News of Lin Yuan's invitation to the inner sect trial spread quickly through the Azure Cloud Sect. Whispers of admiration were mixed with bitter envy. Many outer disciples who had once dismissed him now plotted in secret, unwilling to accept that a so-called "trash disciple" was rising above them.
Feng Tian, still humiliated from previous rounds, was among the most vocal. He gathered a small group of disgruntled disciples and whispered furiously. "We can't let him continue like this. That system-backed freak is dangerous. We need to teach him a lesson before he climbs even higher."
Lin Yuan, unaware of their scheming, continued his training in the hidden valley. The system buzzed faintly. [Suspicious Energy Detected – Potential Threat Nearby] He narrowed his eyes, focusing on the energy patterns around him.
Late that night, as Lin Yuan meditated by the stream, shadows moved silently through the trees. A group of outer disciples crept into the valley, intent on attacking him while he was isolated. They carried small knives, poisoned darts, and crude weapons—enough to catch an ordinary disciple off-guard.
Lin Yuan opened his eyes slowly. The system displayed the intruders' positions, strength levels, and attack patterns. [Threat Level: Moderate – Strategy: Eliminate efficiently, minimize exposure]
The first disciple lunged, dart in hand. Lin Yuan sidestepped effortlessly, grabbing the attacker's wrist and twisting. A quiet pop signaled submission, not death—yet. Each movement was precise, calculated, and efficient. Within moments, all five intruders were incapacitated, groaning on the ground, too embarrassed and shocked to resist further.
[System Reward: Minor Fate Fragment Acquired]
[Combat Efficiency: 98% – Perfect Execution]
Lin Yuan's eyes scanned the group. "Next time," he said calmly, "think twice before targeting someone stronger than you." The system confirmed that the intruders' morale had been shattered. Their envy had fueled their failure.
As dawn approached, Lin Yuan returned to his meditation. The betrayal had not gone unnoticed, but it had only strengthened his resolve. In this cultivation world, jealousy and scheming were inevitable—but the system ensured that only those capable of strategy and strength would survive.
[Quest Update: Betrayal Neutralized – Progress +15%]
Lin Yuan smiled faintly, the morning light reflecting on the stream. Enemies could scheme, rivals could plot, but he was prepared. The inner sect trial awaited, and nothing—neither jealousy nor sabotage—would slow his ascent.