Lin Tian stood atop a secluded cliff, his hands clasped behind his back, gazing at the horizon. The first hints of morning light painted the sky in shades of deep crimson, like spilled blood. The wind brushed against his robes, but his focus remained inward.
He could feel it.
The shifting energy within the sect. The ripple of killing intent that lingered just beneath the surface, hidden in whispers and secret glances.
They were going to make their move.
Lin Tian's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile.
"So, the sect has finally decided to betray me."
It was expected. Power always invited fear. Those who could not understand his strength would seek to destroy it. He had seen it in their eyes ever since the tournament—the growing unease, the whispered conversations that halted the moment he entered a room.
And last night… the assassins had confirmed it.
He glanced down at his fingers, flexing them absently. The assassins had been skilled. But not skilled enough. Their qi now belonged to him, fueling his ever-growing strength.
"They have no idea what they're dealing with."
He had no intention of waiting for them to strike first.
If the sect wanted war, he would give them war.
Deep within the Inner Pavilion, Elder Liu walked alone through the stone corridors, his expression unreadable. The first light of dawn streamed through the open windows, casting long shadows along the walls.
His steps were slow, deliberate.
He knew what was coming.
In the courtyard beyond, a group of elite disciples stood in formation, their expressions grim, their weapons sharp. Each one had been carefully chosen—handpicked by the sect elders to be the executioners of Lin Tian.
Among them was Xu Chen, his pride still wounded from his humiliating defeat. His fists clenched as he glared toward the horizon. "We should have killed him during the tournament."
Another disciple scoffed. "Hah! We all thought he was just lucky. Who would've guessed he was a demon in disguise?"
"Enough."
The commanding voice of Elder Wei cut through the air, silencing them instantly. He was a man of few words, his authority absolute. His sharp gaze swept across the gathered disciples.
"You have all been given a direct order. Lin Tian is to be executed today. There will be no hesitation. No mercy." His eyes darkened. "A single moment of weakness, and he will devour you all."
The disciples stiffened at his warning.
"Prepare yourselves," Elder Wei said. "We strike at sunrise."
Unbeknownst to them, Lin Tian was already waiting.
And he was not the prey.
The sun crested over the mountains, casting golden light over the training grounds. The sect was waking, unaware that a battle for survival was about to begin.
Lin Tian walked through the empty stone paths, his steps slow, unhurried. His expression was calm, almost serene. To anyone watching, he looked like just another disciple preparing for his morning training.
But beneath that surface, his qi pulsed with controlled intensity.
Every step, every breath, every movement was precise—designed to lead his enemies exactly where he wanted them.
And then, he stopped.
Right in the center of the courtyard.
Waiting.
It didn't take long.
The moment the first rays of sunlight touched the earth, a powerful killing intent descended upon him.
From the rooftops, from the alleys, from the hidden corners of the sect—they emerged.
A dozen figures, all elite disciples, moving in perfect synchronization. Each one radiated powerful qi, their weapons gleaming in the morning light.
Leading them was Xu Chen, his eyes burning with fury.
Lin Tian exhaled slowly. He had been waiting for this moment.
Xu Chen stepped forward, his expression twisted with satisfaction. "Lin Tian," he called out, his voice dripping with condescension. "You should have left when you had the chance."
Lin Tian tilted his head slightly, his golden eyes gleaming with amusement. "Oh? And miss all the fun?"
Xu Chen scowled. "Your arrogance will be your downfall." He raised his sword, and in an instant—they attacked.
The air trembled as multiple disciples lunged toward him, their combined qi attacks converging in a deadly storm.
But Lin Tian did not move.
He simply raised his hand—
And smiled.
"Come."
The courtyard erupted into chaos.
Blades cut through the air, glowing with sharp qi energy, streaking toward Lin Tian from all directions. Dozens of attacks rained down upon him in a deadly synchronized assault, each strike aimed at ending his life in a single blow.
To any other cultivator, this would be certain death.
But Lin Tian?
He stood motionless.
His golden eyes gleamed, watching the incoming barrage with eerie calm, as if he had seen this outcome long before it happened.
At the very last moment—he moved.
His body flickered, vanishing just as the attacks struck. The ground where he had stood shattered, cracks spiderwebbing across the stone from the sheer force of the impact. Dust exploded into the air, momentarily obscuring the battlefield.
Xu Chen's eyes widened. "Where—?!"
A whisper of movement.
"Too slow."
Before the words even fully registered, Lin Tian appeared behind him.
His hand shot out like lightning, fingers grazing Xu Chen's back—
And then, Xu Chen's body froze.
A horrible, sinking feeling spread through his veins as his qi was being pulled away.
"W-WHAT?!" Xu Chen choked, his limbs trembling. He tried to resist, but it was like trying to stop an ocean with his bare hands.
His energy bled out of him, vanishing into Lin Tian's palm, siphoned away like an endless tide.
Lin Tian smirked.
"Did you really think bringing numbers would change anything?"
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