Opening the Gate to the Eighth Peak

As the sun hid beyond the horizon, painting the sky in shades of crimson and gold, darkness slowly spread over the Celestial Dragon Sect.

The cool night air carried the rustling of leaves, while spiritual lights softly illuminated the sect's winding paths. The outer sect streets buzzed with activity, with cultivators seated in the lotus position along the roads. It was well known that not every disciple of the inner sect had a personal residence.

Kaelen floated in the sky alongside Elder Xuan Bei, both enveloped by the serenity of the night. Their destination was a modest dwelling on the outskirts of the outer sect—the residence of Zhou Fan.

Upon reaching the door, Kaelen knocked softly. A few moments later, it creaked open, revealing a young man with a vigilant gaze and cautious posture.

His features were calm, but there was a sharp glint of alertness in his eyes as he recognized his visitors.

"Zhou Fan, good evening," Kaelen greeted, offering a slight smile as he stepped inside.

"Elder Xuan Bei. And you must be the true disciple who was watching the competition," Zhou Fan replied, his tone polite yet slightly hesitant.

"You may call me Senior Brother Kaelen," Kaelen said with courteous ease.

Elder Xuan Bei swept his gaze across the room, taking in the surroundings with an assessing look.

Kaelen then suggested, "Let's sit and talk," gesturing toward the worn wooden chairs near a small table, dimly lit by a jade lamp.

Zhou Fan nodded, closing the door behind him before taking a seat. The silence that followed was brief, soon broken by Kaelen, who wasted no time.

"Zhou Fan, I have a proposal for you," he said, his voice carrying an unusual firmness.

"A proposal?" Zhou Fan raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"If you reach the finals of the outer sect competition, regardless of the outcome in the grand final, you will be accepted as a direct lineage disciple of the Eighth Peak," Kaelen announced, his eyes fixed on the young man.

Zhou Fan froze for a moment. His initially neutral expression shifted into pure disbelief, unable to process what he had just heard.

"You're saying that... even if I lose, I will still be recognized as a direct lineage disciple?" His voice trembled slightly, as if trying to confirm what had just been said.

Elder Xuan Bei, who had remained silent until now, couldn't hide his surprise.

"Kaelen, this condition is... extraordinary," Xuan Bei murmured, furrowing his brows. It should be known that Elder Xuan Bei had never become a direct lineage disciple himself. Despite meeting the qualifications, he had chosen to become an inner elder instead, prioritizing better cultivation conditions.

"Precisely," Kaelen smiled, turning back to Zhou Fan.

"This is a rare opportunity. If you reach the finals, the doors of the Eighth Peak will be open to you."

Zhou Fan took a deep breath, his mind racing. This was his chance. As an outer disciple, he knew his options were limited. His previous goal had been to win the sect's annual competition to secure a place in the inner sect, relying on the resources granted to the champion.

"I accept," he declared, his voice brimming with determination.

"I will reach the finals, no matter what!"

Kaelen nodded in satisfaction, while Xuan Bei crossed his arms, still scrutinizing the young man with a critical gaze.

"Very well, Zhou Fan. We will be watching your performance," Kaelen affirmed as he stood.

"Young one, let's see how far you can go," Xuan Bei added, his tone laced with skepticism.

After a few brief farewells, Kaelen and Xuan Bei departed, leaving Zhou Fan alone with his thoughts.

Zhou Fan closed the door and exhaled deeply. His heart pounded in his chest.

"This is the opportunity of a lifetime..." he murmured to himself.

"If I can reach the finals, everything will change."

Meanwhile, high above in the sky, two figures floated among the clouds, bathed in the moon's pale glow.

"Are you certain about this, young Kaelen?" Elder Xuan Bei asked, his voice tinged with hesitation.

Kaelen kept his gaze fixed on the horizon, his expression calm.

"Just trust my judgment," he replied without hesitation.

Xuan Bei narrowed his eyes, pondering.

"And your master? Would he approve of this?" the elder pressed.

Kaelen let out a faint sigh before answering,

"Of course. I would never make such a decision without his approval."

He then paused, recalling his master's indifferent attitude toward taking in disciples.

"In fact, I doubt he even cares much about it."

Elder Xuan Bei sighed and lightly shook his head.

"Very well. I will trust you on this," he said, though his expression still carried traces of doubt.

Deep down, Xuan Bei couldn't help but wonder, what could a young man who had only started cultivating less than a month ago possibly know about talent and potential?

But what he didn't know... was that Kaelen possessed a secret beyond comprehension, his system.

-----------------------

The following morning, the outer sect arena buzzed with energy. The rising sun cast a golden glow over the disciples, and the roars of the crowd echoed through the vast space. Today marked the beginning of the quarterfinals of the competition.

Backstage, Zhou Fan tightened his fists as he took a deep breath. His gaze was locked onto the arena, where fierce battles were already underway.

"I must win. There's no other path," Zhou Fan thought, clenching his fists.

On the other side of the arena, a female figure stood out. Lian Hua, at the eighth level of Qi Refinement, known for her agility and refined technique, locked eyes with Zhou Fan.

"Zhou Fan," she spoke, her voice carrying a clear challenge.

"I'm ready," Zhou Fan replied firmly.

The referee raised his hand and announced the start of the match.

Lian Hua was the first to move. Like a streak of lightning, she dashed forward, unleashing a flurry of swift and precise strikes. Zhou Fan retreated, dodging nimbly, his eyes analyzing each of her movements.

'She's fast... but she's pushing the pace too hard,' Zhou Fan realized, waiting for an opening.

Lian Hua launched a spinning kick. Zhou Fan narrowly dodged and, in the same instant, countered with a direct punch to her flank.

The impact sent her staggering. The crowd held its breath.

Lian Hua quickly regained her composure, but her expression had changed—now, she was taking the fight seriously.

"You're better than I expected..." she murmured, gathering energy for her final strike.

"Seems like your expectations were quite low," Zhou Fan replied, assuming a firm stance.

Lian Hua concentrated her spiritual energy, preparing to unleash a powerful attack. A swirling aura of spiritual petals formed around her, increasing the pressure in the arena.

Zhou Fan remained still, observing.

When Lian Hua finally launched her strike, Zhou Fan moved at the last moment, dodging by a hair's breadth and seizing the opening to land a decisive blow to her side.

Lian Hua's body was sent flying several meters before finally coming to a stop. The crowd erupted in gasps of astonishment.

"Zhou Fan wins!" the referee announced.

Lian Hua slowly got to her feet, still panting and coughing up blood, her gaze locked onto Zhou Fan's figure.

In the grandstand, in the VIP section, Kaelen, Elder Xuan Bei, and Outer Elder Lu Hong watched in silence, their eyes fixed on the young cultivator.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Xuan Bei broke the silence, his voice filled with meaning.

"Perhaps it will be necessary for you to take him in as a direct lineage disciple, young Kaelen."

Kaelen smiled faintly, as if he had expected those words. Without looking away, he replied naturally,

"That was my goal from the beginning, Elder."

Lu Hong, completely unaware of the events of the previous night, was utterly shocked. His eyes widened, and for a moment, it seemed as if his jaw would drop straight to the floor.