Lin Feng woke to find his small servant's room transformed overnight.
Gone were the worn sleeping mat and single wooden chest. In their place: a proper bed with silk sheets, a cultivation cushion woven with spirit thread, a wardrobe containing several sets of outer disciple robes, and a jade token on the small table that pulsed with sect authority.
They moved fast. I've been promoted before the ceremony even happens.
He picked up the jade token, examining it. The inscription read: Outer Disciple Lin Feng - Provisional Status - Awaiting Formal Confirmation. The token granted access to areas previously forbidden—the outer disciple quarters, certain training halls, the lower levels of the Grand Library.
But "provisional" meant it could still be revoked. Someone wanted to remind him that yesterday's victory didn't guarantee anything.
Through the Dao Thread, Lin Feng sensed Yun Qingxue was already awake, her emotions complex—anticipation mixed with anxiety. Today's ceremony would be watched by everyone, including the Azure Sky delegation. Whatever happened would have political ramifications.
A knock at his door. Lin Feng opened it to find not Xiao Ling as expected, but a well-dressed inner disciple with perfectly groomed hair and an expression of professional neutrality.
"Outer Disciple Lin Feng. I am Chen Wei, administrator of the Outer Disciple Affairs. I've been assigned to guide you through today's transition." The man's tone was respectful but distant—the courtesy afforded to someone whose status was uncertain. "The confirmation ceremony begins at noon. You have four hours to prepare."
"What kind of preparation is required?"
"First, you'll meet with the Quartermaster to receive your official provisions—robes, tokens, cultivation resources. Second, you'll be briefed on outer disciple rules and responsibilities. Third, you'll meet with your assigned mentor—every new outer disciple receives guidance from an elder or senior disciple."
A mentor. That could be an ally or another leash, depending on who they assign.
"Who is my mentor?"
Chen Wei's neutral expression flickered—was that sympathy? "That will be announced at the ceremony. However, I can tell you that several elders have expressed interest in taking you as a personal disciple. Which is... unusual for someone at your cultivation level."
Of course they have. Everyone wants to either recruit the mysterious genius or control the potential threat.
"I see. Shall we begin?"
The next two hours were a whirlwind of bureaucracy. The Quartermaster—a gruff Golden Transformation cultivator who'd probably been managing supplies for three centuries—provided Lin Feng with an overwhelming amount of materials:
Three sets of outer disciple robes (dark blue with silver trim), a superior practice sword that resonated with spiritual energy, a jade slip containing basic cultivation techniques appropriate for Mortal Awakening to Foundation Establishment, monthly allocation of spirit stones (100 low-grade stones, a fortune compared to his servant's stipend), access tokens to training facilities, and a manual of sect rules that was intimidatingly thick.
"Read the rules," the Quartermaster advised gruffly. "Most disciples ignore them and end up in the Discipline Hall. You've already attracted too much attention—don't add rule violations to your problems."
"Thank you for the advice."
"Not advice. Experience." The old cultivator studied Lin Feng with knowing eyes. "I've been here six hundred years. Seen plenty of talents rise and fall. The ones who survive aren't always the strongest—they're the smart ones who know when to bow their heads."
The briefing on rules and responsibilities was conducted by an elderly female cultivator who spoke in a monotone that made every regulation sound equally important. Lin Feng absorbed it all anyway—the Void Emperor's memories included techniques for perfect recall.
Key points emerged: Outer disciples were required to complete monthly contributions to the sect (through missions, alchemy assistance, or other services), were forbidden from fighting outside designated areas, couldn't leave the sect without permission, and were subject to evaluation every six months. Failure to meet standards resulted in demotion or expulsion.
So I'm on probation essentially. They're giving me a chance but watching closely.
Finally, Chen Wei led him to the Ceremony Hall—a magnificent structure where sect confirmations and announcements had been held for a thousand years. The hall was already filling with spectators, disciples, and elders.
"Wait in the preparation chamber," Chen Wei instructed. "You'll be called when the ceremony begins. And Lin Feng? Today will determine much about your future here. Choose your words carefully."
Left alone in the preparation chamber, Lin Feng used the time to center himself through meditation. The Inverse Void Dao flowed through his meridians, that infinite darkness that was his greatest secret and greatest strength.
Today I become official. No longer a servant pretending to be more—I'll be an outer disciple who everyone suspects is hiding something. The target on my back just got bigger.
Through the Dao Thread, he felt Yun Qingxue enter the Ceremony Hall, taking her place in the leadership section. A pulse of encouragement flowed through their connection.
Whatever happens, I'm here.
