The moment Qin Yue hit the ground, a stunned silence followed. The Azure Void Prodigy, one of the most promising disciples of the Heavenly Origin Sect, had been defeated in a direct battle.
Lin Xuan stood at the center of the arena, his golden aura slowly fading, but the aftershocks of his power still lingered in the air. The spectators—both disciples and elders alike—couldn’t tear their eyes away.
Someone in the crowd muttered, “That… that was absolute suppression.”
Another whispered, “Who is Lin Xuan, really? That power… it’s not something a mere Outer Sect disciple should possess.”
Elder Sun, one of the high-ranking elders overseeing the match, finally stepped forward. His sharp gaze swept over the unconscious Qin Yue before shifting to Lin Xuan.
He raised his hand, his voice carrying across the entire arena.
"Lin Xuan is the winner."
The crowd erupted!
Some cheered, while others remained silent, their minds racing with questions. But one thing was clear—Lin Xuan was no longer just an unknown disciple. He had cemented himself as a rising force within the sect.
At the VIP seating area, powerful figures watched intently.
One of them was Elder Hua, a respected elder from the Inner Sect, known for recruiting only the most talented disciples. Her eyes shimmered with interest.
“This boy… he’s different.”
Beside her, a younger man with long, silver hair nodded. “The way he shattered the Azure Void Domain… that wasn’t just talent. That was comprehension.”
Inner Sect disciples rarely acknowledged Outer Sect members, but Lin Xuan had forced them to take notice.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
At the side of the arena, Zhao Feng had his arms crossed, a smug smile on his face. “Hah! And they called me crazy for betting on Lin Xuan.”
A disciple beside him groaned. “Damn it… I lost all my spirit stones.”
Zhao Feng patted the disciple’s shoulder. “Next time, trust my instincts.”
Another disciple muttered, "Forget about betting… did you see the way he fought? Lin Xuan isn't normal."
Zhao Feng smirked. “He never was.”
As Qin Yue was helped up by his followers, he wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his pride shattered. He had never lost so decisively before.
His gaze locked onto Lin Xuan.
This isn’t over.
His hands clenched into fists. If he wanted to surpass Lin Xuan… he needed to get stronger.
He turned abruptly and left without another word.
Just as Lin Xuan was about to leave, Elder Hua stepped forward.
"Lin Xuan," she called.
He turned to face her, his expression calm despite the weight of her presence.
Elder Hua studied him for a moment before speaking.
“You’ve proven your talent. As an Elder of the Inner Sect, I would like to extend an invitation—Join the Inner Sect immediately.”
The crowd gasped.
Skipping the Outer Sect entirely? That was unheard of!
Even Lin Xuan was surprised. But deep down, he knew that his path did not belong in the Outer Sect anymore.
However… was this truly the right time?
Lin Xuan remained silent for a moment.
Then, he shook his head.
"Thank you, Elder Hua, but I will remain in the Outer Sect a little longer."
The entire arena froze.
Who in their right mind would reject such an opportunity?!
Elder Hua raised an eyebrow. "And why is that?"
Lin Xuan’s eyes flashed with determination.
"I still have unfinished matters here."
Zhao Feng grinned. “That’s Lin Xuan for you.”
Elder Hua chuckled. "Very well. But when you are ready, the doors to the Inner Sect will be open for you."
She turned and left, but not before giving Lin Xuan a knowing look.
He had just refused a shortcut to power… but somehow, his decision only made him even more intriguing.
As he walked away from the arena, Lin Xuan exhaled slowly.
He had won.
But deep inside, he knew… this was only the beginning.
The world outside the sect was vast. There were countless dangers and even stronger foes waiting for him.
And that cloaked figure from Shadow Valley…
Who were they?
Lin Xuan’s journey was far from over.
