The ceremonial drums thundered across the Celestial Dawn Sect like the heartbeat of a giant, each boom reverberating through stone and bone alike. Lin Feng stood among a crowd of servants and outer disciples at the main plaza, watching as the sect's leadership assembled to greet their distinguished guests.
He'd been conscripted into the welcoming party—all servants with presentable appearances were required to line the pathway, heads bowed in respect as the Azure Sky Family made their entrance. It was menial work, the kind Lin Feng had performed countless times over fourteen years.
But this time felt different. This time, he would come face to face with the man who stood between him and his destined companion.
Li Xian. Divine Domain Level 2. Yun Qingxue's fiancé.
The Twin Soul Pendant pulsed warmly against his chest, as if reminding him of the connection that made this meeting infinitely more complicated than it should be.
"Stand straight," hissed the servant coordinator, a nervous man named Wei Chu who took his organizational duties far too seriously. "When the Young Master passes, bow to exactly ninety degrees. Not eighty-nine, not ninety-one. Exactly ninety. Any deviation reflects poorly on the entire sect."
Lin Feng resisted the urge to point out that the Young Master probably wouldn't notice—or care—about the precise angle of servants' bows. But drawing attention to himself now would be counterproductive.
Through his enhanced spiritual sense, Lin Feng could already detect the approaching entourage. Twenty cultivators, most at Core Condensation or Golden Transformation levels. Four at Nascent Soul. And at their center, two powerful presences that made the air itself feel heavier.
One was Divine Domain Level 2—Li Xian himself.
The other was Sovereign Monarch Level 5—likely Li Xian's father or another senior family member serving as escort.
A Sovereign Monarch. Three full ranks above me.
Lin Feng's concealment was excellent, but proximity to someone at that level was always dangerous. Sovereign Monarchs had spiritual senses refined enough to detect the smallest inconsistencies. One wrong move, one slip in his control, and everything could unravel.
The drums reached a crescendo, then fell silent.
Into that sudden quiet came the sound of footsteps—measured, confident, the rhythm of people who had never doubted their place in the world.
The Azure Sky Family delegation emerged from the mountain path.
They were magnificent in their wealth and power. Each cultivator wore robes of azure blue silk embroidered with silver clouds and golden lightning bolts—the family's crest. Spirit treasures adorned them openly: jade ornaments that pulsed with protective formations, swords that hummed with barely contained energy, rings and bracelets that marked them as people of consequence.
At their head walked a middle-aged man whose presence made Lin Feng's instincts scream danger. This was the Sovereign Monarch—Li Tianlong, head of the Azure Sky Family. His hair was iron gray, his face weathered but strong, his eyes sharp as a hawk's. The aura around him was like standing near a storm barely contained, power that could be unleashed at a moment's notice.
And beside him, walking with the easy confidence of someone who had never faced real hardship, was Li Xian.
The Young Master of the Azure Sky Family was handsome in a classical way—sharp features, clear eyes, a strong jaw. His cultivation robes were pristine azure silk with gold embroidery depicting dragons ascending to heaven. His hair was bound with a golden crown-pin set with spirit stones, and at his waist hung a sword that radiated Divine Domain level power.
But it was his expression that caught Lin Feng's attention. Li Xian wore his arrogance openly, like a favorite cloak. His gaze swept over the assembled servants and outer disciples with the disinterest of someone examining furniture—useful objects, perhaps, but certainly not worth remembering individually.
"Patriarch Cloud!" Li Tianlong's voice boomed across the plaza. "It has been too long since the Azure Sky Family visited your magnificent sect."
From the sect's receiving platform, Patriarch Cloud Eternal stepped forward. The ancient cultivator appeared as a man in his sixties, though Lin Feng knew from sect records that he was over two thousand years old. An Immortal Emperor Level 3, the Patriarch was the most powerful person in the sect—and one of the most respected figures on the Eastern Continent.
"Patriarch Li, Young Master Li, you honor us with your presence." Cloud Eternal's voice was warm, genuine. "Welcome to the Celestial Dawn Sect. We have prepared quarters for you and your delegation in the Azure Guest Hall."
"Your hospitality is legendary, Patriarch Cloud." Li Tianlong's smile was political—perfectly measured, perfectly insincere. "And where is my son's beautiful fiancée? Surely the radiant Yun Qingxue would not miss the opportunity to greet her future husband?"
