Prologue: The Legend Who Vanished
"Mr. Wizard, please tell us the story of the Heavenly Emperor again!" A small boy with tousled hair tugged at the sleeve of the elderly man seated by the campfire.
"Yes! The one who fought all the gods!" Another child clapped her hands excitedly.
Around the crackling fire, other children gathered closer, their faces aglow with anticipation. Even the adults in the small traveling caravan drifted toward the fireside circle while pretending their interest was merely casual.
The old man called Mithral—though few knew his true identity—smiled warmly, the firelight casting curious shadows across his weathered face.
"The Heavenly Emperor, is it?" Mithral's voice carried the gentle rasp of age yet possessed a resonance that commanded attention. "Haven't I told that tale thrice already this moon?"
"But it's the best story!" the boy protested, settling at Mithral's feet.
Mithral tapped his curious silver-gray staff once against the ground. The fire flared higher, momentarily shifting to deep azure. The children gasped with delight.
"Very well," he said, leaning forward. "I suppose there's always time for one more telling."
"Throughout Latvaria, from the humblest village to the most magnificent city, one legend eclipses all others—the tale of Edward Reinhart, the mortal hailed as the Strongest Under the Heavens."
As he spoke, the campfire's shadows seemed to dance in strange patterns.
"Who was Edward? Where did he come from? These questions have filled countless scrolls, sparked endless debates among scholars, and inspired bards to craft songs that echo through generations."
Mithral's gaze swept across his audience. "To truly understand Edward, you must first understand the world into which he was born—a realm of chaos, suffering, and perpetual conflict."
The fire crackled loudly, sending sparks spiraling into the night sky.
"The cosmos consists of five realms: The Mortal Realm where we dwell, The Divine Realm of gods, The Nether where spirits wander, The Abyss where primordial beasts slumber, and Hell where demons scheme. Each exists in precarious balance, though 'balance' is perhaps too generous a term for their eternal struggle."
Mithral's fingers traced patterns in the air, and for a heartbeat, some swore they could see ghostly outlines of these realms floating above the campfire.
"The Mortal Realm was the battleground—simultaneously blessed and cursed. The gods demanded worship, the demons craved bloodshed, and monsters hungered for flesh. All immortals coveted the Mortal Realm as their prize, and mortals paid the price."
A cold wind swept through the camp, causing the flames to dance wildly.
"War, death, and poverty became as common as breathing. The gods bestowed powers and techniques upon their chosen champions—and, naturally, to grow their own power and worship. The devils did the same. And so the cycle of violence continued, unbroken for ten thousand years, until most mortals resigned themselves to being mere pawns in a cosmic game."
One of the younger children clutched her doll tighter, eyes wide.
"But then," Mithral continued, his voice softening, "a child was born."
The fire dimmed, burning lower until only glowing embers remained.
"His origins remained unknown, even to himself. Found abandoned at a humble temple, raised by monks who recognized nothing special in him save perhaps his unusual determination. Yet somehow, this unremarkable babe would become the world's final hope—bringing salvation to a realm that had accepted its doom."
Mithral sprinkled a pinch of powder into the fire. The flames roared back to life, now tinged with gold and crimson.
"Edward Reinhart began as all warriors do—seeking strength. Yet where others sought power to dominate, he sought power to protect. His journey took him to every corner of Latvaria, challenging immortals who had lived for thousands of years. With each victory, his legend grew."
The wizard's voice took on a rhythmic cadence, almost like a sacred chant.
"When the Celestial War began—immortals battling openly for control of the Mortal Realm—Edward stood alone against gods and demons alike. For seven days and seven nights, he fought at Heaven's Gate, wielding techniques that mortal flesh should not have contained. Mountains crumbled. Seas boiled. The sky itself tore open."
Mithral's eyes seemed to glow briefly with more than just firelight.
"God or demon, all eventually knelt before him. Heaven's Chosen. The Mortal who surpassed immortals. The Strongest Under The Heavens. Edward Reinhart. The Mortal Who Rejected Immortality."
"That's the best part!" one of the boys interrupted.
Mithral nodded, his eyes distant. "Yes—his refusal of eternal life was perhaps his most shocking act. A man who had slain gods, who had been offered ascension, chose to remain mortal. His pride and honor would not allow him to abandon his humanity. He had accomplished his goal: reuniting the Mortal Realm and bringing peace. What need had he for eternity?"
The fire suddenly dimmed again, shadows lengthening across Mithral's face.
"As Emperor, he ruled justly for twenty years. None dared oppose him. Then one day, he simply vanished."
The children gasped, despite having heard this part many times before.
"No one knew where he went. Some suspected the remaining gods had set a trap. Others blamed demons. Many believed both had worked together to eliminate their greatest threat. Regardless, the Mortal Realm plunged into anguish. Reinhart had been their guiding star. Without him, hope dimmed."
Mithral's voice grew softer, more reflective.
"The people revolted. War consumed the realm once more."
The wizard drew a deep breath, his shoulders momentarily sagging.
"Centuries have passed since then. Peace has mostly returned, but people still speak of him—a legend mothers tell their children to inspire hope and courage.
The most popular theory now is that Edward was an emissary sent by the True God, the Creator of All Things. Or perhaps he was that Creator himself, come to balance the realms and restore harmony."
Mithral paused, gazing into the fire as if seeing distant memories. The children waited, sensing there was more.
"That's enough for tonight, little ones," the wizard finally said, rising from his seat. "The hour grows late, and we have many miles to travel tomorrow."
The children reluctantly scattered to their tents, whispering excitedly about gods and demons and the legendary Emperor.
Once alone, Mithral stared into the dying embers. From within his robes, he withdrew a small medallion bearing the imperial crest of a kingdom long fallen to dust.
He lifted his cup toward the star-filled sky, his voice barely a whisper.
"Edward Reinhart, wherever you are now, I hope you finally found that peaceful and lazy life you always wanted, my friend."
A shooting star streaked across the heavens as if in answer.
Little did anyone know, across the vast boundaries of worlds and dimensions, Edward Reinhart was most definitely NOT having a peaceful life.
C1: Rebirth
"Young Master Lin, please wake up! The sect evaluation begins in 2 hours!"
Lin Feng's voice carried a mix of urgency and resignation. The young master's behavior today was decidedly... unusual.
"So, you're saying that I am the third son of the Lin family?" Lin Tian's question hung in the air, strange and disorienting.
"And this is the Celestial Dragon Sect in the Eastern Cultivation Realms. The Mortal Realm of Latvaria doesn't even exist."
It was strange.
The young master wasn't someone typically praised for his intelligence, but this level of confusion went beyond his usual limitations. Lin Feng had seen many young masters from prominent families display odd behaviors, yet something about Lin Tian's current state felt fundamentally different.
Recently, whispers of "qi deviation" and strange manifestations had circulated among cultivation circles, but Lin Feng never expected to witness such a dramatic transformation in the Lin family's youngest son.
Trash of the Lin Family.
While his elder brother had already become an outer sect elder and his younger siblings had reached the fifth level of Qi Condensation and earned the right to train in the Inner Sect, Lin Feng could see the reality of Lin Tian just by watching him struggle with even the most basic cultivation techniques at the age of sixteen.
Lin Feng said calmly, "Young Master, today is the day of the sect's quarterly evaluation. As you may know, Elder Zhou has already warned that if you fail to demonstrate progress in your cultivation, you might lose your place in the sect entirely. So, it is better to prepare now. It's your third evaluation, so it would be great to at least show some improvement—"
"There is something more important than that."
Lin Tian cut him off while he was talking.
No matter how he looked at it, the young master, who seemed to not be in his right mind, spoke in a voice that had a different weight to it than usual.
"Take me to the Sect's archives. It is more important for me to understand the cultivation methods of this world in which I will be living, than to participate in an evaluation I am unprepared for."
It was bizarre.
The young master, who had lived in the Celestial Dragon Sect for over a decade, said it's important to learn about cultivation methods as if he were a complete newcomer.
But what can he even do?
"I understand, Young Master."
