Two moons had passed since the trials ended, yet within the depths of the Sword Sect's sealed chamber, Chu Feng remained in silent meditation.Outside, the sect moved on — students trained, elders schemed, and the world's pulse continued to flow — but deep within, a youth was quietly reshaping the balance between Heaven and Earth.
The Final Trial
The long-awaited inner court examination arrived.Those who had survived the beast trials now faced their next ordeal — to withstand an incense stick of time against an inner court senior.
One by one, disciples stepped into the arena.Blades clashed, spirit power flared, and the air trembled with qi.
Among them, one figure drew laughter and outrage alike — Jìn Bǎo.The elegant youth sat cross-legged in the centre of a golden barrier, surrounded by a fortress of shimmering talismans and treasures.Each time his opponent attacked, another layer of defence unfolded like petals of a jewelled lotus.
The audience roared between awe and fury."Shameless!""Magnificent!""Look at that artifact, how many spirit stones does that cost?"
By the end, even the senior who fought him spat blood from anger, not injury.
The Heaven Phenomenon
Seven months drifted by.On one moonless night, the skies above the Sword Sect dimmed as a storm of spiritual energy gathered over the mountain peak.
Lightning without thunder.Winds without sound.Heaven's breath held still.
Then, a blinding surge of black and white light burst upward, cleaving the heavens in two.
Han Long appeared amidst the radiance, his robes fluttering in the invisible wind. His gaze softened as it fell upon the boy seated in meditation.
His hair, now half black and half white.Runes flickered around him like drifting constellations.His aura was boundless, serene — and terrifying.
When Chu Feng opened his eyes, twin lights — one dark as void, the other bright as dawn — burned within his pupils.
Han Long laughed, the sound echoing like rolling thunder."Good! At thirteen, and already treading upon this path!"
Chu Feng blinked, dazed. "Path…?"
Han Long smirked. "From this day forth, you are my disciple."
Understanding struck like lightning. Chu Feng fell to his knees and bowed deeply."Disciple greets Master."
Han Long's grin widened. "Then, as your Master, I must grant you a gift."
With a flick of his sleeve, the world blurred.
Father and Son
They reappeared within a grand hall bathed in pale light.Han Long's voice echoed, calm yet commanding."Come out."
Footsteps followed — hesitant, trembling.A familiar figure emerged, his eyes wet with emotion.
"Little Feng…"
Chu Feng froze. "Father…?"
The world seemed to pause as years of absence dissolved in a single embrace.
Han Long turned away with a faint smile. "The world waits for no one. Cherish this time."
Then, as silently as he came, he vanished.
That night, father and son sat beneath the moon, speaking of lost years, laughter, and promises.
When dawn painted the mountains gold, Han Long returned. His expression, for once, was solemn."I had long sensed remnants of medicinal residue within you. Though it allowed your cultivation to be fast and your recent breakthrough eased it, danger still lingers."
He waved a hand, and a wave of power flowed forth — sealing Chu Feng's cultivation.
Chu Feng's qi wavered, his realm falling from Level 40 to Level 39.
"When you reforge your path and rise again," Han Long said, "the seal shall break. Only then will your foundation be unshakable."
Chu Feng bowed deeply. "Disciple understands. Thank you, Master."
Han Long smiled faintly, waving his flask
His laughter echoed like distant thunder as he faded once more into light.
The Whisper of Heaven
Unbeknownst to Chu Feng, far beyond the Sword Sect's borders, the heavens themselves had stirred.Ancient beings who had long sealed themselves away opened their eyes, their gazes piercing through realms.Hands moved, calculating with trembling fingers — yet all failed to discern the truth.
"What… caused this disturbance in the heavenly will?"
The Trial
Morning sunlight bathed the sect's arena in gold.The disciples buzzed with excitement.
"Have you heard? Chu Feng's taking his inner court test today!""I heard even Elder Han Long and the sect master are watching…"
As Chu Feng entered, all chatter stilled.His black-and-white hair shimmered beneath the light, his calm steps echoing across the arena floor.
Girls in the stands blushed and whispered; others clenched their fists in jealousy."Show-off.""Let's see if he can even last an incense stick."
Unbothered, Chu Feng stopped at the centre and closed his eyes.Moments later, the elders, Sect Master, and Han Long arrived.
The crowd bowed.
An elder raised a hand, qi sweeping through the air, silencing the crowd."The rules are simple," he declared. "Last an incense stick's time against a senior, and you pass. Admit defeat, and you fail."
As the examiner stepped forward, a sudden flash of movement appeared on the stage.
"Wait."
Qin Hao landed gracefully on the platform, his aura calm yet sharp as a blade.He cupped his hands toward the elders. "I am Qin Hao, inner court disciple. One regret I have is not being able to cross blades with Junior Brother Chu Feng. Allow me to serve as his examiner."
Excited murmurs spread.
The Sect Master looked toward Han Long, but the old man simply sipped from his flask, pretending not to hear.
The Sect Master sighed. "Approved."
The arena erupted — cheers, arguments, and chants filled the air.Half shouted for Qin Hao, half for Chu Feng.
Chu Feng stood motionless, eyes still closed.When the elder finally announced, "Begin," Qin Hao smirked.
"Junior Brother seems calm. Too calm. Or perhaps… You don't see me as an opponent?"
Chu Feng opened his eyes, his gaze steady."Elder," he said quietly, "is the test to withstand within an incense time… or to defeat the opponent?"
The elder hesitated — then received a voice transmission from above. Han Long's faint chuckle drifted through his mind.
A moment later, the elder declared, "Defeat Qin Hao, and you pass. Be defeated, and you fail."
The arena boiled with noise.
Chu Feng nodded once. "Understood."
Qin Hao smiled coldly. "Then allow me to offer you the first move."
But Chu Feng merely shook his head."There's no need. If I attack first, the battle loses meaning."
Silence.
For a moment, even the wind seemed to be still.
Then the stands erupted again —"Arrogant!""He dares to—!"
Qin Hao's face darkened. "You mean… one move?"
Chu Feng smiled faintly. "One move is all I need."
All eyes turned to the stage.Han Long leaned back lazily, the corner of his mouth twitching in quiet amusement.
The air between the two cultivators shimmered.Qi swelled.
The incense was lit.
And as the first wisp of smoke rose into the sky…Everyone in the arena seemed to hold their breath.