girl he had inadvertently offended, he truly felt the pressure. It wasn't just the pressure of her beauty, but everything—status, power, determination, dignity. These were things nurtured and tempered over years, not simply given or bestowed at birth.

He felt small, as if starting a week with a bad mood Monday. Negative energy surrounded him. He could only guess this was a side effect of the medicine and his extreme stress.

Elder Marcus called out to begin the final match of the day.

When he looked into Keira's amber eyes, they shone so brightly he had to squint. When he opened his eyes again, those eyes had transformed into the afternoon sun hanging high in the sky, casting rays through the autumn canopy of a simple backyard. The rustle of footsteps in the gentle breeze brought back a familiar, distant memory.

Before him, beneath a tree, someone sat in a wheelchair with a thick album on their lap.

"Mom?" Nathan blurted out in shock.

"Nathan?" a weak female voice, softer than the wind, called out.

It was his mother's voice. He was certain of it. His feet lifted, moving forward. In his heart was a jumble of emotions—longing and happiness, pain and joy. He would tell her everything he had been through. Two long years away from home, family, and friends had left him feeling like a glass vase held together by glue. The slightest touch would shatter him completely.

The wheelchair's handles grew closer, the figure sitting on it becoming clearer, the silver-streaked hair more detailed in Nathan's eyes.

Just like the vortex, with eyes now brimming with tears of anticipation, as he was about to grasp the handle to turn the chair around, the image ended.

Before him was a spectator stand, filled with unfamiliar faces of outer sect disciples. Some looked at him with sympathy, others sneered mockingly, while a few laughed heartily as if they had just watched a great performance.

He looked down in confusion, both his feet had stepped off the arena floor, his hand still suspended in the air as if trying to grasp the cylindrical handle from the illusion.

Illusion?

He whirled around to face where Keira stood. At the same moment, the announcement rang out.

"Champion of the outer sect tournament, Keira Valaine!"

So that was the effect of the Mana Aspect Illusion. It had affected his mind.

He suddenly felt a surge of anger rising within him, enough to dry the tears in his eyes. Why use this skill on him? How could someone be so cruel?

As Keira was descending from the stands to wait for the award ceremony, she brushed past Nathan. She paused, her sharp voice ringing in his ear.

"Don't think I don't know who you are. This was just a warning!"

But Nathan didn't hear a word. He only felt outraged that his innermost feelings had been made a mockery. He was about to retort when Zeryn dashed over, pulling him back.

Keira frowned at the sight of Zeryn, intending to speak but then thought better of it, turning to walk away.

"Calm down, Nate," Zeryn gripped his shoulder firmly, consoling him.

"I...I...," Nathan couldn't find the words to speak.

"Yeah, I know. She must have used some kind of illusion based on your deepest desire. That's truly sickening, isn't it?"

At the mention of it, Nathan covered his mouth and crouched down. Fortunately, his stomach was empty, so nothing came up.

"You did great, Nate! Don't think too much or listen to anything else, okay?"

But interrupting Zeryn's words were the jeers from the crowd behind them.

"This must be the most boring final in history, right? It ended too quickly."

"If Xander, someone above Phase 8, had participated, it might have been much better."

"Right, from Phase 7 onwards is about strengthening the mind and spirit. Not to mention Spear Intent might not have allowed illusions to run rampant."

They spoke as if Nathan didn't deserve to win the semi-finals.

In truth, he didn't really hear anything clearly. The late afternoon light was like the sunset of his spirit. He had used up everything in his fight with Xander. More accurately, he had pushed himself through match after match. The only thing left was exhaustion.

The disciples participating in the outer sect tournament gathered. Positions for the top four were reserved, in front of all the other contestants. Nathan stood there, his face lacking the excitement of those around him.

The inner sect elders descended with Sect Leader Alaric, hovering a distance from the disciples.

Alaric's gentle voice rose once again.

"Congratulations on completing the tournament and gaining valuable experience. As I said before, the one who goes the furthest isn't always the one who wins every time. Sometimes losing is the foundation for victory. This isn't to discredit Keira, who has bravely surpassed everyone. I know she herself is the result of failure after failure. This is simply the fruit of her labor. And to end today, I've ordered the outer sect staff to organize a small celebration for you all. As for the top 4 prizes, you'll receive them tomorrow inside the main hall of the inner sect."

