The following morning brought unexpected complications in the form of Elder Zhao Qianyu's unannounced arrival. Moxuan first became aware of the visit when the compound's protective formations subtly shifted their resonance—a change most family members wouldn't notice, but one that his enhanced spiritual senses detected immediately.
Golden Core middle stage, he assessed as the elder's spiritual pressure briefly flickered across the grounds. Significantly more powerful than father, and carrying herself with the confidence of someone accustomed to being the strongest person in any room. This isn't a social visit.
He was in the middle of his morning cultivation session, carefully implementing the harmony techniques that Yuehua had suggested the previous day. The integration of energy absorption methods with traditional breathing exercises was proceeding smoothly, but required constant attention to prevent spiritual signature conflicts.
A servant's knock interrupted his concentration. "Young Master Moxuan? Your father requests your immediate presence in the main hall. Elder Zhao from the Azure Mountain Sect has arrived with urgent business."
Azure Mountain Sect, his memory supplied instantly. One of the three major orthodox sects in the region, and historically allied with our Jade Mountain Sect. Elder Zhao Qianyu specifically... she becomes an important political figure in about five years, eventually rising to become their Sect Master. Currently serves as their chief talent scout and diplomatic representative.
This was both an opportunity and a danger. In his previous life, he had never met Elder Zhao personally—by the time their paths might have crossed, he was already too deeply involved in demonic cultivation for any orthodox sect to consider him acceptable. Now, he would be meeting her while maintaining his cover as a mediocre but dedicated young cultivator.
The question is why she's here, he thought as he quickly changed into his formal robes. Unannounced visits from Golden Core elders don't happen without significant cause. Either something has gone wrong, or an opportunity has arisen that requires immediate attention.
The main hall was arranged for formal reception, with his father seated at the head position while Elder Zhao occupied the honored guest seat. Her appearance was exactly as Moxuan remembered from later encounters—middle-aged but preserved by cultivation, wearing simple but high-quality robes that suggested confidence rather than ostentation. Her spiritual aura was carefully controlled, but hints of immense power occasionally flickered around the edges.
Shaoheng was already present, standing respectfully near their father's left side. Yuehua had been positioned slightly behind and to the right—close enough to demonstrate family unity, far enough back to indicate her junior status. The arrangement spoke of careful political calculation.
"Ah, Moxuan," Lin Tianming said as he entered. "Please join us. Elder Zhao has brought interesting news regarding the upcoming regional tournament."
Moxuan bowed with precisely the correct depth and duration for greeting a Golden Core elder from an allied sect, then took his position beside Shaoheng. Elder Zhao's eyes tracked his movement with professional assessment—noting his cultivation level, posture, and general demeanor in the span of seconds.
Third level of Qi Condensation, advancing toward fourth, he could almost hear her thinking. Adequate foundation work, recent improvements suggest increased dedication. Potentially worth monitoring, but not immediately significant.
"Young Master Lin," Elder Zhao acknowledged him with a polite nod before returning her attention to Lin Tianming. "As I was explaining to your father, the Azure Mountain Sect has decided to sponsor additional participants in the regional tournament this year."
Sponsorship, Moxuan's political instincts immediately began analyzing the implications. They're not just providing resources—they're claiming formal association with specific participants. Which means they expect significant returns on their investment, either through recruitment opportunities or political connections.
"The competition has attracted more attention than usual," Elder Zhao continued. "Several major families are sending their most promising juniors, and there are rumors that representatives from the Continental Trading Consortium will be observing for potential business partnerships."
Wei Lian's organization, Moxuan realized. Even this early, she's beginning to build connections between merchant interests and cultivation talent. That's valuable information—if I can perform well enough to attract her attention, it could open opportunities that don't depend on sect politics.
"We would be honored by Azure Mountain Sect's interest," Lin Tianming replied diplomatically. "Though I confess uncertainty about which of my children might qualify for such consideration."