There it is. The reminder that she's promised to him. Staking his claim in front of everyone.
A ripple of movement from the sect's leadership, and Yun Qingxue stepped forward.
Even knowing what to expect, Lin Feng's breath caught. She was dressed in formal robes of purest white, her hair elaborately arranged with jade pins and silver ornaments. Her beauty was ethereal—the Ice Goddess in full regalia. But through the Dao Thread, Lin Feng felt what lay beneath the perfect mask: discomfort, resignation, and a thread of cold anger.
"Young Master Li." She bowed formally—correctly, but without warmth. "Welcome to the Celestial Dawn Sect."
Li Xian's eyes lit up with something between desire and possessiveness. He moved toward her with the confidence of someone exercising his right.
"Qingxue," he said, his voice lowering intimately despite the public setting. "You grow more beautiful with each passing season. The last six months in closed cultivation have clearly blessed you."
"You are kind to say so." Her tone was perfectly neutral.
"Kind? No, merely truthful." Li Xian reached for her hand, and Yun Qingxue had no choice but to allow it in front of both families. "I have missed you terribly. Perhaps later, we might walk together through your sect's famous gardens? I wish to hear about your advancement to Divine Domain Level 4."
Through the Dao Thread, Lin Feng felt her revulsion at his touch, quickly suppressed. To everyone watching, she simply smiled politely.
"Perhaps, Young Master. Though I'm certain you'll be busy with the formal discussions between our leadership."
"Nothing is more important than time with my beloved fiancée." Li Xian's smile widened. "In fact, I bring excellent news. My father and I have been discussing our wedding date. We believe next spring would be auspicious—"
"Li Xian." Li Tianlong's voice cut through his son's enthusiasm. "There will be time for such discussions later. First, we must attend to the formal greetings."
The Young Master reluctantly released Yun Qingxue's hand, though his gaze lingered possessively. "Of course, Father. Forgive my enthusiasm. It's simply that being near my beloved makes me forget all propriety."
He treats her like a prized possession. Like something he owns.
Lin Feng kept his head bowed, his expression neutral, but inside he felt anger stirring—cold and deep, like the void itself taking offense.
The formal greetings continued. The Azure Sky delegation was introduced one by one, with Patriarch Cloud presenting his own leadership in return. Elders were acknowledged. Disciples of note were praised. It was political theater, and everyone played their assigned roles perfectly.
"And finally," Patriarch Cloud said, his gaze sweeping the assembled disciples, "I must mention our sect's recent discoveries. Just yesterday, we identified a young talent whose spiritual foundation has proven to be remarkably exceptional. Lin Feng, step forward."
What?
Lin Feng's mind raced. Why was the Patriarch calling attention to him now? This was supposed to be a private meeting later, not a public announcement in front of the Azure Sky Family.
But he had no choice. To refuse would be far more suspicious than to obey.
He stepped out from the line of servants, moving to the front of the plaza. All eyes turned to him—hundreds of gazes, most dismissive, some curious, a few hostile.
Li Xian's gaze was among the hostile ones. "A servant?" His tone dripped with disdain.
"A servant who recently broke through to Mortal Awakening Level 3 after fourteen years at the threshold," Patriarch Cloud explained. "But more significantly, our examination revealed he possesses perfect spiritual channels—the kind of foundation we see perhaps once in a century."
Interest flickered in Li Tianlong's sharp eyes. "Perfect channels? At his age? That is remarkable." The Sovereign Monarch's spiritual sense swept over Lin Feng like an invisible hand, probing, testing.
Lin Feng held perfectly still, maintaining his concealment. The Robe of Thousand Stars worked overtime to mask his true cultivation, presenting only the surface level to the probing sense. But it was like standing in a hurricane and pretending to feel only a gentle breeze—terrifying and exhausting in equal measure.
After a moment that felt like an eternity, Li Tianlong withdrew his sense. "Interesting. His foundation is indeed exceptional. Though his current cultivation is quite low—barely worth mentioning."
"Which makes his potential all the more intriguing," Patriarch Cloud countered smoothly. "With proper guidance, such a foundation could produce an extraordinary cultivator."
