Lin mei

Blue Wave City was a hive of activity, its streets alive with the buzz of countless voices. Everywhere Makoto turned, the Sect Promotion Exams dominated the conversations. Merchants hawked their wares with exaggerated claims of helping cultivators break through bottlenecks, inns boasted of private meditation chambers for participants, and street performers reenacted famous battles from past exams.

In the center of the marketplace, a crowd gathered around a group of traveling cultivators clad in silver robes, their sect emblem embroidered in intricate patterns. They stood tall, exuding an air of superiority, their presence commanding attention.

"The Great Elder himself is overseeing the exams this year," one of the silver-robed disciples declared, his voice carrying above the din. "Do you know what that means? Only the most extraordinary talents will pass. The standards will be higher than ever!"

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

"The Great Elder? He hasn't presided over these exams in decades!"

"He's a legendary figure," another murmured. "They say he once fought against an entire battalion of demonic cultivators single-handedly."

Nearby, a group of young cultivators huddled together, their excitement tempered with nerves.

"This changes everything," one whispered. "If the Great Elder is watching, even the smallest mistake will be noticed."

Another nodded. "It's not just about passing anymore. This is a chance to make an impression on one of the most powerful figures in the sect. If you succeed, your future is set."

Makoto, blending effortlessly into the crowd, listened to the conversations with quiet interest. He noted the reactions-the awe, the fear, the rising ambition. The Great Elder's involvement wasn't just a formality; it was a statement. This year's exams weren't ordinary. They were a stage for the sect to showcase its grandeur and strength.

At a nearby teahouse, two older cultivators sipped their drinks, their voices hushed but intense.

"Do you think the rumors are true? That the sect is looking to expand its influence beyond the region?"

The other nodded gravely. "Why else would they bring the Great Elder? His presence alone will attract talent from every corner of the land. The sect isn't just holding exams; they're consolidating power."

Makoto's lips curled into a faint smirk as he sipped his tea. The pieces were falling into place. This wasn't just about internal rankings. The sect had a broader agenda, and the Promotion Exams were the perfect platform to execute it.

Outside the city gates, caravans continued to arrive, carrying disciples and representatives from distant regions. Each arrival brought a fresh wave of speculation. The streets were a sea of robes in every color imaginable, each sect's emblem displayed with pride.

One young girl pointed excitedly as a group of cultivators in crimson robes entered the city. "They're from the Crimson Lotus Sect! I heard their fire techniques can reduce a mountain to ashes."

Her companion shivered. "And look over there-disciples of the Sky Shard Pavilion. They're known for their mastery of arrays. This year's competition will be fierce."

Blue Wave City was alight with excitement, its streets packed with merchants, cultivators, and commoners eager to witness or participate in the Sect Promotion Exams. The vibrant chatter of speculation about the Great Elder's presence and tales of legendary contestants filled the air.

Makoto moved through the crowd, his steps steady and deliberate. He had little interest in the noise around him but kept his senses sharp. The presence of so many disciples from other sects was bound to spark conflict.

His instincts were soon proven right. Ahead, a commotion disrupted the orderly flow of the crowd.

"Move aside!" a sharp, authoritative voice rang out, followed by a surge of fiery energy that sent nearby vendors scrambling to protect their stalls.

Makoto's gaze shifted to the source-a group of disciples in crimson robes striding arrogantly down the street. Their leader, a young woman with striking auburn hair tied into a high ponytail, walked with an air of unchallenged authority. Her piercing amber eyes scanned the crowd as if searching for any who dared to oppose her.

The emblem of a burning lotus adorned her robe, marking her as a disciple of the Crimson Sect. Known for their aggressive cultivation techniques and domineering attitudes, their reputation preceded them.

"Didn't I tell you to clear the road?" she snapped at a group of merchants too slow to move their carts. With a flick of her wrist, a small flame danced in her palm, its heat palpable even from a distance. "Do I need to teach you a lesson?"