It was Lin Feng's role to fulfill his duty as an attendant.
The place Lin Feng guided Lin Tian to was the outer disciples' archive pavilion, a modest building at the edge of the sect grounds.
After the last spirit beast incursion, many of the original archives were damaged; however, the inner archives were restricted to core disciples, so the outer disciples had formed their own collection of basic texts.
Creak.
Lin Feng frowned as he pushed open the wooden door.
At the stale air and dust creeping up from all directions, he glanced at Lin Tian's eyes.
"Do you really want to browse these basic cultivation manuals? If it's knowledge about advanced techniques you're seeking, it's better to ask one of the sect elders or wait until you qualify for the inner archives. We can still head back."
"It's fine."
Lin Tian didn't care about what was in his surroundings.
Like Lin Feng, he walked into the dusty room without hesitation, and his pristine white sect robes quickly became smudged with the fine dust that covered everything.
'Oh, his robes are getting soiled.'
Lin Feng was perplexed.
Of course, he expected Lin Tian with his soiled robes to make a fuss, but Lin Tian did not show any particular reaction.
This behavior defied everything Lin Feng understood about the young master.
Though the Lin family held modest status among cultivation clans, Lin Tian typically boasted endlessly about his family connections.
Disciples often gathered to share stories about how Lin Tian demanded special treatment despite his complete lack of talent.
This focused, determined individual before him seemed like an entirely different person.
Had he suffered some form of qi deviation? Lin Feng wondered silently.
Lin Tian approached a dusty shelf in the back of the archive.
He paused before a collection of worn scrolls as Lin Feng watched with growing curiosity.
"These contain only entry-level breathing techniques and basic meridian exercises. All outer disciples master these within their first three years. They offer little advantage for today's evaluation."
The archive's condition was pitiful.
Thick dust covered everything, making breathing difficult, while cobwebs stretched across corners and between shelves.
No son of even a minor clan should spend time in such a place, Lin Feng thought.
Despite Lin Feng's repeated suggestions to leave, Lin Tian continued examining the scrolls with unusual interest.
"Wait outside," Lin Tian commanded suddenly.
Lin Feng couldn't hide his surprise.
With confident movements, Lin Tian brushed aside cobwebs and selected a scroll, unrolling it carefully on a nearby table.
"Does anyone regularly visit this archive?" he asked.
The elderly archive keeper in the corner looked up with visible surprise.
"Young Master Lin shows interest in our basic texts?"
The old man stood slowly from his simple wooden chair and approached with careful steps.
"Sit and share your knowledge with me," Lin Tian said, gesturing to a chair.
The old archivist hesitated, clearly confused by the notorious failure's sudden scholarly interest.
"I need to understand everything about the Celestial Dragon Sect - what cultivation paths exist here and which techniques are most valued. This will likely be a lengthy discussion, so let's begin while I examine these scrolls."
Lin Tian unrolled another ancient text before him.
Seeing the old man's uncertainty, Lin Tian offered a reassuring smile that immediately eased the archivist's hesitation.
"Please begin now," he added with gentle insistence.
Finding himself at this strange new beginning, Lin Tian chose to adapt methodically to his circumstances.
The old archivist struggled initially to organize his thoughts.
As Lin Tian demonstrated genuine interest and posed thoughtful questions, however, the old man's hesitation quickly dissolved.
"The Celestial Dragon Sect was originally founded by the Immortal Cultivator Feng Long. He discovered a method to harness the spiritual energy of the five elements through the Azure Dragon meridian system; however, he suddenly received enlightenment that the cultivation path should be available to worthy disciples regardless of birth. There was a great war between sects for a while, so it was a significant breakthrough that allowed even common disciples to advance to respectable cultivation levels. After the sect wars, Master Feng who had reached the Nascent Soul realm at the awards ceremony..."
The discussion was extremely long.
Most of what he said was what any disciple of the sect should know, but the enthusiastic old archivist narrated all the stories he knew in great detail.
Lin Tian's judgment was correct.
He asked specific questions that showed unexpected insight, and the old man, delighted to find someone interested in the sect's history, shared knowledge that went far beyond the basic scrolls.
'Lin Tian, huh.'
Lin Tian.
No, his real name was Edward Reinhart.
Edward Reinhart had lived most of his life as the Emperor of Latvaria, who unified the Mortal Realm and defeated the gods.
He was someone who had lived a fierce life as a warrior beyond compare.
Having accomplished everything he wanted to, he had calmly accepted his life, one filled with peace and quiet.
It was supposed to be his well-deserved rest after conquering all the gods and bringing peace, but when he opened his eyes, he was in Lin Tian's body.
It was absurd.
In fact, at the moment of his supposed rest, Edward Reinhart had somehow crossed between worlds.
Although he had been ready for peaceful retirement, Edward Reinhart now found himself trapped in the body of a cultivation world's most notorious failure.
So, he accepted this new reality.
Most warriors ultimately want to achieve legendary status, but Edward Reinhart had only wanted to live a quiet life of retirement.
And now, at the crossroads of new choices, Edward quickly accepted the reality he faced.
'Is this a gift from heaven, or is it some kind of punishment for rejecting ascension when the gods offered it to me?'
It didn't matter.
A new life.
A new environment.
For Edward, only one thing was important.
His last years as the Emperor had been filled with responsibilities, but the peaceful retirement he had envisioned now seemed further away than ever.
He would have to work again.
'Having accomplished everything I wanted to, I was ready for a quiet life away from conflict. But that's not what fate has delivered. Lin Tian, the Celestial Dragon Sect; this world full of cultivation and spiritual energy will be a new challenge I never asked for.'
His heart sank.
Edward Reinhart lived a life that would remain in the history of Latvaria. However, looking back at it now, he realized that even his moments of greatest triumph had never granted him the simple life he truly desired.
He is someone who cannot seem to escape his destiny.
So he had to accept it and move on.
That's the kind of person Edward Reinhart was.
"...This is all I know."
The talk was now over.
Maybe because it had been a long time, the old archivist he had met for the first time felt strangely familiar now.
"Thank you, it was a big help to me. We will compensate for this separately later."
"No, Young Master Lin. Just having a conversation with someone who shows genuine interest in our sect's heritage was a pleasure for me."
Edward, no, Lin Tian smiled.
It was now time to go back.
But, at that moment.
Bang!
Thump!
"You worthless trash!"
Loud noises were coming from outside.
It seemed like something was going on near the archive.
It was just as he expected.
When he went out, he saw a group of disciples beating a young boy who appeared to be even younger than his current body.
Bam!
Bam! Bam!
"You talentless waste."
"Just give up and leave the sect!"
The boy did not make a single sound despite the intense beating.
Perhaps that fueled the disciples' anger even more, and they indiscriminately beat the boy with cultivation-enhanced strikes that could permanently damage his meridians.
The boy's body shook with each punch.
The skin exposed outside his simple disciple robes was already stained with bruises, his face was swollen, and blood dripped from his nose.
People gathered around the noisy situation.
However, when they saw the golden trim on the disciples' robes, they looked away in fear.
"What's going on?"
"Young Master!"
Lin Tian stood next to Lin Feng.
Lin Feng was watching the scene, and he said in a cautious voice when Lin Tian appeared.
"They seem to be disciples from the Inner Sect. It is a group that takes pleasure in 'testing' the weaker disciples, and seeing them do that, it seems that the boy failed to show proper respect to his seniors. You should just pretend you don't know. There is nothing good about being tangled up with them."
Lin Tian's gaze assessed the Inner Sect disciples.
Bullying.
Because of the sect's emphasis on strength and talent, the weak were constantly oppressed, leading to violence.
'The problem is that such punishment should not be administered by fellow disciples.'
This was the Celestial Dragon Sect.
As explained by the old archivist, they were obliged to judge and solve any problem by taking it to the sect elders.
Lin Tian.
He still hasn't quite figured out how to act as Lin Tian.
What is certain is that the original Lin Tian is no more.
