The doors of the Inner Sect Pavilion opened with a slow groan as Lin Feng stepped across the threshold.
Inside, the atmosphere changed entirely.
Where the outer sect had been filled with struggling disciples and humble stone dwellings, the inner sect radiated refinement, power, and quiet danger. The spiritual qi in the air was so thick it hummed, vibrating through his bones with every breath.
Elegant courtyards floated on stone platforms suspended by qi formations. Cascading waterfalls of liquid light fed into reflective pools. In the distance, he could hear the clash of swords and the low chants of advanced cultivation techniques being practiced.
He had crossed into a new realm—not just of status, but of existence.
And yet, the moment he stepped inside, the stares began.
Some indifferent.
Some curious.
But many—most—hostile.
[New System Notification: Warning – Hostility Detected]
Analyzing... Source Identified: Inner Sect Political Factions
Optional Quest Chain Unlocked: "Balance of Blades"
— Investigate the Sect's Inner Politics
— Choose to Ally, Dominate, or Remain Neutral
— Rewards vary based on influence, loyalty, or subjugation
Lin Feng frowned. So it's not enough just to win your way in. This place is full of hidden blades.
Inner Sect Housing Assignment – Elder Liu's Hall
He was escorted by a quiet, robe-clad servant to a modest wooden residence at the base of a spiritual hill—designated for new initiates.
As they approached, a figure stood waiting beside the gate.
He wore dark robes embroidered with a blue serpent. His eyes were narrow, and his expression unreadable.
"You're Lin Feng." His tone was calm, yet heavy with unspoken weight.
"And you are?"
"Lu Chen. Senior Disciple. Representative of the Azure Faction."
Lin Feng said nothing, but his muscles tensed.
Lu Chen smiled slightly. "There are five factions in the Inner Sect. We run everything from resource distribution to training access. You'll want to join one."
"I just got here."
"You'll want to join ours."
Lin Feng met his eyes. "And if I don't?"
Lu Chen's smile didn't falter. "Then you'll find cultivation... difficult."
[System Alert: Faction Invitation – Azure Faction]
Do you accept?
— Accept: Gain access to exclusive Azure Faction resources and missions
— Decline: Azure Faction influence becomes hostile
Warning: Declining may limit access to certain training opportunities.
Lin Feng hesitated. He didn't like the tone—but he needed more information before choosing.
He declined.
Politely.
Lu Chen's smile faded ever so slightly. "A shame. You'll reconsider."
He turned and vanished like a shadow.
Nightfall – Residence of Lin Feng
The sky over the Mistwind Mountains was a deep violet, streaked with stars.
Lin Feng sat in the meditation chamber of his new dwelling, legs crossed. The jade token of the Inner Sect rested before him, glowing faintly with spiritual energy.
He closed his eyes.
[System Interface Opened]
Host: Lin Feng
Level: 9 (Qi Condensation Peak)
Current Cultivation Progress: 97.8% – Breakthrough Imminent
Skills: Astral Pulse, Comet Palm, Phantom Step, Flame-Sundering Kick
Traits: Iron Will, Adaptive Resonance, Astral Core (Locked)
System Feature Unlocked: "Astral Convergence" (Limited Use – 1/3)
— Converts spiritual energy from rare sources into tailored breakthroughs
Do you wish to initiate Astral Convergence using Inner Sect Jade Token energy (10%)?
Lin Feng exhaled.
He pressed his palm to the jade token.
Initiating...
Astral Convergence Activated.
Qi Condensation → Foundation Establishment
Spiritual Path Alignment Detected: Dual Core Evolution
— Astral Core (Innate)
— Unknown Core (Suppressed – Origin Concealed)
Warning: Dual Core Path is unstable. Proceeding may cause deviation from known cultivation paradigms.
The air inside the room trembled.
His body surged with energy.
A violent storm of qi erupted within his dantian, forming a glowing sphere—then splitting.
Two orbs.
One of silver starlight.
The other... veiled in flickering shadows.
Pain lanced through his body like wildfire. Bones creaked. Meridians burned.
Breakthrough Successful: Foundation Establishment – Dual Core Variant Achieved
Hidden Trait Awakened: Shadowblood Legacy (Locked)
Vision Within the Void
Just before regaining consciousness, Lin Feng saw something impossible.
A throne made of fractured stars.
A figure seated upon it—cloaked in cosmos, faceless, timeless.
The figure turned its head.
And spoke.
"You're not the first, Lin Feng. But you may be the last."
Then everything vanished.
Next Morning – Courtyard
News of Lin Feng's breakthrough spread like wildfire.
"Dual Core?"
"Impossible! No one has formed a second core since the age of the Celestial Kings!"
"Why does he keep... breaking rules?"
He stepped out into the morning light with steady steps, now wearing the white-trimmed robes of an Inner Disciple.
He made his way toward the Inner Sect Library—intent on understanding what he had become.
But three figures stepped into his path.
Lu Chen was among them.
"Looks like you've made some noise, newcomer," he said, arms crossed.
"We'll give you one more chance. Join us. Or you'll face the consequences."
Lin Feng smiled coldly.
"I told you yesterday. I don't bow to threats."
Lu Chen's eyes narrowed. "Very well."
The other two disciples stepped forward—both mid-Foundation Stage, hands glowing with qi techniques.
Lin Feng didn't flinch.
He activated Phantom Step, vanished—then reappeared behind one with a rising knee strike that shattered ribs.
The second launched a blade of wind—but Lin Feng caught it between two fingers and sent it spiraling back.
[New Skill Copied: Wind Cutter]
[Adaptive Resonance Activated]
Lu Chen took a step back, expression unreadable.
Lin Feng looked directly at him.
"Next time you come, bring someone worth fighting."
Then he turned and walked toward the library, robes fluttering in the breeze.