Inner Sect

Yuan Mei's whip lashed out, the demonic qi around it flaring as it tore through the air. Xu Yan raised his sword, deflecting the strike, but the force sent a sharp jolt through his arm. The whip retracted, snapping forward again in quick succession.

Xu Yan dodged and parried, his sword moving in tight arcs, but Yuan Mei's attacks didn't slow. A flick of her wrist sent the whip curling toward his legs. Xu Yan stepped back, narrowly avoiding the strike, but the next one struck his shoulder, forcing him off balance.

Gritting his teeth, Xu Yan steadied himself and lunged forward with a Thrust, aiming to disrupt her rhythm. Yuan Mei's whip snapped around his blade, pulling it downward before she struck again, landing a hit squarely on his chest. The impact sent him skidding across the ground, his body aching as he tried to push himself back up.

"That's enough," Yuan Mei said, her voice calm but firm. Her whip coiled back into her hand as she watched him.

Xu Yan wiped the blood from his lip, his breathing labored. Slowly, he raised his hand. "I surrender."

The arena was silent for a moment before Elder Rui's voice rang out. "Yuan Mei is the winner!"

Xu Yan sheathed his sword and walked off the stage without a word. His steps were steady, his face blank. The fight had gone exactly as he planned—enough resistance to seem respectable, but not enough to draw attention.

From his seat, Elder Rui watched Xu Yan leave, a faint frown on his face. 'He's not bad,' he thought, 'but certainly not extraordinary. Elder Qian must have overestimated this one.'

Shaking his head, Elder Rui turned his attention back to the stage as the next match was called.

Meanwhile, Xu Yan made his way to the edge of the arena. His body ached, but his mind was calm. He had done what he needed to, and the inner sect now awaited.

...

A day had passed since the tournament ended, and Xu Yan had fully recovered from his injuries. As expected, Yuan Mei emerged as the champion, claiming the Foundation Establishment Pill as her reward.

Xu Yan made his way to the courtyard in the outer sect, where the other nine disciples who had made it to the top ten were waiting. Today, they would be moving to the inner sect.

The atmosphere was lively with chatter. "They give you high-quality Qi Refining Pills every month in the inner sect," one disciple said, their tone brimming with excitement.

Another sneered, crossing their arms. "Don't think it's that easy. If you don't show progress, you'll be sent back to the outer sect—or worse, kicked out of the Blood Fang Sect entirely. The sect doesn't tolerate mediocrity ruining its reputation."

Xu Yan sat silently with his eyes closed, paying little attention to the conversation. His focus was inward, thoughts of the inner sect and its opportunities running through his mind.

Suddenly, a powerful aura swept over the courtyard, silencing the disciples instantly. Xu Yan's eyes opened, his gaze sharp. Two figures descended from the sky, landing gracefully in front of them. One was Elder Rui, his presence familiar yet still commanding. Beside him stood another elder, his expression neutral, his aura even stronger than Rui's.

"Nascent Soul Masters…" a disciple whispered in awe, their voice barely audible.

Elder Rui stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the group. "This is Elder Han," he said, gesturing to the elder beside him. "He will be guiding you to the inner sect."

Elder Han gave a faint nod, his expression unmoving. "Elder Rui has spoken of you all," he said flatly. "You are the new disciples joining the inner sect this year. Follow me."

Without waiting for a response, Elder Han turned and began walking, his pace steady and unhurried. The group exchanged glances before hurrying after him.

The journey to the inner sect was short but eye-opening. The lush greenery and imposing architecture were unlike anything in the outer sect. The towering stone walls and expansive courtyards radiated an air of superiority, as if every inch of the inner sect was designed to remind them of their place.

Elder Han led them through the main grounds, briefly pointing out key locations. "This is the training field. You'll spend most of your time here," he said, his tone disinterested. "Over there are the resource halls. And that," he gestured to a distant mountain, "is the Inner Sect Hall. Only approach it if summoned."

After the brief tour, he brought them to a row of modest but well-kept houses. "These will be your accommodations. Remember, the inner sect expects results. Slack off, and you won't last long." His tone was curt, almost dismissive, as he turned and left without another word.

The disciples stood in silence for a moment before dispersing to their new homes. Xu Yan walked into his assigned house, the quiet space a welcome change from the noise of the courtyard. He glanced around briefly before sitting down cross-legged, his mind already on the next steps.