"Perhaps." Li Tianlong's interest was already fading. "Though foundation alone does not guarantee success. We've all seen 'promising talents' fail to live up to their potential."
"Indeed." Patriarch Cloud gestured, and Lin Feng understood it as a dismissal. He bowed and retreated back into the crowd of servants, aware of multiple gazes following him.
Through the Dao Thread, he felt Yun Qingxue's concern—worry that he'd been exposed to Li Xian's attention so directly. The Young Master was watching him now with an expression Lin Feng couldn't quite read. Not hostile, exactly, but calculating. As if filing away information for later use.
Why did the Patriarch do that? Was it a warning to the Azure Sky Family that the sect has rising talents? Or something else?
The formal greetings finally concluded, and the delegations began moving toward the guest halls. As the crowd dispersed, Lin Feng felt a presence approaching from behind.
He turned to find Zhao Kun flanked by two other Elite Disciples. The man's smile was sharp enough to cut.
"Well, well. The waste has been noticed by the Patriarch himself. How impressive." Zhao Kun's tone made it clear he found it anything but impressive. "Though I wonder if such attention is truly beneficial for someone of your... limited capabilities."
"I serve the sect as required, Senior Brother Zhao."
"Do you?" Zhao Kun stepped closer, his voice dropping. "Or are you hiding something? Playing some game that will ultimately backfire?"
One of Zhao Kun's companions—a bulky disciple named Wu Feng—laughed. "Brother Zhao, why waste time on speculation? If he's truly talented, he'll prove it in three days at the Outer Disciple examination. If not..." He cracked his knuckles meaningfully. "Well, accidents happen during testing."
"Indeed they do." Zhao Kun's smile widened. "I look forward to seeing your performance, Lin Feng. Do try not to disappoint the Patriarch's faith in you."
They walked away, leaving Lin Feng with the clear understanding that the examination would be more than a simple test. It would be an opportunity for his enemies to strike with plausible deniability.
Three days. I need to survive three more days and pass an examination where people will be actively trying to make me fail—or worse.
"Lin Feng."
He turned to find Xiao Ling hurrying toward him, her face flushed with excitement and worry.
"Did the Patriarch really call you out in front of the Azure Sky Family? Everyone's talking about it! They're saying you're going to be personally mentored by the elders, that you might even become an inner disciple eventually!"
"People talk too much."
"But it's true about the perfect meridians, isn't it? Elder Yuan confirmed it!" Xiao Ling grabbed his hands. "This is your chance, Lin Feng! The sect is finally recognizing your worth!"
My worth. If they knew what I truly was, they'd either try to use me or try to kill me. Possibly both.
"Xiao Ling, I need you to do something for me."
Her expression grew serious. "Anything."
"Keep your distance from me for the next few days. Don't be seen talking to me more than necessary."
"What? Why?"
"Because I'm about to draw a lot of attention, and not all of it good. People might try to use you to get to me. I won't let that happen."
"But—"
"Please." Lin Feng squeezed her hands gently. "Just for a few days. After the examination, things will calm down."
Xiao Ling looked like she wanted to argue, but something in his expression stopped her. "Okay. But you better stay safe, or I'll never forgive you."
"I'll do my best."
She hurried off, glancing back once with worry plain on her face. Lin Feng watched her go, then turned toward his quarters. He needed to prepare—not just for the examination, but for whatever political machinations were already being set in motion.
But before he could take three steps, a new presence manifested beside him—so suddenly and silently that even his enhanced senses barely registered it until she spoke.
"Walk with me."
Yun Qingxue's voice, quiet and urgent.
Lin Feng glanced around. The plaza was still crowded with people dispersing from the ceremony. "Is that wise? We were just seen—"
"Which is why it's perfect timing. Everyone will assume I'm investigating the talent the Patriarch mentioned." Her eyes met his briefly. "Besides, we need to talk. Now."
She walked toward the eastern gardens, her pace measured but purposeful. Lin Feng followed at a respectful distance—close enough to appear attentive, far enough to avoid scandal. They drew some curious glances, but nothing too suspicious.
The gardens were less crowded, most people still occupied with the Azure Sky delegation. Yun Qingxue led him to a small pavilion surrounded by flowering plum trees, their blossoms filling the air with delicate fragrance.
