The morning sun pierced the mist over Azure Cloud Sect.
Li Tian's body still hummed with the strange energy of the Primordial Devouring Core. Every step he took across the stone courtyard felt lighter, stronger. Even the air itself seemed to bend subtly toward him, as if recognizing the hidden force within.
Yet, outside appearances mattered more in this world than raw power. His coarse cotton robe marked him as an outsider—a mortal nobody. No one noticed the power hiding beneath his skin.
The first test was not of cultivation—it was of perception, daring, and courage.
"Outer Sect candidates report to the arena!" the elder's voice boomed.
Li Tian's heart clenched. He had survived the Spirit Measuring Pillar, but now he faced those who would laugh at him for merely being mortal.
The arena was a stone platform surrounded by a shallow moat. Many disciples sparred here daily, honing skills and flaunting talent before the inner sect elders. Today, it was a formal demonstration: novices would face each other, showing their Qi Manipulation techniques.
A group of youths noticed him approaching.
"That's Li Tian," whispered one. "The one with no spirit root?"
"Ha! A mortal trying to enter the arena?" another laughed. "He'll get crushed before he takes a step."
Li Tian ignored them. He climbed the platform.
Across from him, a tall youth in golden robes stepped forward, aura blazing with Qi. Flames danced around his arms, a visual manifestation of his fire spirit root. He was Zhao Ming, ranked top of the Outer Sect candidates.
Zhao Ming's eyes narrowed at Li Tian.
"So this is the famous mortal nobody?" he sneered. "I'll teach you your place. Step forward."
Li Tian's lips curled slightly. "I don't need to teach or learn. Let's begin."
The elders nodded, signaling the start of the duel.
Zhao Ming moved first. Qi flared around him, forming fiery fists that struck like meteors. The air around the arena roared with their energy.
Li Tian felt the attack approaching. His heart beat steadily. For most disciples, the Qi would have been lethal; for him, it was a challenge.
Instinctively, he extended his hand.
The Qi hit him, and… vanished.
No mark, no trace. The fire dissolved mid-air as if Li Tian absorbed it.
Gasps erupted from the crowd. Zhao Ming staggered back, astonished.
"What… how?" he muttered, eyes wide.
Li Tian stepped forward, calm. The Devouring Core's power flowed outward, subtle yet oppressive. Any spiritual energy in proximity seemed to be drawn in, pulled toward him and refined into an unrecognizable form.
The outer disciples whispered furiously.
"He's… absorbing it!"
Zhao Ming recovered quickly, fury blazing. He unleashed a second, even stronger barrage. Flames twisted, fire serpents forming in the air, rushing like living creatures.
Li Tian made no movement to dodge. He allowed the flames to strike him directly. His chest heaved, pain flaring—but the Devouring Core inside him glowed brightly, devouring the energy, refining it, and releasing it back as a shockwave that shattered the stone platform.
The crowd screamed. Stones and debris flew outward. Zhao Ming was thrown across the arena, landing hard on the stone floor, coughing blood.
Silence fell. The elders were dumbfounded. Even the outer disciples dared not breathe.
Li Tian stood in the center of the ruined arena, chest heaving, eyes cold. He was a mortal—but a mortal that had just rewritten the rules of combat in the Outer Sect.
"Impossible…" whispered an elder.
"Outer Sect candidate Li Tian, you have passed the first test," another elder said slowly. His voice betrayed both caution and curiosity. "But you must learn control."
Li Tian bowed slightly. He did not speak. Words were unnecessary. His actions had already said everything.
The Aftermath
Word of the duel spread like wildfire through the sect.
The students who had mocked him before now watched in fear, awe, and confusion.
"He's a monster…" one muttered.
"He has no spirit root!" said another. "How is this possible?"
Even Zhao Ming, nursing his wounds in the infirmary, glared at the clouds above. Rage and humiliation burned in him. "No mortal should be able to do that. I'll find a way to destroy him…"
Li Tian, however, did not celebrate.
The Devouring Core was still unstable. Every time he absorbed spiritual energy, it strained his body. He knew this power could kill him if he was not careful. But restraint was not something he could afford for long; he had to grow faster than anyone else.
Entering the Inner Sect
Three days later, Li Tian was summoned to the Inner Sect—a rare invitation for an Outer Sect disciple, especially one with no spirit root.
The path to the Inner Sect was lined with statues of legendary cultivators. Each one radiated the energy of those who had transcended mortal limits. Li Tian's steps were measured. His heart was steady.
He had no family name of power, no backing, no advantages. His strength came from the Devouring Core alone—a forbidden inheritance that would make both allies and enemies wary.
At the Inner Sect gate, an elder awaited him. His robe was embroidered with golden clouds, and his eyes were sharp as blades.
"You are Li Tian, the mortal who absorbed Zhao Ming's attacks," the elder said. His voice was both curious and warning-laden.
Li Tian nodded. "Yes."
"You have talent… but it is dangerous. Control is everything. One misstep, and the Devouring Core could consume not only you, but the surrounding disciples."
Li Tian's eyes narrowed. "I understand."
The elder studied him for a moment, then gestured forward. "Then enter. But know this—many will fear you. Many will challenge you. And some will try to end you before you grow stronger."
Li Tian walked through the gate. Sunlight fell on him as though blessing him—but he felt no warmth. The path ahead was perilous, full of enemies, betrayal, and death.
And yet, Li Tian's heart burned with resolve.
"If heaven denies me power," he whispered under his breath, "then I will take it from heaven itself."