The elder watched Tian Lei approach, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. There was something about the young man's stride—too calm, too steady. It wasn't arrogance, but quiet certainty, and that alone drew the elder's attention.
"You forged this?" he asked, his voice cutting through the hall like tempered steel.
"Yes." Tian Lei's answer was plain, neither humble nor proud.
The elder's gaze flicked to the wrapped sword, then back to him. "You forged it yourself? Without aid? No special materials from the inner sect?"
Tian Lei met his stare evenly. "Only the standard materials given to outer disciples."
Murmurs rippled through the onlookers. A few sneered under their breath.
"He talks big."
"Everyone says that before they fail the inspection."
"Let's see how he explains himself once the elder breaks his little toy in half."
