Morning sunlight filtered through the stone corridors of the Outer Sect, painting the courtyard in a golden glow.
Lin Tian moved calmly, his pace unhurried, yet every step radiated quiet confidence. The previous day's duel against Qin Hao had spread through the sect like wildfire.
Even outer disciples who had ignored him before now gave him wary glances. Some whispered. Some bowed low. Fear, respect, and curiosity mixed in equal measure.
---
"Lin Tian!"
A familiar voice called.
Su Yan approached, her steps quick but measured.
"You've caused quite a stir," she said, folding her arms. "Inner disciples and elders alike are watching. You're making waves too fast. This isn't a simple game anymore."
"I expected that," Lin Tian replied calmly.
Su Yan raised an eyebrow. "You really don't underestimate anyone, do you?"
"I observe," he said simply. "Strength is a language everyone understands."
She smirked faintly. "Practical. Efficient. Typical Lin Tian."
---
That afternoon, Lin Tian received an unexpected summon.
From Elder Tianfeng himself.
The outer disciples whispered as he entered the elder's chamber—a high, spacious room filled with ancient books, cultivation tools, and faint qi fluctuations hanging in the air.
Elder Tianfeng studied Lin Tian carefully, eyes sharp like a hawk.
"You've caused quite the commotion," he said slowly. "Defeating Qin Hao, resisting first-layer Qi Condensation… few outer disciples achieve what you've done."
Lin Tian inclined his head slightly.
"Thank you for noticing, Elder Tianfeng," he said.
The elder's gaze softened slightly. "Not for flattery. You are talented. But raw talent without guidance is dangerous—to yourself and the sect."
Lin Tian listened intently.
"You will receive mentorship," Elder Tianfeng continued. "From someone who understands advanced cultivation techniques. But know this… the training is harsh, and survival is not guaranteed."
Lin Tian's eyes gleamed faintly.
"Understood," he replied.
---
Later, in the outer courtyard, his mentor appeared.
A young woman, slightly taller than average, her hair tied in a loose bun, and her eyes sharp but calm.
"I am Ling Yue," she said. "You will follow my guidance in refining your Body Art and Blood Refinement. Mistakes… will be punished."
Lin Tian tilted his head slightly. "I don't make the same mistake twice."
Ling Yue's lips curved. "We'll see about that."
---
The next few hours were intense.
Lin Tian's body underwent precise drills, combining controlled pain, internal energy refinement, and balance of qi flow.
Every punch, kick, and movement was measured. Every wrong alignment of muscles triggered corrections that hurt, but refined his body further.
By evening, sweat soaked his robe, and his muscles ached.
Ling Yue stepped back, her arms crossed.
"You're progressing faster than I expected," she admitted. "But speed without control leads to collapse. Remember that."
Lin Tian nodded, calming his breathing.
"I understand. Balance comes before mastery."
---
That night, the Outer Sect dormitory became lively.
Several outer disciples gathered, curiosity and awe written all over their faces.
Mo Xue leaned casually against the railing, watching Lin Tian silently.
"You're training harder than anyone here," she said quietly.
Lin Tian glanced at her, calm but slightly amused.
"I like efficiency," he replied.
Mo Xue's lips curved in a faint smile.
"And you're efficient… and stubborn."
From across the hall, another girl—newly assigned to the Outer Sect—peeked at him with wide eyes.
"Is he really the one who defeated Qin Hao?" she whispered to a friend.
"Yes," the friend replied. "And that's only the beginning…"
Lin Tian noticed the whispers, but he didn't care. Instead, he focused on his meditation, Blood Refinement energy flowing calmly, Heaven-Defying Body Art activating subtly, compressing all pain, strengthening his body further.
---
That night, Lin Tian walked onto the rooftop for quiet practice.
The moon was bright, reflecting off the stone arena below. The air was crisp, carrying whispers of the mountains.
A soft laugh broke the silence.
"You practice even at night," Su Yan said, appearing silently.
Lin Tian looked at her. "Discipline is key. The stronger I become, the safer it is for those I care about."
Su Yan tilted her head. "You're not naïve, are you?"
Lin Tian smiled faintly. "Not at all."
She studied him for a moment, then nodded.
"I expected as much," she said. "Just… don't push yourself too far."
Lin Tian's eyes gleamed.
"Tomorrow, I advance further. And not just for myself."
---
Ling Yue watched from a distance, her expression unreadable.
"Interesting," she murmured. "This boy… he grows faster than I anticipated. And yet, his aura… it will attract more than just admirers."
Mo Xue, beside her, raised an eyebrow.
"I know," she said. "Enemies, allies… and potential… complications."
Lin Tian stood alone on the rooftop, the wind whipping through his hair.
Enemies, allies, power… harem? he thought with a faint smirk.
"Yes," he whispered softly to himself.
"The world is bigger than this sect… and I will not just survive. I will dominate."
The moonlight reflected off his eyes, cold, sharp, and unwavering.
Tomorrow, the next chapter of his journey would begin.