When he woke up, the first things he found were cultivation pills, believed to have been stolen by Lin Tian, and a half-written suicide note scattered on the floor.
The contents of the note showed him how desperate Lin Tian had been.
The Celestial Dragon Sect is a sect that requires all disciples to demonstrate cultivation progress, so there is a quarterly evaluation that requires each family representative to perform and prove their worth or face expulsion.
Lin Tian was included in it.
Since it was impossible for his elder brother with his sect position or his talented younger siblings to risk humiliation, the Lin family had decided to send their talentless third son despite knowing he would fail.
So, Lin Tian had chosen death.
Trembling at all the vicious rumors about becoming a cultivationless outcast, he had chosen to end his life after stealing forbidden enhancement pills that had failed to work.
'From now on, I am Lin Tian.'
The previous life was behind him.
No matter what kind of life Lin Tian had led, he would believe and follow the 'values of Edward Reinhart' from now on.
"Stop."
"Young... young Master!"
Lin Feng was startled at Lin Tian's abrupt move forward and tried to stop Lin Tian.
However, it was already too late.
Lin Tian's voice was loud, and the Inner Sect disciples, who had stopped beating the boy, looked at him with puzzled eyes.
"Lin Tian?"
It was a sight to behold.
The problem was that Lin Tian's reputation had reached them as well.
The disciple with a cold face, who seemed to be the leader, spoke out with a smirk.
"Don't mind this, Trash Young Master Lin. We will finish our business here."
"Tsk, trying to act brave because his family has connections."
"Stop it, he says. Hahaha, useless waste."
The disciples whispered from behind and laughed.
Lin Feng said in a quiet voice as the others might hear as well.
"Young Master Lin, we have to return. The Inner Sect disciples have the backing of powerful elders. If a problem arises here, not even your family connections can protect you. So, please calm down..."
"Lin Feng."
Lin Tian looked at Lin Feng.
The powerful and calm voice immediately caught the attention of Lin Feng, who was trembling in fear.
"I don't know the rules of this sect very well yet. So, please explain. Who has violated the sect's principles here? And for breaking these principles, what kind of response is appropriate?"
Lin Feng was stunned.
He felt like he was being drawn into Lin Tian's eyes.
Trash of the Lin Family.
The pathetic young master who had failed at every cultivation challenge caught him with a powerful presence that he could not escape.
In the current situation, it was advisable to retreat.
However, Lin Feng unwittingly told the 'truth.'
"The boy was guilty of walking on the wrong path reserved for Inner Sect disciples. It deserves correction, but these disciples have no right to administer punishment directly. Above all, they dared to speak insulting words against a recognized disciple of the Celestial Dragon Sect on sect grounds. It is a violation that should be reported to the elders. According to sect rules, they should receive formal discipline."
Lin Feng bowed his head.
His heart was pounding, and his legs were trembling, but now he felt compelled to reply truthfully out of unexpected respect for Lin Tian.
The onlookers held their breath, and smirks appeared on the faces of the Inner Sect disciples.
Let's go with that.
"You have violated the sect's principles..."
Lin Tian stepped forward.
While everyone was watching, he picked up a wooden practice sword from a nearby weapon rack and pointed it at the Inner Sect disciples.
"From now on, as Lin Tian of the Celestial Dragon Sect, I will demonstrate how true disciples should conduct themselves."
C2: The Edge of Experience
The Inner Sect disciples' eyes widened at the sight of Lin Tian pointing a wooden practice sword at them. Their initial shock quickly transformed into mocking laughter.
"Lin Tian? The Trash of the Lin Family dares to challenge us?" The leader sneered, his golden-trimmed robes fluttering as he stepped forward. "Do you think wielding a practice sword changes anything about your worthless cultivation?"
Lin Tian's expression remained calm, his posture relaxed yet alert in a way completely foreign to those who knew the previous Lin Tian. This wasn't the stance of a cultivation failure—it was the bearing of someone who had faced countless battles.
"Your actions dishonor the Celestial Dragon Sect," Lin Tian said evenly. "As disciples, we're bound by rules established by the elders. No one granted you authority to dispense punishment."
The leader's face darkened with anger. "You dare lecture us on sect rules? You, who can't even form a proper Qi Core after years of attempts?"
Around them, the crowd grew. Outer Sect disciples whispered among themselves, astonished that the infamous Lin Tian would invite such trouble.
Lin Feng stepped back, his face pale. "Young Master, please reconsider—"
But Lin Tian was already moving.
The leader of the Inner Sect disciples lunged forward with a sneer, his palm crackling with azure energy—Celestial Dragon Sect's basic striking technique, but executed with fourth-level Qi Condensation power.
For the onlookers, what happened next defied explanation.
Lin Tian—who supposedly couldn't even manipulate the smallest amount of spiritual energy—didn't try to match the attack with force. Instead, he pivoted slightly, the wooden practice sword moving in a precise arc that seemed to guide the azure energy away from its target.
The Inner Sect disciple stumbled forward, his attack missing entirely.
"What—?" he gasped, genuinely surprised.
Lin Tian had moved with perfect economy, using the minimum necessary motion to redirect the attack. It wasn't the flashy technique of a cultivation prodigy but the refined movement of someone who understood combat at its most fundamental level.
"Impossible," someone in the crowd whispered.
Lin Tian—no, Edward Reinhart—immediately assessed his situation. His current body was pathetically weak, with barely enough spiritual energy to execute even the most basic techniques. Yet his mind retained all the battle wisdom from his previous life.
'This body can't handle powerful movements,' he realized. 'But these overconfident disciples are full of openings.'
Two more Inner Sect disciples attacked simultaneously, one from each side. Their movements were technically correct but lacked refinement—they relied on raw power rather than precision.
Lin Tian stepped back, letting the attackers nearly collide with each other, then tapped one disciple's extended arm with his wooden sword while using his foot to subtly guide the other's momentum.
Both attackers stumbled off-balance.
"How is he doing this?" a voice from the crowd called out.
The wooden practice sword in Lin Tian's hand moved with purpose. Each motion was economical, designed not to overextend his body's limited resources. He didn't attempt to match the disciples' spiritual energy—he simply avoided it entirely, using their own momentum against them.
"Stop dodging and fight properly!" the leader roared, his face flushed with humiliation.
Lin Tian finally spoke: "I'm fighting as befits my current level. You're simply used to opponents who stand still and accept your attacks."
This further enraged the disciples. Three attacked at once, their movements increasingly reckless. Lin Tian spotted the pattern immediately—these were disciples who had grown accustomed to overwhelming weaker opponents with brute force. Their technique was sloppy because they had never needed precision.
Lin Tian sidestepped the first disciple, used the wooden sword to redirect the second's attack, and simply stepped aside as the third charged past him.
The crowd's whispers grew louder. How was Lin Tian, with his notoriously weak cultivation, evading attacks from Inner Sect disciples?
"Face me properly, coward!" the leader shouted, gathering more spiritual energy in his palm. The azure light intensified, casting eerie shadows across his face.
Lin Tian assessed his options. His body was already feeling the strain—muscles unaccustomed to such precise movement were beginning to protest. He couldn't keep this up for long.
"Enough!"
A thunderous voice cut through the commotion. The spiritual pressure that accompanied it caused several Outer Sect disciples to stumble backward.
A young man descended from the sky, his robes emblazoned with the emblem of the Core Disciples—the elite of the Celestial Dragon Sect. His landing was graceful, dispersing a circle of dust around him.
"Young Master Yang!" The Inner Sect disciples immediately fell to their knees.
The newcomer's cold gaze swept across the scene. "Starting fights in the open grounds? Is this how Inner Sect disciples conduct themselves?"
The leader kept his head bowed. "Young Master Yang, this trash insulted us and—"
"Silence." Yang's voice wasn't loud, but it carried immense authority. He turned to Lin Tian, eyes narrowing slightly. "You're from the Lin family, aren't you?"
Lin Tian nodded, maintaining a respectful but unintimidated posture. "Lin Tian, third son of the Lin family."