Once inside, she turned to face him, and her mask cracked slightly. Through the Dao Thread, Lin Feng felt her genuine distress.
"Li Xian is pushing for a spring wedding. Next spring—less than a year away."
"I heard."
"My family will agree. The alliance is too important to them." Her hands clenched at her sides. "I've tried to delay, to find reasons to postpone, but there are limits to how long I can refuse without causing a serious political incident."
"What do you want me to say?" Lin Feng kept his voice gentle. "I told you yesterday—I won't interfere with your obligations."
"But the Dao Thread—" She stopped, taking a breath to compose herself. "It's growing stronger. Every time we're near each other, the bond deepens. I can feel your emotions now. Your anger when Li Xian touched me. Your concern when I'm distressed. Soon, it will be obvious to anyone with spiritual sensitivity that we're connected."
"Then we truly need to stay apart."
"No." The word was sharp, almost desperate. "That will make it worse. The Dao Thread doesn't weaken with distance—it strengthens with denial. The more we fight it, the more powerfully it manifests. Eventually, it will become impossible to hide."
Lin Feng felt frustration building. "Then what's the solution? I can't reveal my true cultivation. You can't break your engagement. And the bond between us will only grow more obvious. What exactly are we supposed to do?"
Yun Qingxue was silent for a long moment, staring out at the plum blossoms. "There might be one option. It's dangerous, perhaps impossible, but..."
"Tell me."
"If you become strong enough—publicly strong enough—that an engagement to you would be politically valuable, my family might reconsider their alliance with the Azure Sky Family." She turned to face him. "Not as a Mortal Awakening cultivator, obviously. But if you could advance to Nascent Soul within a year, or even Golden Transformation..."
"That's impossible without revealing my true cultivation."
"Is it?" Her eyes held his. "You have perfect meridians. The best possible foundation. With sufficient resources and guidance, advancing quickly wouldn't be unprecedented—unusual, certainly, but not impossible. Genius cultivators have achieved similar feats."
Lin Feng understood what she was suggesting. "You want me to advance my public cultivation as fast as plausibly possible. Create a narrative where I'm a hidden talent finally awakening."
"Exactly. If you can reach Nascent Soul within a year, you'd be twenty-three years old at that rank—young enough to be considered exceptional. Combined with your perfect foundation, you'd be a catch for any family. Including mine."
"And how would I explain such rapid advancement?"
"The inheritance you found. You don't have to reveal everything—just enough. Say you found an ancient cultivator's legacy in the back mountains. Techniques, resources, maybe even a treasure or two. Not enough to attract the truly dangerous powers, but enough to justify accelerated growth."
It was clever, Lin Feng had to admit. Creating a cover story that was partially true, explaining his rapid advancement without revealing the full extent of what he possessed.
But it was also incredibly risky.
"Every major power on the continent will want to know more about this 'inheritance.' They'll send people to investigate, to interrogate me, maybe even to steal whatever they think I found."
"Which is why the sect must protect you." Yun Qingxue's expression was intense. "If you're officially recognized as a sect treasure—a rising talent with vast potential—the Patriarch will have political incentive to shield you from outside interference. It's risky, yes, but it's the only path I can see that leads to us having any chance of a future together."
A future together. She's actually planning for that. Despite everything, she wants to find a way.
Through the Dao Thread, Lin Feng felt the truth of her emotions—hope mixed with desperation, determination fighting against resignation. She was clinging to this possibility like a drowning person clinging to driftwood.
"What about Li Xian?" Lin Feng asked. "If I start rising rapidly, becoming a real rival for your hand, he'll see me as a direct threat."
"He already does." Yun Qingxue's voice was grim. "I felt his killing intent when the Patriarch mentioned you. He's arrogant and possessive—any man who draws my attention, even as a mentor to student, is an enemy in his eyes."
"Then he'll try to eliminate me."
"Yes. Which is why you need to be stronger than he expects. Strong enough that direct action would be too risky." She paused. "And why you need allies. Real allies who will stand with you when the political winds turn hostile."
"Do you have candidates in mind?"
"A few. Master Tie Shan, the sect's legendary blacksmith—he's always looking for worthy disciples. Elder Shen has already shown you favor. And there are others among the younger generation who resent the established hierarchies. If you can prove yourself capable, they might rally to you."