Warmth spread through Lin Feng's chest. Having even one genuine ally in this political minefield made all the difference.
The preparation chamber's door opened. Elder Yuan entered, her expression as stern as always.
"Lin Feng. Before the ceremony begins, I must inform you of something." She gestured for him to stand. "Your performance yesterday has created... complications."
"What kind of complications, Elder?"
"Three elders have formally requested to take you as a personal disciple. Elder Shen of the Herb Gardens, Master Tie Shan of the Forge, and..." She paused significantly. "Elder Shadow."
Lin Feng's blood ran cold. Elder Shadow wants to mentor me. The elder who's been spying on me, who suspects I'm hiding something dangerous.
"That's... unexpected."
"Indeed. Elder Shadow rarely takes personal students. His interest in you is highly unusual." Elder Yuan's eyes narrowed. "The Patriarch will make the final decision during the ceremony. But you should know that Elder Shadow has been quite persuasive in his arguments."
Of course he has. What better way to investigate me than to become my mentor? He'd have access to everything—my training, my techniques, my daily routine.
"What were his arguments?"
"That your rapid advancement and unusual techniques suggest you need careful guidance. That without proper mentorship, you might unknowingly practice methods that could be harmful or forbidden." Elder Yuan's tone made it clear what she thought of these arguments. "He presents himself as concerned for your welfare and the sect's safety."
And if he discovers what I really am, he'll be perfectly positioned to act against me.
"What do you recommend, Elder Yuan?"
"I?" She seemed surprised by the question. "I recommend you be honest with whoever becomes your mentor. Secrets have a way of emerging at the worst possible times. But that's merely advice from someone who has seen many talented disciples destroy themselves through deception."
The irony wasn't lost on Lin Feng. She was advising honesty while he was concealing Divine Domain cultivation and an Immortal Emperor's inheritance.
A bell tolled—deep, resonant, announcing the ceremony's start.
"It's time," Elder Yuan said. "Remember—you're not just representing yourself today. You're representing everyone who has ever been dismissed as worthless, everyone who has ever defied expectations. Don't waste this opportunity."
She left, and Lin Feng stood alone for a moment, feeling the weight of what she'd said.
I'm not just Lin Feng anymore. I'm a symbol. Proof that the 'worthless' can rise. That's dangerous in a world built on hierarchy and assumed superiority.
Another knock. Chen Wei appeared. "The ceremony begins now. Follow me."
The Ceremony Hall was packed beyond capacity. Every seat filled, disciples standing along the walls, elders occupying elevated platforms. At the room's far end, Patriarch Cloud Eternal sat on his jade throne, flanked by the Grand Elders.
And there, in a special section reserved for honored guests, sat the Azure Sky delegation. Li Tianlong watched with the patient interest of a hawk observing field mice. Li Xian's expression was carefully neutral, but his eyes burned with barely suppressed rage.
Yun Qingxue sat with the sect leadership, her ice-goddess mask firmly in place. But through the Dao Thread, Lin Feng felt her tension.
Seventeen candidates stood in a line before the Patriarch—the successful examinees. Lin Feng took his place at the line's end, aware of hundreds of eyes on him specifically. The other candidates attracted interest; he attracted scrutiny.
Patriarch Cloud stood, and the hall fell silent instantly.
"We gather today to welcome new outer disciples into our Celestial Dawn Sect. These seventeen have proven themselves through trials that test body, mind, and spirit. They have earned their places through merit and determination."
The Patriarch's gaze swept over the candidates, lingering slightly longer on Lin Feng.
"Each of you represents potential—the possibility of growth, of achievement, of reaching heights that now seem impossible. Some of you will rise to inner disciple, perhaps even core disciple. Others will find their calling in different paths. But all of you have proven you belong here."
He gestured, and Elder Yuan stepped forward holding a jade tablet.
"I will now announce mentor assignments. These mentorships are not merely administrative—they are sacred bonds between teacher and student. Your mentor will guide your cultivation, instruct your techniques, and help you navigate the challenges ahead."
One by one, candidates were called and matched with their mentors. Most received senior disciples or junior elders—appropriate for their levels and talents. Each candidate bowed to their assigned mentor, accepting the relationship formally.
Finally: "Lin Feng. Step forward."
Lin Feng walked to the center of the hall, feeling every eye tracking his movement. He stopped before the Patriarch and bowed deeply.
"Lin Feng. Your performance in yesterday's examination was..." Patriarch Cloud paused, choosing his words carefully. "Unprecedented. A Mortal Awakening cultivator defeating a Divine Domain inner disciple through technique, intelligence, and perfect meridian utilization. It has sparked considerable discussion."
