A Rising Presence
Word spreads faster than wildfire in the Azure Sky Sect.
I had been careful.
I trained in secluded areas. Practiced at night. Avoided drawing attention.
But somehow, the rumors started.
> "Did you hear? A no name Outer Disciple suddenly got into Elder Wu Jian's favor."
"They say he's learning a strange movement technique."
"Who is he? No background, no talent… but he's getting stronger."
And that's when the trouble started.
....
An Unexpected Invitation
It was early morning when I received the summons.
A small scroll, sealed with the mark of the Inner Court.
That alone sent a chill down my spine.
The Inner Court Disciples were a different breed.
Stronger, more talented, backed by powerful factions within the sect.
If one of them wanted to meet me…
It wasn't out of kindness.
...
The Gathering Hall
The meeting place wasn't private..... it was a public training courtyard.
Which meant only one thing:
> They wanted to make a spectacle of this.
When I arrived, there were already people waiting.
A group of Inner Court Disciples, standing in a loose half-circle.
At the center was the one who had summoned me.
A tall young man, dressed in fine azure robes, exuding a sharp, dangerous aura.
I recognized him instantly.
Guo Zheng.
21 years old. A rising star among the Inner Court Disciples.
Talented. Proud. Arrogant.
And worst of all?
He was backed by one of the most powerful elders in the sect.
.....
The Challenge
Guo Zheng smiled as I approached.
But it wasn't a friendly smile.
"Lu Tian, isn't it?"
I stopped a few steps away. Bowed slightly.... but not too much.
"Senior Guo Zheng."
He studied me like one might study a stray dog that had wandered into their courtyard.
"I've heard some… interesting rumors about you."
I kept my expression neutral. "I wouldn't know, Senior."
His smile widened. "Oh? That's strange. Because it seems that Elder Wu Jian has taken quite the interest in you."
I didn't reply.
Because what could I say? Deny it? That would be useless.
His voice grew sharper.
"Tell me. What makes you think an Outer Disciple deserves such favor?"
Ah.
There it was.
The real reason behind this meeting.
It wasn't about me. It was about power and status.
Wu Jian was an elder, but he wasn't politically strong.
The fact that he had chosen to train me was an insult to the existing Inner Court factions.
And Guo Zheng?
He was here to remind me of my place.
....
A Public Test
Guo Zheng stepped forward, cracking his knuckles.
"Since you're so talented, let's have a little exchange."
A sparring match.
In front of everyone.
I glanced around.
The gathered disciples were already whispering.
Some eager for entertainment. Some hoping to see me crushed.
I could refuse, of course.
But that would only make me look weak.
And weakness in the sect?
That was a death sentence.
I sighed internally.
> Great. This is going to hurt.
.....
The Fight Begins
Guo Zheng was fast.
The moment I stepped into the training ground, he attacked.
No words. No hesitation.
His first strike was a palm technique, his hand glowing with condensed qi.
I barely dodged.
His second strike was a sweeping kick.
I twisted, using Clouded Steps to shift my weight—just enough to avoid a direct hit.
But his movements were too refined.
The force of his kick clipped my ribs, sending a shock through my body.
I staggered back.
He's faster than anyone I've fought before.
But…
His movements are too straightforward.
He fought like someone used to overwhelming his opponents with sheer power.
If I tried to match him head on, I would lose.
Badly.
But I wasn't planning to fight head-on.
.....
A Different Approach
Guo Zheng lunged again.
This time, instead of dodging completely, I shifted just enough.
His attack barely missed, and as he rebalanced...
I struck.
A quick, precise jab to his floating ribs.
Not strong enough to injure him..But enough to disrupt his flow.
He frowned. Stepped back.
"Oh?" He tilted his head. "So you do have some tricks."
His qi flared.
…Oh great.
I just made him serious.
...
A True Inner Court Disciplinary Lesson
Guo Zheng didn't hold back.
He switched his stance. His movements became sharper, his footwork tighter.
I could barely keep up.
Each strike came faster.
Each dodge became harder.
Until....
His palm struck my chest.
BAM!!!
I was sent flying back, hitting the ground hard.
Dust rose. My chest burned.
Damn it.
...
The End?
The crowd murmured.
I could hear the whispers.
"That's it?"
"He lasted longer than I thought, but.... "
"Still just an Outer Disciple."
Guo Zheng sighed. "You're not bad. But this is your limit."
He turned to leave.
And that's when I made a choice.
I stood up.
Pain screamed through my body.
But I stood.
The crowd went silent.
Guo Zheng looked back, eyes narrowing.
I wiped the blood from my mouth.
Smiled.
"Is that all?"
The murmurs exploded.
Guo Zheng… laughed.
Then, his expression hardened.
"You're interesting." He studied me. "But if you don't know when to stay down… you might not live long in this sect."
With that, he left.
The crowd slowly dispersed.
But I knew.
This wasn't over.
Guo Zheng had just given me a warning.
And now?
Now I had to prepare for what came next.
Because the Inner Court had taken notice of me.
And that was both an opportunity… and a curse.