The Inner Sect's grand arena was alive with anticipation. Jade spires reflected the morning sun, and the air buzzed with spiritual energy. Today was no ordinary training day—it was the Sect's Combat Trials, a ritual that tested the prowess, strategy, and potential of Inner Sect disciples.
Li Tian stepped into the arena, heart steady, Core pulsing faintly in rhythm with his breathing. He had trained, endured, and survived the Spirit Cave, but the real challenge awaited: facing human opponents who could think, adapt, and strike without mercy.
Entering the Arena
The elders gathered, seated on elevated jade platforms, their eyes sharp and discerning. Among them, Han Xue observed quietly, her expression unreadable.
"You may proceed," the lead elder announced. "Disciples will face one another in combat. Victory is determined not only by power, but by skill, strategy, and composure. Fail, and your rank suffers."
Li Tian surveyed the arena. Rows of Inner Sect disciples prepared themselves. Many glanced at him with curiosity, suspicion, or outright disdain. Some whispered:
"The mortal… is he really strong?"
"Without a spirit root… how can he stand a chance?"
Li Tian ignored them. Strength was only one aspect—strategy would be his weapon.
First Match: The Devouring Core Revealed
His first opponent was a disciple with dual wood spirit roots, known for agility and quick strikes. The bell rang, signaling the start.
The opponent launched forward, vines shooting like serpents, aiming to ensnare Li Tian. The crowd murmured—no ordinary mortal could handle such attacks.
Li Tian's Devouring Core pulsed, black energy twisting outward. The vines approached—and vanished, absorbed and refined, twisting harmlessly into the air.
The opponent attacked again, combining wind and earth techniques, attempting to crush him. Li Tian countered with precision: the Core did not merely absorb; it redirected energy, subtly deflecting projectiles back toward the attacker in controlled waves.
The match ended quickly. Li Tian stood unscathed, the opponent staggered and defeated. The crowd erupted. Murmurs ran like wildfire:
"Impossible… the mortal…"
"He absorbed everything!"
Han Xue's eyes narrowed slightly. "He's learning fast… but this Core will draw attention. Caution is necessary."
Zhao Ming Strikes
Before Li Tian could celebrate, a familiar voice cut through the cheering.
"Step aside, mortal. Let me show you true power!"
Zhao Ming leaped into the arena, electricity crackling from his fists. His attack was fast, relentless, designed to overwhelm the average disciple in seconds.
Li Tian exhaled calmly. The Core pulsed violently, absorbing lightning and converting it into a controlled energy wave. Zhao Ming's strike was repelled, and a counterwave sent him stumbling back, narrowly avoiding injury.
The crowd gasped. Even some elders exchanged wary glances. This mortal was unprecedented.
Zhao Ming's eyes blazed with fury. "You… I will not forget this humiliation!"
Li Tian's gaze remained calm. "Then be careful not to underestimate me again."
Strategy Over Power
Subsequent matches tested Li Tian's endurance, intelligence, and adaptability. Some disciples relied on brute force, others on complex Qi techniques.
A disciple summoned multiple fire orbs to surround him. Li Tian's Core absorbed, merged, and released the energy as a single controlled burst that cleared the field without harm.
Another used wind blades to cut at precise angles. Li Tian adjusted his stance, Core absorbing the kinetic energy while subtly redirecting it to destabilize the opponent.
By the end of the first day, Li Tian had won every match—not by sheer aggression, but through calculated absorption, energy manipulation, and anticipation of enemy tactics.
Han Xue approached him later. "You've impressed the elders," she said quietly. "But remember: power like yours will create enemies. You must be careful who you trust."
Li Tian nodded. "I will. The Core is strong, but I must be stronger than those who seek to stop me."
Unseen Threats
As night fell, Li Tian meditated in the courtyard. The Core pulsed softly, absorbing ambient Qi.
A shadow detached itself from the darkness: Zhao Ming. He spoke without a word, sending a faint pulse of black lightning toward Li Tian—silent, subtle, almost invisible.
Li Tian sensed it immediately. His Core absorbed the energy, but the intent behind it lingered. Zhao Ming would not rest until he destroyed him.
Han Xue's voice echoed in his memory: "Enemies are inevitable. Allies are rare."
Li Tian exhaled slowly. He understood now: this was not just cultivation. It was a game of power, strategy, and survival. And he intended to master all three.
A New Dawn
The next morning, the elders announced preliminary rankings. Li Tian's name had shocked everyone: first among the new Inner Sect disciples, a mortal with no spirit root surpassing prodigies born with rare elemental affinity.
Whispers followed him:
"The Core… it's not just a tool; it's a weapon."
"No spirit root… yet surpassing all of us?"
"Dangerous… very dangerous."
Li Tian glanced at Han Xue, who gave him a faint nod. "This is only the beginning," she said.
Li Tian smiled faintly. "Let them watch. I will rise higher. The heavens themselves will notice my name."
And so, the mortal without a spirit root began to carve his path in the Inner Sect, drawing attention, rivalries, and opportunities alike. Each match, each trial, each observation brought him closer to power, understanding, and destiny.