The Liang Clan grounds were abuzz with activity as the sect recruiters concluded their assessments. Tension hung in the air like a storm cloud, thick and foreboding. For many in the clan, this was a chance to elevate their status, to step beyond the confines of Azure Sky Town into the boundless horizons of cultivation sects.
For Liang Tian, the stakes were much higher.
In his small courtyard, he sat cross-legged, the Eternal Primordial Pearl pulsating within his dantian. Its energy flowed through him, refining his cultivation base and stabilizing the breakthrough he had achieved during the duel with Ming. Yet even as his strength grew, so did his unease.
"You're distracted," Fang Mei's voice broke the silence. She perched on the courtyard wall, her green eyes glinting with curiosity.
Liang Tian opened his eyes and exhaled slowly. "The recruiters are hiding something. Their interest in the clan doesn't feel right."
Fang Mei hopped down, her steps light as a cat's. "Of course, it doesn't. They're not just here for talent scouting—they're hunting. The question is, for what?"
Liang Tian frowned. "You've mentioned this before, but you still haven't told me what you know."
Fang Mei crossed her arms and smirked. "Knowledge is power, Tian. If I gave it all away for free, where would the fun be?"
He fixed her with a level gaze. "If you want this partnership to work, you'll need to trust me eventually."
For a moment, Fang Mei's smirk faltered, replaced by something unreadable. Then she shrugged. "Fair enough. But not here. Too many ears."
Later that night, they met in the secluded grove on the outskirts of the Liang estate. The moonlight bathed the clearing in a silvery glow, and the distant hum of cicadas filled the air. Fang Mei paced, her usual playfulness subdued.
"The sect recruiters are after more than just talent," she began. "They're looking for artifacts, ancient relics tied to cultivation techniques or lost legacies. The kind of things that could tilt the balance of power between sects."
Liang Tian's heart sank. "You think they know about the Eternal Primordial Pearl?"
Fang Mei shook her head. "Not exactly. But they can sense something—anomalies in the spiritual energy around you. They might not know what it is, but if they dig too deep..."
"They'll find out," Liang Tian finished grimly.
The following day, the recruiters announced the results of their evaluations. The clan gathered in the central hall, the atmosphere charged with anticipation. The names of selected candidates were called out, each one met with murmurs of approval or envy.
"Liang Ming," the elder in charge of the ceremony declared, his voice echoing through the hall. Ming stepped forward, his smirk triumphant as he accepted the recognition.
Several more names followed, each one a step closer to solidifying alliances and securing the clan's standing. Yet Liang Tian's name remained unspoken.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the recruiter in emerald robes stepped forward. His gaze swept over the crowd, pausing briefly on Liang Tian.
"And finally," he said, his voice carrying an edge of authority, "Liang Tian."
The hall erupted into shocked whispers. Liang Ming's smirk twisted into a scowl, and the elders exchanged uneasy glances.
Liang Tian stepped forward, his expression calm despite the turmoil brewing around him.
The recruiter nodded approvingly. "You've shown potential beyond your peers. The Emerald Blade Sect recognizes that, and we extend an invitation for you to join us."
The ceremony concluded, but the tension remained. Liang Tian returned to his courtyard, his thoughts churning. Joining the Emerald Blade Sect could provide him with the resources and training he desperately needed, but it also placed him directly in the sights of powerful individuals who might uncover his secret.
Lin Yue arrived soon after, her concern evident. "Tian, this is what you wanted, isn't it? A chance to prove yourself?"
"It is," Liang Tian admitted. "But it's not without risks."
She placed a hand on his arm, her voice soft. "You've already faced so much. Don't let fear hold you back now."
Her words resonated, and Liang Tian nodded. "You're right. I can't afford to hesitate."
That night, Fang Mei visited him once more.
"Congratulations," she said, leaning against a pillar. "You're officially on their radar now."
"I noticed," Liang Tian replied dryly. "What's your take on the Emerald Blade Sect?"
Fang Mei's smirk returned, though it lacked its usual mirth. "They're ruthless. Ambitious. But they're not the worst option. Just keep your wits about you and don't trust anyone blindly."
"Including you?" Liang Tian asked, echoing their earlier conversation.
"Especially me," Fang Mei said with a wink.
As the stars glittered overhead, Liang Tian sat alone, contemplating his next steps. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but he had no intention of turning back. The Eternal Primordial Pearl pulsed faintly, a reminder of the power and destiny that awaited him.
Beneath the surface of the sects' interest, secrets stirred—secrets that could either destroy him or propel him to heights beyond imagination.