The next morning, the Crimson Dawn Sect was unusually lively.
Banners fluttered in the courtyard.Outer-sect elders gathered on raised platforms.Servant disciples crowded at the foot of the broad stone arena, buzzing with excitement and fear.
Today was the Outer-Disciple Qualification Trial.
The gateway between drudgery and the path of true cultivation.
If a servant disciple passed, he could enter the ranks of official outer disciples—gaining access to better manuals, resources, and opportunities. If he failed, he would remain stuck hauling water, cleaning stables, and scrubbing floors.
For most, the trial was their only chance to change their destiny.
Lian Hong stood among the crowd, expression unreadable, but his mind razor-sharp.
Third Layer.His aura was stable, calm, and heavy with a subtle pressure.
To everyone else, he was still the weak boy who rarely spoke.
Today, that illusion would shatter.
Footsteps thudded across the arena as Overseer Chen strode forward, voice booming.
"All servant disciples, listen well! The trial begins in three parts!"
A hush fell over the courtyard.
"First—basic spiritual assessment.""Second—combat evaluation.""Third—final sparring rounds."
He gazed over the crowd with stern eyes.
"Only those with sufficient strength and potential will pass. Weaklings will return to their chores."
Zhou Shan trembled beside Lian Hong.
"I-I hate this part," he muttered. "Why do they always make the combat evaluations so brutal? Last year, someone broke an arm!"
Lian Hong didn't reply.
Strength was the law here.
Mercy was a luxury no one could afford.
Overseer Chen pointed toward the crystal formation at the side of the arena.
"First assessment—spiritual aptitude test. Form a line!"
The disciples rushed to line up, chattering nervously.
Zhou Shan elbowed Lian Hong."Go ahead of me. I don't want to stand next to someone who looks this calm at a time like this."
Lian Hong stepped forward.
One by one, disciples placed their hands on the glowing crystal. Most lit up faintly—signifying low aptitude. A handful shone brighter, much to the astonishment of their peers.
Then it was Lian Hong's turn.
He placed his palm against the cool surface.
The crystal pulsed weakly—but then something shifted, and a faint red gleam rippled across its face.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
"Isn't that… better than last time?""I thought he had terrible aptitude?""It's not high, but it's… normal now?"
Zhou Shan nearly choked."Lian Hong! Did your spirit root… suddenly fix itself!?"
Lian Hong removed his hand calmly.
"My aptitude is what it is."
But in his mind, the system chimed:
[Ding!Aptitude temporarily enhanced by technique synergy and meridian stabilization.Actual root: unchanged.]
So the crystal reacted to his improved foundation, not his root.Still, it was enough to exceed expectations.
Overseer Chen raised an eyebrow with mild surprise.
"Acceptable," he said. "Next."
Lian Hong stepped aside.
Soon, the aptitude test ended, and Chen's voice boomed:
"Now—the combat evaluation! Step into the arena when your name is called!"
A murmur spread through the disciples.
This was the cruel part—facing stronger opponents with little mercy.
A young overseer unrolled a bamboo scroll.
"First match—Wu Dahai vs. Lian Hong!"
The crowd erupted instantly.
"What? Lian Hong against Dahai?""He'll get flattened!""Wu Dahai is one of the strongest servant fighters!""This will be ugly…"
Zhou Shan grabbed Lian Hong's sleeve."Dahai is Third Layer like you… but he's got monster-like strength! Don't die!"
Lian Hong stepped into the arena without hesitation.
Wu Dahai was already there, grinning widely.
"Well, well," Dahai said, cracking his knuckles. "I was hoping to get a weakling first."He smirked."Looks like the heavens favor me."
Lian Hong rolled his shoulders, loosening his muscles.
"It won't take long."
Dahai barked a laugh. "Big words!"
The overseer raised his hand."Begin!"
Dahai charged instantly—like a stampeding boar.
The ground trembled under his hefty footsteps.
He swung his fist in a huge, crushing arc.
The crowd gasped."That punch could kill someone!""Lian Hong, dodge!"
But Lian Hong didn't panic.
His breathing slowed.
〈Shadowstep Phantom Movement〉—activation.
His body blurred—and Dahai's fist sliced through empty air.
Dahai stumbled. "Wha—?!"
Lian Hong appeared behind him and tapped his back lightly with two fingers.
A soft ripple of qi flowed.
BAM!
Dahai shot forward as if kicked by a warhorse, skidding across the arena, rolling head over heels before crashing into the boundary line.
Silence.
Then—
"What the—?""He flew! Dahai flew!""How can a servant disciple move like that?""Did he… master a movement technique!?"
Zhou Shan's soul left his body."L-Lian Hong… who ARE you…?"
Overseer Chen narrowed his eyes, staring at Lian Hong as if noticing him for the first time.
"Winner—Lian Hong," the overseer declared.
Wu Dahai groaned, clutching his ribs.
Lian Hong stood calmly, barely breathing hard.
He had held back.
A lot.
Second match
More disciples fought.
More conflicts erupted.
But the crowd's attention never left the quiet figure standing at the edge of the arena—the one who defeated Wu Dahai with impossible ease.
Whispers surrounded Lian Hong like swirling wind.
And somewhere beyond the crowd, in the shadows of the trees near the inner courtyard…
A figure watched him with narrow eyes.
Wei Changbai.
His voice was barely audible, but ice-cold.
"… It is him."
The breeze carried away his words.