I stood in the dimly lit chamber of the Scripture Pavilion, my body still radiating a soft golden glow from mastering the Vajra Holy Body Skill. The stunned faces around me reflected disbelief, awe, and in Cedric's case, poorly concealed rage.
"Four hours and five minutes," Ricardo Beaumont said, checking his timepiece. "Unprecedented."
Cedric Holt stepped forward, his face contorted with denial. "This proves nothing! He must have studied this technique before coming here."
His accusation hung in the air, drawing murmurs from the growing crowd of cultivators who had gathered to witness my achievement. The golden light emanating from my skin was evidence enough, but Cedric couldn't accept defeat so easily.
"I've never seen this technique before today," I stated calmly, though anger simmered beneath my composed exterior. "But if you need more proof..."
Cedric sneered. "What are you suggesting?"
