The cool evening air swept through the sect as Lin Xue made her way back to her quarters. The lingering tension from her encounter with Zhao Yue had faded, leaving only the quiet determination that always filled her when she was alone. She had spent the day in the company of powerful inner sect disciples, each of them trying to gauge her strength, either to form alliances or eliminate her as competition. Yet, despite their games, Lin Xue remained unmoved. Her secret ambition—to one day rule over this world—was hers alone, buried deep within her heart.
She glanced at the veil still covering her face. It had done little to shield her from attention. If anything, it had made her more mysterious, more alluring to those who already viewed her with curiosity or jealousy. But Lin Xue did not care. Whether hidden behind a veil or standing in the open, her beauty and strength would always draw others toward her.
As she neared her quarters, she felt a familiar presence waiting for her. Han Mei stood by the door, her expression tense as if she had something important to say. Lin Xue slowed her steps, her calm demeanor unshaken by the maid's obvious distress.
"Mistress," Han Mei said softly, bowing as Lin Xue approached. "There's been talk in the sect. Rumors about the Mystic Realm… and about you."
Lin Xue raised an eyebrow, though she was unsurprised. "Rumors are nothing new. What is it this time?"
Han Mei hesitated before answering. "Some of the inner sect disciples, those close to Zhao Yue, have been spreading word that you're… overconfident. They say you rely too much on your talents and that you'll be in danger once you enter the Mystic Realm."
Lin Xue's eyes flickered with amusement. "And what do they hope to achieve by saying such things?"
Han Mei lowered her gaze. "They're trying to discredit you. To make others think you're not as strong as you seem. They want to create doubt, so when the time comes in the Mystic Realm, you'll have fewer allies, and…"
"And more enemies," Lin Xue finished, her voice calm. "I see. Typical tactics of those who fear what they cannot control."
Han Mei looked up, concern clear in her eyes. "Mistress, the Mystic Realm is dangerous. It's not just about strength; it's about strategy and survival. You can't face everyone alone."
Lin Xue's gaze softened slightly as she regarded her loyal handmaiden. "You worry too much, Han Mei. I have no intention of seeking allies, nor do I fear those who plot against me. I'll deal with them when the time comes."
Han Mei bit her lip but said nothing more. She knew better than to argue with Lin Xue when her mind was set. Lin Xue had always been unwavering in her resolve, and that was what made her so powerful.
After a moment of silence, Lin Xue turned and entered her quarters, the heavy door closing behind her. She stood alone in the dimly lit room, the flickering candles casting long shadows on the walls. The air was cool, and the scent of incense lingered, calming her mind.
Lin Xue took a deep breath and sat down, her thoughts turning inward. The Mystic Realm would be a test of her strength, but it was also an opportunity. An opportunity to grow, to cultivate further, and to ascend through the ranks of power.
Her thoughts drifted to the ranking system of cultivation. She had just recently broken through the ninth sub-stage of Qi Condensation, one step away from the Foundation Building stage. Each advancement came with painstaking effort, but Lin Xue relished the challenge. The path of cultivation was grueling, but it was also the only path that mattered to her.
At the base of cultivation were the body refining stages, where the physical body was strengthened, followed by the nine sub-stages of Qi Condensation, where the cultivation of spiritual energy began. After that came Foundation Building, the stage where one's spiritual roots were solidified, followed by Core Formation, Nascent Soul, and the Palace Stage, where the true might of a cultivator was revealed.
Beyond that lay realms of power that few could even dream of—realms that Lin Xue was determined to reach. She had seen the hunger in the eyes of her fellow disciples, their ambitions vast but shallow. But her ambition was deeper, her resolve unshakable. She would not just rise through the ranks of the sect. She would rise above the world itself, ruling over it as its true master.
As she meditated, Lin Xue's thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock at the door. She opened her eyes, her expression calm but curious.
"Enter."
Han Mei stepped into the room once more, her head lowered in respect. "Mistress, there's someone here to see you."
Lin Xue frowned slightly. It was late, and she wasn't expecting visitors. "Who is it?"
"A disciple from the inner sect. He says it's important."
Lin Xue considered this for a moment before nodding. "Send him in."
Han Mei bowed and left, returning moments later with a tall figure. The disciple stepped into the room, his handsome face illuminated by the dim candlelight. Lin Xue recognized him immediately—one of the many inner sect disciples who had shown interest in her earlier.
"Lin Xue," the man greeted, his voice smooth and respectful. "I hope I'm not disturbing you."
Lin Xue studied him for a moment, her eyes cold and unreadable. "What do you want?"
The man smiled, though there was a flicker of unease in his eyes at her bluntness. "I came to offer a warning. You've made quite the impression in the sect, but there are those who are not pleased with your rise. Zhao Yue, in particular, sees you as a threat."
Lin Xue's gaze didn't waver. "I'm aware of her feelings. What's your point?"
The man hesitated for a moment before continuing. "The Mystic Realm is dangerous, and there are… opportunities for accidents. I'm offering you an alliance. We can watch each other's backs."
Lin Xue's lips curled into a cold smile. "I don't need your help. If Zhao Yue or anyone else tries anything in the Mystic Realm, I'll deal with it myself."
The man blinked, surprised by her confidence. "But you—"
"That will be all," Lin Xue cut him off, her tone final.
The disciple stared at her for a moment, clearly thrown off by her dismissal. Then, with a stiff bow, he turned and left, leaving Lin Xue alone once more.
As the door closed behind him, Lin Xue's expression hardened. She knew what was coming. The Mystic Realm would be the stage for more than just cultivation. It would be a battleground of ambition, deceit, and power.
And Lin Xue was ready for it.