Here it comes. Either elevation or investigation. Possibly both.
"I merely did my best, Patriarch."
"Your best exceeded all reasonable expectations. Which brings us to the question of your mentorship." The Patriarch's ancient eyes held Lin Feng's gaze. "Three elders have requested to guide your development. Each brings different strengths and perspectives."
He gestured to the assembled elders.
"Elder Shen would teach you the ways of spirit herbs and natural cultivation, building on your foundation with patience and wisdom. Master Tie Shan would forge you into a warrior, training your body alongside your spirit. And Elder Shadow would provide... comprehensive guidance in all aspects of cultivation."
The way he said "comprehensive" carried weight—an acknowledgment that Elder Shadow's interest went beyond normal mentorship.
"Each has merit. But I have decided..." Patriarch Cloud's gaze intensified. "That your development requires oversight from the highest level. Therefore, I am personally taking you as a direct disciple."
The hall erupted in shocked whispers.
A direct disciple of the Patriarch was extraordinary—a designation reserved for the most talented or politically important individuals. It meant Lin Feng would receive personal instruction from an Immortal Emperor Level 3 cultivator.
It also meant he'd be under constant observation by someone powerful enough to detect any inconsistency in his cover story.
Elder Shadow's expression darkened briefly before smoothing into neutrality. Master Tie Shan looked disappointed but accepting. Elder Shen smiled slightly—perhaps relieved that Lin Feng would be protected from less benevolent scrutiny.
And in the Azure Sky section, Li Tianlong leaned forward with sharp interest.
"Do you accept this mentorship?" Patriarch Cloud asked formally.
Do I have a choice? Refusing would be insulting and politically suicidal. Accepting puts me under the most powerful cultivator in the sect.
But maybe that's actually safer than Elder Shadow's 'comprehensive guidance.'
"I accept with deepest gratitude, Patriarch. I am honored beyond words."
"Then kneel."
Lin Feng knelt. Patriarch Cloud descended from his throne, moving with a grace that belied his apparent age. He placed one hand on Lin Feng's head—a traditional gesture of acceptance.
Spiritual energy flowed from that touch—not invasive, but testing, measuring. Lin Feng kept his concealment firm, presenting only Mortal Awakening Level 3 to the Patriarch's examination.
But he felt something else in that touch. A deeper probe, subtle as spider silk, reaching past his surface cultivation toward—
The Heart of the Void.
For just an instant, the Patriarch's energy touched Lin Feng's true cultivation base. Not enough to reveal its full extent, but enough to sense that something was there. Something vast. Something that shouldn't exist in a Mortal Awakening cultivator.
The Patriarch's hand withdrew. His expression remained neutral, but his eyes... his eyes held new understanding.
He knows. Not everything, but enough. He knows I'm not what I appear to be.
"Rise, my disciple."
Lin Feng stood on shaking legs. Through the Dao Thread, he felt Yun Qingxue's alarm—she'd sensed something wrong.
Patriarch Cloud returned to his throne. "The confirmation is complete. Lin Feng is now my direct disciple and an outer disciple of our sect. May he bring honor to both his position and his potential."
The hall echoed with formal congratulations, but undercurrents of speculation rippled through the crowd. Why had the Patriarch taken such a personal interest? What had he sensed during that touch?
The ceremony continued with formal speeches and the distribution of sect resources to the new disciples. But Lin Feng barely heard any of it, his mind racing.
The Patriarch knows something is hidden. He's either protecting me by making me his direct disciple, preventing others from investigating too closely... or he's keeping me close to study me himself.
Either way, I'm now directly tied to the sect's highest authority. Any move I make will be scrutinized.
Finally, the ceremony concluded. As disciples began to disperse, Chen Wei approached.
"Outer Disciple Lin—I mean, Direct Disciple Lin Feng. You're to report to the Patriarch's personal cultivation chamber tomorrow at dawn for your first instruction. Until then, you're free to settle into your new quarters."
"My quarters have been changed?"
"Direct disciples reside in the Azure Peak halls—between outer disciples and inner disciples in status. Your belongings have already been transferred."
Of course they have. They've been planning this since yesterday.
As Lin Feng moved toward the exit, a presence intercepted him. Elder Shadow, his expression unreadable.
"Congratulations on your new status." The elder's voice was silk over steel. "The Patriarch's personal attention is both blessing and burden. I hope you're prepared for the scrutiny it brings."
"I will do my best to meet the Patriarch's expectations, Elder."
"Will you?" Elder Shadow stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Tell me, Lin Feng. During your time in the forbidden back mountains, did you encounter anything... unusual? Anything beyond mere herbs and jade tablets?"
