The next morning, the training grounds were alive with activity. Outer disciples whispered among themselves, glancing repeatedly at Lin Yuan, whose victories had spread through the sect like wildfire. The atmosphere was tense, charged with both curiosity and envy.
A sudden gust of wind swept across the courtyard as a figure appeared at the top of the steps. Outer Elder Wang himself, a man whose presence carried the weight of authority, had arrived. His sharp eyes scanned the crowd, finally settling on Lin Yuan.
"This disciple," the elder said, his voice carrying over the murmurs, "has attracted my attention." He descended the steps gracefully, exuding a formidable aura. The outer disciples instinctively stepped back, the elder's gaze alone causing them to tremble.
Lin Yuan remained calm, his eyes meeting the elder's without flinching. The system buzzed softly in his mind. [High-Level Entity Detected – Caution Recommended]
Outer Elder Wang approached Lin Yuan, circling him like a predator assessing its prey. "You have performed surprisingly well," the elder said, his tone neutral but tinged with authority. "But strength without discipline is worthless. I will test you personally."
Before Lin Yuan could respond, the elder's cultivation aura flared sharply. The pressure in the air made it difficult for the outer disciples to breathe. Lin Yuan took a steady breath, relying on the system to analyze the elder's movements.
[Analysis: Outer Elder Wang – Master of defensive and offensive techniques, over 10 years cultivation experience beyond outer disciple level]
[Recommended Strategy: Maintain distance, observe patterns, strike only when opening appears]
The elder struck first, a controlled but devastating punch aimed at Lin Yuan's chest. Lin Yuan sidestepped with precision, feeling the system guide his timing perfectly. Each subsequent attack was swift and calculated, a mix of defensive maneuvers and minor counters that tested his limits.
Outer disciples watched in awe. Lin Yuan, whom they had considered a mere trash disciple, was moving with composure and skill that rivaled the outer elder himself. Though the elder restrained his full power, the duel was more than enough to display Lin Yuan's potential.
After several minutes, the elder stepped back, a faint smile appearing on his lips. "You have potential," he said, his eyes sharp but approving. "Continue like this, and perhaps you may surpass your current level sooner than expected."
The system chimed softly. [Combat Assessment: Excellent]
[Reward: Minor Fate Fragment Acquired]
[Suggested Action: Continue improving – Next major opportunity approaching]
Lin Yuan inclined his head slightly. The elder's approval was not his goal, but it confirmed what the system had already indicated: he was on the right path. As the outer disciples whispered among themselves, Lin Yuan walked away calmly, knowing that with each trial and each system upgrade, the gap between him and the rest of the sect would only widen.
He looked toward the distant mountains that bordered the sect. Opportunities, rivals, and treasures awaited. And he would face them all without hesitation.