The next morning, Lin Xue stood before her mirror, her hands adjusting the delicate, translucent veil that now concealed her face. The fabric was woven from spiritual threads that shimmered in the morning light, a simple but elegant accessory meant to hide her unparalleled beauty. She had made the decision to wear it in order to avoid unnecessary attention—though, in truth, it was already too late for that. Her victory over Xu Tian and her growing reputation as a cold and powerful cultivator had ensured that she was the center of countless rumors.
Han Mei stood beside her, offering a final adjustment to the veil. "Mistress, are you certain about this?" she asked hesitantly. "Your beauty is a weapon in itself. Concealing it might invite more questions, not fewer."
Lin Xue's icy gaze flickered toward Han Mei through the veil. "My goal is not to inspire admiration," she replied calmly. "Strength is all that matters. The veil will remind them that appearances are meaningless in the face of true power."
Han Mei bowed her head in agreement, though she could not hide the worry in her eyes. The sect had become a place of whispers and jealousy since Lin Xue's rise to prominence. Her cold demeanor and unmatched strength had drawn the attention of many—some who admired her, and others who resented her.
Today, Lin Xue would meet the inner sect's elite. With the Mystic Realm expedition approaching, the sect's most powerful disciples would be gathering to finalize preparations. Many of them had powerful backgrounds, hailing from prestigious families and influential clans. Among them were some of the most talented cultivators in the sect, and many of them were not pleased with Lin Xue's sudden rise.
As she stepped out of her quarters and into the bustling sect grounds, the veil fluttered gently in the breeze. The moment she appeared, eyes turned toward her—some filled with curiosity, others with envy. A group of outer sect disciples whispered among themselves, their voices barely audible.
"Is that Lin Xue? She's wearing a veil now? Who does she think she is?"
"She's just trying to act mysterious. But I heard she's stronger than some of the inner sect disciples already. She defeated Xu Tian, after all."
"Still, wearing a veil like that… isn't she drawing even more attention?"
Lin Xue paid them no mind, her focus already on the gathering that awaited her. The inner sect courtyard was reserved for only the highest-ranking disciples, and today she would stand among them. It was a significant step toward her ultimate goal, but she knew it would not be without challenges.
When she arrived, the scene that greeted her was one of tension and intrigue. The courtyard was filled with dozens of cultivators, each radiating powerful spiritual energy. These were the inner sect's best—disciples who had already reached the Palace Stage or beyond, their talents honed through years of rigorous training and cultivation.
Among them were several men who watched Lin Xue with keen interest, their eyes lingering on the veil that covered her face. But it was not just the men who took notice. A group of women stood near the entrance, their gazes sharp and full of jealousy. Each of them was beautiful, their features flawless and refined. They wore elegant robes that reflected their high status within the sect, and their expressions were filled with disdain as they looked at Lin Xue.
One of them, a woman named Bai Ling, stepped forward, her voice dripping with mockery. "So this is the famous Lin Xue? The one who hides behind a veil?" Bai Ling's smile was as cold as it was beautiful. "What's the point of covering your face, Lin Xue? Are you afraid someone might see through the façade?"
The other women laughed softly, their eyes gleaming with malice. Bai Ling came from one of the most powerful families in the sect, and her talent was recognized by many. But despite her beauty and her strength, she had always been overshadowed by others—especially now, with Lin Xue's rapid ascent.
Lin Xue met Bai Ling's gaze without flinching. She was accustomed to the jealousy of others, especially those who relied on their beauty or family background to advance. She had no need to respond to such petty provocations.
But Bai Ling wasn't finished. She stepped closer, her voice dropping to a whisper that only Lin Xue could hear. "Do you really think you can hide behind that veil forever? Power isn't the only thing that matters in this world. Influence, connections, and status are just as important. You may be strong now, but don't think for a second that you'll always be at the top."
Lin Xue's eyes flickered with cold amusement behind the veil. "You speak as though you understand power, but all I see is someone desperately clinging to appearances. True strength doesn't need to flaunt itself."
Bai Ling's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure. "We'll see how long you can keep that attitude, Lin Xue. The Mystic Realm isn't a place for the weak, and I'm sure many will be watching to see if you live up to your reputation."
The tension between them was palpable, and the other disciples sensed it. Several of the male disciples, including those who had been eyeing Lin Xue with interest, stepped forward to intervene.
One of them, a tall and handsome man named Liang Chen, smiled warmly at Lin Xue. He was known for his charm and skill, a favorite among the sect's female disciples. "Bai Ling, there's no need to be so harsh. Lin Xue has proven herself more than capable. I, for one, look forward to seeing her talents in the Mystic Realm."
Several other male disciples nodded in agreement, their gazes lingering on Lin Xue's veiled form with admiration. Lin Xue, however, remained unmoved. She had no interest in their flattery or their thinly veiled attempts at gaining her favor.
Bai Ling scowled at the attention Lin Xue was receiving but said nothing more. It was clear that, despite her efforts, Lin Xue's reputation had already outstripped her own. The other beautiful women in the courtyard cast sidelong glances at Lin Xue, their envy barely concealed.
But Lin Xue paid them no mind. These squabbles were meaningless to her. Her goal was not to win the favor of the sect's disciples or to play their petty games of influence and status. Her ambition was far greater than any of them could imagine.
As the elders arrived and began to address the gathering, Lin Xue's thoughts remained focused. The Mystic Realm was the next step in her journey, and she would use it to grow even stronger. Let them envy her, let them plot against her—none of it mattered. All that mattered was power, and Lin Xue would not stop until she had it all.