Morning in the inner sect was silent.
Not peaceful — disciplined.
Mist drifted between towering peaks while streams of spiritual qi flowed like invisible rivers through the air. Every sound felt restrained, as though even nature followed unspoken rules.
Shen Yu stood within his new courtyard, adjusting to the difference.
In the outer sect, survival depended on chaos.
Here, danger hid beneath order.
The moment he began circulating qi, he noticed it — cultivation progressed nearly twice as fast. Spiritual energy entered his meridians effortlessly, nourishing both body and Gu.
The Emotion Reflection Gu rotated smoothly, stronger than before.
But the Devouring Presence reacted differently.
It was… alert.
As if surrounded by prey too powerful to approach carelessly.
A bell rang across the mountain.
Clear. Heavy.
A summons.
Shen Yu followed the path upward toward a stone pavilion where several newly promoted disciples gathered. Unlike the outer sect, none spoke loudly. Their auras were controlled, their gazes sharp.
Each one was dangerous.
A tall young woman wearing blue robes glanced at Shen Yu briefly before looking away.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
A scar-faced man openly measured him with hostility.
They had all heard rumors already.
The boy who awakened the sealed relic.
The envoy arrived shortly after.
“My name is Senior Brother Wei Liang,” he announced calmly. “From today onward, I oversee your provisional evaluation.”
His gaze lingered briefly on Shen Yu.
“In the inner sect, talent grants opportunity. But instability invites elimination.”
No one questioned his words.
Wei Liang continued, “You are not yet true inner disciples. For three months, you will compete for qualification.”
He gestured toward the mountain behind them.
“Resources are earned through missions, comprehension trials, and combat rankings.”
A faint smile appeared.
“And unlike the outer sect, killing is forbidden… officially.”
Several disciples understood immediately.
Accidents still happened.
After dismissal, Shen Yu walked alone along a spirit stream.
The pressure here forced him to remain cautious. Many disciples carried Rank Two Gu — far beyond what outer sect cultivators possessed.
If conflict arose now, he could not rely solely on instinct.
A sudden voice interrupted him.
“You’re Shen Yu.”
He turned.
The blue-robed woman from earlier stood nearby, arms folded.
“Lan Yue,” she introduced herself. “Rank Two early stage.”
Her tone was direct, not hostile.
“You caused quite a disturbance before arriving.”
Shen Yu nodded slightly. “So I’ve heard.”
She studied him carefully.
“I came to warn you,” she said. “Some inner disciples dislike sudden promotions. Especially those who struggled years to reach this place.”
Almost as if summoned, several figures appeared farther down the path.
Three inner disciples.
Their leader, a tall man with narrow eyes, smiled faintly.
“Junior Brother Shen,” he called casually. “We were hoping to meet you.”
Lan Yue sighed quietly. “Too late.”
The man approached slowly.
“Wu Jian,” he introduced himself. “Rank Two peak.”
His aura pressed outward deliberately.
“We simply wish to test whether the rumors are exaggerated.”
Shen Yu felt the challenge immediately.
Inner sect etiquette disguised hostility as courtesy.
Refusing would mean weakness.
Accepting meant exposure.
The Devouring Presence stirred faintly, sensing stronger Gu nearby.
Hunger rose again.
Shen Yu exhaled slowly.
“…Just a spar,” Wu Jian said, smiling.
Around them, several disciples subtly stopped to watch.
The first test had arrived far sooner than expected.
And this time…
His opponent was no longer prey.
To be continued…
