The Sect’s Gaze Upon Him

Creak.

The wooden door swung open.

A golden glow flickered in the night as Qin Chen stepped out, his long blonde hair cascading down his back, illuminated by the embers still floating in the air. His golden eyes gleamed faintly, reflecting the lingering fire that had just erupted from his awakening.

And yet, the first thing he heard as he stepped forward—

"Hah… so it was him?"

"Tsk. That's just the useless pretty boy from the outer sect."

"I always knew he looked too good to be a real cultivator. Just another decoration."

The murmurs spread like wildfire through the gathered disciples.

Qin Chen glanced around, eyes cold.

The outer disciple courtyard was packed with onlookers—hundreds of disciples gathered outside, whispering, their faces full of doubt and jealousy.

He recognized some of them. Other outer disciples, many of whom had been in the sect far longer than he had. Jealous, bitter, insecure.

He had kept a low profile ever since he woke up in this world, trying to grasp his new reality before making a move. To them, he was nothing more than an average talent who coasted by on his good looks.

But now—

He had set the night sky on fire.

The expressions of the sect elders were far different.

At the top of the stairs, standing just before the Elder's Pavilion, a group of five robed figures stood. Their gazes were locked onto him, filled with scrutiny, curiosity, and most importantly—wariness.

At the center of them, a towering figure in deep azure robes stepped forward.

Sect Master Jiang Tianxuan.

His presence was suffocating—his very aura made space tremble slightly, as if the very air obeyed his will. His long white hair flowed down his back, and his sharp eyes bore into Qin Chen like a hawk observing prey.

"Qin Chen," Jiang Tianxuan's voice was neither kind nor angry. Just calm and absolute, as though every word carried the weight of heaven itself.

"You are the one who caused this disturbance?"

The murmurs died instantly.

Every disciple fell silent, turning to watch.

Qin Chen met his gaze. His heartbeat was steady.

He had faced war, death, and the battlefield in his past life. No amount of sect pressure could shake him.

"Yes," he replied.

No fear. No hesitation.

Some disciples snickered quietly.

"Look at him, talking to the sect master like he's someone important."

"Does he not realize how insane that fire phenomenon was? If he can't explain himself, he's finished."

Jiang Tianxuan's eyes narrowed slightly. "Explain."

One of the grand elders stepped forward. Elder Mu, an old man with a long gray beard, his face full of wisdom yet lacking warmth.

"We detected a Dao Manifestation. A fire-based awakening at the level of a supreme constitution," Elder Mu said, his tone unreadable. "Qin Chen, I ask you—what is your physique?"

A heavy silence fell.

This was the crucial moment.

Qin Chen kept his expression neutral. Inwardly, he was already considering his options.

Do I reveal the Fire Sovereign Dao Body outright?

It was a legendary physique, and while it granted overwhelming affinity with fire, he had a feeling it was only the first step in his journey.

Or do I downplay it for now?

Before he could answer—

Hummmm!

One of the elders raised his hand, forming a glowing jade talisman.

A physique detection artifact.

"Place your palm on this," Elder Mu instructed. "We shall confirm the nature of your body."

The gathered disciples leaned forward in anticipation.

Qin Chen stepped forward. Slowly, he placed his palm against the jade talisman.

For a moment—nothing.

Then—

BOOM!

A golden pillar of fire erupted from the talisman, shooting into the sky. The very flames carried Dao essence, pulsating in rhythmic waves.

A phantom sun appeared above the elders, radiating intense, celestial heat.

The Fire Sovereign Dao Body had been confirmed.

Elder Mu's eyes widened slightly. The other elders exchanged looks, clearly shaken.

One of them whispered, "This… this is beyond a normal divine flame constitution."

Another elder, his face grave, spoke aloud. "There has only been one recorded case of a Fire Sovereign Dao Body in history. And that was…"

Jiang Tianxuan raised his hand, silencing them.

His eyes remained locked on Qin Chen, his sharp gaze digging into him, searching for any sign of deception.

"You are saying you were born with this?" the sect master asked.

Qin Chen smirked internally.

Born with it? Of course not.

But outwardly, he kept his expression steady, unreadable.

"I don't remember," he said plainly. "All I know is that my body awakened to fire. And then… this happened."

A half-truth. Enough to avoid suspicion, but not enough for them to probe deeper.

The sect master studied him for a long moment.

Then, Jiang Tianxuan finally spoke.

"The Fire Sovereign Dao Body is a supreme talent," he said. "One that would normally belong in the core sect, if we were even able to recruit such a genius in the first place… yet you are merely an outer disciple."

He turned to the elders.

"Prepare a trial."

The disciples erupted in murmurs.

"A trial?! Already?"

"Isn't that usually for those competing to enter the inner and core sect?"

"That means the sect master is taking this seriously…"

Jiang Tianxuan turned back to Qin Chen.

"You have one chance," he said. "Pass the trial, and you will be promoted from the outer sect. Fail, and you will remain where you are."

Qin Chen felt a wave of excitement rise within him.

A trial? Perfect.

He needed resources, power, and a way to rise quickly. If this was his stepping stone, then he would use it to his full advantage.

Elder Mu spoke next.

"The trial will be held in three days. Until then, you are to remain within the sect grounds. Do you understand?"

Qin Chen nodded.

"As you wish," he said, his voice calm.

The sect master gave him one last glance, before turning and disappearing into the night with the elders.

As they left, Qin Chen could feel the eyes of every disciple still on him.

Jealousy. Doubt. Envy.

He ignored them.

Instead, his mind was already focused on one thing.

He had three days.

Three days to prepare, strategize, and use his system to ensure his first real step toward dominance.