Lin Feng considered the plan. It was audacious, dangerous, and relied on many variables aligning correctly. But it was also the only path he could see that didn't end with him either abandoning Yun Qingxue or revealing his true cultivation prematurely.
"If I do this—if I start advancing rapidly and claim a partial inheritance—there's no going back. The attention will be permanent."
"I know." Yun Qingxue stepped closer, close enough that he could feel the cold aura that always surrounded her. "I'm asking you to risk everything. Your safety, your secrets, your carefully maintained cover. I have no right to ask this of you."
"But you're asking anyway."
"Yes." Her eyes held his, and in them, he saw vulnerability he suspected few ever witnessed. "Because the alternative is living the rest of my life bound to a man I don't love, always feeling the echo of a connection I was too afraid to pursue. The Dao Thread doesn't lie, Lin Feng. You are my destined companion. Fighting that truth seems... wrong."
The Twin Soul Pendant pulsed warmly between them, as if agreeing.
Lin Feng exhaled slowly. "Three days. Let me pass the Outer Disciple examination first. Establish that foundation. Then we can discuss how to proceed with this plan."
"And in the meantime?"
"In the meantime, we're careful. You maintain your public distance from me. I prepare for people trying to sabotage my examination. And we both pray that Li Xian doesn't do anything rash."
"He will, though." Yun Qingxue's voice was certain. "The question is what form his retaliation will take."
As if summoned by the mention of his name, Lin Feng's spiritual sense detected a presence approaching the pavilion. Not Li Xian himself—his aura was too distinctive to mistake—but someone connected to him.
"Someone's coming," Lin Feng warned quietly.
Yun Qingxue's mask snapped back into place instantly. "Then we make this look official. Kneel."
"What?"
"Kneel before me. Make it appear I'm giving you formal instructions." Her voice took on the imperious tone of the Ice Goddess. "Now."
Lin Feng obeyed, dropping to one knee with his head bowed. It felt wrong—he was Divine Domain Level 1, equal to her in actual cultivation—but the appearance was necessary.
Just as he settled into position, an Elite Disciple rounded the corner of the pavilion. Lin Feng recognized him from the Azure Sky delegation—Chen Hong, one of Li Xian's personal attendants.
"Sacred Disciple Yun," Chen Hong bowed respectfully, though his eyes were calculating. "Young Master Li has been searching for you. He wishes to discuss the spring wedding arrangements."
"I am currently instructing a promising disciple on proper cultivation etiquette." Yun Qingxue's tone was cool, dismissive. "You may inform Young Master Li that I will attend him shortly."
Chen Hong's gaze flickered to Lin Feng, assessing. "The servant with the perfect meridians. I see. The Young Master mentioned he was curious about this... talent."
The pause before "talent" was deliberate, laden with skepticism.
"The Patriarch has taken an interest in this disciple's development. I am merely fulfilling my duties as Sacred Disciple by ensuring he understands the expectations placed upon him." Her voice could have frozen fire. "Was there something else, Chen Hong?"
The dismissal was clear. Chen Hong bowed again, deeper this time. "No, Sacred Disciple. I will convey your message to Young Master Li."
He departed, but not before giving Lin Feng one last measuring look—the kind of look a butcher might give livestock.
Once his presence had fully faded, Yun Qingxue exhaled softly. "He'll report everything to Li Xian. That we were alone together, that I was giving you personal instruction. It will make things worse."
"Should I not have come?"
"No. We needed to talk, and this was the only opportunity." She gestured for him to rise. "But it does accelerate our timeline. Li Xian will move against you sooner rather than later."
"How soon?"
"The Outer Disciple examination, most likely. It's the perfect opportunity—a legitimate trial where injuries and even deaths can be written off as training accidents." Her expression was troubled. "Be extremely careful during those tests. Li Xian has influence with several of the examining elders. If they decide to create 'challenging' scenarios for you..."
"I understand." Lin Feng stood, brushing dust from his robe. "I'll survive. I've been doing it for fourteen years—I can manage three more days."
