The morning sun had barely touched the mountains when all outer disciples were called to gather in the main courtyard. The stone platform in the center looked larger than usual, maybe because everyone stood straighter, more nervous than normal.
Li Xuan walked to the very back row, the place no one ever fought him for.
Whispers moved through the crowd like small insects:
"I heard the Sect Leader is checking us today."
"Maybe he'll pick new inner disciples."
"Inner disciple? With this trash around? He lowers the average."
Li Xuan kept his head down and said nothing. Words couldn't hurt him more than the kicks he took every week.
A breath later, Elder Qiu appeared and raised his hand. "Sect Leader approaching!"
The courtyard went silent.
From behind the main hall, several figures walked out. The first was a man in red robes with gold embroidery. His steps were steady, his expression calm but distant. His presence made the disciples unconsciously straighten their backs.
Li Shen.Sect Leader of the Twilight Ember Sect.Li Xuan's uncle.
He stopped at the center of the platform and looked across the rows of disciples. His gaze moved slowly, observing each face. When it reached the last row, his eyes briefly landed on Li Xuan.
A single second.Empty, unreadable.Then he looked away.
Li Xuan lowered his head again.
—He recognizes your face, but he pretends not to, the Grand Immortal whispered softly. That is a dangerous man.
Li Shen spoke, his voice calm and clear. "Today, I will inspect the outer disciples' growth. Those with potential will move up. Those without…" His eyes swept the crowd again. "…must serve the sect in other ways."
Everyone knew what that meant.
Failure meant being sent to hard labor.
Elder Qiu stepped forward and began the tests. Qi control, movement drills, discipline checks. The disciples showed off every skill they had, hoping to earn even a small nod from the Sect Leader.
Zhao Ren was the first to shine. His movements were sharp. His Qi glowed faintly around his palm. Elder Qiu praised him. Li Shen nodded once.
Then Li Xuan's name was called.
He walked out quietly.
His steps were steady, even though he still felt pain in every muscle. He performed the movement drills with no mistakes—slow, but clean. Elder Qiu frowned, unimpressed, and waved him off.
Next was the Qi demonstration.
Li Xuan placed his hands forward.He kept his expression blank.He allowed no Qi to show.
Elder Qiu sighed. "As always. Step back."
A few disciples laughed under their breath.
Li Xuan returned to his spot. His heart beat quietly, but not from shame. Deep inside, the small thread of Qi pulsed softly.
—Good, the Grand Immortal said. You hid it well. They must never know you have awakened.
One by one, the stronger disciples finished their displays. Elder Qiu gave his final announcement:
"The Sect Leader has seen your progress. Those who performed well will have access to the Ember Spring for further cultivation."
Excitement broke through the crowd.
"The Ember Spring!"
"I might break through soon!"
Li Xuan remained silent.
Elder Qiu continued coldly, "And those who disappointed the Sect Leader must reflect on their lack of effort."
His eyes landed directly on Li Xuan.
Hard.Cold.Full of meaning.
The assembly ended.
As disciples rushed to congratulate each other or talk about the Ember Spring, Zhao Ren walked past Li Xuan, his tone low and mocking.
"Try not to cry later, Li Xuan. Or do. It makes my day."
Several others joined in laughing.
Li Xuan did not reply.He simply turned and began walking away.
He didn't notice Elder Qiu watching his back from the platform.
He didn't see the way Elder Qiu's eyes narrowed, like a man studying prey that hadn't realized it was being hunted.