Dawn broke quietly over the Jiang Family.
A thin layer of mist covered the training grounds, giving the entire estate an eerie stillness. But beneath that calm surface, tension brewed.
The Inner Clan Assessment was approaching.
And for many—
It was a chance to rise.
Or be cast aside forever.
---
Inside his courtyard, Jiang Chen stood motionless.
His breathing was slow.
Steady.
Controlled.
Unlike before, the qi within his body now flowed like a gentle river, circulating through every meridian without obstruction.
After last night's trial—
He had changed again.
---
**Host:** Jiang Chen
**Realm:** Body Tempering — Layer 2
**Primordial Points:** 100
**Technique:** Primordial Strike (Intermediate)
---
"Layer 2…"
Jiang Chen clenched his fist slightly.
The difference from Layer 1 was clear.
More strength.
More endurance.
More control.
But still—
Not enough.
Not for what was coming.
---
"System," he said calmly, "what can I use these points for now?"
---
**[Options Available:]**
* Primordial Strike Enhancement (50 Points)
* Body Tempering Acceleration (80 Points)
* Low-Grade Movement Technique (60 Points)
---
Jiang Chen's eyes narrowed slightly.
Movement technique.
That was what he lacked most.
His precision and timing were strong—but without speed, he would struggle against stronger opponents.
"Purchase movement technique."
---
**[Confirmed.]**
**[60 Points Deducted.]**
**[Technique Acquired: Shadow Step]**
---
A flood of information entered his mind.
Footwork.
Timing.
Weight shifting.
It wasn't flashy—but it was efficient.
Perfect for combat.
---
Jiang Chen took a step forward.
Then another.
His body moved—
Smooth.
Silent.
Almost like a shadow.
---
"…Good."
A faint smile appeared.
---
Just then—
A loud voice echoed from outside.
"All outer and inner disciples—gather at the main arena!"
"The Inner Clan Assessment begins today!"
---
Jiang Chen's eyes opened slowly.
"…Earlier than expected."
But he didn't panic.
Instead—
He stood up calmly.
Adjusted his robe.
And walked out.
---
The main arena was already packed.
Dozens of disciples gathered, their expressions tense, excited, or nervous.
At the center stood a large stone platform.
Elders lined the edges, observing.
Among them—
Elder Zhao.
And beside him…
A young man with a cold, arrogant expression.
Jiang Chen recognized him immediately.
**Jiang Feng.**
The strongest of the younger generation.
Body Tempering Layer 5.
A true genius.
---
"Look—it's Jiang Chen!"
"He actually came!"
"Let's see how long he lasts…"
---
Jiang Chen ignored the whispers.
His gaze briefly met Jiang Feng's.
For a moment—
The air seemed to freeze.
---
Jiang Feng's lips curled slightly.
"Interesting…"
---
Elder Zhao stepped forward.
His voice echoed across the arena.
"The rules are simple."
"One-on-one matches."
"Last ten standing… enter the Inner Clan."
---
A wave of tension swept through the crowd.
---
"First match…"
The elder glanced at the list.
Then spoke.
---
"Jiang Chen…"
A pause.
---
"Versus…"
A faint smile appeared on Elder Zhao's lips.
---
"Jiang Ming."
---
The crowd exploded.
"Already?!"
"This is going to be brutal!"
"Revenge match!"
---
Jiang Ming stepped forward, his face dark and filled with hatred.
"This time…"
His voice was low.
Cold.
"You won't walk away."
---
Jiang Chen stepped onto the platform.
Calm.
Unshaken.
---
He looked at Jiang Ming.
Then spoke softly.
---
"You're right."
A faint smile appeared.
---
"This time…"
"…you won't."