Recognition and Advancement

After his hard-fought victory against Liu Tian, Ron stood in the center of the battle stage. His breathing was steady, his sword arm relaxed, and his expression indifferent.

The sect disciples who had doubted him were now speechless. Their strongest inner disciple had lost.

"Liu Tian fought with everything he had… but Ron still won."

"His swordsmanship is too terrifying!"

"He barely broke a sweat… How strong is he really?"

Just as whispers spread among the disciples, a powerful voice echoed across the training grounds.

"Ron, come with me."

The crowd turned to see Elder Mu, one of the respected elders of the Black Moon Sect. His long white beard and sharp gaze carried authority and wisdom.

Ron's expression remained calm, but inwardly, he was intrigued. 'It seems the sect has finally taken notice.'

Without a word, he followed Elder Mu.

---

A Meeting of Importance

Elder Mu led Ron into a grand hall deep within the sect. Inside, there were ancient scrolls, spirit treasures, and rare medicinal herbs. The air was thick with the scent of spiritual energy.

Ron looked around but showed no reaction.

Elder Mu observed him closely. "You're not impressed?"

Ron shrugged. "Treasures are just tools. Strength matters more."

Elder Mu chuckled. "You remind me of a young genius I once met… But even he did not have your composure."

He waved his hand, and a storage ring appeared on the table.

"As a reward for your victory over Liu Tian, the sect is granting you these gifts."

Ron picked up the ring and examined its contents:

Qi Gathering Pills – to aid his cultivation.

A Mid-Tier Spirit Sword – sharper and more durable than his current one.

A Protective Robe – embedded with defensive formations.

Ron nodded in acknowledgment. "I'll take them."

Elder Mu smiled. "The sect values talent, Ron. You are now the strongest inner disciple, and your growth will be closely watched."

Ron remained silent.

Elder Mu's expression became serious. "But tell me, what is your goal?"

Ron's eyes flickered with a cold light. "To become strong enough that no one can stand in my way."

Elder Mu stared at him for a moment, then smiled. "Good. I look forward to seeing how far you'll go."

---

Advancement and the Awakening of Another Scale

That night, Ron sat cross-legged in his courtyard. A Qi Gathering Pill rested in his palm.

Swallowing it, he immediately felt a surge of pure spiritual energy rush through his meridians. His body absorbed it greedily, and his cultivation base began to stir.

Boom!

A faint aura erupted around him as his qi core expanded. The familiar sensation of breaking through filled his body.

He had reached the 4th Qi Refining Realm.

But that wasn't all.

Deep within his bloodline, something awakened.

In the depths of his World Devouring Dragon Bloodline, a second dragon scale lit up.

A faint golden glow flickered on his skin before fading. The power was there, but still incomplete.

Ron clenched his fist. "One step closer."

---

A Rising Legend

As Ron left the hall, word of his rewards spread through the sect.

"Did you hear? Elder Mu personally rewarded Ron!"

"That means the sect fully acknowledges him!"

"He's no ordinary disciple anymore!"

Even the core disciples began paying attention to his name.

That night, Liu Tian visited Ron's courtyard. Despite his loss, he looked at Ron with newfound respect.

"Ron, today I lost, but I will train harder. Next time, I won't be so easy to defeat."

Ron smirked. "Then get stronger first. I won't wait for you."

Liu Tian laughed. "Of course."

---

A Quiet Night Before a Storm

As the night deepened, Ron sat in meditation, refining the rest of the Qi Gathering Pill. With each battle, his power grew.

Though his dragon bloodline remained dormant, he could feel it stirring deep inside him. Waiting. Watching.

Soon, it would awaken.

And when that day came…

The world would tremble.

---

To Be Continued…

Ron's Progress:

• Cultivation: Qi Refining stage 4

• Swordmanship: Sword user Peak

Techniques

• Heaven crushing slash