Elder Zhao's gaze shifted between the three siblings, her assessment becoming more focused. "The tournament has a minimum cultivation requirement of peak Qi Condensation, but true competitive performance requires additional factors—combat experience, technique mastery, strategic thinking, and most importantly, the ability to adapt under pressure."
Her eyes lingered on Moxuan slightly longer than on the others. "I understand you have been showing renewed dedication to cultivation recently, Young Master Lin. What is your current level?"
The moment of truth, Moxuan thought. How much progress can I claim without seeming suspiciously advanced?
"Third level of Qi Condensation, Elder," he replied respectfully. "Though I have been making steady progress recently. I hope to reach the fourth level within the next week."
"Ambitious," Elder Zhao said approvingly. "And your cultivation focus? Combat applications, theoretical study, or general advancement?"
"I've been emphasizing foundation work primarily," Moxuan answered carefully. "Ensuring that my spiritual energy circulation is as efficient as possible before attempting rapid advancement. Though I have been studying combat applications as well."
"Wise approach. Poor foundations limit all future development, regardless of talent or resources." Elder Zhao turned to Shaoheng. "And you, Young Master? What is your current cultivation status?"
"Sixth level of Qi Condensation, Elder. I expect to reach the seventh level within the month, and peak level before the tournament date." Shaoheng's response carried quiet confidence without arrogance—exactly the tone most likely to impress orthodox sect elders.
He's positioning himself perfectly, Moxuan observed. Demonstrating solid progress without making unrealistic claims. In terms of pure cultivation advancement, he genuinely is the most promising candidate from our family.
"Excellent. And Young Master Yuehua?"
"Third level, like my younger brother," Yuehua replied. "But my focus has been more theoretical—studying formation principles and energy circulation patterns rather than pure advancement."
Elder Zhao's interest sharpened noticeably. "Formation studies? Unusual for someone your age. What inspired that focus?"
"I find the underlying principles fascinating," Yuehua said with genuine enthusiasm. "How spiritual energy can be channeled and shaped through proper understanding of natural harmonics and geometric relationships. Old Chen has been helping me understand the basic theory."
Careful, sister, Moxuan thought with slight alarm. You're revealing more capability than might be politically wise.
But Elder Zhao's response was positive. "Formation mastery is a rare and valuable skill. The Azure Mountain Sect has only three formation specialists among our Core disciples. If your theoretical understanding proves practical as well, there could be significant opportunities for advanced training."
Recruitment pitch, Moxuan realized. She's not just here about tournament sponsorship—she's evaluating potential disciples for direct sect admission. Which means this conversation is more important than any of us initially recognized.
"Elder Zhao," Lin Tianming interjected carefully, "might I ask what specific form this tournament sponsorship would take?"
"Resources, primarily. Access to cultivation pills that would normally be beyond a family's budget, specialized training materials, and most importantly, direct instruction from sect disciples in combat techniques and tournament strategy." Elder Zhao's tone became more businesslike. "In exchange, sponsored participants would be expected to perform to the best of their abilities and consider any recruitment offers that might result from strong showings."
The hook, Moxuan thought. Provide resources that make success more likely, then claim credit for any achievements that follow. It's actually quite elegant as political strategies go.
"What would be the timeline for such sponsorship?" Shaoheng asked with well-controlled eagerness.
"Beginning immediately, if suitable candidates can be identified. The tournament is only two and a half weeks away—barely enough time to make meaningful improvements even with enhanced resources."
Elder Zhao stood, her movement drawing everyone's attention back to her. "I propose a practical assessment. Your family compound has adequate training facilities. I would like to observe each potential participant demonstrate their current capabilities, then make sponsorship decisions based on realistic evaluation of improvement potential."
A test, Moxuan realized with growing excitement. This is exactly the kind of opportunity I need. If I can demonstrate sufficient capability without revealing my true knowledge, it opens access to resources that could dramatically accelerate my development.
"We would be honored by such attention," Lin Tianming said formally. "When would be convenient for these assessments?"
"This afternoon, if possible. I have other families to evaluate over the next few days, and decisions need to be made quickly to allow maximum benefit from the sponsorship period."