"Thank you for your generosity, Sect Leader," the disciples shouted in unison.

Before leaving, the elders glanced at the top 4 once more, then turned to fly after Alaric.

Afterwards, the outer sect elders ordered the arena to be rearranged. Meat and wine were brought out, the aroma of grilled food filled the air, lights emanated from small floating orbs. A small stage was set up for games and impromptu performances.

Additionally, inner sect disciples participated. Their main targets were the top 32 disciples. The individuals receiving the most attention were Xander, Qingfeng, Roran, Gideon, and other disciples Nathan didn't know by name. Keira, however, had relatively few people approach her. Perhaps they realized she would be a new force in the inner sect rather than someone easily manipulated.

Nathan, as expected, had only one inner sect disciple interested in him.

"Last month your face was like a horse's ass. Now it's your party, but you look like someone just died."

Zeryn's rebuke made Nathan smirk, responding gloomily from his corner seat.

"Feels a bit like that, actually!"

The depressing illusion still clung to his thoughts like a shadow.

"How did she do it?" Nathan asked Zeryn. "How could she set up the illusion so quickly?"

"Eye contact, maybe?" Zeryn tilted his head in thought. "Individuals using the Illusion Aspect are quite unpredictable. They need a conduit—one of the six senses—to activate their technique. Since you hadn't done anything when you got on stage, I think it must have been from looking into her eyes."

"That simple? Isn't that too overpowered?"

"Tch, tch," Zeryn wagged his finger. "Don't forget about Zahra. Just because your bloodline can't resist it doesn't mean others can't. Not to mention Xander. Although those dogs' words earlier were nasty, they had a point. In a fair fight, Keira would have to use more effort to make the illusion work. The last three points of the Novem Nexus Path are about the mind, remember? They provide some resistance to illusions."

"So basically, I'm too weak?"

Not knowing what to say, Zeryn just shrugged. Calling Nathan weak when he had defeated Xander to claim second place didn't seem quite right.

"You look really annoyed," a youthful and cheerful voice rang out beside them. "Seeing the second-place winner so depressed is quite disappointing."

Turning to look, they saw Zahra had changed into a different outfit and was standing there smiling.

"Zahra?" Nathan said in surprise.

"Who else would it be, Keira?" she pouted.

"You're much better," he smiled faintly in response.

Zahra started, expecting Nathan's timid demeanor to lead to profuse apologies. Grinning with her pearly white teeth, she patted Nathan on the shoulder.

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"I'm really looking forward to our future, you underdog. So stop making that dead fish face. Somehow, I feel quite close to you!"

With that, she left, swinging the wine glass in her hand with great satisfaction.

"My goodness! Nathan knows how to flirt," Zeryn exclaimed loudly, mocking with an exaggerated voice. "What was that 'you're much better' all about?"

"Just being honest," Nathan waved his hand dismissively. "It's not like I actually wanted to see Keira."

"Whatever, whatever, I don't care. So what's this 'close' business about?"

"Probably the bloodline?" Nathan speculated. "I don't feel any animosity towards her either."

"Excuses, all excuses!" Zeryn bristled.

This time, it was Xander's turn to approach. His rugged face carried a hint of shyness.

He handed Nathan a drink, but before he could speak, Zeryn cut in, "Where's mine?"

Although very confused, Xander actually gave the other glass to Zeryn.

"Damn, you're too stiff," Zeryn burst out laughing. " I was joking, I don’t need it. I’m not into hazing the new guy.”

Xander didn't pay much attention to this, just nodding and turning to Nathan.

"I haven't lost yet," Xander said.

"Huh?" Nathan blinked in confusion.

"I. Haven't. Lost. Yet."

"I heard you clearly, but..."

"We'll have a rematch in the inner sect," Xander interrupted.

Turning to leave, Xander paused, bowing to Zeryn.

"I look forward to dueling with you, senior brother."

"Always welcome," Zeryn replied like a superior.

Left alone, Zeryn burst into hearty laughter.

"What an adorable junior!"

Somehow, after being approached by Zahra and Xander, Nathan felt lighter. Seeing someone place hope in him, even if it wasn't the kind of hope from family and friends but from rivals, made him feel more confident. As if touching the most primal emotions. When surrounded by outstanding individuals, one is influenced and doesn't want to stop.

