The wind was still. The crowd was quiet.
Junming straightened, one hand behind his back, the other resting lightly in front.
His posture was composed and polite.
He looked at Elder Mei Yulan and spoke in a steady voice. "Elder, it definitely seems like you favor Liang Chen, and there's nothing wrong with that as he has shown great potential."
Elder Mei said nothing. Her sharp eyes remained cold as ice.
Junming continued, "But there are also rules to follow, are there not?"
A faint ripple of spiritual energy gathered around Elder Mei, but she did not speak.
Junming paused for a moment. Then he spoke again.
"So I suggest this. Let Liang Chen stay in the sect, but only as a temporary disciple. Let him take the outer court entrance exam again next year. Or…"
Elder Mei's brow twitched ever so slightly.
Junming noticed.
The fish is almost hooked.
He continued, voice steady, but with a slight edge now. "...allow him to participate in the Inner Disciple Selection Trial. If he ranks in the top ten, then he becomes an inner disciple."
His tone changed.
From respectful to firm.
"If he fails... then remove him from the sect completely. No more second chances."
His voice echoed across the courtyard like a sword striking stone.
The crowd murmured.
"He's right."
"That's fair."
"Liang Chen was defeated. He shouldn't be rewarded for losing."
Elder Mei remained silent, her expression unreadable.
Liang Chen looked toward Junming. Confused. Disliking every word. And yet, some part of him wanted to believe this was kindness.
But it felt like pity.
And Liang Chen couldn't stand it.
Then, from above, a crimson robe fluttered as another figure descended.
She landed with elegance and confidence, drawing the attention of many.
She looked around thirty, with long legs, a narrow waist, and a mature beauty that made many disciples' hearts skip. Her figure was wrapped in a dark red robe with golden trim, slightly revealing at the chest. Her hair was tied in a loose bun, and her gaze carried both playfulness and pressure.
It was Elder Lin Yuehua.
An Outer Court Elder.
And the younger sister of the Sect Leader.
She was also the aunt of Elder Mei Yulan.
She smiled and looked at Mei. "Mei, why don't you take his suggestion?"
Mei Yulan turned slowly to look at her.
Elder Yuehua's smile grew. "Bluntly ignoring the sect's rules in front of so many people... wouldn't that be a slap to the Sect Leader, who created those rules himself?"
Junming's expression stayed calm, but he gave her a silent nod of respect.
The crowd's murmurs grew louder.
"She's right."
"If even Elder Yuehua is speaking, then..."
Elder Mei's eyes turned cold. She gave her aunt a look filled with quiet hatred, but still didn't speak.
Elder Yuehua's tone turned a bit more amused.
"If that boy really has the potential you believe he does, then he should have no problem reaching the top ten. After all, our sect is not a charity house."
Junming nodded slightly.
Elder Mei finally opened her mouth.
"Agreed," she said in a flat tone.
But then she added coldly, "There is another condition."
Elder Yuehua raised an eyebrow, her voice light and mocking. "Oh? What is it now?"
"If Liang Chen reaches the top five in the Inner Disciple Selection," Mei said slowly, "then you will hand over one of your Earth-Grade treasures."
The entire courtyard fell silent for a breath.
Then it exploded in noise.
"Earth-Grade?!"
"That's crazy! Even high-grade treasures are rare!"
"Isn't Elder Mei really asking too much?!"
Elder Yuehua's smile disappeared. She narrowed her eyes and stared at Mei. After a long silence, she said calmly, "Fine."
Then she turned her head to look at Junming.
"But..." she added.
Her tone shifted slightly. She was looking at him like he was a puzzle.
"What's your name, boy?"
Junming blinked, caught off guard for a moment. He quickly bowed. "Shen Junming, Elder."
"Hmm..." Elder Yuehua tilted her head, her expression unreadable. "Then if Junming also reaches the top five, Elder Mei will hand over one of her Earth-Grade treasures."
Gasps spread through the crowd.
Even Liang Chen's eyes widened.
Without hesitation, Elder Mei answered.
"Fine."
Liang Chen's face darkened.
Junming's lips pressed together slightly, then curved into a faint smile.
He had only aimed to block Liang Chen's direct disciple path, but he hadn't expected such a reward in return.
He bowed again to Elder Yuehua.
"Many thanks, Elder. I will not waste this opportunity."
The courtyard buzzed with whispers.
"Two Earth-Grade treasures on the line..."
"This is turning into a battle between elders now."
Elder Yuehua turned, her robe swaying gently. She leaped into the air and flew back toward her seat. As she passed Junming, her gaze swept across him again, this time with a playful, seductive smirk.
Junming stood still, but his heart stirred for a moment… but he quickly calmed himself.
Elder Mei followed not long after, walking calmly to the edge of the platform before taking off. She looked back at Junming once.
Her gaze was flat. Neutral. Empty.
Junming's eyes met hers.
'So cold…'
Liang Chen suddenly walked up beside him.
He was shaking. His fists were clenched so hard that blood ran from his palms. His jaw was tight, veins bulging. His eyes were red with frustration.
"Even if you did it with good intentions," he said, voice low and filled with hate, "don't think I'll ever thank you."
Junming turned his head. His eyes scanned Liang Chen slowly.
There was pain in Liang's expression.
Not physical.
Wounded pride. Burning shame.
And deep, bitter refusal to accept that he had lost to the trash Shen Junming.
Junming's back loosened. His posture changed from upright to lazy, his shoulders sinking slightly. He let out a tired sigh.
"You sure talk a lot for someone who lost in one move."
Liang Chen's body twitched. His qi flared, then surged violently, wrapping around his clenched fist. He was moments away from lashing out.
Just then, the referee stepped forward. He was the eldest disciple of the Outer Court, dressed in black with a steady voice.
"Now, choose your desired hall."
Junming raised his head.
Above, the banners of the six halls fluttered gently in the wind.
Sword Hall. Spear Hall. Fist Hall. Beast Hall. Alchemy Hall. Formation Hall.
Each path carried its own trials. Some honed martial prowess, others demanded mental discipline or spiritual finesse.
Junming stepped forward.
He raised his hand slowly, eyes calm.
"I choose..."