Morning in Azure Snow arrived cold and sharp, and the mountain air carried the clean bite of frost as disciples gathered around the western arena carved into the slope.
Lin Tian stood at the edge of the ice field and watched the movement below, boots planted steady while he studied the terrain and the crowd.
A provisional disciple beside him shifted and spoke under his breath.
"You're Lin Tian, right, the one tied to Senior Sister Bai, they called your name early so they can see if you're worth the trouble or just noise."
"They can decide after the fights, I came to prove myself, not argue about rumors."
"Most newcomers try to show off early, they swing too wide or burn qi too fast, then someone patient knocks them down and the crowd laughs, so if you want advice, don't rush just to impress them."
"I didn't plan to rush, steady wins more fights than noise."
The disciple nodded once and stepped back as the arena chime rang.
Elder Qiao's voice rolled across the ice.
