The silence that followed Wu Tian's victory was deafening. The weight of what had just transpired hung over the arena like an unspoken storm, an undeniable shift in the power dynamics of the outer sect. Wu Tian had defeated Jiang Yue, a cultivator on the verge of stepping into the Inner Sect.
The outer disciples exchanged looks of disbelief, their hierarchy shattered by an anomaly—a man with no Qi core, no refined techniques, only sheer, unstoppable willpower.
But Wu Tian knew better than to bask in the moment for too long.
This was not the peak—this was only the beginning.
Elder Rong, who had been overseeing the trial, finally stepped forward. His gaze lingered on Wu Tian for a moment before he spoke. "Wu Tian," he announced, his voice carrying across the arena. "From this day forth, you are ranked as the Number One Outer Disciple of the Emerald Moon Sect."
A murmur swept through the crowd. He had surpassed every single outer disciple.
Jiang Yue, still kneeling from the impact of the final blow, lifted her gaze toward Wu Tian. There was no hatred in her eyes—only burning determination. "This isn't over," she said. "You've won today, but I will rise even higher."
Wu Tian offered her a smirk, but there was a flicker of respect in his eyes. "Then get stronger," he said. "I'll be waiting."
The moment was broken by another voice—one filled with disdain.
"Hmph, a mere outer disciple thinking himself invincible?"
The True Powers of the Sect
A figure descended from the inner sect spectator stands, landing gracefully onto the arena floor. The oppressive presence he exuded made it clear—he was leagues beyond any outer disciple.
Wu Tian narrowed his eyes. He recognized the man. Zhao Feng, one of the Inner Sect disciples. A peak-stage True Qi Formation cultivator.
Zhao Feng folded his arms. "Your little stunt today has caught the attention of the Inner Elders. They've decided you're worth… testing."
Elder Rong sighed but did not interfere. This was not something he could stop. The Inner Sect had its own rules, and Wu Tian was now stepping into dangerous territory.
Zhao Feng smirked. "Don't worry, it won't be me testing you. Someone more… appropriate has already taken an interest."
Wu Tian felt a shift in the air. Before he could react, another presence entered the arena.
A woman landed beside Zhao Feng, her long silver robes flowing behind her. Her gaze was piercing, her aura completely different from Jiang Yue's. This was a predator, a warrior honed for battle.
Wu Tian instantly recognized her. Yan Xue, the strongest Core Disciple in the sect.
She looked at him as if assessing a new weapon. "So, you're the one who doesn't use Qi but still managed to defeat Jiang Yue?" Her voice was calm, but beneath it lay the weight of a mountain.
Wu Tian met her gaze. She was at the peak of True Qi Formation, a step away from Spirit Awakening.
She took a step forward. "The sect wants to see if you're truly worth keeping. If you can survive three attacks from me, you will be officially acknowledged."
The crowd gasped. Three attacks? Against Yan Xue?
Most disciples wouldn't last even one.
Wu Tian exhaled slowly. This was no longer about status—this was survival.
His entire body tensed. He was prepared to fight Jiang Yue again, but this… this was something else entirely.
Yan Xue smiled faintly. "Good. Then prepare yourself."
She moved.
The First Strike
Wu Tian barely had time to react before Yan Xue's figure blurred. Her attack was precise—not just speed, but intent.
Her palm lashed forward, a streak of silver Qi cutting through the air.
"Heaven Splitting Palm."
Wu Tian's instincts screamed. His body moved on its own, twisting at the last second, but the shockwave still slammed into his ribs.
Pain erupted, but his Iron Marrow absorbed the brunt of it. His feet dug into the stone, his stance unshaken.
Yan Xue's eyebrow lifted ever so slightly. "You're still standing."
Wu Tian exhaled. One attack down. Two more to go.
The Second Strike
Yan Xue didn't hesitate. Her next attack was already in motion. This time, she didn't hold back.
She disappeared.
Before Wu Tian could track her movement, a crushing force slammed into his back.
He barely had time to brace himself before he was sent flying, his body crashing into the stone floor, leaving a crater.
Coughing, he pushed himself up. His bones were intact, but only barely.
Yan Xue studied him. "You're not bad. But this last attack… you won't withstand it."
Wu Tian grinned, wiping the blood from his mouth. "Then let's see it."
The Third Strike: Life and Death
Yan Xue lifted her hand, and the very air changed.
The sky above darkened. A storm of silver Qi gathered around her palm, a technique that should be impossible for someone below Spirit Awakening. The crowd held their breath. This was going to kill him.
Elder Rong stepped forward. "Yan Xue, this is too—"
She ignored him.
Wu Tian took a deep breath. If this strike connected, he would die.
His mind raced. He had to evolve. He had to surpass the Fourth Gate.
The book in his mind flickered.
The Fifth Gate—Draconic Veins.
His blood burned hotter than ever. His vision sharpened, his breath steadied. This wasn't just defense—this was transcendence.
Yan Xue struck.
The attack descended like a falling star.
Wu Tian roared.
A golden hue flickered beneath his skin. His muscles expanded, his very veins glowing like molten fire.
He met her strike head-on.
The explosion that followed shook the sect to its core.