Chapter 16: Echoes of the Storm
The sun peeked over the horizon, casting amber light across the Qingye Sect's training grounds. Disciples filed out from their lodgings, ready for the next phase of assessments — this time, focused on teamwork and formation control.
Lin Ho stood among them, quietly observing the others. The previous night's tribulation had not gone unnoticed. Though no one said it aloud, many glanced at him with renewed suspicion or curiosity.
A few outer sect disciples whispered as he passed.
> "Was it him who caused that storm last night?" "Could be… I felt lightning even in the inner peaks." "He looks fine. No sign of injury."
Lin Ho ignored the murmurs. His pace was steady, expression calm. Chaos Qi coursed through his body, refined and subdued. He was no longer the same as the boy who first stepped into the sect.
Elder Qiu descended from a cloud shuttle, his gaze sharp as always.
> "Today's trials will focus on tactical arrays. You will be split into formations and tested on coordination, defense, and reactive combat."
He glanced across the crowd.
> "You may not choose your teams."
A formation plate hovered down and spun rapidly, selecting names.
When it stopped — Lin Ho found himself grouped with three others: a quiet archer named Mei Lian, a thunder-attribute saber user called Jian Wu, and to Lin Ho's mild irritation, the same spear-wielding disciple from the entrance exam — Tian Fei, who still bore a faint bruise on his cheek.
Tian Fei scowled but said nothing.
Their trial began.
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A platform rose from the ground, activating illusion arrays that simulated a dense fog forest. Inside, sound was dampened, visibility restricted, and illusions of demonic beasts emerged from the trees at random intervals.
> "You have 15 minutes to reach the beacon at the center. Points are awarded based on kills, coordination, and formation stability. Begin."
Jian Wu immediately surged forward.
> "I'll clear the way. Don't slow me down!"
Tian Fei followed with a grunt. Mei Lian kept to the trees, her bow ready.
Lin Ho walked calmly at the rear, golden-black energy subtly wrapping his steps, suppressing any sound he made.
Beasts materialized. Wolves of fire. Vines that struck like whips. Insects that exploded on contact.
Jian Wu's saber cleaved through the first wave, but the second caught them off guard. A wave of horned apes descended from above — not illusions, but spiritual constructs capable of real damage.
Tian Fei was nearly struck by one when a pulse of energy flared from behind. Lin Ho appeared in a blur, his palm striking upward. The ape shattered into golden-black fragments.
> "Tsk… I didn't need help," Tian Fei muttered.
> "Then move faster," Lin Ho replied flatly.
The group pressed on. Lin Ho never took command, but his presence subtly pulled the others into sync. When Mei Lian misjudged her arrow angle, Lin Ho redirected the trajectory with a flick of chaotic Qi. When Jian Wu overexerted and faltered, Lin Ho shielded him for a breath and then fell back without a word.
They reached the center beacon with a minute to spare — not a single member wounded.
As the illusion faded, Elder Qiu reviewed the recorded battle through a crystal panel.
> "Interesting," he murmured.
> "That boy… doesn't lead with authority, but everyone adapts around him. As if his presence bends fate in his favor."
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Later that evening, Lin Ho returned to his courtyard. A letter awaited him — sealed with the Qingye Sect's jade emblem.
He opened it.
> "Report to the Inner Sect Selection Peak tomorrow at sunrise. Elder Mu wishes to assess your compatibility with sect resources. Bring any personal weapons or techniques."
A personal evaluation.
Something only those considered for elite training received.
Lin Ho folded the letter and looked toward the night sky. Stars shimmered faintly. Somewhere, far beyond this world, his parents were waiting.
He clenched his fists.
> "I'll reach you… no matter what it takes."
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End of Chapter 16