Lin Tian sat cross-legged in his quarters, focusing on healing the injuries inflicted during his brutal fight with Qiu Heng. Despite his victory, his meridians were severely damaged, causing his cultivation to stagnate. He had barely begun to sense a faint warmth—a gentle pulse that he suspected came from his Celestial Vein—when footsteps sounded outside his door.
The door creaked open, and an unfamiliar outer elder entered, his face a mask of practiced indifference.
"Lin Tian," the elder announced, his tone flat and impersonal, "by the decision of the Blade Pavilion, you are hereby dismissed from the sect. Your damaged meridians render you incapable of advancing in cultivation, and there is no longer a place for you here."
Lin Tian's eyes widened, his heart dropping. He opened his mouth to argue, but the elder raised his hand to silence him.
"The decision comes from Meng Fan," the elder said with a flicker of discomfort in his gaze.
The name Meng Fan echoed like a chilling gust through Lin Tian's mind. Meng Fan—a Sequence Disciple and a ranker on the illustrious Mountains and Rivers List—was known for his cruelty masked beneath a charming veneer.
Lin Tian knew Meng Fan's reputation, and the reasoning behind this decree became clear. His lackey, Shen Liang, must have pulled the strings, convincing Meng Fan to use his authority to crush Lin Tian's future.
Suppressing his rage, Lin Tian met the elder's gaze. "Is there truly no room for a second chance? I have given my all to the sect."
But the elder simply shook his head, his eyes flickering with an emotion Lin Tian couldn't quite place—pity, perhaps. "The order stands. You are to leave by the end of the day."
As the elder left, Lin Tian's fists clenched tightly, his knuckles white with anger. He'd fought and struggled to prove himself, only to be cast aside so easily.
At that moment, a familiar voice broke his dark thoughts. "Lin Tian." Fang Rui stood in the doorway, his face drawn with worry.
Lin Tian's eyes softened. "Fang Rui, you heard?"
Fang Rui nodded, stepping forward and placing a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Yes. And if you're leaving…then I'm leaving too."
A surge of gratitude filled Lin Tian's heart. Fang Rui's loyalty was unwavering, even in this darkest moment. "Fang Rui…you don't have to do this. There's no reason for both of us to leave. You've earned your place here."
But Fang Rui shook his head firmly. "What kind of friend would I be if I stayed after this? It's only right that I stand by you, now and always."
Lin Tian took a deep breath, the weight of betrayal and the unwavering loyalty of his friend swirling within him. "Thank you, Fang Rui. We'll carve our own path, even if we must start from nothing."
Together, they gathered their meager belongings and walked through the familiar corridors of the Blade Pavilion. They passed students and disciples, some of whom exchanged hushed whispers or pitying glances. Lin Tian felt the sting of shame, but beneath it, his resolve burned hotter than ever.
When they reached the gates of the sect, Shen Liang appeared, a twisted grin on his face. "Leaving so soon, Lin Tian? What a pity," he sneered. "I'd hoped you'd manage to make something of yourself. But I suppose the Blade Pavilion is no place for cripples."
Lin Tian's jaw tightened. "And yet, here you are, crawling behind Meng Fan like the spineless coward you are."
Shen Liang's eyes flared with anger, but he kept his voice low and mocking. "Think what you want. I doubt you'll make it very far with your broken meridians."
Before Lin Tian could respond, Fang Rui stepped between them, his eyes blazing with fierce loyalty. "You talk big for someone hiding behind Meng Fan's shadow. Why don't you see if you can stand on your own first?"
Shen Liang's smirk faltered, but he scoffed, backing away. "Very well, go on then. Enjoy your life in the dust."
With one last scornful glance, Shen Liang turned on his heel and strode away, leaving the two friends at the gate, staring out at the open road.
Lin Tian took a deep breath, trying to calm the tempest within him. Betrayed, discarded, and taunted—yet here he stood, with a single truth shining through his anger: he would return one day, no matter how long it took. And when he did, every slight, every insult, would be repaid.
As they started their journey down the mountainside, Lin Tian looked to Fang Rui. "I'm going to keep pushing forward, no matter what." He hesitated, then continued, "And when I'm back at full strength, there's nothing that will stop me."
Fang Rui nodded, his gaze steady. "I'll be with you, Lin Tian. Whatever path you choose, I'll follow."
For the first time in hours, Lin Tian allowed himself a small smile. "Thank you, Fang Rui. Let's go, then."