The Chief Elder's gaze lingered on the pill a moment longer before he finally spoke."From this day onward," he said, voice low but carrying through the hall, "you are no longer an Inner Court disciple. You are a Core Disciple of the Alchemy Hall. Your quarters will be reassigned within the Inner Flame Pavilion. Serve the Sect well, Tian Lei."
Tian Lei bowed deeply, the motion steady and deliberate. "Yes, Chief Elder."
The elder's faint smile returned. "And Tian Lei—don't grow complacent. Tier Six is the gate. Beyond it lies the true trial of mastery. Tier Nine is the summit."
The words struck him like quiet thunder. Tier Nine. The very peak of mortal alchemy—where even the breath of creation trembled under the weight of one's will.
Tian Lei said nothing, only bowed once more and turned to leave.
By the time he stepped out of the Hall, the sun was already setting.The courtyard outside was bathed in amber light, the world silent but for the wind rustling through the pines.