A flicker of surprise crossed Yang's face. "The rumored failure? Interesting." He glanced at the bruised boy still huddled nearby. "And what prompted this... confrontation?"
Lin Feng stepped forward, bowing deeply. "Young Master Yang, these disciples were administering unauthorized punishment to a junior. Young Master Lin intervened, citing sect rules that such matters should be handled by the elders."
Yang raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?" His gaze returned to Lin Tian. "You know the sect rules well for someone who allegedly struggles with basic cultivation."
Lin Tian met his gaze steadily. "One's cultivation level doesn't determine one's understanding of proper conduct."
A moment of silence followed as Yang studied Lin Tian with newfound interest.
"Brother Yang!" A melodious voice called from above. Another figure descended—a young woman in elegant robes, her long hair bound with celestial ornaments. "The elders are gathering for the quarterly evaluation. We shouldn't be late."
Yang nodded without taking his eyes off Lin Tian. "Sister Mei, perfect timing. We have an interesting situation here." He gestured toward Lin Tian. "This Lin family disciple just held his own against five Inner Sect disciples without displaying any spiritual energy."
The young woman named Mei looked at Lin Tian with curiosity. "Without spiritual energy? How is that possible?"
"Technique," Yang said simply. "Pure physical technique and extraordinary timing." He turned to the Inner Sect disciples, still kneeling. "You five will report to Elder Zhou for discipline. Starting fights and abusing juniors—you bring shame to the Inner Sect."
"Young Master Yang, please—" the leader began.
"Consider yourselves fortunate I'm not expelling you immediately," Yang cut him off. "Now go."
The Inner Sect disciples retreated hastily, shooting venomous glares at Lin Tian as they departed.
Yang turned back to Lin Tian. "Lin Tian, was it? The quarterly evaluation begins shortly. I believe you're participating?"
Lin Tian nodded. "I am."
"Good." A hint of a smile played at Yang's lips. "I look forward to seeing what other surprises you might offer." He glanced at the bruised boy. "And you, take yourself to the healing pavilion."
The boy bowed deeply. "Yes, Young Master Yang. Thank you."
As Yang prepared to depart, he paused, looking back at Lin Tian. "We all start somewhere, Lin Tian. What matters is not where you begin, but how you choose to progress." With that cryptic statement, he gestured to Mei, and they ascended into the sky, their figures becoming distant specks in moments.
The crowd began to disperse, but their whispers continued.
"Did you see that?" "How did Trash Lin avoid those attacks?" "Maybe he's been hiding his true abilities?"
Lin Feng approached Lin Tian, his expression a mixture of awe and confusion. "Young Master, that was... I've never seen you move like that before."
Lin Tian handed the practice sword back to Lin Feng. "There's much about me you haven't seen yet."
Lin Tian felt his muscles trembling from exertion. This body was truly in pathetic condition—even the minimal evasive maneuvers he'd executed had pushed it to its limits.
"The evaluation," he said to Lin Feng. "We need to prepare."
As they walked away, the bruised boy approached them, bowing deeply. "Senior Lin, thank you for your help. My name is Liu Wei. If there's ever anything I can do to repay you..."
Lin Tian paused, studying the boy. Despite his injuries, there was something resilient in his eyes—a determination that reminded him of warriors he'd known in his previous life.
"Focus on your cultivation, Liu Wei. Grow stronger so you won't need others to intervene on your behalf."
The boy nodded earnestly. "I will, Senior Lin!"
As they continued toward the evaluation grounds, Lin Feng couldn't contain himself any longer. "Young Master, how did you do that? Those were Inner Sect disciples with at least fourth-level Qi Condensation. Your movements were... different."
Lin Tian glanced at his attendant. "Lin Feng, what do you think is more important in battle—raw power or proper technique?"
Lin Feng considered the question. "Both are essential, but without proper technique, power is wasted."
"Precisely," Lin Tian nodded. "Those disciples rely too heavily on their spiritual energy. They've grown lazy, neglecting fundamentals because their power overwhelms most opponents." He flexed his hand, feeling the strain in his muscles. "They left openings that even a physically weak opponent could exploit—if that opponent understood how to see them."
Lin Feng stared at him in amazement. "Young Master, you sound like... like a different person."
Lin Tian smiled faintly. "Perhaps I am."
As they walked away from the confrontation, Lin Tian could feel his muscles trembling with exhaustion. Every fiber in his body protested the unfamiliar strain.
"Lin Feng," he said quietly, "how long until the evaluation ceremony actually begins?"
Lin Feng checked the position of the sun. "The main ceremony starts in two hours, Young Master. Participants are expected to arrive one hour beforehand for preparation and registration."
Lin Tian nodded. This was fortunate—he had time. "Take me somewhere quiet. I need to meditate before the evaluation."
Lin Feng's eyes widened. "But Young Master, your previous attempts at—"
"Things are different now," Lin Tian cut him off. "Just find me a secluded spot."
They found a small clearing beyond the training grounds, sheltered by ancient spirit trees. Lin Tian sat cross-legged on the ground, his back straight.
"Leave me for now," he instructed Lin Feng. "Return in one hour to escort me to the evaluation grounds."
Once alone, Lin Tian closed his eyes, turning his awareness inward. Edward Reinhart had been a master of battle meditation in his previous life—though the energy he had manipulated then was different from the spiritual energy of this world.
'The principles can't be that different,' he thought. 'Energy is energy, regardless of what it's called.'
He focused on his breathing, tracing the pathways within his body that the original Lin Tian had tried and failed to open countless times. The meridians were there, but they were narrow, barely able to channel the ambient spiritual energy.
In Latvaria, his homeland in his previous life, mana had been a wild, explosive force that warriors harnessed through sheer will. Here, spiritual energy seemed more refined, requiring precise guidance through these meridian channels.
He adjusted his approach. Instead of trying to force energy through the meridians as the original Lin Tian had likely done, he visualized a gentle current, patiently widening the pathways with each breath.
Slowly, painfully slowly, he felt the spiritual energy respond. It was a mere trickle compared to what he had commanded as Emperor Reinhart, but it was something.
'This body truly is in terrible condition,' he thought. 'But perhaps that's actually an advantage. I'm starting with the fundamentals rather than rushing ahead.'
As the hour passed, Lin Tian focused on a single point in his lower abdomen—the dantian, where cultivators formed their Qi Core. The original Lin Tian had failed repeatedly to establish even the most rudimentary core, but Edward understood something the boy hadn't: compression.
In Latvaria, the most powerful mana techniques involved compressing energy to its limit before release. Here, in his dantian, Lin Tian began to gather the slight spiritual energy he could access, compressing it into an increasingly dense sphere.
By the end of the hour, he had formed something—not the impressive Qi Core that Inner Sect disciples possessed, but a tiny, thumb-sized concentration of energy that pulsed with potential. He had taken the first true step on the path of cultivation—something the original Lin Tian had never managed.
'I could compress it further,' he thought, 'make it explode with power as we did in Latvaria... but not yet. This vessel is too weak to handle such techniques.'
Lin Feng returned, looking anxious. "Young Master, it's time."
Lin Tian rose to his feet, feeling the tiny core of energy in his dantian. It wasn't much—he was still objectively weak compared to even the most junior Inner Sect disciples—but it was progress.
"I'm ready," he said, his voice steady despite his body's fatigue.
As they headed toward the evaluation grounds, Lin Tian considered his strategy. The quarterly evaluation would test his current body's limits—but it would also provide an opportunity. He wouldn't showcase any dramatic breakthroughs today—his body simply wasn't capable of it yet. But he would demonstrate something that would confuse and intrigue the observers: technique that shouldn't be possible for someone of his cultivation level.
The path ahead was daunting—Lin Tian harbored no illusions about that. The disciples he would face in the evaluation wouldn't be as careless as those he had just encountered. His body was weak, his spiritual energy barely a flicker compared to his competitors. The cultivation world didn't reward weakness, and mere technique could only carry him so far.