He felt somewhat unable to adapt to the speed of change in everything, but now it was normal, he had to be ready to embrace it. Because just like today, tomorrow could decide the path of his future.

With a new mood, he stood up, pulling Zeryn along to explore the party. He ate and drank, played games with his best friend. Near the end of the party, they even managed to rope in Zahra. Both young men lost to her in every game, getting thoroughly drunk. Xander had his own group of friends, including Roran, where they were arm wrestling to determine the winner. Gideon and Qingfeng stood cheering in that group. Keira alone stood coldly in a corner, her eyes scanning around at today's opponents. Whether it was envy or disdain, no one knew.

When drops of gray dew fell on his face, Nathan startled awake. Stretching under the tree canopy, he discovered the usual headache was absent. He wasn't sure if this was an advantage or disadvantage of [Titan's Descendant] anymore.

Zeryn was still sleeping nearby, clutching an empty wine bottle. The outer sect common area had been cleaned up, with only a few scattered disciples sleeping in the open like them.

Taking a deep breath of cold air to fill his lungs and clear his mind, Nathan entered a meditative state, reflecting on yesterday's experiences, waiting for someone to come and take him to the inner sect.

When the sun was high and spreading warm rays, Kyron, the elder who had announced the results last month, appeared. But with a more solemn appearance in a blue outfit with badges and glittering trim, affirming his status and dignity.

Keira, Xander, Zahra, and the disciples in the top 32 had all arrived while Nathan was meditating. Under the admiring eyes of the onlooking disciples, the four presented themselves before Kyron.

The first person the elder noticed was Nathan.

"Even now," Kyron said, "I still can't believe the results I saw. Nathan Reed, you truly are a madman who accomplished great things."

"Thank you for your praise, Elder," Nathan bowed his head with a smile.

"I hope you know that the Sect's evaluation of you has changed. Regardless of what happens today, you are now recognized as an Inner Sect disciple.”

Then, Kyron turned to the others.

"As the elder managing the southern outer sect area, I'm also very proud of the remaining disciples. Continue to strive after today."

"Yes, Elder," the thirty-two disciples responded.

"Good! Except for the top 4 who will follow me, the remaining disciples will have separate guides to the mountains in the inner sect. Remember to follow the instructions, don't make me lose face."

Some of Kyron's subordinates appeared, approaching to check and record information and guide the disciples.

"You four, follow me!" Kyron pointed to Nathan and the others.

Zeryn trailed behind.

"Great-grandfather Zeryn," Kyron grumbled as if this was a daily occurrence, "why aren't you in the inner sect training?"

"Well, I'm following you back there now, aren't I?" he replied as if indifferent to the difference in their ranks.

Winking at Nathan, he joined the four heading towards the path behind the mountain.

Nathan suddenly felt nervous. This was his first time crossing the boundary between the outer and inner sects.

As they walked further up the trail, Nathan’s excitement grew. The path before them wound through lush greenery, and the atmosphere felt heavier, filled with an almost tangible energy. This was no ordinary place; it was the Inner Sect, a realm for the elite.

After a short walk, the landscape opened up to reveal a breathtaking sight: nine towering peaks encircling a vast, mist-shrouded valley. The peaks were covered in dense forests, ancient trees, and cascading waterfalls, a paradise of natural beauty. Between the mountains lay pristine rivers and valleys, where the Inner Sect’s infrastructure blended seamlessly into the environment. Bridges spanned crystal-clear streams, and grand buildings were nestled within groves of towering trees.

Nathan couldn’t help but marvel at the sight. This place was beyond anything he had imagined.

According to legend, Sect Leader Alaric had spent decades shaping the land into its current form, ensuring that it would provide the perfect environment for cultivation. The mountains were like waves, rising and falling, their peaks connected by vines and natural bridges. Some trees were so massive they could only be encircled by hundreds of people, and the flora was rich with mana, thriving in this haven of power.

Among the most striking features were the spiritual beasts and monsters that roamed freely. As they walked, Nathan heard the calls of various creatures, from birds singing melodious tunes to the deep growls of more dangerous beasts. High above, he spotted shadowy figures flying, their massive wings casting fleeting shadows over the mountains. Some had tails of glistening scales, reflecting the sunlight like rainbows, and others possessed wingspans so vast they could blot out the sun. These were not just ordinary beasts; they were powerful creatures, nurtured by the Inner Sect’s unique environment.

