The mountain air was thin and cold, carrying the scent of pine and smoke as dusk settled over the Inner Sect's West Ring. Lanterns flickered to life, their golden glow casting long, trembling shadows on the stone ground. The gathered crowd, a sea of cultivators from all corners, held their breath in expectant silence.
The proctor's black robes fluttered as he stepped forward, clearing his throat with practiced solemnity. His eyes scanned the assembly before he raised his voice.
"First place, Yan Shen of Qinghe. Second, Zhou Li of Twin Reed Valley. The rewards..."
A sharp, commanding voice interrupted, slicing through the stillness.
"I will handle the rewards."
All heads snapped toward the wide stairway at the center. Elder Mai appeared as if born from the dusk itself: pale robes flowing like mist, her presence both serene and formidable. In her hand, she held a smooth jade token, its surface unadorned but radiating a subtle spiritual weight.
Her gaze locked onto Yan Shen, unblinking.
The proctor's face tightened. "Of course, Third Elder."
Murmurs rippled immediately through the crowd, spreading like wildfire.
"She's breaking protocol," one whispered, eyes wide with disbelief.
"Favoring him? The new first place?" another murmured skeptically.
Even Ji Suyin, who had been leaning casually on the balcony railing, straightened abruptly. Her eyes narrowed, lips parting in a silent, astonished "Oh."
Elder Mai's steps were soundless as she descended the stairs, the temperature seeming to drop with every movement. Upon reaching the ring, she placed the jade token beside the proctor with deliberate calmness.
Her gaze sharpened as she turned to Yan Shen.
"Follow me," she ordered.
Zhou Li received his second-place reward, a modest sack of spirit stones, and was quickly escorted away, the murmurs swelling behind him.
Yan Shen's heart pounded as he rose, the weight of countless eyes burning into his back.
The elder led him through the columns of the sect's inner sanctum, their path shadowed and heavy with unspoken meaning.
Behind them, whispers swelled into murmurs of speculation.
"Did Elder Mai just claim him?"
"First place was undeniable, but that reward… it's unprecedented."
"She's making him hers. That's clear."
Ji Suyin's gaze followed them, a flicker of something sharp and complex crossing her elegant features.
He belongs to her now, she thought bitterly. Claimed before I could even step forward.
The heavy door of the elder's chambers closed behind them with a muted thud, swallowing the noise of the outside world.
The silence hung thick before Elder Mai spoke.
"I will arrange a cultivation cave for you within the Inner Sect dormitories. It will be simple, but more than adequate for your current needs."
Yan Shen nodded, the gravity of the moment pressing upon him.
"I will inform the other Elders of your exceptional performance. You are not yet ready to be a full Inner Disciple, but the gap is narrow. They will accept your presence."
The elder's gaze softened briefly. "And your Lanlan, the one I have taken under my wing, we will visit you in the coming days for now stay in your cave and go out too much. There is much I must share, much that you have yet to learn."
Yan Shen's pulse quickened at the mention of her name. After months of separation, letters and distant hope, they would finally be reunited within the heart of the sect itself.
Elder Mai's expression hardened once more.
"This is only the beginning. Your journey will be fraught with challenges, but few possess the spark that you carry."
Yan Shen swallowed, words caught in his throat.
"Thank you, Elder Mai."
She inclined her head slightly. "Prepare yourself. The sect watches you and so do I."
As Yan Shen stepped out into the evening air, the weight of the elder's favor settled on his shoulders, heavy yet invigorating. Pride and unease warred within him, but beneath it all, a fierce determination burned brighter than ever.