The morning bells of Azure Sky Sect echoed across the mountains, calling disciples to their training grounds. But unlike the others, Li Ming received a different call.
A stern-faced inner disciple appeared at his dorm. "Li Ming. The elders request your presence at the Hall of Azure Flames. Immediately."
The dorm went silent. Disciples gasped and whispered.
"The elders are summoning him?"
"Already? He's only been here a few days!"
"He must be in trouble…"
Wu Jian smirked from the corner. Good. Maybe those old monsters will crush him for me.
Li Ming, on the other hand, scratched his head. "Eh? Already? I didn't even finish breakfast…" He sighed dramatically. "Fine. But I'm taking my steamed bun with me."
---
The Hall of Azure Flames towered at the heart of the sect, its roof tiled with blue jade, its entrance guarded by stone lions that looked like they'd eat you if you sneezed.
Li Ming strolled in, bun in hand, crumbs trailing behind him. His eyes widened at the sight inside: towering pillars, glowing lanterns, and at the far end, three elders seated like kings on thrones.
Elder Feng, the strict one with sharp eyes, leaned forward. "So you are Li Ming."
Li Ming cupped his fists politely. "Yes, respected elder. Uh, do you want a bun? I brought extra."
The hall went silent.
The silver-haired Elder Yue smirked behind her sleeve. The plump Elder Han coughed, hiding his chuckle. Elder Feng's eyebrow twitched dangerously.
"Enough nonsense," Feng snapped. "We have questions. Your strength has grown unusually fast. Too fast. Explain yourself."
Li Ming's heart thumped. Crap. If I tell them about the jade slip, they'll snatch it in a heartbeat. Time for… acting skills!
He put on his most innocent face. "Elder, I've just been… working really hard! Waking up early, practicing horse stance, breathing deeply… and maybe I have a little talent?"
The elders exchanged looks.
Elder Han stroked his beard. "His aura is pure. No sign of pill corruption."
Elder Yue tilted her head. "And yet, his progress is too clean. Almost… guided."
Elder Feng's eyes narrowed. "Boy, are you hiding a master? Some secret inheritance?"
Li Ming panicked internally. Say no! Say no!
He threw his arms wide. "No, elder! Unless you count… chickens. I did fight a chicken once. Very fierce. Life-changing experience."
The hall erupted into shocked silence again. Elder Yue burst out laughing, her voice like silver bells. "Hahaha! Oh, delightful. A chicken as his master!"
Even Elder Han chuckled. "It seems the boy has spirit, at least."
Elder Feng rubbed his temple. "This… is ridiculous."
But before he could dismiss Li Ming, something unexpected happened.
The jade slip in Li Ming's robe pulsed faintly, releasing a wave of qi that filled the hall. The elders stiffened, their eyes widening as they felt the pressure.
"This aura… ancient!"
"Could it be… a lost cultivation technique?"
Li Ming's face turned pale. He quickly slapped his robe, laughing awkwardly. "Ahaha! Sorry, that was… indigestion. I ate too many buns."
The elders stared at him in disbelief. But instead of calling him out, they leaned back, whispering among themselves.
"This boy is dangerous."
"Or blessed."
"Either way, he must be watched."
Finally, Elder Yue smiled at Li Ming. "Li Ming, continue your training as an outer disciple. But remember—the sect has its eyes on you. Do not disappoint us."
Elder Feng's cold voice followed. "And if you stray from the righteous path… we will know."
Li Ming bowed deeply, forcing a grin. "Yes, respected elders. Don't worry, I'm too busy eating buns to stray."
---
When he left the hall, disciples swarmed him immediately.
"What happened inside?!"
"Did they punish you?"
"Did you really offer an elder… a bun?!"
Li Ming puffed his chest, trying to look mysterious. "I cannot say. The affairs of elders are too high for mere mortals to understand. Just know this—" He took a dramatic bite of his bun. "I am still here, stronger than ever."
The disciples' jaws dropped. Some groaned, some laughed, but one thing was clear: Li Ming's reputation grew even larger.
Wu Jian clenched his fists, fury burning in his eyes. Why won't this clown fall?! No matter. The Inner Disciple trials are coming. I'll crush him there.
Meanwhile, Li Ming strolled back to his dorm, whistling. His mind buzzed with excitement. Hehehe… they suspect me, but they don't know anything. With the jade slip and my pills, I'll soar even higher. Inner Disciple, here I come!
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