But as Lin Tian approached the evaluation grounds, he found himself thinking not of his limitations but of possibilities. This world of cultivation presented obstacles he had never encountered before, but the principles of growth remained the same: identify weaknesses, develop strengths, and never waste an opportunity to advance.
"Young Master," Lin Feng ventured, "the evaluation will be difficult. The other participants have been cultivating for years, and your..." he hesitated, "your current condition—"
"My current condition is merely that—current," Lin Tian replied. "It is not permanent."
The resources he needed to grow stronger lay beyond his grasp at present. To obtain them, he would need to defy expectations, to showcase enough potential that the sect would deem him worthy of investment rather than dismissal. Today's evaluation was not just a test—it was his first true step toward reclaiming power in this new world.
Lin Tian could see the evaluation grounds now, disciples gathering in the distance, their robes fluttering in the gentle breeze. Some radiated confidence, others nervousness, but all possessed what he currently lacked: proper cultivation.
But unbeknownst to Lin Tian himself, there was a slight smile playing on his face—not the confident smirk of Emperor Reinhart marching into battle, but something more subtle. It was the expression of someone who had found an unexpected challenge worthy of his attention.
Lin Tian—once Emperor Edward Reinhart—had never backed down from a challenge. Today would be no different. The world had set expectations for him, labeled him trash, a failure, unworthy of notice.
Those expectations were about to change.
C3: The Evaluation Trials
The evaluation grounds stretched before Lin Tian like a vast arena, its perimeter lined with spectators eager to witness the quarterly assessment. Pavilions adorned with the Celestial Dragon Sect's emblem housed elders and core disciples who would judge today's performances. The atmosphere hummed with anticipation—for most disciples, this ceremony represented opportunity; for Lin Tian, it was something far more complex.
Lin Tian observed the proceedings with an analytical mind, noticing details the old Lin would have missed. Each movement of the supervising disciples, the arrangement of the grounds, the subtle hierarchies evident in where people stood—all revealed the underlying structure of the sect.
"The evaluation has three trials," Lin Feng explained, unaware if Lin Tian remembered or not. "Each designed to test different aspects of a disciple's cultivation."
Lin Tian nodded. "Designed to identify potential regardless of current cultivation level. Quite efficient."
Lin Feng blinked in surprise at his young master's assessment. "Yes, exactly. Those with raw power but lacking technique can be taught proper forms. Those with excellent technique but insufficient spiritual energy can be given cultivation resources."
'And I currently have neither,' Lin Tian thought grimly, feeling the barely-formed Qi Core in his dantian—a mere spark compared to the roaring fires his competitors possessed. But today would be different. Today, he would show them glimpses of his potential.
An elder rose from the main pavilion, his voice carrying across the grounds without visible effort—a simple application of spiritual energy that Lin Tian mentally cataloged for future reference.
"The quarterly evaluation begins now. Participants will face three trials. First, the Breaking Trial—destroy the training dummy with as few strikes as possible. Second, the Form Trial—demonstrate your cultivation technique. Third, the Challenge Trial—face an instructor and earn their approval through combat prowess."
Lin Tian's gaze settled on the training dummy positioned in the center of the first arena—a humanoid figure crafted from spirit-infused wood. It appeared deceptively ordinary, but Lin Tian noticed the faint runic patterns etched into its surface.
"Those dummies are specially constructed," Lin Feng whispered. "They resist pure force. You need both power and precision to break them efficiently."
The first participant stepped forward—a young man in flowing azure robes that marked him as from one of the prominent merchant families. His posture spoke of confidence born from years of proper training. Lin Tian immediately assessed his movement pattern—balanced, centered, with no wasted motion.
As the bell rang, the young man burst into action. His strikes resembled flowing water, each movement flowing seamlessly into the next. On his fifth attack, the image of a blue dragon briefly materialized around his fist as it connected with the dummy. Wood splintered in all directions as the construct shattered completely.
Applause erupted from the spectators. "Five strikes! Disciple Wei Zhen completes the first trial with distinction!" the announcer proclaimed.
Lin Tian watched thoughtfully. 'Fourth-level Qi Condensation, at least. His technique channels spiritual energy efficiently, minimizing waste. The dragon manifestation suggests he's beginning to align his energy with elemental affinities.'
One by one, participants took their turns. Some performed admirably, others adequately. A particularly muscular youth relied on brute force, requiring fifteen strikes to destroy his dummy—respectable but unrefined. A slender girl used precise strikes targeting weak points, finishing in eight moves.
Then came a comically inept performance from a round-faced boy who seemed to panic under observation. His strikes lacked both power and direction; after thirty ineffective attacks, the judges mercifully ended his attempt.
"Liu Hui fails the first trial," the announcer stated flatly. The boy's shoulders slumped as he trudged away, whispers following him.
Lin Feng shifted uncomfortably. "That was traditionally your... I mean..."
"My performance level?" Lin Tian finished, his expression neutral. "I understand."
More participants followed. Lin Tian studied each one, mentally cataloging their strengths and weaknesses. Then he heard his name called.
"Disciple Lin Tian, proceed to the Breaking Trial."
A hush fell over the crowd. Lin Tian could hear the whispers: "The Lin family's trash..." "Why does he even bother?" "Another embarrassment coming..."
Lin Feng squeezed his shoulder. "Young Master, just do your best."
Lin Tian stepped forward, acutely aware of his body's limitations. The tiny Qi Core in his dantian was barely formed, nothing compared to what the other participants commanded. He approached the dummy, assessing it with narrowed eyes.
Lin Tian was painfully aware of his current state—his cultivation was preliminary at best, with spiritual energy reserves less than a hundredth of what even a standard first-level Qi Condensation disciple would possess. Conventional breaking techniques would be impossible with such meager resources.
Lin Tian circled the dummy slowly, ignoring the impatient murmurs from the crowd. He wouldn't be rushed by spectators now. This was his chance to demonstrate that something had changed.
The construction of the dummy revealed its purpose. It wasn't just about breaking it—it was about understanding how to apply force correctly. The runic patterns created resistance that absorbed and dispersed energy unless applied with precision to specific points.
Lin Tian placed his hand on the dummy, feeling the smooth wood beneath his fingers. He closed his eyes briefly, reviewing what he'd observed from the previous participants.
The bell rang.
Lin Tian did not immediately attack. Instead, he completed his circle around the dummy, his gaze intent. The crowd's murmurs grew louder, some laughing at his apparent hesitation.
As Lin Tian circled the dummy, his eyes narrowed in intense concentration. The crowd's impatient murmurs faded into background noise as Emperor Reinhart's analytical mind took over.
He recalled each participant's performance with perfect clarity. Wei Zhen, the merchant family's son, had struck with flowing precision—but there was something else. On his third and fourth strikes, Wei Zhen's attacks had subtly shifted toward the dummy's upper right quadrant, where the shoulder joint would be on a human opponent.
The muscular youth who had needed fifteen strikes—his initial attacks had been scattered, but as he grew desperate, his blows had gravitated toward that same region. Even the slender girl with her eight precise strikes had targeted similarly.
'They know,' Lin Tian thought. 'Perhaps not consciously, but through training or instinct, they've identified a structural weakness.'
As the bell rang and Lin Tian completed his slow circle, his mind raced through the implications. The runic patterns weren't merely for show—they created a network of energy resistance, but networks always had junctures, connection points where disruption would cascade through the entire system.
The bell rang.
Lin Tian did not immediately attack. Instead, he completed his circle around the dummy, his gaze intent. The crowd's murmurs grew louder, some laughing at his apparent hesitation.
Then he struck.
His first attack wasn't powerful—he simply didn't have the spiritual energy to make it so. Instead, it was precisely targeted at one of the junctures where three runic lines intersected. The dummy vibrated slightly.
His second strike hit another juncture point, as did his third. Each impact was economical, using only the necessary force. By the seventh strike, observers noticed something strange—the dummy's surface was developing hairline cracks, spreading in a pattern that followed the runic lines.
On his thirteenth strike, Lin Tian finally channeled the minimal spiritual energy from his newly formed Qi Core, directing it through his palm into the central convergence point of the runic pattern.
