The ten days following Elder Zhao's departure were the quietest and most prosperous in the Ling Clan's recent history. No rivals dared to approach, and the spiritual atmosphere of the clan was rejuvenated by the sale of Ling Tian's Peak-Grade Pills. The entire clan treated Ling Tian with a mixture of reverence and terror.
Ling Tian, meanwhile, spent his time in seclusion, focusing solely on the Reverse Star Breathing Technique. His cultivation base solidified at the Eighth Layer of Qi Condensation, and the terrifying density of his Primordial Chaos Qi was now equivalent to a weak cultivator at the Spirit Foundation Realm. He was no longer just a genius; he was a walking cheat code.
On the morning of the tenth day, a tremendous spiritual pressure descended upon Moonlit City, far greater than Elder Zhao's visit.
A massive, golden decree scroll, nearly ten meters long, descended slowly from the sky, accompanied by only one figure: an ancient, wizened woman known only as Grand Elder Xi, a legendary figure rumored to be in the Nascent Soul Realm—a level capable of destroying a kingdom.
The Ling Patriarch and all the Elders instantly dropped to their knees, trembling. This was the direct presence of a Supreme Elder from the Sky Cloud Sect.
Grand Elder Xi did not even look at them. Her eyes, ancient and calm, found Ling Tian, who remained standing, his back straight and unbending.
"You are the arrogant youth, Ling Tian?" Her voice was soft, yet it resonated in the souls of all present.
"I am," Ling Tian replied, without the slightest hint of fear, maintaining his cold, arrogant demeanor. He knew he could not defeat her yet, but he absolutely refused to bow.
Grand Elder Xi studied him for a long moment, a faint smile touching her lips. "The Sect Master has reviewed your... terms."
She unrolled the magnificent golden scroll with a flourish. "The Sect Master agrees to your first and second terms, with modification."
The Ling Clan members gasped in unison. He agreed to his demands?!
"One: You shall be named the Honorary First Core Disciple immediately upon successfully passing the Sect's Entrance Trial. This is a compromise; you must still pass the trial."
"Two: You will be granted access to the Low-Tier Restricted Archive and limited access to a dedicated Spirit Vein Branch for cultivation. Unlimited access is excessive, but this is far beyond what any Core Disciple receives."
Grand Elder Xi's smile faded, and her eyes sharpened. "However, the third term is unacceptable. You will respect the Sect Master and the Grand Elders. But, in recognition of your unique temperament, you are granted the right to Refuse the Command of any Elder Below the Rank of Grand Elder, provided your refusal does not endanger the Sect."
Ling Tian's eyes narrowed. This was better than he expected. The Sect Master was willing to bend their pride just to acquire him. The compromise on the Restricted Archive was minor; he knew his Absolute Immortal Lineage was far superior anyway.
"It is acceptable," Ling Tian stated simply.
Grand Elder Xi nodded, satisfied. "Good. Now, you will participate in the annual Sect Entrance Trial starting in three days. You will not be competing for a spot; you will be competing for Honour. If you fail to place among the top three, all privileges will be revoked, and you will be executed for disrespecting the Sect Master's decree."
She held out a plain wooden token. "This is your entry pass. Do not disappoint us, Ling Tian. We tolerated your arrogance only because of the promise of your absolute power. If that power proves to be a fraud, the Sky Cloud Sect does not tolerate failure."
With that, Grand Elder Xi dissolved into a shimmer of golden light, leaving the golden decree scroll to disintegrate into dust.
Ling Tian caught the wooden token. An execution threat if I fail to place top three?
He sneered. How utterly beneath me. I am not aiming for the top three. I am aiming for the top spot, and I will do it with a record that will shatter the entire Sect's history.
He ignored the hysterical congratulations of the Ling Clan Patriarch and immediately returned to his chamber. He had only three days left to prepare for the trial. He needed to reach the Ninth Layer of Qi Condensation and consolidate the strength of his Primordial Chaos Qi.
Ling Tian sat down, his eyes blazing with ambition.
"Sky Cloud Sect. Prepare to witness the meaning of true genius."