"Lin Feng." Yun Qingxue's hand moved slightly, as if she wanted to reach out to him, then stopped. "I know I'm asking you to walk into danger. If you want to refuse, to leave the sect and find safety elsewhere—"
"I'm not leaving." The words came out more firmly than he'd intended. "The Dao Thread goes both ways, Yun Qingxue. You feel my emotions, but I feel yours too. You're trapped in a cage of expectations and obligations, and no one seems to care that you're suffocating in there."
Her eyes widened slightly.
"So no, I'm not leaving. If there's a chance—even a small one—that we can break those bars and build something real, then I'm willing to take the risk." Lin Feng smiled, a small genuine smile. "Besides, I've been powerless for fourteen years. I have power now. It would be a shame to waste it by running away."
For a moment, Yun Qingxue's mask fell completely. What Lin Feng saw beneath it was a woman who had forgotten what it felt like to have someone choose her for herself, not for her status or her power or her political value.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Then the mask was back, and she was the Ice Goddess once more. "Go. Prepare for your examination. And Lin Feng? Try not to reveal too much. We want them impressed, not terrified."
"I'll do my best."
As he left the pavilion, Lin Feng felt the weight of what he'd committed to settling on his shoulders. He was no longer just hiding and surviving. He was entering the arena willingly, making himself a target in a game where the stakes were measured in lives and futures.
But as he felt Yun Qingxue's warmth through the Dao Thread—gratitude and hope and something deeper that neither of them had named yet—he found he didn't regret the choice.
Three days. Survive three days, pass the examination, and then... then we see if a servant and a Sacred Disciple can defy the world.
The rest of the day passed in a blur of preparation and whispered rumors. The sect buzzed with speculation about Li Xian's visit, about the spring wedding, about the mysterious servant with perfect meridians. Lin Feng kept his head down, playing his role, while his mind worked on strategies for the coming trials.
Evening found him back in his small room, reviewing Elder Shen's jade token. The old cultivator's private libraries contained formation knowledge and herb lore that could prove invaluable. But more than that, they represented trust—something Lin Feng had precious little of in this world.
He was deep in meditation when his spiritual sense detected an anomaly.
The observation formation was back. Elder Shadow was watching him again.
But this time, something was different. The formation wasn't just observing—it was probing, testing his defenses with far more sophistication than before.
He's not just curious. He's actively investigating.
Lin Feng remained perfectly still, maintaining his Mortal Awakening Level 3 facade while carefully tracking the probe's methodology. The technique was masterful—someone with centuries of experience in spiritual surveillance.
And beneath the surface technique, Lin Feng detected something else. A trace of energy that felt... wrong. Not demonic, exactly, but not entirely righteous either. It was the spiritual signature of someone who had touched power that existed in gray areas.
Elder Shadow isn't what he appears to be. The question is what exactly he is, and whether he's connected to the forces that killed the Void Emperor.
The probe withdrew after several minutes, apparently satisfied with whatever it had—or hadn't—found. But Lin Feng knew he was running out of time. Elder Shadow's interest was too focused, too persistent. Eventually, the elder would either dismiss him as unimportant or decide he was important enough to require direct action.
Neither option was particularly appealing.
I need to know more about him. His history, his connections, his true cultivation level. But investigating an elder is dangerous, especially when that elder is already investigating me.
A thought occurred to him. The Grand Library. He'd spent years cleaning those halls, memorizing the contents out of boredom and curiosity. There were records there—sect histories, elder biographies, even some sealed documents he'd glimpsed but never dared examine closely.
If he was going to become an Outer Disciple anyway, he'd have legitimate access to areas previously forbidden to servants. Including portions of the library that might contain answers.
After the examination. First survive, then investigate.
Lin Feng settled back into meditation, drawing on the Inverse Void Dao to calm his racing thoughts. The void welcomed him, that infinite darkness where complications fell away and only fundamental truths remained.
In the void, there was no Li Xian threatening his existence. No Elder Shadow probing his secrets. No examination designed to break him. There was only power, potential, and the slow steady cultivation of strength.
Hours passed. The three moons rose, painting his small room in silver light. And somewhere in the celestial halls above, Yun Qingxue lay awake, feeling through their bond the same determination that burned in Lin Feng's heart.
Three days remained until the examination.
Three days until everything would change.
The countdown had begun.
END OF CHAPTER 4
TO BE CONTINUED IN CHAPTER 5: THE PATRIARCH'S SUMMONS