Aftermath

The next morning, Elder Wu Tian gathered all the outer disciples in the grand training hall. The room buzzed with murmurs as the disciples speculated about the purpose of the meeting. Seo-Jun, Feng Yan, Mei Ling, and their group stood near the back, their expressions tense but determined.

Elder Wu Tian stepped onto the raised platform, his presence commanding silence. "Disciples of the Blazing Sword Sect," he began, his voice echoing through the hall. "Yesterday, we faced a grave threat. The Crimson Shadow Sect dared to infiltrate our home, but thanks to the vigilance of some among you, we were able to repel them."

His gaze swept across the room before landing on Seo-Jun and his group. "Seo-Jun, Feng Yan, Mei Ling, and the others—step forward."

The group exchanged glances before making their way to the front. Elder Wu Tian placed a hand on Seo-Jun's shoulder, his voice filled with gratitude. "You acted swiftly and bravely, delivering critical information that allowed us to respond in time. For that, you have my thanks and the thanks of the entire sect."

The hall erupted in applause, but Seo-Jun's mind was elsewhere. Suddenly, his system pinged with a warning:

[System Alert: Hostile Intent Detected!]

Multiple individuals in the vicinity are radiating killing intent toward you and your group.

Seo-Jun's eyes flicked across the room, his system highlighting several disciples and one instructor in particular. The system revealed their true cultivation levels, which were being concealed by a special technique:

[System Alert: Individual Info]

Name: Instructor Zhao Ming

Displayed Cultivation: foundation building Stage 8

True Cultivation: Core Formation Stage 1

Role: Combat Instructor

Status: Suspected Crimson Shadow Sect Spy.

[System Alert: Individual Info]

Name: Disciple Liu Yang

Displayed Cultivation: Qi Condensation Stage 6

True Cultivation: Foundation Building Stage 1

Status: Suspected Crimson Shadow Sect Spy.

[System Alert: Individual Info]

Name: Disciple Chen Mei

Displayed Cultivation: Qi Condensation Stage 6

True Cultivation: Foundation Building Stage 1

Status: Suspected Crimson Shadow Sect Spy.

Seo-Jun's heart raced. They're still here. Even after Xue Feng's death, the spies remain. He wanted to warn Elder Wu Tian immediately, but how could he prove it? He had no evidence, and accusing fellow disciples without proof would only sow discord.

As the applause died down, Elder Wu Tian dismissed the gathering, instructing everyone to return to their training. Seo-Jun lingered, his mind racing. He needed to act, but he had to be careful.

Seo-Jun approached Instructor Hu Bao, who was overseeing a group of disciples practicing their sword forms. Hu Bao noticed Seo-Jun and raised an eyebrow. "What is it, Seo-Jun? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Seo-Jun hesitated before speaking. "Instructor Hu Bao, I need your help. There are… certain individuals in the sect who I believe are acting suspiciously. I can't explain everything right now, but I need you to keep an eye on them."

Hu Bao frowned, his expression serious. "Suspicious individuals? Do you have proof?"

Seo-Jun shook his head. "Not yet. But I trust my instincts. You believed me before when I warned you about the Crimson Shadow Sect. I'm asking you to trust me again."

Hu Bao studied him for a moment before nodding. "Alright, Seo-Jun. I'll keep an eye out. But be careful. Accusing fellow disciples without evidence can backfire."

Seo-Jun bowed gratefully. "Thank you, Instructor."

The next few months were a whirlwind of intense training and preparation. The yearly rank competition was a major event in the sect, and every disciple was pushing themselves to their limits. Seo-Jun and his group were no exception.

Seo-Jun focused on refining his newfound skill, Blazing Sky Cleave, under the guidance of Instructor Hu Bao. He spent countless hours in the training grounds, his sword flashing as he practiced the technique over and over. His system provided constant feedback, helping him improve his precision and power.

[System Alert: Skill Progress]

Blazing Sky Cleave: Intermediate Proficiency Achieved!

Sword Intent Comprehension: 10%

By the end of the training period, Seo-Jun had made significant progress in his cultivation, reaching Qi Condensation Stage 6. His Qi was denser and more refined, and his control over his techniques had improved dramatically.

Feng Yan, with his fiery temper and relentless drive, focused on close combat. He sparred with some of the strongest disciples in the sect, honing his reflexes and endurance. His strength and determination earned him the respect of his peers, and his cultivation showed noticeable improvement, reaching the peak of Qi Condensation Stage 6. He was on the verge of breaking through.

Mei Ling, with her gentle demeanor and healing abilities, focused on supporting her comrades. She trained with the sect's healers, learning advanced healing techniques and how to purify corrupted Qi. Her presence was a calming influence on the group, and her skills were invaluable during sparring sessions. She had reached Qi Condensation Stage 5.

Lin Tao, the strategist of the group, spent his time studying formations and combat tactics. He worked closely with the sect's formation masters, learning how to disrupt enemy arrays and create defensive barriers. His analytical mind made him a quick learner, and he soon became a valuable asset in group training sessions. He reached Qi Condensation Stage 4.

Zhong Yi focused on mastering the basics of cultivation and combat. Despite his lacking talent than the others, his dedication and hard work paid off, and he reached Qi Condensation Stage 4. His calm demeanor and quick thinking made him a reliable teammate.

The morning of the yearly rank competition dawned bright and clear. The air was crisp, and the scent of blooming flowers filled the courtyard. Birds chirped in the distance, and the sect grounds buzzed with excitement and anticipation.

Seo-Jun stepped out of his accommodation, stretching as he took in the serene atmosphere. He opened his system window to check his progress:

[System Alert: Status Update]

Name: Seo-Jun

Cultivation Realm: Qi Condensation Stage 6

Skills:

Blazing Sky Cleave (Intermediate Proficiency)

Blazing Sect Foundation Sword Technique (Advanced Proficiency)

Meditation (Mastered Proficiency)

Sword Intent Comprehension (10%)

Basic Healing Techniques

Qi Sensing (Advanced)

Seo-Jun smiled faintly. He had come a long way since joining the sect, but he knew this was only the beginning. The yearly rank competition would be a test of everything he had learned, and he was ready to prove himself.

As he made his way to the training grounds, he spotted his friends waiting for him. Feng Yan was cracking his knuckles, Mei Ling was adjusting her healing pouch, Lin Tao was reviewing a scroll filled with tactical diagrams, and Zhong Yi was quietly meditating.

"Ready for the competition?" Feng Yan asked, grinning.