The dummy didn't shatter spectacularly like Wei Zhen's had. Instead, it simply fell apart, the pieces separating along the network of cracks Lin Tian had methodically created.
'I can't believe that actually worked,' he thought, his usual composure briefly giving way to genuine surprise. With the barest fraction of spiritual energy that the others possessed, he had accomplished what had seemed impossible minutes before.
The silence of the crowd told him everything he needed to know—he'd done something unexpected, something that defied their understanding of "Trash Lin's" capabilities. It wasn't power that had won this trial, but observation and precision.
Silence fell over the evaluation grounds.
"Thirteen strikes," the announcer finally stated, sounding slightly confused. "Disciple Lin Tian completes the first trial."
The response was subdued—thirteen strikes was mediocre compared to the top performers, yet far better than anyone had expected from "Trash Lin." More importantly, the method had been unlike anything they'd seen before.
Lin Tian returned to Lin Feng's side, his breathing slightly labored. The minimal exertion of spiritual energy had taxed his weak cultivation base significantly.
"Young Master, that was..." Lin Feng struggled for words. "Different."
"Adaptation," Lin Tian replied simply. "I worked with what I have." But inwardly, he felt satisfaction. The first glimpse of his potential had been revealed.
The second trial—the Form Trial—began soon after. Participants demonstrated their cultivation techniques, showcasing the martial arts forms passed down through their families or taught by their mentors.
Wei Zhen performed the "Azure Dragon's Descent," his movements creating afterimages as spiritual energy flowed visibly around him. Others displayed varying levels of skill and power—some technically perfect but lacking spiritual resonance, others overflowing with raw energy but lacking refinement.
When Lin Tian's turn came, he faced a difficult choice. The original Lin Tian had practiced his family's "Flowing Wind Sword Art" countless times, but had never managed to infuse it with even the most basic spiritual energy. His current options were limited—he could perform the Flowing Wind Sword Art with only physical movements memorized and no true mastery, or he could draw upon his knowledge of Latvarian Imperial Combat Forms, which were highly efficient but incompatible with this world's energy system.
Lin Tian stepped forward, accepting a practice sword from an attendant. He began the opening stance of the Flowing Wind Sword Art—the form was familiar to his body, even if he had never executed it properly before.
But as he moved through the sequence, Lin Tian subtly altered the movements, incorporating elements of a more efficient combat style. The changes were minimal, barely noticeable to most observers, but they transformed the inefficient form into something more balanced, more economical.
The tiny amount of spiritual energy in his dantian wasn't enough to create the wind effects the technique was named for, but he directed what little he had with perfect precision, creating the faintest shimmer along the blade's edge at the technique's culmination.
When he finished, the response was again uncertain. He had performed adequately—better than expected for "Trash Lin," but nothing spectacular compared to the other participants. Yet something about his execution caught the attention of the more experienced observers.
"Disciple Lin Tian completes the second trial," the announcer stated. "An... interesting interpretation of the Flowing Wind Sword Art."
As Lin Tian returned to the waiting area, he noticed Yang—the Core Disciple who had broken up the earlier confrontation—watching him with narrowed eyes. Good. His gamble was working. The right people were beginning to notice.
The third and final trial was the most daunting: face an instructor of the sect and gain their approval through combat prowess—or at minimum, make them acknowledge your effort by forcing them to move from their starting position.
The instructors were all at the Great Peak realm or higher, far beyond the participants' cultivation levels. Victory was impossible—the trial measured not success but the approach, determination, and ingenuity displayed by the disciples.
Lin Tian watched as Wei Zhen launched a magnificent attack against his assigned instructor—a middle-aged woman with a serene expression. His azure dragon technique forced her to take three steps back and earned her appreciative nod.
Another participant nearly collapsed from exhaustion after expending all his spiritual energy in a desperate final attack that compelled his instructor to shift to avoid it. Even this minimal success was enough to pass.
The round-faced boy who had failed the first trial didn't even manage to approach his instructor before his courage faltered.
Then it was Lin Tian's turn.
His assigned instructor was an elderly man with a long white beard and hands marked with calluses that spoke of decades of weapons training. He stood in the center of the arena, hands clasped behind his back, regarding Lin Tian with a mixture of pity and boredom.
"Disciple Lin Tian," he intoned. "You may begin when ready."
Lin Tian felt the eyes of the entire sect upon him. His body was already at its limit, the tiny Qi Core in his dantian nearly depleted. Conventional attacks would be futile against an opponent of this caliber. This would require his most daring gamble yet.
Lin Tian walked slowly toward the instructor, his practice sword held loosely at his side. The old man didn't shift his stance, clearly expecting no real challenge.
"Master Instructor," Lin Tian said, his voice carrying across the suddenly quiet arena. "Before we begin, may I ask your name?"
The instructor raised an eyebrow at this unusual opening. "I am Zhou Wei, Weapons Master of the Celestial Dragon Sect's Inner Court."
Lin Tian nodded respectfully. "It's an honor to face you, Master Zhou." Then, in a move that confused everyone watching, he placed his practice sword on the ground.
Murmurs swept through the crowd. Was Trash Lin surrendering before even attempting the trial?
Instead, Lin Tian simply stood, hands empty, watching Master Zhou with the calm assessment of a seasoned warrior studying an opponent.
"Have you given up already, disciple?" Master Zhou asked, his tone caught between amusement and annoyance.
"Not at all," Lin Tian replied. "I'm merely acknowledging reality. My current cultivation is insufficient to force you to move through conventional means. Therefore, I must find another way."
Master Zhou's eyes narrowed slightly. "And what way might that be?"
Lin Tian's expression remained serene as he walked forward, step by deliberate step. "In battle, Master Zhou, what is more important than spiritual energy or combat techniques?"
The old master didn't reply, but something in his posture changed almost imperceptibly—a slight heightening of attention.
"Understanding," Lin Tian continued, still moving forward with measured steps. "Understanding your opponent, yourself, and the nature of the confrontation."
He was now just beyond arm's reach of Master Zhou, who remained motionless, his expression increasingly curious.
"You've trained with weapons for decades," Lin Tian observed. "Your hands tell that story clearly. Yet you stand as one who has mastered empty-hand techniques as well—balanced, centered, ready to respond to any conventional attack."
Master Zhou's eyebrows rose slightly.
"I could expend my meager spiritual energy in a futile attack that you would easily counter," Lin Tian continued. "Or I could attempt to surprise you with an unconventional approach that might, if I were extraordinarily lucky, cause you to shift your stance slightly."
Lin Tian took another step forward. "But neither would demonstrate true understanding."
The arena was now completely silent, everyone straining to hear this unusual exchange.
"And what would demonstrate true understanding, disciple?" Master Zhou asked, genuine curiosity in his voice.
Lin Tian smiled faintly. "Recognizing when to advance and when to retreat. Knowing that true strength lies not in forcing your opponent to move, but in moving yourself to a more advantageous position."
With those words, Lin Tian abruptly stepped back, bowed deeply, and retreated three paces.
For a long moment, Master Zhou stood motionless, stroking his beard thoughtfully. Then, to everyone's shock, he laughed—a warm, genuine sound that echoed across the arena—and deliberately took one step forward.
"Disciple Lin Tian passes the third trial," he announced, his voice carrying clearly to the judges' pavilion.
Confused murmurs swept through the crowd. Lin Tian had seemingly done nothing, yet one of the sect's strictest instructors had not only moved but declared him successful.
As Lin Tian returned to the waiting area, Master Zhou's voice followed him: "Understanding is indeed fundamental, young disciple. Remember that wisdom as you continue your journey."
Lin Feng stared at him in disbelief. "Young Master, how did you...?"
Lin Tian merely shook his head, conserving his strength. The evaluation had pushed his weak body to its limits. The trials were complete, but the day wasn't over. Now came the assessment and rankings—the moment that would determine whether the Celestial Dragon Sect saw any value in "Trash Lin" after all. His gamble had to pay off. He needed those resources.
