Lin Xiaotian's gaze slowly drifted toward the sect gate as faint murmurs rose behind him, his disciples whispering the sect's name with awe that they could no longer suppress.
His eyes then shifted toward Yan Feng, and his expression twitched uncontrollably at the man's completely inappropriate calmness despite everything he had just witnessed.
The boy had woken up earlier that morning and eaten like a starving ghost that had clawed its way out of the underworld after centuries of hunger.
When Lin explained the situation, he had immediately expressed gratitude and even agreed to join the sect after hearing about its supposed background and future prospects.
But the moment Lin casually mentioned that he himself was the Sect Master, Yan Feng's expression twisted into something that could only be described as existential disbelief.
Without hesitation, the man turned around and sprinted away while shouting loudly that he would repay the favor someday, his figure disappearing without a trace of hesitation.
Unfortunately, he barely managed to take three steps before Lin Xiaotian intercepted him effortlessly, cutting off his escape like it had never been an option.
"You cannot simply abandon the sect after agreeing to join it," Lin said calmly, his tone steady yet carrying an undeniable weight that left no room for argument.
After a mixture of subtle pressure, carefully chosen persuasion, and a few unspoken threats hidden beneath polite words, Yan Feng finally accepted reality and followed behind him with visible reluctance.
Just wait, you little gremlin… once we step inside, you will understand exactly what you almost threw away.
The moment they crossed into the sect's territory, that familiar surge of overwhelming authority flooded through Lin Xiaotian's body once again, bending the very atmosphere to his will.
A slow smirk formed on his face as he observed the disciples, their stunned expressions reflecting the sheer difference between expectation and reality.
Spiritual energy drifted through the air like visible mist while towering pavilions floated among mountains that pierced the heavens, their presence radiating ancient and unquestionable authority.
The entire sect resembled a sacred domain that had descended directly from the upper realms, completely detached from the mundane world outside.
Lin Xiaotian allowed himself a moment of satisfaction before casually glancing toward Yan Feng to observe his reaction.
The man's mouth hung open so wide it looked as if it could swallow an entire egg whole, his earlier reluctance shattered beyond repair.
Shock had replaced doubt completely, leaving behind nothing but raw disbelief and slowly rising reverence.
Good… now you finally understand the difference.
With a casual wave of his sleeve, Lin released the authority granted to him within the sect, lifting every disciple effortlessly into the air without resistance.
Their bodies became light as feathers as they were carried forward, none of them daring to speak as they were transported toward the Main Hall.
Upon arrival, Lin Xiaotian stood before them with calm authority, his presence alone enough to suppress any unnecessary thoughts or reactions.
One by one, he distributed sect tokens that shimmered faintly with engraved markings, each symbolizing their identity as official disciples of the Celestial Origin Supreme Sect.
Those who had reached Qi Refining could sense the information stored within immediately, while the others clutched the tokens with a mix of confusion and excitement.
For those still in Body Refining, Lin handed over a manual he had personally compiled, his expression remaining indifferent as if such effort held no real value.
"You are now the first-generation disciples of this sect," he said firmly, his voice echoing across the hall with quiet authority.
"From today onward, all of you will cultivate this body refinement technique and this circulation art without exception."
With a flick of his sleeve, two ancient manuals appeared in his hands, radiating a profound aura that pressed down on the surroundings.
The Heaven-Suppressing Eternal Body Scripture and the Primordial Celestial Grand Circulation Art revealed themselves without restraint, their presence alone enough to shake the disciples internally.
Yan Feng swallowed slowly as realization settled deeply within his mind, his earlier hesitation now replaced with growing certainty.
This is not an opportunity… this is a turning point that cannot be missed.
Lin Xiaotian led them toward the Testing Stone without wasting another word, his steps steady as the massive artifact came into full view.
The structure radiated an ancient aura that pressed silently against everything nearby, its presence alone enough to demand respect.
"This artifact will measure your potential across all aspects of cultivation," Lin said calmly, his gaze sweeping across them without emotion.
"Step forward one by one and place your hand upon it without hesitation."
The disciples approached in sequence, placing their hands upon the surface as faint lights flickered, revealing average talent across nearly every category.
Lin remained expressionless, though a quiet sigh echoed within his mind as the results became increasingly predictable.
Usable… but far from exceptional, and nowhere near what I actually need.
Then the unusual boy stepped forward, his mature frame contrasting sharply with his confirmed age as he placed his hand on the stone without hesitation.
A deep golden light erupted instantly, spreading across the surface with overwhelming intensity as the results revealed themselves clearly.
Physique potential capable of reaching Dao Condensation, yet paired with ordinary cultivation talent that should not logically coexist.
A faint smile formed on Lin Xiaotian's face as he processed the contradiction without surprise.
A hidden constitution that has not yet awakened… interesting.
He suppressed his thoughts and allowed the boy to step back, his composure remaining completely intact despite the discovery.
For a brief moment, nothing remarkable followed.
Then Yan Feng stepped forward.
The instant his hand touched the stone, the entire artifact trembled violently as if it had encountered something it was never meant to measure.
Light erupted in every direction as every parameter surged beyond its limits, the inscriptions across the surface cracking under unbearable strain.
Within seconds, the structure could no longer endure the pressure and then it shattered completely.
Silence fell across the square as every disciple froze, unable to comprehend what they had just witnessed.
Lin Xiaotian, however, felt laughter erupt uncontrollably within his mind as realization struck with perfect clarity.
So it is this kind of monster… exactly the kind I was looking for.
He composed himself instantly and turned toward them, his expression returning to calm authority without the slightest crack.
"Good," he said, his voice steady as it echoed across the square.
"You are now disciples of this sect, and from today onward, your only focus will be cultivation without distraction."
His gaze sharpened slightly as it swept across every single one of them, carrying an invisible weight. "Within three months, all of you will reach at least the Qi Transformation Realm regardless of your current foundation."
A collective breath was drawn sharply as the pressure of his words settled completely.
"In three months, there will be a competition," he continued, his lips curving faintly with controlled intent. "And only those who prove their strength will stand at the top without exception."
He allowed a brief pause before concluding, ensuring every word settled deeply into their minds. "You will give everything you have, or you will fall behind permanently."
With that, he dismissed them without further explanation.
The disciples dispersed slowly, their minds still shaken as they processed everything they had experienced.
Lin Xiaotian then raised his hand slightly and curled a single finger, his gaze locking onto one figure. "You… remain."
Yan Feng stiffened immediately under that command, his body reacting before his thoughts could catch up.
Once the others had moved far enough away, Lin turned his back and spoke calmly without looking at him. "Follow me."
Yan Feng hesitated for a brief moment before stepping forward, knowing instinctively that refusal was no longer an option.