The training courtyard of the Iron Flame Sect buzzed with whispers long after Kael's duel ended
Dozens of disciples stared at the young man standing calmly in the center of the arena
"He knocked back Rylan with one punch."
"And he doesn't even have Aether."
"That's impossible…"
The murmurs spread quickly through the courtyard
Rylan sheathed his sword and approached Kael again
His earlier confidence had faded, replaced by curiosity
"You're strange," he said honestly
Kael raised an eyebrow
"That's one way to say it."
Rylan chuckled
"Most people would be terrified fighting someone stronger than them. But you looked calm the entire time."
Kael shrugged slightly
"I've fought worse."
It wasn't entirely a lie. The Ironhorn Tyrant had nearly crushed him
Before the conversation could continue, Elder Taron raised his hand
"Enough gossip."
The courtyard fell silent immediately
The elder turned toward Kael
"As a special trainee, you will not follow the same path as ordinary disciples."
Several nearby disciples looked envious
Special trainees were rare.
They received direct guidance from elders and access to restricted training grounds
Taron continued
"You will train here temporarily while I observe your development."
Kael nodded
"Understood."
But the elder's gaze sharpened slightly
"However, understand this."
"Your lack of Aether means you cannot follow our normal cultivation methods."
Kael had already realized that
Aether techniques required internal energy channels that he simply didn't possess
Elder Taron crossed his arms
"So your path must be different."
Inside Kael's mind, the Primordial System flickered quietly
Main Quest Active
Break the Mortal Limit
Objective: Awaken Origin Core
Clue: Ancient Ruins beneath Iron Flame Sect
Kael kept his expression calm
But internally, excitement grew
The ruins beneath the sect might hold the key to his next breakthrough
Taron gestured toward one of the buildings near the courtyard
"You will stay in the Outer Disciple Residence for now."
Several disciples immediately protested
"Elder!"
"He's not even a cultivator!"
Taron's gaze turned cold
"Then defeat him."
The courtyard became silent again
No one stepped forward
Rylan rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly
"Yeah… I'll pass."
Elder Taron turned back to Kael
"You begin training tomorrow."
Kael bowed slightly
"Thank you, Elder."
As he followed a disciple toward the residence area, Kael noticed something interesting
Many of the disciples were staring at him
Some with curiosity
Some with envy
Some with hostility
Kael understood immediately
He had just become a problem inside the sect
And problems always attracted enemies.