The Ascension Pavilion stood at the highest point of the outer sect.
Layers of white stone steps led up to an elegant hall built from ancient timber, its pillars carved with soaring dragons and swirling clouds.Even from a distance, the aura of the place felt heavier—older—as if countless geniuses had walked these same steps.
Zhou Shan followed behind Lian Hong like an overly loyal duck, puffing hard just from the climb.
"Bro… why are these stairs… so long…? Is this a test?? Are they trying to kill us before the evaluation??"
Lian Hong kept walking, unfazed.
"The weak turn back at the first step. That is also part of the test."
Zhou Shan stared at him.
"…You're already talking like an elder. I'm scared."
Inside the Pavilion
The instructor guided them into a grand hall filled with glowing jade lamps and hanging scrolls depicting legendary cultivators who had ascended from the outer sect in past generations.
Three figures stood waiting.
The first had graying hair and warm eyes:Elder Lin.
The second was a tall man with sharp eyebrows and a cold expression:Instructor Wei Feng—famous for being strict beyond reason.
The third was a beautiful woman in purple robes, her eyes calm and intelligent:Elder Yu Qing, responsible for talent evaluation.
Zhou Shan nearly fainted on the spot.
"Oh heavens… I thought they'd send one elder… why are there THREE? Bro, why are they all staring at you like they discovered a rare immortal herb??"
Lian Hong stepped forward and cupped his fists.
"Greetings, elders."
Elder Lin smiled gently.
"You handled yourself well last night."
Instructor Wei Feng frowned.
"Handled? He destroyed half a courtyard! And killed two assassins!"
Zhou Shan whispered to Lian Hong:
"That's a compliment from him. Trust me."
Elder Yu Qing ignored the bickering.
"Lian Hong," she said, "your aptitude test placed you at a surprising level. What happened yesterday confirms that your talent is… unusual."
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"And your ability to sense danger is exceptional. It went far beyond ordinary Qi Gathering levels."
Lian Hong said nothing.
He knew they were fishing.Testing him.Trying to peer beyond the surface.
Elder Lin spoke again:
"We have a few questions for you."
The Evaluation Begins
Elder Lin gestured toward a glowing sphere atop a jade pedestal.
"This is the Insight Crystal. It detects abnormalities in one's spiritual roots, bloodline fluctuations, and cultivation speed."
Zhou Shan whispered:
"Be honest. But not too honest. But also honest enough that they don't think you're hiding something."
Lian Hong ignored him.
He placed his hand on the sphere.
A soft glow enveloped his palm.
Then—
The crystal trembled.
A golden ripple spread outward.
The elders exchanged looks.
Elder Yu Qing raised her brows.
"Oh? This resonance…"
Instructor Wei Feng stepped forward, frowning.
"That's… early-stage talent awakening? No, deeper. More refined."
Elder Lin's smile widened.
"As I thought. He is not simple."
Zhou Shan blinked.
"Bro… is that a good sign or a bad sign?"
Lian Hong removed his hand.
The glow faded.
Elder Yu Qing nodded thoughtfully.
"Your potential is still growing. Changing. Like something dormant inside you has not yet awakened."
Lian Hong remained calm.
That "dormant thing" was the Heavenly Ascension System—not something he planned to share.
Instructor Wei Feng finally spoke directly to him.
"Tell me, boy. How did you defeat a late-stage assassin last night?"
Zhou Shan nearly jumped.
"Oh no—Don't tell the truth! But also don't lie too badly—!!"
Lian Hong answered simply:
"I fought."
The hall fell silent.
Wei Feng stared as if unable to decide whether that was stupidity or arrogance.
Elder Lin chuckled.
"That is indeed the simplest answer."
Elder Yu Qing added,
"And the truest."
The First Decision
The elders turned toward one another and exchanged silent glances.
After a moment, Elder Yu Qing spoke:
"We have reached a temporary agreement.Lian Hong, from today onward—you are granted Special Observation Status."
Zhou Shan froze.
"Special… what?"
Instructor Wei Feng explained:
"Your cultivation path and recent encounters indicate you may become a valuable asset—or a dangerous anomaly. Therefore, we will monitor your growth closely."
Elder Lin added:
"You will receive better resources.Better opportunities.But also greater scrutiny."
Elder Yu Qing folded her arms.
"To put it plainly:We are letting you climb—but also watching to see if you fall."
Lian Hong nodded once.
"I understand."
But inwardly, a spark ignited.
Good.If I must climb, then let the entire sect watch.
A Shadow Behind the Curtain
As the evaluation concluded, a soft whisper drifted through the upper rafters of the pavilion.
Invisible to all but the most sensitive senses.
A voice.
Smooth.Dangerous.Almost amused.
"So… that is the boy who survived my needle."
Another voice replied:
"He has spirit.But what use is spirit when he walks into a storm he cannot see?"
A faint chuckle.
"Let him rise.The higher he climbs…the more beautiful his fall shall be."
The voices vanished like smoke.
Unnoticed.
Unheard.
Except—
Lian Hong's body stiffened for a fraction of a second.
A chill ran down his spine.
He did not look up.
But he knew—
Someone dangerouswas watching himeven here.
Leaving the Pavilion
Zhou Shan tugged on Lian Hong's sleeve as they left the hall.
"Bro… you're in trouble.Special Observation? Three elders staring at you?This is the fastest way to become a target!"
Lian Hong stepped into the sunlight.
"Then I must grow faster."
Zhou Shan sighed dramatically.
"Bro… your life used to be simple. Now it's like you stepped into a lightning tribulation dressed in oil."
Lian Hong walked down the long stairs.
His gaze firm.
His heart steady.
His path set.
Ninety days to enter the Inner Sect.
Assassins hunting him.
Elders watching him.
Hidden enemies smiling in the dark.
He lifted his head toward the distant central peak.
"I will ascend."
The wind carried his words upward.
And the sect—
heard.