Morning light spilled over the towering peaks of Blazing Sky Sect, casting golden hues across the vast training grounds. The sect, which once ignored Lin Tian's existence, was now buzzing with whispers of his meteoric rise.
Disciples gathered in clusters, speaking in hushed tones, casting wary glances toward the simple courtyard where Lin Tian resided.
"I still can't believe it…" one murmured. "He defeated every opponent in the Inner Pavilion Selection without taking a single hit."
"It doesn't make sense," another whispered, glancing around cautiously. "Lin Tian was supposed to be the weakest among us. How did he suddenly become this powerful? What is he hiding?"
Some doubted him. Others feared him. A few hated him.
But no one dared to speak openly against him anymore.
For the first time since joining the sect, Lin Tian's name was no longer a joke.
Inside his residence, Lin Tian sat cross-legged, his breathing slow and steady. His room was dimly lit, the only source of light coming from the faintly glowing spiritual stones placed along the edges of the chamber. The air was thick with lingering qi, swirling in subtle currents around him, bending to his presence.
He was changing.
Ever since the battle with Xu Chen, he had felt something within him shift—his control over Devourer Qi had become more instinctual, more refined. He no longer needed to actively absorb energy. Instead, his body pulled in stray qi naturally, without effort.
As he focused inward, he could feel the ocean of energy inside him. It wasn't just a pool—it was an abyss, endless and ever-expanding.
"This power…"
Even now, his dantian still pulsed with traces of Xu Chen's qi, slowly breaking apart and integrating into his own cultivation base. The absorption was not instant; the energy needed time to fully merge with him. But each opponent he devoured made him stronger, both in raw power and combat experience.
He exhaled, eyes snapping open. His pupils flickered with golden light before fading.
"I need more."
The fights yesterday had proven one thing—his power was terrifying, but it was far from its peak.
Suddenly, his gaze sharpened.
A faint ripple of energy brushed against his senses.
Someone was approaching.
A slow knock echoed through the wooden door, deliberate and firm.
Lin Tian remained still for a moment before rising to his feet. With a flick of his fingers, the door creaked open on its own, revealing a tall, imposing figure dressed in black sect robes embroidered with gold.
It was Senior Disciple Liu Qingfeng, one of the rising stars of the Inner Pavilion. His features were sharp, his long black hair neatly tied behind him, and his eyes held a quiet, assessing gaze. Unlike the other sect members, there was no fear or disdain in his expression—only curiosity.
"Junior Brother Lin," Liu Qingfeng greeted, stepping inside with an air of authority. "It seems the entire sect is talking about you."
Lin Tian met his gaze calmly. "Is that so?"
Liu Qingfeng smirked. "You don't seem surprised."
"I'm not." Lin Tian closed the door behind him, walking over to a nearby table and pouring himself a cup of tea. "What do you want?"
Liu Qingfeng chuckled, unfazed by the directness. "Straight to the point. Good." He crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing slightly. "The Inner Pavilion elders have taken an interest in you. Your performance in the selection was… unexpected."
Lin Tian took a slow sip of his tea, his expression unreadable. "Unexpected?"
Liu Qingfeng leaned against the wall, studying him. "You defeated every opponent in a single move. You absorbed qi in a way no one has ever seen before. And most importantly—" He tilted his head slightly. "You broke the natural rules of cultivation."
Lin Tian set his cup down with a soft clink. "And what do the elders think of that?"
Liu Qingfeng's smirk faded slightly. "Some are impressed. Others… are concerned."
Lin Tian wasn't surprised. His power was too different, too unnatural. The sect valued genius, but they also feared the unknown.
"If they were concerned," Lin Tian said, "they would've acted already."
Liu Qingfeng's eyes flickered with amusement. "You're sharp. That's why I came to warn you." He stepped forward. "The sect won't move against you—not yet. But others… will."
Lin Tian's expression remained indifferent. "Let them come."
Liu Qingfeng let out a low laugh. "Confident, aren't you?" He then reached into his sleeve and pulled out a small, red jade token, tossing it onto the table.
Lin Tian picked it up, examining the delicate carvings of an intricate phoenix engraved into the jade.
"This is an invitation to the Bloodfire Duel." Liu Qingfeng's tone turned serious. "It's a private arena where Inner Pavilion disciples settle their grudges without sect interference. No rules. No protection."
Lin Tian raised an eyebrow. "And?"
Liu Qingfeng met his gaze. "A group of inner disciples wants you dead. And they've arranged a challenge."
Lin Tian rolled the jade token between his fingers, a faint smirk forming. "A death match?"
Liu Qingfeng nodded. "You can refuse, but if you do, they'll come after you in other ways. They won't stop."
Silence stretched between them.
Then, Lin Tian placed the jade token back on the table. "I accept."
Liu Qingfeng blinked, then let out an amused sigh. "I thought you would." He turned toward the door. "Be ready. The Bloodfire Duel… is tomorrow night."
As he left, Lin Tian remained seated, his fingers lightly tapping the table.
A death match?
Good.
He had been waiting for an opportunity like this.