The crowd had erupted into chaos.
Not a single person in the courtyard could remain calm after watching Lian Hong defeat Li Fengxia—a top-tier outer-sect candidate—with a single, devastating blow.
Some disciples were stunned speechless.Others whispered as if fearing their words might summon something dangerous.Many simply stared at Lian Hong like he had sprouted wings.
But no matter which reaction they showed, one thing was clear:
Lian Hong was no longer a nameless servant.He was a rising star.
In the Arena
Lian Hong stood quietly as Li Fengxia was carried away by two disciples, still coughing blood and unable to speak.
His breathing remained steady.His aura was controlled.His eyes were calm.
Inside, the system chimed softly:
[Ding!Host has defeated a mid-stage Fourth Layer cultivator.][Statistical Anomaly Detected:Growth Rate exceeds 400% of baseline.]
[Awarding Bonus Reward:Advanced Random-Grade Manual]
A book-shaped icon shimmered faintly in his vision.
Lian Hong's heartbeat quickened.
Another manual.
But of what rank?
He kept his expression controlled.Now was not the time to explore rewards.
The trial was not over.
The Outer Disciples' Reactions
On the viewing steps, outer disciples exchanged shocked looks.
"Did you see that...? He pulverized Li Fengxia's stance.""That wasn't strength alone. That was technique.""He moved like… like he predicted every attack before it came."
One disciple whispered:
"He's not fighting…He's hunting."
The words sent a chill down the spines of those listening.
Inner Court Reactions
While the outer disciples simmered in shock, the reactions in the inner courtyard were far more dangerous.
Hidden among the shadows, Wei Changbai watched with clenched fists.
"He's improving too quickly…"
The hatred in his eyes blazed hotter with every passing second.
Someone he buried once—someone he personally ensured would never rise—was now standing in the spotlight, drawing elders' attention.
Wei Changbai felt his world tilt.
"This cannot continue," he whispered.
A cold, murderous wind swept around him.
"If he steps into the outer sect…he becomes harder to control."
His gaze burned with lethal intent.
"He will not leave this arena alive."
The Raised Platform
Elder Lin's smile had faded.
Now, his eyes were sharp—no longer simply impressed, but gravely intent.
"A servant with this level of combat clarity…" he murmured."…is unprecedented."
He turned toward Overseer Chen.
"Send word to the Second Elder. Tell him a prodigy has appeared."
Chen stiffened.
"The Second Elder…? Are you sure?"
"He oversees the outer-sect training halls.If this child enters the sect…his future will be extraordinary."
The other elders murmured among themselves in disbelief.
It had been decades since a servant was noticed at such a level.
One elder whispered:
"Has fate shifted for this generation?"
Another:
"Or has fate delivered a calamity…?"
Back to the Trial – Final Announcements
Overseer Chen raised his voice.
"Attention!"
The courtyard gradually settled.
"The final ranking matches will continue.However—"
His gaze shifted toward Lian Hong.
"There has been a change."
The disciples murmured in confusion.
Chen unrolled a new bamboo slip.
"Senior elders have declared a special evaluation."
Whispers exploded.
"A special evaluation?!""That only happens when a genius appears!""Who triggered it…? Don't tell me—"Everyone looked at Lian Hong.
Chen announced:
"Lian Hong!"
Zhou Shan fainted for the third time.
The overseer continued:
"You will face one final opponent."
Lian Hong's eyes narrowed slightly.
An opponent stronger than Li Fengxia?
Chen read the scroll:
"Opponent—Outer Sect Rank 10: Chen Wuyou."
Silence.Pure, suffocating silence.
Then—
"WHAT?!""That's an actual ranked outer disciple!""He's already Fifth Layer!""That's not a test—that's suicide!"
Even outer disciples looked shocked.
Zhou Shan woke up just so he could faint again.
Chen Wuyou Appears
A calm voice cut through the noise.
"Move."
A path opened through the crowd as a tall figure walked forward.
Chen Wuyou.
Outer Sect Rank 10.
He walked with composed steps, hands behind his back, expression serene—but beneath that calm was overwhelming pressure.
His qi was solid.Dense.Refined.
The pressure of a powerhouse nurtured by elite resources.
He stepped into the arena.
His eyes fixed on Lian Hong.
"So you're the servant who defeated Li Fengxia."
Lian Hong met his gaze.
"And you must be the one they sent because they think I'm too dangerous."
The crowd gasped.
Chen Wuyou raised an eyebrow.
"Arrogant. But interesting."
He lowered his hand, palm open.
"Show me the depth of your talent."
The overseer stepped back
"Final special match—BEGIN!"
Wind screamed across the arena.
Chen Wuyou didn't move.
Lian Hong shifted his weight.
Silence hung for a heartbeat.
Then—
The two strongest youths of the trialmoved at the same instant.
Qi surged.Stone cracked.The arena trembled.
And the clash began.