Lin Tian slowly walked down from the competition platform, his figure appearing somewhat exhausted. His body was still vibrating from the aftermath of the intense battle just now, and the spiritual energy within him was almost depleted, but his expression did not show the slightest slackness. Although he won this competition, he clearly knew that this victory was only a stepping stone on the path of cultivation, not the end. The disciples below the stage cast respectful gazes at him one after another. After all, in this thrilling battle, Lin Tian demonstrated extraordinary strength and unwavering will. However, there were also some gazes carrying veiled hostility and jealousy. These hidden hostilities were not unnoticed by Lin Tian. Mo Tiancheng still lay in a corner of the competition platform, his face pale and his eyes filled with complex emotions. He was one of the top talents in the sect, always proud and confident, but today, he was defeated by Lin Tian in full view of everyone. The humiliation and anger in his heart almost devoured him. "Lin Tian, just you wait. I will repay today's humiliation a hundredfold in the future!" Mo Tiancheng swore in his heart, his gaze filled with malice. He endured the pain in his body and forced himself to get up from the ground, walking towards the edge of the platform, preparing to leave. However, his steps seemed exceptionally heavy, as if each step was stepping on the pain in his heart. Lin Tian watched Mo Tiancheng's departing figure, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. He was not afraid of Mo Tiancheng's retaliation, but he knew that he must be more cautious. After all, not everyone in the sect was as friendly as they seemed on the surface. Just as Lin Tian was about to return to his cave dwelling for recuperation, suddenly, a familiar figure emerged from the crowd. This person was one of the highly respected elders in the sect, Zhao Wuji. Dressed in a gray robe, with a serious expression and eyes like lightning scanning the surroundings as if able to see through people's hearts. "Lin Tian, follow me." Zhao Wuji's voice was low and authoritative, without the slightest fluctuation of emotion, but it carried an unquestionable command. Lin Tian was slightly stunned, then nodded and followed Zhao Wuji towards the depths of the sect. Along the way, both of them remained silent. Zhao Wuji's aura was as unfathomable as an abyss, while Lin Tian did his best to adjust his state to deal with whatever might happen next. Finally, Zhao Wuji led Lin Tian to the sect's council hall. This hall was usually only used for important meetings of the sect, but today it was exceptionally quiet. There were only a few elders in the hall, who were closing their eyes and cultivating, seemingly oblivious to the arrival of the two. Zhao Wuji walked straight to the center of the hall, turned to face Lin Tian, his expression still stern: "Lin Tian, I have witnessed your performance in today's martial arts competition. The strength you have shown is indeed beyond my expectations." Lin Tian bowed his head slightly and respectfully said: "Disciple does not deserve such praise. Thank you, Elder, for your guidance." Zhao Wuji nodded, then his tone changed, carrying a certain depth: "However, the sect has never lacked talents, nor has it lacked examples of those who suffered misfortune due to being overly prominent. Do you understand?" Lin Tian's heart trembled. Of course, he understood Zhao Wuji's meaning. In the world of cultivating immortals, the strong are respected. Talents are often accompanied by countless challenges and schemes. With the slightest carelessness, they might fall. There are countless open and hidden struggles within and outside the sect. Today's victory might have attracted the attention of some people. "Disciple understands." Lin Tian replied solemnly, a glint of determination flashing in his eyes. Seeing this, Zhao Wuji nodded slightly: "Good to know. However, you don't have to worry too much. As long as you act cautiously, the sect will protect you. But if you are schemed against, the sect might not be able to protect you all the time." Lin Tian's heart was shaken. Although Zhao Wuji's words were not explicit, the warning in them was very obvious. He knew that he must be more careful, especially when facing those enemies hidden in the dark. "Thank you, Elder, for your reminder. Disciple will surely keep it in mind." Lin Tian cupped his hands and said. Zhao Wuji waved his hand, indicating that Lin Tian could leave. Lin Tian respectfully bowed and then turned to leave the council hall. His mood became somewhat heavy, but more of a