Morning light spilled across the Inner Sect's high towers, gleaming off stone and polished wood. While the Outer Sect buzzed with Lin Tian's growing reputation, the Inner Sect had already taken notice.
Inside a grand chamber, Elder Tianfeng convened with several inner elders. Candles flickered, casting long shadows across the room, adding gravity to their discussion.
"He has surpassed expectations," Elder Tianfeng said slowly, folding his hands. "An outer disciple… defeating inner candidates and stabilizing Body Refinement Layer Six… now advancing to seven."
Another elder frowned. "He's reckless. His fame is spreading. He will attract enemies, and yet, he could destabilize the balance of our sect if left unchecked."
"Yes," Elder Tianfeng replied. "But raw talent like this is rare. If nurtured, he could become one of our greatest assets—or a disaster. We must observe closely."
---
Meanwhile, Lin Tian trained atop the cliffs behind the Outer Sect, unaware of the whispers in the Inner Sect above.
The seventh layer had settled in fully. Every movement, strike, and thought was now integrated with unparalleled precision and efficiency.
His Blood Refinement and Heaven-Defying Body Art harmonized perfectly, each pulse of qi resonating with his core.
It seems the Inner Sect is finally awake to me, he thought, faintly smirking. Let's see what they plan.
---
That afternoon, a secret assignment was delivered to Lin Tian.
A messenger, a stern-looking outer disciple, approached him.
"Outer Disciple Lin Tian," he said with a bow. "You have been requested by the Inner Sect Elders. A private trial has been assigned to you. Departure is at dawn tomorrow."
Lin Tian raised an eyebrow. "A trial?"
"Elder Tianfeng's orders. It is… highly confidential."
Lin Tian nodded. He didn't hesitate.
Perfect, he thought. A chance to gain insight and resources, and perhaps meet new opponents worth my attention.
---
Back in the dormitory, Su Yan and Mo Xue observed him silently.
"Inner Sect… this is serious," Su Yan said softly. "They wouldn't summon an Outer Sect disciple unless they wanted to test or recruit him."
Mo Xue's expression remained unreadable, but her eyes gleamed.
"Tests are inevitable," she murmured. "But knowing him… he will adapt. And grow stronger."
Su Yan frowned slightly. "And he'll attract trouble. Perhaps more than he can handle… or maybe, more than he wants to handle."
Lin Tian, sensing their gaze, turned briefly, meeting their eyes. His calm demeanor and faint smirk sent a subtle but unmistakable signal: I am ready for anything.
---
That night, Lin Tian prepared meticulously for the journey.
Weapons and cultivation tools were gathered, along with a few refined training manuals from Ling Yue. He meditated deeply, reviewing every lesson from the past fifteen chapters of cultivation and battle.
The seventh layer pulsed within him. He could feel the flow of his blood, the strength of his bones, the perfection of his strikes.
The Inner Sect wants to see my skill. Let them come. I am ready.
---
Before dawn, Lin Tian left the Outer Sect quietly.
The mountains stretched endlessly before him, a path filled with unknown challenges and hidden eyes. He moved like a shadow, calm, precise, and confident.
Mo Xue and Su Yan watched him from the cliff edge, barely breathing.
"Look at him," Mo Xue said softly. "He carries power, but… something else as well. Fate, perhaps, or destiny."
Su Yan shook her head slightly. "Or trouble. I just hope he knows what he's getting into."
Lin Tian didn't hear them. He was already focused on the path ahead, the qi in the air, the pulse of the mountains, and the unseen presence of the Inner Sect watching every step.
Tomorrow, he thought. I will face the Inner Sect… and the storm will truly begin.