This afternoon, Moxuan thought, his mind already racing through calculations. Six hours to prepare. I need to decide exactly how much capability to reveal, which techniques to demonstrate, and how to present myself as promising enough for sponsorship without raising questions about my recent improvements.
"Of course," Lin Tianming agreed. "We will have the practice grounds prepared and our children ready for evaluation."
As Elder Zhao departed to attend to other business until the afternoon session, Moxuan found himself facing a crucial strategic decision. The safe choice would be to demonstrate modest capability and hope for basic sponsorship resources. The aggressive choice would be to reveal more of his true potential and risk uncomfortable questions in exchange for access to higher-level opportunities.
The tournament isn't just about winning, he reminded himself. It's about making connections that provide long-term advantages. Which means this assessment isn't just about getting sponsored—it's about positioning myself for the relationships that will matter in years to come.
"Moxuan," his father said quietly after Elder Zhao had left, "I want you to understand the significance of this opportunity. Direct sponsorship from Azure Mountain Sect could change not just your individual prospects, but our entire family's standing in regional politics."
"I understand, father," he replied. "I'll do my best to perform well."
"See that you do. And remember—sometimes wisdom lies in recognizing one's limitations rather than attempting to exceed them."
Interesting advice, Moxuan thought. Is father warning me not to reveal too much capability, or simply encouraging realistic expectations? Either way, the message is clear—family reputation is more important than individual glory.
As the family began dispersing to prepare for the afternoon assessment, Yuehua approached him with a concerned expression. "Brother, this is a significant opportunity, but also considerable risk. If you perform too well, it might raise questions about your recent improvements."
"I've been thinking the same thing," he admitted. "The question is finding the right balance between demonstrating genuine potential and avoiding suspicion about sudden advancement."
"I have a suggestion," she said quietly. "What if you focus on technique execution rather than raw power? You can demonstrate solid foundations and good understanding without revealing your actual cultivation level."
Brilliant, he realized. Technical competence is impressive without being threatening, and it suggests potential for future development rather than hidden current ability.
"That's excellent advice," he said gratefully. "Can you help me select techniques that showcase foundation work and theoretical understanding?"
"Of course. But brother—" She paused, her expression becoming more serious. "Elder Zhao is evaluating all of us. If I perform well enough to earn sponsorship, it might complicate our private research arrangement."
She's worried about being separated from the family for sect training, he understood. And probably also concerned about maintaining our cultivation partnership if she gains access to orthodox sect resources.
"We'll adapt to whatever circumstances arise," he assured her. "If you earn sponsorship, it could actually benefit both of us—you'd gain access to advanced resources and training, while I could continue developing our experimental techniques. Knowledge shared between us would benefit from multiple perspectives."
Yuehua smiled at that. "You're thinking like a true scholar, brother. Multiple research paths providing cross-verification and enhanced understanding."
I'm thinking like someone who needs to maintain influence over promising allies while building my own power base, he thought privately. But the scholarly framing works just as well for our purposes.
The morning passed quickly as they prepared for Elder Zhao's assessment. Moxuan spent considerable time in meditation, not just refining his spiritual energy control, but carefully planning his demonstration strategy. Every technique he chose, every level of power he displayed, every word he spoke during the evaluation would be analyzed by an experienced Golden Core expert looking for signs of potential and hidden capability.
This is more than just a tournament sponsorship opportunity, he realized as he prepared his formal robes and practice weapons. This is my first real test of whether I can successfully navigate high-level cultivation world politics with my current cover identity intact.
The afternoon would determine not just his immediate prospects, but the trajectory of his entire second life. Success could open doors to resources and connections that would accelerate his long-term plans. Failure could close off opportunities that might not arise again for years.
Time to find out whether thirty years of accumulated knowledge and experience can compensate for a seventeen-year-old body and deliberately limited cultivation level, he thought as the sun reached its zenith and the time for Elder Zhao's return approached.
This is where the real game begins.