Lin Tian stood among the other participants as the elders conferred in their pavilion. His performance had been unusual—mediocre in raw results but distinctive in method. Whether that would work in his favor remained to be seen.
Around him, other disciples whispered, occasionally glancing his way with expressions ranging from curiosity to dismissal. He had done better than expected for "Trash Lin," but in the competitive hierarchy of the Celestial Dragon Sect, that still placed him firmly near the bottom.
Yet as Lin Tian waited for the final assessments, he found himself experiencing something unexpected—a sense of genuine interest. This world of cultivation, with its complex energy systems and ancient techniques, presented challenges unlike any he had faced before.
The path ahead would be difficult. His body was weak, his cultivation base barely formed. Resources would be scarce unless he could dramatically improve his standing. But within those constraints lay an intriguing puzzle—one worthy of his intellect and determination.
The elders rose from their seats, ready to announce the results. Lin Tian straightened his posture despite his exhaustion, his expression revealing nothing of his thoughts.
Whatever came next, he would face it with calculation, adaptation, and unyielding will.
C4: A New Path
The atmosphere in the evaluation grounds shifted as Elder Zhou, the most senior member of the judging panel, rose from his seat. His ancient face, lined with the wisdom of centuries, surveyed the gathered disciples with piercing eyes that seemed to penetrate through facades and pretenses.
"The quarterly evaluation has concluded," Elder Zhou announced, his voice carrying effortlessly across the grounds.
"Before we proceed with the rankings, I wish to commend all participants for their efforts. Cultivation is not merely about raw power—it is about growth, adaptation, and the continuous pursuit of improvement."
Lin Tian stood motionless among the other disciples, conserving what little energy remained in his depleted body. The trials had pushed his physical form to its limits, yet his mind remained sharp, analyzing every nuance of the elder's speech.
"As is tradition, we will now announce the rankings," Elder Zhou continued. "The top twenty-five performers will be granted immediate entry into the Inner Sect. Those ranked twenty-six through one hundred will retain their Outer Sect status but receive additional cultivation resources based on their performance. Those below the hundredth rank..." he paused, his expression growing stern, "will need to demonstrate significant improvement before the next evaluation or face possible expulsion from the Celestial Dragon Sect."
Whispers rippled through the crowd. The stakes were high—particularly for those like Lin Tian who had historically performed poorly.
"First rank: Wei Zhen of the Misty Cloud Merchant Alliance."
Applause erupted as Wei Zhen stepped forward, bowing deeply to the elders. His face betrayed a subtle smugness that Lin Tian noted without judgment—confidence earned through genuine accomplishment was justified.
"Second rank: Ling Mei of the Silver Moon Clan."
The slender girl who had completed the breaking trial in eight precise strikes moved forward with graceful composure.
"Third rank: Huang Lei of the Iron Mountain Family."
The muscular youth who had relied primarily on brute force appeared genuinely surprised at his high ranking. Lin Tian recalled his fifteen strikes during the breaking trial—inefficient but undeniably powerful.
The rankings continued methodically, each name met with varying degrees of approval from the crowd. Lin Tian listened attentively, not merely waiting for his own name but analyzing the patterns in the elders' decisions. They seemed to value different qualities in different disciples—some advanced for their raw power, others for their technique, still others for their strategic approach.
The twenty-fifth name was called, marking the cutoff for automatic Inner Sect promotion. Lin Tian's name had not yet been mentioned, which wasn't surprising. Despite his improved performance, he had still objectively scored in the middle ranges of the breaking and form trials.
As the elder called out "Thirty-seventh rank," Lin Tian began to feel a subtle change in the gathered elders' demeanor. Their gazes increasingly turned toward a smaller group of disciples, including himself, who had performed unusually—not necessarily the best in raw metrics, but distinctive in their approaches.
"Eighty-sixth rank: Lin Tian of the Lin Family."
A hush fell over the crowd. Lin Tian stepped forward, his expression revealing nothing of his thoughts as he bowed respectfully to the elders. Being ranked at all was already far beyond what anyone had expected of "Trash Lin."
The rankings continued, each name bringing the remaining disciples closer to the cutoff point.
"Ninety-ninth rank: Liu Hui of the Eastern Market District."
The round-faced boy who had failed the breaking trial entirely looked shocked to hear his name called before the cutoff. Lin Tian observed with interest, recalling how the boy had demonstrated unexpected insight during the form trial and exceptional spiritual control in the third trial, compensating somewhat for his initial failure.
Elder Zhou called the hundredth name, and the formal rankings were complete. But instead of dismissing the assembly, he raised his hand, signaling for silence.
"This evaluation has revealed something unusual," he announced, his gaze sweeping across the ranked disciples. "Among those who performed were several individuals who, while not displaying the highest levels of cultivation, demonstrated qualities equally valuable to our sect. Analytical insight. Tactical awareness. The ability to adapt despite limitations."
The crowd's murmuring grew louder. This was a departure from tradition.
"After consultation with the other elders, we have decided to establish a new category: Observational Disciples."
Even the disciples who had achieved high rankings looked confused now. This was unprecedented.
"These individuals will be granted conditional access to Inner Sect resources for a period of one month," Elder Zhou explained. "During this time, they will be closely evaluated not merely on cultivation progress but on how they apply their unique insights to benefit our sect. Those who demonstrate remarkable progress and contribution will be formally admitted to the Inner Sect regardless of their cultivation level."
Lin Tian's mind raced with the implications. This was unexpected—and potentially far more valuable than a standard ranking. It offered access to resources while acknowledging strengths beyond raw cultivation talent.
"The following disciples are hereby designated as Observational Disciples," Elder Zhou continued. "Liu Hui of the Eastern Market District."
The round-faced boy stepped forward again, his expression a mixture of confusion and hope.
"Lin Tian of the Lin Family."
Lin Tian moved forward, maintaining his composed demeanor despite the shock rippling through the crowd. Whispers of "Trash Lin" mixed with confused speculation.
Four more names were called—disciples who had ranked between seventy and one hundred, each having demonstrated unusual approaches during the trials.
As the six designated Observational Disciples stood before the elders, Master Zhou—the instructor Lin Tian had faced in the third trial—stepped forward.
"I will personally oversee the Observational Disciples program," he announced. "You will report to the Inner Sect's Eastern Pavilion tomorrow at dawn. Come prepared for intense training and evaluation."
Lin Tian bowed deeply, his mind already calculating this unexpected opportunity. Access to Inner Sect resources for a month—this could accelerate his cultivation progress far beyond what would have been possible as a standard Outer Sect disciple.
Lin Tian noticed Elder Mei, known for her sharp tongue and sharper insight, watching him with narrowed eyes. Unlike the other elders who seemed intrigued by his performance, her expression held skepticism.
"This one used cleverness to mask weakness," she commented to Elder Zhou, her voice carrying deliberately. "A clever solution today may not work tomorrow. Are we rewarding trickery over true cultivation?"
Elder Zhou didn't dismiss her concern outright. "Perhaps. But the sect has plenty of brute force. Strategic minds are rarer."
Lin Tian filed away this exchange carefully. Elder Mei would be watching for him to fail, expecting his cleverness to reach its limits.
As the crowd began to disperse, Lin Feng hurried to Lin Tian's side, his expression reflecting bewilderment and cautious joy.
"Young Master, this is... unprecedented! An Observational Disciple? No one has ever heard of such a designation before."
Lin Tian nodded slightly. "It appears the elders value qualities beyond raw cultivation potential."
"But what does this mean for your status? Are you Inner Sect now? Outer Sect? Something in between?"
"Something new," Lin Tian replied quietly. "And new paths often present the greatest opportunities."
As they walked away from the evaluation grounds, Lin Tian noticed several gazes following him—some curious, others calculating. His unusual performance and the elders' unprecedented decision had placed him in an unexpected spotlight.
Wei Zhen, the first-ranked disciple, approached with a small entourage of admirers. His confident stride and carefully neutral expression suggested someone measuring a potential rival.
"Lin Tian," he said with measured formality. "Your performance today was... surprising."
