The training hall was so silent that even the drifting dust felt loud. Instructor Han's gaze swept across the disciples—some nervous, some excited, some trembling just to know whether they would still be disciples tomorrow.
His voice finally echoed through the hall:
"First place… Su Chen."
A wave of murmurs burst instantly. Shock, disbelief, jealousy—everything mixed together like a storm of emotions.
Su Chen simply stood there, calm, his breathing steady even though his heart thumped lightly. First place… even though I hid my real strength.
Instructor Han continued, "Second place, Lei Xinyue. Third place, Yun Mei."
Both girls exhaled—Lei Xinyue brought her fist to her chest in determination, while Yun Mei smiled faintly, sending a quick glance toward Su Chen.
As for Wu Fan and the other boys… the bitterness on their faces could have filled a barrel.
Instructor Han raised his hand, silencing the hall.
"Those who failed will undergo one week of remedial training. Those who passed… follow me. Your next step begins now."
He turned sharply and strode toward the back corridor.
Su Chen walked with the group, but he noticed the looks. Half awe. Half hostility.
Lei Xinyue matched his pace without asking.
"You held back," she said bluntly.
Su Chen's lips twitched.
"You're overestimating me."
"No," she said. "I saw your eyes when you fought. You're not normal."
Yun Mei joined in, her tone gentler.
"Whether he's normal or not, he saved the day. Let him breathe, Xinyue."
Lei Xinyue clicked her tongue but stayed quiet.
---
A Hidden Door Opens
Instructor Han led them deep underground, the corridor narrowing into stone stairs carved with ancient runes. The air changed—thicker, colder, yet somehow humming with invisible energy.
The disciples swallowed nervously.
"This is the Outer Sect Qualification Path," Instructor Han said. "A tradition older than this sect itself."
He pressed his palm on the stone wall.
Click.
A massive stone gate slid open, revealing a cavern glowing with floating blue lanterns.
But that wasn't what shocked Su Chen.
Inside the cavern was a huge stone tablet carved with countless names—generations of disciples who had entered the Inner Path.
Su Chen's eyes wandered idly…
…and then froze.
There, at the very top corner—worn, faded yet still readable—was a name he knew too well.
Su Chen.
His own name.
Same characters. Same writing style.
As if carved centuries ago.
His heartbeat skipped.
A coincidence? Or… did the real Su Chen—the one whose body I am using—leave this behind?
Instructor Han's voice thundered again:
"Before you step into the Path, bow to the ancestors."
The disciples bowed respectfully.
Su Chen bowed too… but inside, the storm in his heart was surging.
When they finished, Instructor Han turned toward them.
"Listen carefully. The Inner Path tests mind, spirit, and fate. It reflects your fears and reveals your potential. Those who enter may gain enlightenment… or lose themselves."
Many disciples paled.
Yun Mei whispered nervously, "Lose themselves? Isn't that… a bit too extreme?"
Lei Xinyue stayed silent, her hand already tightening around her sword hilt.
Instructor Han continued, "You will enter one by one. Survive, and you qualify for the Inner Sect."
Wu Fan suddenly pushed forward.
"I'll go first!"
"No." Instructor Han stepped in his path. "First place goes first. Su Chen—step forward."
Su Chen inhaled deeply.
As he approached the glowing entrance of the Inner Path, the old stone tablet behind him flickered for a moment…
as if reacting to his presence.
Even Instructor Han's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Strange…"
Su Chen stepped into the swirling mist.
---
Inside the Inner Path
Instantly, the world shifted.
The cavern vanished. The lanterns vanished.
Even the ground beneath his feet disappeared.
Su Chen found himself standing in a vast white void, silent and endless.
A soft voice echoed from nowhere:
"Show your truth."
A shadow formed in front of him—his own silhouette.
No, not his.
The shadow lifted its head, revealing a pair of cold, ancient eyes…
eyes far older than any mortal's.
A voice whispered:
"Why… are you wearing my body?"
Su Chen's breath hitched—
So the original Su Chen… truly existed?
Before he could speak, the shadow lunged.
A deadly pressure slammed into him, heavier than anything he had ever felt.
Su Chen gritted his teeth.
So this trial… is going to expose everything? My transmigration included?
He lowered his stance, spiritual qi gathering around him.
"Fine," he whispered.
"If you want the truth—
I'll fight for it."
The shadow grinned.
And the trial began.
---