The air in the Azure Spirit Sect was restless. Disciples whispered in corridors, courtyards, and training halls.
"They say the elders are preparing a mission.""Outer Sect only, into the Borderlands.""Dangerous beasts roam there. Half will return broken, if they return at all."
Wu Ming, arms full of firewood, nearly tripped over his own feet when he heard the news. He rushed to Lin Xuan's courtyard, voice pitched high. "Senior Brother! Disaster! They say there's a mission into beast territory! Outer Sect only! This is how the sect cleans its bowls — by throwing out disciples like us to feed wolves!"
The timid girl stiffened, her hands clenching at her robes. The lanky boy's face paled, but he set his jaw.
Lin Xuan looked up from his seated posture beneath the pine. His voice was calm. "Then we prepare."
While whispers swirled outside, in the Elder Hall decisions were already being carved like daggers.
Elder Ji sat silently at the head as reports were read. "Beast activity in the Borderlands increases. The sect requires fresh cores and proof of loyalty. The Outer Sect shall be tested."
The hawk-eyed elder leaned forward, eyes sharp. "Lin Xuan must go."
The silver-haired elder tapped her staff softly. "Is that a test of loyalty… or a test of survival?"
The hawk-eyed elder's lips curled faintly. "Either serves."
At the back of the hall, Meng Zhao bowed smoothly, his tone honeyed. "I recommend Lin Xuan be placed in the vanguard. His… talents demand proof."
Elder Ji's expression did not shift. He gave no order, only silence. But the decision was already made.
Back in the Core Pavilion, Meng Zhao dismissed his followers with a lazy wave. Alone, his mask slipped. His eyes gleamed like cold steel.
"Send word to Zhou Ren and Qiu Ran. They will accompany this mission — and make sure Lin Xuan's path runs red."
A shadowed figure bowed and slipped away.
Meng Zhao poured wine, smiling thinly. Go shine in the Borderlands, Lin Xuan. There, brilliance only draws beasts — and blades.
That evening, Lin Xuan's circle gathered. Wu Ming paced in circles, muttering about premature funerals. The timid girl's face was pale, but her voice firm. "If you go, Senior Brother, I go."
The lanky boy nodded fiercely. "We follow. Even if it kills us."
Lin Xuan studied them. Their loyalty had rooted deep, watered by hardship and laughter alike.
He spoke simply. "Then train harder. This is no sect sparring match. Out there, beasts do not care for pride or politics."
His gaze lifted to the stars above. So the storm comes again. And this time, it will not be whispers, but blood.
That night, as the others slept, Lin Xuan sat alone in meditation. His spear rested across his knees. He practiced the familiar flow of Crane Step, then Gale Slash, then Stone Palm.
And again, the movements brushed against one another — not separate, but linking, almost eager to blend.
[System Notice: Fusion potential increasing. Threshold: 5%.]
Lin Xuan's eyes opened, reflecting silver moonlight. Soon.
The next dawn, the bronze bell tolled long and deep. A disciple's voice carried across the courtyards:
"All Outer Sect disciples! Assemble at the great square. Mission orders will be given!"
Wu Ming groaned, dragging his robes on crookedly. "Senior Brother… tell me this is only a bad dream."
Lin Xuan rose, spear in hand. His calm voice cut through the morning haze. "No dream. A trial. And trials are meant to be passed."