The awakening had not gone unnoticed. Within hours, rumors of a new prodigy reached the Azure Lotus Sect's elders. They responded the way most powerful factions do—with caution wrapped in challenge.
A formal letter arrived, carried by a white crane, inviting Lin Sheng to the Sect Gate Trials—a test traditionally designed to crush arrogance or welcome new elites into the inner sanctum.
The letter read:
"Prove yourself, or submit. Defeat our ten strongest outer disciples and earn your place."
Lin Sheng folded the letter calmly, tucked it into his robe, and made his way to the martial arena.
Disciples gathered in droves. Whispers flew like leaves in the wind.
"That's him—the one with star wings." "He's arrogant. He'll fall before the third match."
The first opponent stepped forward—Fang Wuji, a cultivator known for his swift wind techniques. Without a word, he summoned gales that slashed through the air like blades. Lin Sheng moved once—just once—and reappeared behind him. Twilight Fang was still sheathed.
"Too slow," Lin Sheng muttered.
Fang Wuji collapsed, unconscious.
The second challenger summoned fire from the heavens, a technique that had once burned an elder's robes. Lin Sheng opened his palm and absorbed the flames into his body.
Gasps filled the arena.
"He... ate the fire?"
The third through sixth challengers used various techniques—beast summoning, spiritual illusions, twin blade dances, and sandstorm manipulation. None lasted more than ten seconds. Lin Sheng barely moved.
With each victory, his presence grew heavier, his aura more unshakable. Disciples started bowing instead of speaking. When the seventh challenger—a shadow cultivator from the Nightweave faction—appeared, even he hesitated.
"I yield," the man said simply.
The eighth and ninth challengers tried a joint strike. Lin Sheng unleashed a single swing of Twilight Fang. The blade didn't even leave its sheath, yet the pressure alone knocked them out.
By the tenth opponent, the atmosphere was heavy with awe and dread. Even the Grand Elder descended from his tower.
"Stop the trials," the Grand Elder said, his voice echoing. "You've proven enough."
He turned to Lin Sheng, eyes sharp. "Welcome to the inner sect. But remember—this is only the outer gate. Inside, the game is far more cruel."
Lin Sheng smiled faintly. "Then I'll rewrite the rules."
From the sky, a divine spirit beast let out a low growl. Far away, in a palace made of stardust, an ancient cultivator opened one eye.
"The heir rises. The realm must prepare."
To be continued in Chapter Six...