The destruction of Patriarch Blackwood sent shockwaves throughout Moonlit City. The news spread like wildfire: a mysterious, young cultivator from the decaying Ling Clan had not only produced Peak-Grade Pills but had also ruthlessly crippled a powerful Spirit Foundation cultivator with a single, contemptuous blow. The Ling Clan was safe, but the entire region was gripped by fear and curiosity surrounding the name Ling Tian.
Two days later, the major powers began to react.
The largest and most influential cultivation power in the region, the Sky Cloud Sect, dispatched an emissary. Their arrival was not subtle; a majestic, azure flying boat descended upon the Ling Clan courtyard, guarded by dozens of core disciples.
Leading the delegation was Elder Zhao, a stern, middle-aged man at the peak of the Spirit Core Realm—a true master whose cultivation base was a towering mountain compared to the Mole-hills of Moonlit City.
Elder Zhao, accustomed to receiving immediate veneration, swept his gaze over the humble Ling Clan. He found Ling Tian standing calmly in the courtyard, seemingly unimpressed by the spectacle of the flying boat.
"You are Ling Tian?" Elder Zhao's voice was imperious, carrying the weight of the Sect.
"The reports are exaggerated, but your potential is undeniable. I am Elder Zhao of the Sky Cloud Sect. Your pill-making ability is rare, and your combat technique, while barbaric, is noteworthy."
Elder Zhao reached into his robe and pulled out a jade token. "By the decree of the Sect Master, the Sky Cloud Sect extends an invitation. You shall be granted the status of a Discipel Luar (Outer Disciple). You will be provided basic resources, training, and a chance to prove your worth in the outer territory."
The Ling Patriarch and the Elders gasped, their faces alight with excitement. An Outer Disciple position in the Sky Cloud Sect was the dream of every young person in Moonlit City! Ling Tian's future was secured!
But Ling Tian merely looked at the jade token with a flicker of disdain. He didn't reach for it.
"Outer Disciple?" Ling Tian repeated, tilting his head slightly, his eyes holding a dangerous, mocking light. "Is that all the prestigious Sky Cloud Sect can offer someone of my caliber?"
Elder Zhao frowned, his patience thinning.
"Boy, do not misunderstand your position! This is a great honor! Most cultivators grovel for this chance! Do you think you are worthy of more?"
Ling Tian's smile widened, cold and utterly arrogant. "Worthy? Elder Zhao, you are mistaken. I do not seek the Sky Cloud Sect; the Sky Cloud Sect seeks me."
He took a slow step forward, his aura—though lower in level—somehow dominating the Spirit Core Elder through sheer will and the oppressive nature of his Primordial Chaos energy.
"Let me clarify the terms of my joining," Ling Tian stated, his voice ringing with absolute, non-negotiable command.
"First: I, Ling Tian, am destined for the Supreme Path. If the Sky Cloud Sect wishes me to join, they must offer the position of First Core Disciple, bypassing all current rules and ranks."
The crowd gasped. The First Core Disciple! That position was reserved for the most talented heir, groomed to become the Sect Master!
"Second: I require unlimited access to your Spirit Vein Reserves and your highest-grade cultivation manuals, including any restricted techniques. I will not waste time with basic resources."
"Third: I will not bow to any Elder or Master, save for my own, who has not yet appeared. I will only bow to the Sect Master, and only if he can defeat me in a single exchange."
Elder Zhao's face turned an ugly shade of purple. His Spirit Core aura flared out, attempting to intimidate Ling Tian, but the young man stood firm, utterly unshaken.
"Insolence! Utter, blatant insolence! You are a mere Seventh Layer Qi Condensation cultivator, and you dare make demands of this magnitude? I should crush you where you stand for disrespecting the Sect!" Elder Zhao roared.
"You are welcome to try," Ling Tian challenged, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "But your Spirit Core will be destroyed just like Patriarch Blackwood's. Perhaps, the destruction of a great Elder will finally prove my worth."
Elder Zhao froze, the mention of Patriarch Blackwood chilling him to the bone. He could feel the terrifying confidence emanating from Ling Tian—it was the confidence of someone who had a trump card capable of killing him.
After a long, tense moment of silence, Elder Zhao retracted his aura. He glared at Ling Tian, rage warring with calculation.
"You are mad, Ling Tian," Elder Zhao bit out. "But your talent... is indeed terrifying. I cannot grant these outrageous demands. I will, however, report your terms—every single arrogant word—back to the Sect Master. Do not leave Moonlit City. The Sky Cloud Sect will respond."
Elder Zhao spun around, ignoring the pleas and murmurs of the Ling Clan, and stomped back into his Azure Flying Boat. The boat ascended quickly, leaving behind a bewildered Ling Clan Patriarch and a grinning Ling Tian.
Heh. Groveling for an invitation? That is the fate of the weak, Ling Tian thought. I shall make the entire Sky Cloud Sect beg for my presence.