In the grand inner sect hall, disciples knelt in neat rows, awaiting Ye Feng's commands. The young prodigy sat upon the jade seat reserved for the sect master's heir, his posture regal, his expression unreadable.
"Zhao Chen," Ye Feng said calmly, his tone carrying authority that silenced the hall.
The bruised disciple stepped forward, bowing low. "Yes, senior brother."
"You humiliated yourself yesterday," Ye Feng continued, his gaze sharp as blades. "But in your failure,you provided me with something useful."
Zhao Chen gritted his teeth, shame burning his face. "Lin Tian… he's not as weak as he pretends to be. Somehow, he—"
"—stood against you, despite the odds," Ye Feng finished for him. "Yes. That is precisely why he interests me."
The other disciples exchanged uneasy glances. To draw Ye Feng's attention could either be the greatest blessing… or the cruelest curse.
Ye Feng's lips curved into a faint smile. "Lin Tian thinks himself clever, hiding in the shadows, surviving quietly. But now, he's stepped into the light—foolishly drawn there by his bond with Xiao Yue."
He rose slowly, his white robes flowing like water.
"Tell me, Zhao Chen. What happens to a weed that grows too tall in the garden?"
"…It is cut down," Zhao Chen answered quickly.
"Exactly." Ye Feng's eyes glimmered with cold amusement. "But sometimes, cutting isn't enough. Sometimes, you let the weed grow… then uproot it completely. That way, it never returns."
He turned to the gathered disciples, his voice carrying across the hall.
"I want Lin Tian to enter the upcoming Outer Sect Trial. No excuses, no refusals. Spread the word that participation is mandatory."
The disciples' eyes widened. The Outer Sect Trial was infamous—a brutal test in the wild forests surrounding the sect, where disciples hunted spirit beasts and competed for ranking. Injuries and even deaths were not uncommon.
"Senior brother," Zhao Chen said, his eyes lighting with cruel anticipation, "the trial grounds are filled with danger. It will be easy to arrange an… accident."
Ye Feng's smile deepened. "Precisely. And since Lin Tian clings so desperately to Xiao Yue… we shall ensure she is forced to enter as well."
The hall grew silent. Even the most ruthless disciples shifted uncomfortably. To drag a girl like Xiao Yue into the trial, when she was known to be gentle and lacking in killing intent…
But no one dared to object.
Ye Feng's voice dropped, soft and chilling.
"Lin Tian has chosen to fight for her. Then let's see how far that courage takes him… when her life rests on his ability to survive."
Meanwhile, in the bamboo grove, Lin Tian was still guiding Xiao Yue through sword stances, unaware of the storm about to break.
The system pulsed faintly in his vision:
[New Quest Issued: Survive the Outer Sect Trial]
Reward: Random Skill Scroll + System Upgrade Fragment]
Failure Condition: Death of Host OR Xiao Yue.]
Lin Tian's breath caught. His eyes flicked toward Xiao Yue, who was smiling brightly at him, unaware of the dangers being set in motion.
His grip on the wooden sword tightened.
He had no illusions. This wasn't a trial—it was a trap.
And Ye Feng was already pulling the strings.
The sect courtyard buzzed with excitement. Outer sect disciples gathered in droves, their voices loud with anticipation. Some polished their weapons, others boasted of the beasts they would slay, and still others whispered of the prizes and recognition that awaited the top performers.
For most, this trial was an opportunity.
For Lin Tian and Xiao Yue, it was a noose.
"Why… why are they making me participate too?" Xiao Yue whispered, clutching the wooden token of entry. Her delicate hands trembled, though she tried to hide it.
Lin Tian placed a steadying hand on hers. "Because Ye Feng wants to see me break." His voice was calm, but his eyes burned with quiet resolve. "But I won't let him. Not while you're with me."
The announcement bell rang. Elders appeared above the courtyard, their presence suffocating. One of them, Elder Xu, spoke in a booming voice.
"The Outer Sect Trial will test not only your strength, but your will! You will be released into the Azure Cloud Forest for three days. Hunt spirit beasts, gather spirit herbs, or survive by whatever means you can. At the end of three days, your results will determine your future within the sect!"
Murmurs ran through the crowd. Everyone knew the forest teemed with dangers—low-grade spirit beasts that could rip an unprepared disciple apart in seconds.
Elder Xu continued, his gaze sweeping over them."Failure to return within three days will be considered forfeiture. Survival is not guaranteed. Step forward, if you lack the courage."
Not a single disciple moved. Pride was stronger than fear.
The elder nodded. "Then let the trial begin!"
A surge of light erupted as the formation activated. In an instant, Lin Tian felt his body pulled forward, and the world around him warped.
When his vision cleared, he stood at the edge of a vast forest. Ancient trees towered overhead, their branches blotting out the sun. The air was heavy with the scent of earth and danger. Distantly, the cries of beasts echoed, low and guttural.
"Lin Tian…" Xiao Yue's voice was small, her hand gripping the corner of his sleeve.
Lin Tian turned to her, his expression firm. "Stay close to me. No matter what happens, don't let go."
The system pulsed:
[Survive the Outer Sect Trial: 3 Days Remaining]
[Hidden Condition: Keep Xiao Yue Alive.]
Not far away, groups of disciples banded together, eyeing Lin Tian and Xiao Yue with mocking smiles.
"Look at that, the sect's useless trash brought his little flower with him."
"Haha, they won't last half a day."
"Bet he'll be the first corpse we find."
Lin Tian ignored them, his gaze scanning the shadows of the forest. Something was wrong.
The disciples weren't just mocking himsome of them were circling,deliberately drawing closer.
Then, from deeper in the forest, a familiar voice echoed—low, smooth, laced with amusement.
"Lin Tian… Xiao Yue… what a surprise to see you here."
Ye Feng emerged from between the trees, flanked by a group of loyal disciples.His white robes were spotless, his every movement exuding confidence.
Lin Tian's jaw tightened. He had expected Ye Feng's hand in this, but to see him here, standing openly within the trial grounds…
Ye Feng's smile was calm, but his eyes were sharp as knives."The forest is a cruel place. Beasts aren't the only predators you'll encounter."
Behind him, Zhao Chen sneered, cracking his knuckles.
Xiao Yue's grip on Lin Tian's sleeve tightened. "He… he came here too?"
Lin Tian's breath slowed, his system interface glowing faintly.
[New Side Quest Issued: Protect Xiao Yue from Ye Feng's Schemes.]
Reward: Skill Upgrade – Guardian's Resolve Lv.2]
Lin Tian stepped forward, placing himself between Xiao Yue and Ye Feng's group."If you want to test me, Ye Feng… then come. But if you so much as touch her…" His eyes glinted with cold determination. "…you'll regret it."
The forest wind howled, carrying the scent of blood and danger.