The merchants hurriedly pushed their carts aside, bowing repeatedly in apology.

But the woman wasn't satisfied. She raised her hand, the flame growing larger, ready to scorch the earth as a warning. The crowd scattered, avoiding her wrath, but Makoto didn't move.

"Still standing there, are you?" she said, her fiery gaze locking onto him.

Makoto's calm demeanor seemed to irritate her further. "Do you think you're above the rules, or are you just too stupid to understand them? Get out of the way!"

He didn't flinch, his hands tucked into his robe sleeves as he regarded her with an indifferent expression.

Her brows furrowed in anger. "Fine. If you won't move, I'll make you!"

The flame in her hand shot forward like a serpent, its blazing trail drawing gasps from the onlookers. The attack was fast and destructive, meant to cow others into submission.

Makoto sighed, his fingers twitching ever so slightly. A wave of cold energy pulsed from him, meeting the fire mid-air. The flame sputtered and extinguished as if swallowed by an invisible force.

The crowd froze, stunned.

"What?" the Crimson Sect disciple hissed, her eyes narrowing. "Who are you to interfere with me?"

Makoto stepped forward, his voice calm but laced with an unmistakable authority. "You seem quite proud of your strength. But if that's the best you can do, I suggest you think twice before causing more trouble."

The woman's anger flared. "You dare lecture me?" Her aura surged, and a fiery lotus bloomed behind her, its petals radiating scorching heat. "Do you have any idea who I am? I'm Lin Mei, a direct disciple of the Crimson Sect's inner circle!"

Makoto tilted his head slightly. "Should I be impressed?"

Her fiery lotus shot toward him, its heat warping the air around it. But Makoto was already in motion. He sidestepped effortlessly, his movements so smooth it seemed as though he hadn't moved at all. As the lotus exploded behind him, he extended a single hand, his fingers reaching for her heart.

Lin Mei felt a sudden pressure bearing down on her, and before she could react, Makoto's hand hovered mere inches from her chest. She froze, a cold sweat breaking out as she felt his qi lock onto her core.

"If I were you," Makoto said quietly, his voice cutting through the chaos like a blade, "I'd reconsider who I pick fights with."

For a moment, Lin Mei was silent, her pride warring with the realization that she was outmatched. Finally, she stepped back, her fiery aura dissipating. "This isn't over," she spat, her tone filled with venom. "The exams will decide who's truly stronger."

Makoto watched her retreat, her entourage following close behind, their bravado significantly diminished. The crowd slowly began to move again, though many cast furtive glances at Makoto, their expressions a mix of awe and curiosity.

As he continued on his way, Makoto's thoughts remained calm. The Crimson Sect might boast strength, but arrogance blinded them. The Sect Promotion Exams would reveal the truth of who truly deserved power.

Makoto's gaze sharpened as he observed the growing crowd of competitors. The diversity of sects and disciplines only added to the complexity of the exams. The stakes were higher than ever, and the battlefield would be more unpredictable.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Blue Wave City's streets glowed with lantern light. Vendors stayed open late, catering to the influx of people, while inns scrambled to accommodate the surge of guests.

Makoto walked along the bustling streets, his presence unassuming yet deliberate. He passed by groups of disciples deep in conversation, their words filled with determination.

"Do you think anyone will manage to stand out this year?"

"Stand out? It's not just about standing out-it's about surviving the Great Elder's scrutiny."

In his mind, Makoto reviewed his plan. The noise and excitement of the city were mere distractions to him. The exams weren't about impressing others; they were about reclaiming what was his.

Back at his modest inn room, Makoto unfolded a map of Blue Wave City and the surrounding sect grounds. He traced the routes leading to the examination site, his thoughts focused and unwavering.

The Great Elder's presence was a challenge and an opportunity. It meant the competition would be ruthless, but it also meant that the rewards for success would be unparalleled.

As the city hummed with anticipation, Makoto's resolve hardened. This wasn't just a test of skill-it was a crucible, and he was ready to emerge forged anew.