Lin Tian reached the training field just as the morning bell finished echoing through the compound. Disciples were already gathered along the outer ring, their voices low and tense. When they saw him step forward, several of them straightened and fell quiet, and the silence spread until only the wind over the stones remained.
He walked to the center and bowed first to the Patriarch, then to the elders, and finally to Elder Shen.
"I am here as requested," Lin Tian said, keeping his voice calm even though he could feel every gaze on him. Stay steady. Nothing changes if you lose control now.
Elder Shen studied him for a long moment before speaking. "You arrived earlier than most candidates would," she replied, her tone cool but not mocking. "Tell me, did you come because you felt confident, or because you knew refusal was not an option."