Lin Tian inclined his head slightly. "Congratulations on your first-rank achievement, Disciple Wei. Your Azure Dragon technique was impressive."
Wei Zhen's eyes narrowed slightly at Lin Tian's composed response. "This 'Observational Disciple' designation is quite unusual. I wonder what the elders saw in you to grant such an opportunity."
The question was crafted to sound innocuous while subtly undermining Lin Tian's achievement, suggesting it was charity rather than merit. Lin Tian recognized the political maneuvering for what it was.
"I imagine they saw potential worth developing," he replied simply. "The Celestial Dragon Sect has always valued diverse talents."
Before Wei Zhen could respond, another voice interrupted.
"An intriguing assessment, Lin Tian."
Yang, the Core Disciple who had broken up the earlier confrontation, approached with unhurried steps. His presence immediately caused Wei Zhen and his entourage to bow respectfully.
"Young Master Yang," Wei Zhen greeted with deference. "Your guidance before the evaluation was invaluable."
Yang acknowledged Wei Zhen with a slight nod before turning his attention to Lin Tian. "Your approach to the trials defied conventional wisdom. Particularly your interaction with Master Zhou—I've never seen him move voluntarily for an Outer Sect disciple in all my years."
Lin Tian met Yang's assessing gaze steadily. "Sometimes understanding an opponent's nature is more effective than attempting to overpower them."
A hint of a smile touched Yang's lips. "Indeed. A principle many cultivators twice your age have yet to grasp." He glanced at Wei Zhen briefly before returning his attention to Lin Tian. "I look forward to seeing how you utilize your month in the Inner Sect, Observational Disciple Lin."
With that, Yang departed, leaving an uncomfortable silence in his wake. Wei Zhen's expression had darkened at the Core Disciple's evident interest in Lin Tian.
"Don't misinterpret Young Master Yang's curiosity as endorsement," Wei Zhen said, his voice low. "The Inner Sect is not kind to those who don't belong."
Lin Tian recognized the threat beneath the warning. "Thank you for your concern, Disciple Wei. I'll keep it in mind."
As Wei Zhen and his entourage departed, Lin Feng leaned closer to Lin Tian. "Young Master, you've gained attention from both Core Disciples and the top-ranked Outer Disciples in a single day. This is unprecedented but potentially dangerous."
"Attention brings risk," Lin Tian acknowledged. "But also opportunity."
They began the walk back to Lin Tian's quarters, Lin Feng supporting his exhausted young master as discreetly as possible. The day's events had drained Lin Tian's already limited reserves completely.
"The Lin family will be shocked by this development," Lin Feng mused. "Your elder brother might even return from his assignment to investigate personally."
Lin Tian considered this. The original Lin Tian's family relationships were still something of a mystery to him, details he would need to uncover quickly.
"What can you tell me about my brother?" he asked as they walked.
Lin Feng seemed surprised by the question. "Young Master Lin Chen? He's been an Outer Sect Elder for three years now, managing recruitment in the southern territories. He was the pride of the Lin family until your younger siblings showed even greater talent."
Lin Tian processed this information. "And my relationship with him?"
Lin Feng hesitated. "He... has always been distant. Not cruel, but not particularly supportive either. When your cultivation difficulties became apparent, he focused his attention on your younger siblings instead."
Practical, then. Not an active enemy, but not an ally either. Lin Tian filed this assessment away for future reference.
Lin Feng hesitated before speaking again, clearly weighing his words. "Young Master, if I may offer an observation?"
Lin Tian nodded, curious about his servant's perspective.
"Your strategy today was brilliant, but..." Lin Feng glanced around before continuing quietly, "the sect elders rarely create opportunities without expecting something in return. This observational status—it makes you valuable, but also expendable."
Lin Tian raised an eyebrow. "You think they might be using me?"
"I think," Lin Feng said carefully, "that becoming too useful too quickly can be as dangerous as being useless. Especially when your usefulness is based on qualities that might threaten established powers."
Lin Tian regarded his servant with new respect. Lin Feng was not merely a loyal attendant but an astute observer of sect politics.
As Lin Feng prepared a cold spring water bath to help ease Lin Tian's strained meridians, he mentioned casually, "The Eastern Pavilion is where Master Zhou conducts his Qi Resonance trials."
Lin Tian paused. "Explain."
"All new entrants to the Inner Sect must demonstrate Qi Resonance with at least one of the sect's sacred formations. Those with weak cultivation usually fail immediately." Lin Feng looked concerned. "The formations reject those with insufficient spiritual energy. Even with your strategic mind, Young Master, this is a test of raw power that cannot be outsmarted."
Lin Tian absorbed this information soberly. No amount of cleverness could fake spiritual resonance. For the first time since arriving in this world, he faced a challenge that his strategic mind alone could not overcome.
"How long do I have before this test?"
"Three days," Lin Feng replied. "And no disciple has ever been exempted from it."
As they approached his quarters, Lin Tian noticed a small figure waiting near the entrance—the bruised boy from earlier, Liu Wei. His injuries had been treated, though faint discoloration still marked his face.
"Senior Lin!" the boy called out, bowing deeply as they approached. "I heard about your performance at the evaluation. It was amazing!"
Lin Tian studied the boy with interest. "You attended the ceremony?"
Liu Wei nodded enthusiastically. "I watched from the outer ring. The way you faced Master Zhou was incredible! Everyone's talking about it!"
Lin Feng frowned slightly. "Young Master needs rest now. Perhaps you can speak with him another time."
"Actually," Lin Tian interrupted, "I have a question for you, Liu Wei. You're a junior disciple, yes? How long have you been at the Celestial Dragon Sect?"
"Three years, Senior Lin," the boy replied eagerly. "I joined when I was nine."
"And you spend time in various areas of the sect grounds?"
Liu Wei nodded. "I run errands for senior disciples sometimes. It helps earn spirit points for basic cultivation materials."
Lin Tian considered this information carefully. An errand boy would have access to information about sect operations that might not be readily available to others.
"Visit me when you have time," Lin Tian said. "I may have work for you that would be mutually beneficial."
Liu Wei's eyes widened with excitement. "Yes, Senior Lin! Thank you, Senior Lin!"
As the boy scampered away, Lin Feng gave Lin Tian a questioning look.
"Young Master, what are you planning?"
Lin Tian's expression revealed nothing of his thoughts. "Information is as valuable as cultivation resources, Lin Feng. And often more accessible."
Inside his quarters, Lin Tian sank onto his meditation mat, his body trembling with exhaustion. The day had pushed him to his absolute limits, yet he had achieved far more than anyone—including himself—had expected.
"Prepare a bath with cold spring water," he instructed Lin Feng. "And then I'll need detailed information about the Inner Sect's Eastern Pavilion and whatever you know about Master Zhou's teaching methods."
While Lin Feng hurried to fulfill his requests, Lin Tian closed his eyes, focusing on the tiny Qi Core in his dantian. It had been nearly depleted during the trials, but the experience of channeling even that minimal amount of spiritual energy had provided valuable insights.
His current body was weak—pathetically so by this world's standards. But he had survived his first major challenge and secured an unexpected opportunity. One month of access to Inner Sect resources was infinitely more than the original Lin Tian could have hoped for.
In his previous life as Emperor Reinhart, he had unified nations and defeated gods with nothing but determination and strategic brilliance at the start. This cultivation world presented different challenges, but the principles remained the same: identify advantages, minimize weaknesses, and never waste an opportunity.
Tomorrow would mark his first day as an Observational Disciple—the beginning of a new path in this strange world of spiritual energy and ancient techniques. His body might be weak, but his mind remained sharp, filled with the accumulated wisdom of a lifetime of conquest and rule.
The Celestial Dragon Sect had created this new category of disciple without realizing exactly what they were nurturing. Lin Tian—once Emperor Edward Reinhart—would show them potential beyond their imagination.
But first, he needed rest. Tomorrow would be the true beginning of his journey.
The journey of the Celestial Dragon Sect's most unexpected disciple.