The morning mist hung low over the Inner Sect's hidden valley. Only the chosen could enter this place—a concealed training ground carved into the mountains, surrounded by stone cliffs and waterfalls, where only qi-users of notable talent were allowed.
Lin Tian arrived quietly, his presence calm but undeniable. His Body Refinement Layer 7 pulsed faintly beneath his robes, like molten metal flowing under skin. Every step he took left subtle qi ripples in the air.
---
"Outer Disciple Lin Tian," a stern-looking Inner Sect elder greeted him. His robes were simple but radiated authority.
"You have been summoned for the Secret Trial. This trial tests not just your strength, but perception, strategy, and adaptability. Success will grant you Inner Sect recognition, resources, and access to rare cultivation manuals. Failure… will see your standing in the Outer Sect questioned."
Lin Tian inclined his head slightly.
"I understand," he said calmly. "I will not fail."
The elder nodded.
"Good. The trial begins immediately. Competitors, prepare yourselves."
---
From the shadows, three elite Inner Sect candidates stepped forward. Each radiated strong qi, skill refined over years of cultivation.
The tallest, Hao Ran, cracked his knuckles. "An Outer Sect disciple… daring to join this trial? This will be amusing."
The second, a female cultivator named Qing Lian, smiled faintly. Her aura was sharp, precise, and deadly. "Interesting. Let's see if Outer Sect talent is real."
The third, Zhuo Ming, had a brutish look but moved with unexpected grace.
Lin Tian studied them calmly, noticing every twitch of muscle, every fluctuation of qi. He had no fear. He only analyzed.
Observation first. Then reaction. Then dominance.
---
The trial began with a speed and reflex challenge. The floor tiles were rigged with pressure plates that triggered traps if pressed incorrectly.
Hao Ran charged recklessly, triggering a blade trap that narrowly grazed his arm. Qing Lian moved like flowing water, dancing across plates with elegance. Zhuo Ming stomped carefully, measuring each step.
Lin Tian stepped forward, aura calm, analyzing the plates. In a smooth, almost imperceptible motion, he leaped, dodged, and ran across the floor in perfect harmony.
Boom!
A pressure plate triggered beneath him—but his step was calculated, energy absorbed and redirected.
Layer 7 refinement in action, he thought. Every movement precise, every nerve responding faster than thought.
---
Next was the combat simulation—illusionary qi constructs designed to test strength, reflexes, and creativity.
Hao Ran rushed with brute force, swinging with all his might. Lin Tian dodged, redirected, countered—his strikes precise, exploiting openings with surgical accuracy. Each attack seemed effortless yet devastating.
Qing Lian's illusions tried to confuse him, multiple projections moving in perfect sync. Lin Tian's perception filtered the real from the fake, his eyes flicking between energy fluctuations.
Not bad, he thought. Predictable patterns in chaos.
With a subtle movement, Lin Tian struck the true Qing Lian illusion, sending it sprawling and dispelling the construct.
Zhuo Ming attacked from behind, underestimated Lin Tian's speed. Lin Tian twisted, grabbed his wrist, and redirected his momentum. Boom! Zhuo Ming crashed into a nearby training dummy.
The Inner Sect elders watched silently, impressed but wary.
---
As the trial continued, Lin Tian showcased layer 7 powers:
Perfect energy flow integration with Blood Refinement and Body Art
Precision strikes that neutralized multiple opponents at once
Adaptation mid-fight, analyzing weaknesses instantly
Slight harem teasing (several female candidates secretly observing, subtly impressed)
---
By evening, the final test began—a strategic combat trial.
The remaining candidates had to navigate a qi-saturated maze while facing illusionary enemies and environmental hazards.
Lin Tian's aura pulsed, scanning everything. His heart beat in harmony with his qi, moving instinctively yet tactically.
Every trap, every construct, every opponent was countered with efficiency and poise.
Finally, he reached the center of the maze—a platform where the elders waited.
"You have completed the Secret Trial," Elder Tianfeng said calmly. "Few Outer Sect disciples have ever performed as you did. Layer Seven… confirmed. Your skill, strategy, and refinement are exceptional."
Lin Tian bowed slightly.
"Thank you. I will continue to grow."
---
Later, outside the trial grounds, Su Yan and Mo Xue waited, having been secretly allowed to observe.
"You really dominated them," Su Yan said, arms crossed but smiling.
Mo Xue tilted her head, a faint smirk on her lips. "Not just power. Observation, strategy, calm… he's a storm waiting to break."
Lin Tian approached calmly, hair flowing in the night wind.
"I've passed the trial," he said. "Now it's time to prepare for what comes next."
The Inner Sect is awake to me, he thought. And the real challenges—the ones that matter—are still ahead.
The moonlight shone on his face, highlighting determination, confidence, and the subtle teasing of those who already admired him from afar.