hidden sense of crisis. Although he won the martial arts competition, he knew that this was only the prelude to the storm, and the real danger had just begun. Back in his cave dwelling, Lin Tian's heart was still unable to calm down. He sat quietly on the cushion and began to review today's martial arts competition and Elder Zhao Wuji's warning. Although his cultivation had reached a certain level, he knew that his position in the sect was not stable, especially at such a time of surging undercurrents. "Mo Tiancheng was defeated by me today. His pride won't allow him to let it go." Lin Tian murmured to himself, a strong sense of vigilance rising in his heart. He knew that Mo Tiancheng's retaliation might come quickly and fiercely, and it was not ruled out that he would unite with others who were dissatisfied with Lin Tian to make a move. In order to deal with possible threats, Lin Tian decided to intensify his cultivation to enhance his strength. He injected spiritual energy into his dantian and began to operate the cultivation technique. The thunder power within him circulated in the meridians, gradually recovering the previous consumption. With each breath, the spiritual energy gradually strengthened with the circulation within his body, and the thunder power became more condensed. During the cultivation process, Lin Tian's thoughts did not stop. While adjusting his breathing, he recalled every detail of his confrontation with Mo Tiancheng. Although Mo Tiancheng's thunder secret technique was powerful, it was not invulnerable, and each counterattack by Lin Tian in the battle won him precious time. "The thunder power indeed has its limit. If I could make another step forward, perhaps facing opponents like Mo Tiancheng wouldn't be so difficult." Lin Tian thought to himself. He knew that he must find a more effective cultivation method to enhance his strength in a short period of time. However, Lin Tian did not realize that while he was concentrating on his cultivation, a conspiracy was brewing quietly. In a certain deep cave, several figures were sitting together, and the atmosphere was exceptionally solemn. Among these people, the one leading was precisely Mo Tiancheng, who was defeated by Lin Tian in the martial arts competition. At this moment, his face was still pale, but his gaze revealed a hint of coldness and unwillingness. "Everyone, I think you already know about my defeat in the martial arts competition today." Mo Tiancheng's voice was low, carrying a hint of anger and humiliation. "Senior Brother Mo, there's no need to blame yourself. That Lin Tian was just lucky to win. His strength might not really be stronger than yours." One of the tall men consoled. "Lucky?" Mo Tiancheng snorted coldly, a hint of anger flashing in his eyes. "No, his strength is indeed powerful. If I hadn't fought him personally, I wouldn't be able to understand his terror. But precisely because of this, I can't let him continue to grow. Otherwise, how can I establish myself in the sect?" "What does Senior Brother mean then..." Another disciple asked carefully. "Kill him." Mo Tiancheng said coldly, without any emotion. As soon as these words were spoken, the people around were all shocked. Although they knew that Mo Tiancheng was unwilling in his heart, they didn't expect him to make such a vicious decision. However, they soon understood that if Lin Tian continued to grow, Mo Tiancheng's position would be threatened and might even be completely replaced. "But Lin Tian's reputation in the sect is rising now. If we make a move and are discovered..." A disciple showed hesitation. He knew that Lin Tian had now attracted the attention of the sect's high-level, and making a rash move might bring trouble. "Humph, do you think I wouldn't make preparations?" Mo Tiancheng sneered. "This matter must be done secretly without leaving any trace. Moreover, I have arranged the escape route. Once successful, all the responsibility will not fall on us." Several disciples looked at each other and finally nodded. They knew that in this sect, both strength and power-play were equally important, and now, they had no way back. "Senior Brother Mo, we are willing to act with you." The tall man said, a hint of ruthlessness in his eyes. Mo Tiancheng nodded in satisfaction: "Very good. When I make some more preparations, we can act." In the dark cave, the figures of several people appeared exceptionally strange under the flickering candlelight. Their voices were low and cold, as if brewing an unknown storm. And the target of this storm was precisely Lin Tian, who was currently concentrating on his cultivation in the cave dwelling.