The moment Lin Xian descended from the arena, silence followed him like a shadow.
But it didn't last long.
"This duel was unauthorized!" a cold voice rang out.
Elder Xu, eyes narrowed, robes fluttering with invisible pressure, appeared on the central platform. Behind him stood several high-ranking elders—and Yun Aochen's master.
"You've violated sect hierarchy. You injured a core disciple. Lin Xian, you are hereby banished from Tianwu Sect!"
The crowd erupted into chaos.
"What?! He won fair and square!"
"They're protecting Yun Aochen—shameless!"
Lin Xian's fists clenched, but his face stayed calm. This wasn't unexpected.
"So this is how the sect rewards strength," he said quietly.
[System Alert: Emotional Suppression Threshold Reached]
[Dragon Core Awakening Sequence – Phase II Initiated]
Pain surged through Lin Xian's body like wildfire. His vision blurred. The world twisted.
He fell to one knee—but not in surrender.
From his chest, golden sigils burned through his skin. A roar echoed from deep within his soul—ancient, primal, unyielding.
[Warning: Host has unlocked dormant Bloodline - True Dragon Variant]
[New Ability Gained: Soulbound Flame – Burn through lies and illusions]
The elders froze. Even the Sect Master, hidden behind a veil, leaned forward.
"He's not just a rogue cultivator," one of the elders whispered. "That… that's Dragon Emperor essence!"
Lin Xian slowly stood, golden flames dancing from his fingertips. His eyes—no longer black—now gleamed with molten fire.
"You want me gone?" he said, his voice like thunder across mountains. "Fine."
"But remember this: I leave not in defeat… but in evolution."
He turned his back to them, walking out of Tianwu Sect not as a disgrace, but as a force reborn.
Behind him, even the mountains seemed to tremble.