Morning sunlight hit the outer courtyard.
Today was the outer disciple combat trial—a test for disciples to display skill, strength, and speed.
Lin Yan carried a broom, sweeping the floor, unnoticed as usual.
Zhao Feng, standing with his friends, smirked.
"Let's see if the 'servant' can even survive the trial," he said loud enough for Lin Yan to hear.
Lin Yan didn't answer. He just watched. Quiet. Calm. Waiting.
Patience… he reminded himself. Soon, they'll see me.
The trial began.
Disciples drew their weapons—swords, spears, and elemental techniques filling the air.
A massive stone golem appeared suddenly—a trial summon designed to attack indiscriminately.
Screams filled the courtyard as weaker disciples fled.
Zhao Feng struck first, slashing with his sword. Sparks flew, but the golem barely flinched.
"It's useless!" he shouted, frustration in his voice.
Then Lin Yan moved.
Not like the others.Not flashy.Silent.
He ran behind a pillar, concentrated, and drew forth a tiny ember from his palm.
It was small, almost invisible.
He thrust it forward.
The ember struck the golem's leg.
Not qi. Not elemental technique.
Flame.
The fire exploded from inside, spreading through the golem's body. Stone cracked, glowing red, then shattered.
The courtyard froze.
No one saw him.
No one heard him.
Except Zhao Feng.
He narrowed his eyes. "Did you see that?"
Another disciple whispered, "It… moved on its own…"
Lin Yan stayed hidden, breathing slowly. He didn't need to show off. Not yet.
After the trial, elders gathered.
"Who destroyed the golem?" one demanded.
No one answered.
Lin Yan slipped out quietly, unnoticed.
But Zhao Feng's eyes were fixed on him. Suspicion burned like fire.
So, you noticed… good, Lin Yan thought quietly. Patience.
That night, in his hidden storage room, Lin Yan trained again.
The Phoenix mark had grown.
The fire inside him surged when he hit the punching bag.
Every strike released energy he could barely control, yet each strike made him stronger, faster, harder.
The Phoenix whispered:
"You are no longer a servant. Soon, the world will know your name."
Lin Yan smiled faintly, his body glowing with faint ember light.
Soon… they will know.
But before he could settle into the heat of his power, a shadow appeared in the doorway.
Zhao Feng.
"Servant…" he said softly, almost a whisper. "We need to talk."
Lin Yan froze.
Someone saw…
CLASHING FATE.