Each mountain housed its own distinctive architecture, belonging to the nine elders of the Inner Sect, the same ones who had attended the tournament. The buildings were grand, with intricate designs and floating sigils that spun and glowed in the distance, giving them an otherworldly aura. Even from afar, the sight inspired awe and respect.

But nothing compared to what lay at the center of the valley: a colossal palace, surrounded by mist and gleaming in the soft morning light. The palace’s walls were made of a magical white stone, and at its entrance stood towering columns that seemed to reach the sky. At the palace’s heart, a massive sphere of liquid energy pulsed, sending waves of mana rippling outward. This sphere, suspended above the palace, was the core of the Sect’s protective barrier, an impenetrable shield that only allowed entry to those with permission.

As for the palace, it was a masterpiece of classical styles with arched gates and windows adorned with intricate illustrations. Ten doors represented the ten strongest individuals in the Sect, with only one left ajar, using a black glass on the edge of the palace.

Behind the palace stood the sect's sigil, The Verdant Spire. It looked out of place with its ancient brown wood material and unsightly vines, but everyone knew to revere it. Disciples were taught that this wood was an extremely rare material, said to contain a strange energy that predated even the Sect Leader's birth. It possessed not only spatial properties but also temporal ones. Legend had it that Alaric could uproot the Verdant Spire to use as a weapon, but no one had ever actually seen this. So its reputation remained as a training ground for the inner sect's prestigious disciples and elders.

While marveling at everything, Kyron had led the four to stand before the palace entrance. Up close, they realized just how enormous this arched door was, seemingly piercing the clouds. The door, as if receiving a signal, split in the middle, moving inward to reveal a long hallway leading forward.

The main path was laid with deep red carpet, the sides apparently cleared as they seemed to be reserved for sect members and disciples. At the far end was a raised platform, separated by steps. On it were nine seats arranged in a semicircle. In the center was a higher seat, which the disciples knew without asking was Alaric's position. Unlike the splendor outside and around, the seats were quite simple with minimalist design. Behind the seats was a large square mesh window, allowing sunlight to shine through, with the Verdant Spire flickering in a corner.

The disciples followed Kyron on the red carpet leading up to the elders. As they approached, they could hear whispered comments. Noticing the children had arrived, all ten fell silent.

“Welcome, all of you,” Alaric spoke, his voice resonating through the hall. “I apologize for not being able to offer you a more formal reception. The Sect is currently occupied with many matters.” He gestured toward the gathered elders. “As discussed, the elders will quickly decide on their disciples today. We must return to other pressing concerns.”

Kyron understood, glancing at Keira, signaling her to step forward.

"Keira Valaine, greetings to the Sect Leader and elders," she said with a confident tone.

A few of the elders smiled approvingly, clearly impressed by her poise.

However, to everyone’s surprise, none of the elders immediately spoke up to claim her as their disciple. An awkward silence settled over the hall.

It was Alaric who finally broke it. "Keira, you must know why the elders aren't taking you under their wing. Your Mana Aspect is, well, a rarity that none of the elders here possess the knowledge to assist with. But if you have any questions, you can come to me, alright? For convenience, here's a communication device as well as your first-place prize, a Tier 2 sword."

From Alaric’s spatial ring, two items floated toward Keira. One was a small, bronze badge the size of a finger, the other, a sleek sword in a plain scabbard. While the sword appeared ordinary at first glance, the moment Keira unsheathed it, a crisp sound rang out, filling the entire hall. The blade emitted a faint blue glow, radiating a cold energy. She swung it once before returning it to the scabbard and placing both items into her own spatial ring.

"Thank you, Sect Leader and elders," she retreated to her position.

Nathan stood there with questions in his mind. He had thought Keira would be the most sought after with her performance in the tournament. Yet reality was completely opposite. Zeryn had been blocked outside the door for lack of business, so Nathan could only wait to ask him later.

"Xander Caldoran," it was Xander's turn next. "Greetings to the Sect Leader and elders."

This time, the expected reaction appeared. An elder with a skinny frame stood up abruptly. His lips trembled as he spoke.

