The Azure Sun Sect was alive with whispers, the echoes of Makoto's victory over Shen Wei refusing to die down. In the outer disciple courtyard, small groups gathered, their hushed tones betraying a mix of awe, suspicion, and disbelief.
"How did he do it?" one disciple whispered. "Shen Wei is a core disciple. His Flame Serpent Technique is infamous!"
Another shook his head. "It doesn't add up. Makoto's cultivation level isn't high enough. Either he's hiding something, or he got lucky."
"Lucky? Did you see the way he moved? That wasn't luck; it was precision. He made Shen Wei look like a novice!"
Still, not everyone was convinced. "Mark my words, it's a fluke. Makoto won't last long. The sect will chew him up and spit him out."
Makoto, seated under a large willow tree, listened to the murmurs with indifference. His calm demeanor betrayed none of the turmoil that surrounded his name. Instead, his focus was on stabilizing his qi after the intense battle.
From a distance, Yuna approached. Her face was unreadable, but her steps were firm.
"You're the talk of the sect," she said, sitting beside him.
Makoto opened his eyes, glancing at her briefly. "Talk is cheap. Let them speculate."
Yuna hesitated. "You do realize this isn't over, right? Shen Wei has a powerful backing, and now… you've caught their attention."
Makoto smirked faintly. "If they want to test me, they're welcome to try. I've already proven I'm not so easily crushed."
Yuna sighed but didn't press further. She understood Makoto well enough to know he wouldn't be deterred.
Far from the bustling sect grounds, two figures stood under the cover of night in a secluded pavilion. The soft glow of moonlight illuminated their faces.
Elder Jiang, his silver beard glinting faintly, spoke first. "You've seen the boy fight. What do you think?"
Elder Wu, his broad shoulders seeming to carry the weight of the sect, crossed his arms. "He's no ordinary disciple. His techniques are refined beyond his years. Every movement is calculated, as if he's lived through countless battles."
Elder Jiang nodded. "That's precisely what concerns me. He's drawing too much attention, and the sect is not a forgiving place for enigmas."
"Attention?" Elder Wu's voice hardened. "He's already made an enemy of Shen Wei. And now Kaizen is stirring. His senior brother, Li Zhang, won't sit idly by if Kaizen demands action. You know how protective Li Zhang is of his family."
Elder Jiang's gaze turned sharp. "That's why we need to tread carefully. Makoto might be a valuable asset—or a dangerous liability. Either way, the Great Elder will want to know more."
Elder Wu sighed heavily. "For now, we watch. If he survives the coming storms, he might prove his worth."
The next day, the sect buzzed with news of the Sect Ranking and Promotional Exams. The announcement sent a wave of excitement through the disciples, who saw it as their chance to climb the sect hierarchy.
For Makoto, the news was timely. As he strolled through the courtyard, snippets of conversation reached his ears.
"I heard the exams will be held in Blue Wave City this year."
"Blue Wave City? That place is dangerous. Mercenaries, rogue cultivators, and all sorts of shady figures gather there."
"Exactly! It's the perfect place to test us. Only the strongest will make it through."
Makoto's expression remained calm, but his mind raced. Blue Wave City… a chance to regain face for this body's former owner—and perhaps uncover more opportunities.
As he pondered his next move, Yuna approached, her brow furrowed. "Makoto, have you heard? People are saying the Golden Lotus you brought back from the Moonlit Forest is the one Kaizen has been looking for."
Makoto's eyes narrowed. "Kaizen?"
Yuna nodded. "He's furious. His lackeys, Ren and Ryo, are already spreading rumors, claiming you stole the lotus. They're trying to tarnish your reputation before the exams."
Makoto chuckled coldly. "Let them spread their lies. The truth has a way of surfacing."
In a dimly lit chamber, Kaizen paced like a caged beast. His qi fluctuated wildly, a clear sign of his agitation.
Ren and Ryo stood before him, heads bowed in submission.
"Are you sure about this?" Kaizen growled. "The Golden Lotus he brought back is the one I've been searching for?"
Ren nodded quickly. "Yes, Senior Brother. We confirmed it. He plans to keep it for himself."
Kaizen slammed his fist against the wall, leaving a crack in the stone. "That insolent worm! Does he think he can defy me and walk away unscathed?"
Ryo stepped forward hesitantly. "Senior Brother, rumors are already spreading. If we confront him now, we can force him to hand over the lotus before the exams."
Kaizen's lips curled into a cruel smirk. "Let him enjoy his little victory. I'll make him regret ever crossing me."
Makoto sat in his quarters, sorting through the spoils from the Moonlit Forest. The Golden Lotus rested in a protective box, its ethereal glow filling the room.
This lotus… it's far more potent than I expected, Makoto thought. It might be the key to advancing my cultivation—or a tool to lure out potential allies and enemies.
A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in," he called.
The door creaked open, revealing two young men.
"I'm Hiro," the elder one said with a grin. "This is my younger brother, Kazu. We heard you're heading to Blue Wave City for the exams."
Makoto raised an eyebrow. "And?"
"We want to travel with you," Hiro said. "Safety in numbers, right?"
Makoto studied them for a moment before nodding. "Fine. Just don't slow me down."
Hiro laughed. "Don't worry. We'll keep up."
As Makoto prepared to leave, Kaizen's plans were already in motion. His senior brother, Li Zhang—the strongest disciple currently in the sect—watched from afar with an amused expression.
"Kaizen's rage is amusing," Li Zhang murmured. "But this Makoto… he's intriguing. Perhaps it's time I saw what all the fuss is about."
Makoto, oblivious to the forces aligning against him, stepped onto the path leading to Blue Wave City.
For him, this was not just a journey—it was the beginning of a greater challenge. And no matter the trials ahead, he was ready to face them.