Three days after his decisive victory in the Outer Sect assessment, Feng Yunxian stood before the towering gates of the Inner Sect. The Iron Spirit Sect's Inner Sect was much more than just a higher level of discipleship—it was a place where true cultivators were made. The disciples here had access to superior resources, techniques, and, most importantly, a chance to earn favor from the sect elders.
Feng Yunxian had been assigned a modest courtyard on the edge of the Inner Sect grounds. It was a simple residence, far from the grandeur of the elite disciples, but it served its purpose. As he stepped into his new quarters, he could feel the denser spiritual energy permeating the air. This place would accelerate his cultivation by leaps and bounds compared to the Outer Sect.
The first few days passed in relative quiet. Feng Yunxian spent most of his time cultivating, pushing his body toward the threshold of the Qi Refining Realm. Though he was still in the peak stages of Body Tempering, he could sense the spiritual energy flowing more easily through his meridians, preparing for the next breakthrough.
But peace in the Inner Sect was not something one could take for granted. Conflict brewed beneath the surface, as the competition among disciples was fiercer than ever.
One evening, as Feng Yunxian meditated in his courtyard, a shadowy figure appeared at his gate. The figure did not announce himself but stood silently, waiting. Feng Yunxian opened his eyes, sensing the presence immediately.
"Who are you?" Feng Yunxian asked, his voice calm but alert.
The figure stepped forward, revealing a young man with sharp features and a cold expression. He wore the robes of an Inner Sect disciple, and his aura radiated strength. From what Feng Yunxian could sense, this man was already in the early stages of Foundation Establishment Realm—a significant leap in power compared to most disciples.
"My name is Xuan Hao," the man said. "I've heard about you, Feng Yunxian. You've made quite the impression on the Outer Sect, but let me make one thing clear—you may have risen quickly, but the Inner Sect is different. You don't belong here."
Feng Yunxian narrowed his eyes, sensing the underlying threat. "Is that so?"
Xuan Hao smirked. "Yes. I've come to offer you a choice. Leave the Inner Sect now and return to where you came from, or I will make sure you regret ever stepping foot here."
The words hung in the air, a challenge that many disciples would have backed down from. But Feng Yunxian wasn't just any disciple. He had walked the paths of the Chaos, a place where beings far more powerful than Xuan Hao would tremble before him.
"Regret?" Feng Yunxian said softly. "I think you'll find that I have very little to regret."
Without another word, Xuan Hao's expression darkened, and in an instant, his spiritual energy flared. The oppressive aura of a Foundation Establishment cultivator weighed down on Feng Yunxian, attempting to crush his spirit. The ground beneath Xuan Hao cracked as he prepared to strike, his hand glowing with spiritual light.
But Feng Yunxian stood unmoved. Even in this weaker form, he could see through Xuan Hao's abilities. The arrogance of someone who had only recently broken through to the Foundation Establishment Realm was clear in his overconfidence.
Xuan Hao launched himself forward, his fist aimed directly at Feng Yunxian's chest. The attack came with the force of a boulder, the air around them distorting from the sheer power.
But just as Xuan Hao's attack was about to land, Feng Yunxian's body flickered, vanishing from sight.
"Impossible!" Xuan Hao shouted, his fist striking nothing but air.
Before Xuan Hao could react, Feng Yunxian appeared behind him, his movements as smooth as flowing water. With a swift motion, Feng Yunxian delivered a palm strike to Xuan Hao's back, sending the older disciple crashing into the ground. Dust flew up from the impact as Xuan Hao tumbled across the courtyard, gasping for breath.
Feng Yunxian stood over him, his expression calm but cold. "You may be stronger in cultivation, but your techniques are sloppy. Power without control is meaningless."
Xuan Hao struggled to rise, fury burning in his eyes. "You...!"
Before he could make another move, a voice rang out from the distance.
"That's enough."
Both Feng Yunxian and Xuan Hao turned to see an elder approaching, his white robes fluttering in the evening breeze. Elder Yi was one of the more prominent figures in the Inner Sect, known for his strict discipline and fair judgment.
"What is happening here?" Elder Yi demanded, his sharp eyes landing on Xuan Hao first.
Xuan Hao bowed quickly, though he winced from the pain of his injuries. "Elder Yi, I was merely teaching this new disciple a lesson. He—"
"A lesson?" Elder Yi's voice cut through Xuan Hao's explanation like a blade. "It seems to me that you were the one being taught."
Xuan Hao stiffened, his face flushing with embarrassment.
Elder Yi turned to Feng Yunxian, his expression unreadable. "You handled yourself well. But let me warn you, Feng Yunxian—this sect values unity among its disciples. However, I can see that conflicts like this are unavoidable. Be mindful of your actions. Power is not the only thing that matters here."
Feng Yunxian bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Elder Yi. I will remember your words."
Elder Yi nodded and walked away, leaving Xuan Hao to pick himself up from the ground. The defeated disciple shot a venomous glare at Feng Yunxian before storming off, his pride clearly wounded.
As the night settled over the sect, Feng Yunxian returned to his meditation, unbothered by the confrontation. He knew that this was only the beginning. The Inner Sect was a place where strength was respected, but it was also filled with those who would try to suppress any rising talent.
He would have to be cautious, but he was not afraid. After all, his path was not one that others could block.