He's fishing. Trying to see if I'll reveal something.
"The mountains were dangerous, Elder. Shadow beasts, ancient formations, sealed caves. But nothing I couldn't explain."
"Nothing you couldn't explain. Or nothing you're willing to explain?" Elder Shadow's eyes held his. "Be careful, boy. Secrets have a price, and some debts come due when you least expect them."
The elder walked away, leaving Lin Feng with that ominous warning.
He knows something. Or suspects enough to be dangerous. The Patriarch may have blocked him from mentoring me, but that won't stop his investigation.
"Lin Feng!"
He turned to find Xiao Ling pushing through the crowd, her face alight with joy and relief. She threw her arms around him in a fierce hug, not caring that he was now technically above her station.
"You did it! You're an outer disciple! And a direct disciple of the Patriarch!" She pulled back, tears in her eyes. "I knew you'd show them all. I knew it!"
Her genuine happiness was like cool water in a desert of political calculation. Lin Feng hugged her back.
"I couldn't have done it without your support, little sister. You kept me sane through all of this."
"Now you have to teach me everything you learned from that jade tablet! I want to become stronger too, to stand beside you rather than watching from the sidelines!"
She wants to cultivate seriously. That's both heartwarming and concerning—I'll need to help her without revealing too much about what I really know.
"I'll help you however I can. But first, I need to survive my new position. Being a direct disciple comes with complications."
"Like what?"
"Like everyone watching me constantly to see if I'm really a genius or just someone who got extremely lucky." Lin Feng squeezed her hand gently. "Be careful, Xiao Ling. Some people might try to use you to get to me."
Her expression grew serious. "I can handle myself. But you be careful too. That Young Master Li looked like he wanted to kill you during the ceremony."
Li Xian. In all the ceremony's drama, I'd almost forgotten about him.
Through his enhanced senses, Lin Feng detected movement in the hall's shadows. Chen Hong, Li Xian's attendant, watching and listening. Gathering information.
"I should go," Lin Feng said. "Need to see my new quarters and prepare for tomorrow's training."
"Will I still see you? Now that you're in the Azure Peak halls?"
"Of course. We'll meet for meals when I'm free. You're still my little sister, no matter what rank I hold."
She smiled through tears and nodded, then slipped back into the dispersing crowd.
Lin Feng made his way through the sect toward Azure Peak. The halls here were more refined than the servants' quarters—polished wood, jade inlays, formations that kept the air perfectly comfortable. His new room was three times the size of his old one, with proper furniture, a private bathroom, and a small balcony overlooking the valley.
It was luxury compared to what he'd known for fourteen years.
But it felt like a gilded cage.
As evening approached, Lin Feng sat on his balcony, watching the sun set over the mountains. Through the Dao Thread, he felt Yun Qingxue approaching—not physically coming to his quarters, but her presence drawing closer through their spiritual connection.
A moment later, a pulse of emotion: We need to talk. Tonight. The lotus pavilion after moonrise.
Too dangerous. If we're seen—
Don't care. We NEED to talk.
The intensity of her feelings made Lin Feng pause. Something had shaken her, something beyond just today's ceremony.
I'll be there.
Good. And Lin Feng? The Patriarch knows something. I saw his face when he touched you. Be very, very careful.
The connection faded, but her warning lingered.
Lin Feng looked out at the darkening sky, watching stars emerge one by one. The three moons would rise soon, painting the world in silver light.
He'd passed the examination. Become an outer disciple. Gained the Patriarch's personal sponsorship.
But the price of that success was becoming visible to forces he'd hoped to avoid until he was stronger.
One day at a time. Survive tomorrow's training with the Patriarch without revealing too much. Meet with Yun Qingxue tonight to understand what she's learned. Deal with Li Xian's inevitable retaliation when it comes.
And through it all, keep cultivating in secret, growing stronger, preparing for the day when I can finally stop hiding.
The Void Emperor's voice whispered through inherited memories: The strongest cultivators aren't those who never face adversity. They're those who face it constantly and refuse to break.
Lin Feng smiled slightly. "Then I'm in the right place for growth."
As full darkness fell and the first moon began to rise, Lin Feng prepared for the night ahead. Tomorrow would bring new trials, new dangers, new opportunities.
But tonight, he had a meeting with his fated companion. And whatever she'd discovered, whatever new threat had emerged, they would face it together.
The game continued. The stakes grew higher.
And Lin Feng was learning to play at levels he'd never imagined.
END OF CHAPTER 10
TO BE CONTINUED IN CHAPTER 11: MIDNIGHT REVELATIONS