Three months later…
A scorching wind blew gently across an endless sea of sand. The sky was the color of molten copper, and the sun hung overhead like a massive fireball that knew no mercy.
In the middle of the desert, a lone black tent stood in solitude.
Inside it, Wu Tian sat cross-legged. His breathing was steady, deep, and calm. Soul Reaver hovered before him, its black blade trembling softly, as if breathing in rhythm with its master.
For the past three months, Wu Tian had never truly stopped moving.
He had traveled from a dead forest to barren mountains, and finally ended up in this desert—the loneliest and safest place to train without drawing attention.
Under Soul Reaver's guidance, he learned the Life Essence Sword Technique—a sword art that harnessed the vitality of the surroundings, turning life itself into invisible blades. Each strike didn't merely wound the body, but gnawed directly at the opponent's source of life.
At the same time, he mastered the Blood Mist Escape Technique. In an instant, his body could dissolve into thick crimson mist, sacrificing blood and qi to escape from impossible situations. A cruel technique—but extremely effective.
More importantly, after Lin Yao's soul was completely absorbed, Soul Reaver underwent a crucial change.
Its aura could now be concealed.
No longer did it emit an obvious, sinister pressure. It could appear as an ordinary sword—enough for Wu Tian to use it openly without immediately inviting disaster.
Wu Tian opened his eyes.
"Your mastery is sufficient," Soul Reaver said. "If you keep forcing yourself to train in a place like this, you won't be able to grow any further."
Wu Tian nodded slightly.
Over these three months, he had sent several letters to his mother—yet not a single one received a reply. No news, no sign at all, as if the letters had never arrived.
An uneasy feeling settled deep in his chest, but he forcibly suppressed it.
For now, his priority was clear.
Golden Core.
A pill to break through to the Golden Core stage wasn't something that could be bought with spirit stones. It required connections, power, or extraordinary luck.
That was why he decided to join a sect to obtain a Golden Core pill.
Today was the long-awaited recruitment day of the Raging Flame Sect.
The sect's massive gates towered high, forged from dark red stone that radiated faint heat. In front of them, a huge crowd had gathered—cultivators ranging from the Qi Refining stage to Qi Condensation, chatting animatedly among themselves.
Wu Tian had no interest in socializing. He chose a corner and began meditating.
Several hours later—
DONG—!
The sound of an ancient bell rang out, shaking both heaven and earth.
In an instant, everyone was lifted into the air, flying toward the sect's main mountain peak.
There, a nine-story tower stood tall and majestic. Its surface was covered in flame patterns and ancient runes. The pressure it emitted made it hard for many to even breathe.
Suddenly—
An old man appeared from the sky.
His red robe fluttered, his hair was white as ash, yet his eyes were as sharp as blades. Every step he took seemed to scorch the air itself.
The crowd immediately fell silent and bowed in respect.
"I am Grand Elder Yan Huo," he said in a heavy voice. "The one in charge of this recruitment."
His gaze swept across the crowd.
"The first test will measure your talent and elemental affinity."
He pointed at the tower.
"Inject your qi into the tower. The higher the floor that lights up, the greater your talent."
One by one, the candidates stepped forward.
The tower lit up.
First floor.Second floor.Third floor.
Most stopped at the third floor—and were immediately dismissed.
A few managed to reach the sixth floor, earning a slight nod from the elder.
Then—
A young man caused the tower to light up to the seventh floor. A blue glow shimmered brightly.
Elder Yan Huo let out a sigh.
"You have talent," he said softly. "But your water element is incompatible with our sect. Disqualified."
The young man's face turned pale. He lowered his head and left with heavy steps.
Finally—
It was Wu Tian's turn.
He stepped forward.
Silently, he altered his Qi Reaver, aligning its attribute with that of Han Qingyu.
The tower lit up.
First floor… second… fifth… seventh… eighth—
Ninth floor.
Crimson light blazed fiercely, mixed with faint traces of green.
The crowd fell into stunned silence.
Then, Wu Tian changed his qi once more—this time aligning it with Lin Yao's attribute.
The tower shook violently.
The light grew even brighter, and then—
BOOM!
A surge of qi shot straight into the sky.
Several people staggered back. Elder Yan Huo sprang to his feet.
"A terrifying level of talent," he said, his voice trembling with emotion. "And perfectly suited to my sect!"
He laughed loudly."The Raging Flame Sect… will rise to its former glory!"
Wu Tian stared at the tower in awe. The sight before him was truly spectacular.
Suddenly—
An ancient furnace appeared in midair.
A beam of light shot straight toward Wu Tian.
He had no time to dodge.
His head throbbed violently.
Within his sea of consciousness, an ancient map took shape.
The commotion slowly died down. Wu Tian staggered, clutching his head.
"Hahaha!" Elder Yan Huo descended and stood before him. "What's your name, kid?"
Wu Tian clasped his hands and bowed.
"Greetings, senior. This junior is named Wu Tian."
The elder smiled in satisfaction.
"With talent like yours, I've decided—you will become my disciple."
Wu Tian was startled—but before he could respond—
The sky suddenly filled with radiant light.
"Old dog! How dare you steal a head start!"
"That's right! This violates the sect's rules!"
"Talent like this should clearly be my disciple! I'll make him the greatest alchemist!"
All eyes turned toward a female elder who was smiling shamelessly.
Elder Yan Huo frowned.
Suddenly, an authoritative voice echoed from the heavens.
"Since he registered as a disciple of the Raging Flame Sect, let him complete all required procedures first. After the trials are over, he may choose which master to follow."
The voice continued, firm and resolute."The Raging Flame Sect is a fair sect."
All the elders bowed in unison.
"As the Sect Master commands."
They then departed.
The crowd erupted into noise—but was quickly silenced by the Raging Flame Sect's recruitment division.
Wu Tian received a token marked with the number 1.
He was guided to his lodging.
When he arrived, Wu Tian was stunned.
Not a room—but a luxurious house.
He wandered around inside until he heard a knock at the door.
Knock. Knock.
A girl in a red uniform stood outside.
"I've come to deliver a gift from my master."
She opened a wooden box, revealing a pill.
"True Essence Pill."
Wu Tian shook his head. "Sorry, I can't accept this."
The girl chuckled softly.
"Do you remember the elder who said he'd make you the greatest alchemist?"
Wu Tian nodded.
"That's my master. There's no pressure at all. We simply hope you'll join us. And even if you don't, we'll still be fellow disciples—just consider this a small welcome gift from my master."
Hearing her explanation, Wu Tian smiled and accepted the pill.After all, he had planned to take it from the beginning—he just needed to act a little so he wouldn't look too eager.
After the girl left—
More visitors arrived.
Gift after gift was delivered.
Wu Tian accepted them calmly.