"Xander must come to me. Don't any of you dare spout nonsense when Xander's Aspect hasn't manifested yet."

"Xander isn't even at the ninth phase," Esme, a female elder, spoke up. "How can we be certain?"

"That's right, Lian," another female elder with a sturdy build and a sword at her hip agreed. "You can't just subjectively judge the boy because you yourself have a metal aspect."

"Why so much talk, Nalani? Your idea of making Xander your personal disciple, just like with Zeryn, is because you primarily cultivate weapons and possess Sword Intent, right? That didn't work with Zeryn, so don't expect it to work with Xander."

The argument between the elders quickly devolved into bickering, with both Nathan and Xander looking equally bewildered. The rest of the group stood by in awkward silence, while Nathan marveled at the level of interest Xander had sparked. The elders must have been fighting over this since yesterday.

"Silence!" Alaric said, his gentle demeanor replaced by a look that permitted no further opinions. "There's no dignity left. Xander, I truly apologize that you have to face this. Let's do this: to ensure your future and satisfy the elders, I allow you to study under elders like Lian and Nalani here for the next few months. When you feel suitable, you can make your choice, alright?"

The two elders were about to object. This was the method used for Zeryn, and until now that brat still wandered about refusing to acknowledge anyone as his master, but Alaric's pressure silenced them.

"Your prize," Alaric waved his hand forward.

A spear fell into Xander's outstretched hands. The shaft was forged from metal, the spearhead gleaming and sharp. Surely another Tier 2 weapon.

Shooting Nathan a look, Xander stepped back.

"Zahra Kinyara, honored to meet the elders and Sect Leader!"

This time there was no commotion like before. The elder with an enormous belly that moved like waves when he laughed heartily, kindly asked Zahra.

"Zahra, do you accept becoming my personal disciple?"

Zahra decisively knelt down, one hand on her heart, bowing her head slightly.

"This disciple is greatly honored to become your personal disciple, sir."

"Congratulations, Galen. You have another disciple."

Galen laughed joyfully, waving his hand to send a gust of wind lifting Zahra to her feet.

"To welcome you to the fourth mountain, I have a gift for you. Alaric, give the girl her prize."

Alaric shook his head with a chuckle, waving his hand to send the prize over. Zahra received a glove covered with a yellow layer on the outside; when worn, faint invisible blades seemed to grow from the finger joints. Elder Galen's gift was a pair of green shoes. Nathan watched in admiration, wondering what effects these items had.

"Nathan Reed, greetings to the Sect Leader and elders," despite his efforts, his voice still trembled unlike the others' smooth deliveries.

Silence fell. A silence so complete you could hear a pin drop.

Nathan felt so pressured he didn't dare raise his head. This was the result he knew he would receive. Indifference. But when truly facing it, he couldn't help feeling a twinge of disappointment.

"No one wants to accept my goodwill?" a mocking voice spoke up. "My words yesterday weren't a joke."

"Darkan, this isn't the time," Alaric seemed to reprimand.

Elder Darkan shrugged. Looking down at the cowering disciple, his eyes showed a hint of annoyed disgust.

"Why don't you take the boy, Darkan?" Esme fanned the flames, covering her mouth as she laughed and asked.

A wave of soft laughter spread among the elders. Even Kyron, an elder who frequently stayed in the outer sect, wanted to laugh out loud.

Just when everyone thought Darkan would brush it off, he replied.

"Maybe I will."

"Darkan, stop joking," Alaric ordered.

"I'm being serious. If no one wants the boy, then let him come to the ninth mountain with me."

"You really..."

"You old fools. My words were very clear."

"Then take the boy," Esme pursed her lips and said.

And before everyone's eyes, Darkan vanished from his seat. His hand grabbed the back of Nathan's collar.

"Well, we're off then," Darkan said with a beaming smile.

Another whoosh, and Darkan disappeared from the hall.

"We have matters to discuss," Alaric said irritably.

"Whatever you say, that's what I'll do," Darkan's mocking laughter echoed through the palace walls.

Everyone was dumbfounded by Darkan's actions.

And the most bitter of all was undoubtedly Nathan.

I didn't even get my prize yet, he silently wailed, unable to speak due to Darkan's lightning-fast departure.