---
Lin Feng had three modest expectations for a sect entrance exam:
1. A written test, maybe with some light soul-pressure.
2. A mild combat trial against someone not named "Demon-Killer Qi."
3. No flaming animals.
All of that went out the window the moment he walked into the recruitment grounds of the Thousand Petal Sect—and was immediately mistaken for the final challenge.
---
The Entrance Exam Begins (Poorly)
The exam grounds were bustling. Cultivators from all over the mortal world were gathered, each radiating some form of overcompensating spiritual energy.
Lin Feng, wearing his usual travel robes, strolled in late, holding a bag of leftover peach pancakes.
A disciple coordinator ran over, panicking. "You! You're the final trial, right?! The hidden cultivator test?!"
Lin Feng blinked. "I'm sorry, the what now?"
"We were told a mysterious rogue cultivator would appear last-minute to battle our top candidates as a final assessment."
Flame Duck whispered, "You do radiate an aura of chaotic destiny and breakfast-based wisdom."
Bai Xue shrugged. "Go with it. Saves time."
Before Lin Feng could protest, a massive gong sounded and a booming voice echoed:
"Final Trial Commences!"
---
Meet the Prodigy
A cocky young cultivator stepped forward. Hair too shiny. Robes too clean. Definitely a "Young Master" type.
"I am Zhu Lingxian," he declared. "First-ranked in the Fire Blossom Academy. I shall defeat the final trial and secure my spot as sect heir!"
Lin Feng waved. "Hi. I'm not supposed to be here."
Zhu smirked. "A humble act? Very well. I shall go all out!"
Flames erupted around him. The sky darkened. Birds fled. Somewhere, a dramatic flute solo began.
Lin Feng pulled a pancake out of his sleeve. "Can I eat this first?"
---
A Battle of Mistakes
Zhu launched forward, hurling phoenix-shaped flame bolts. Lin Feng ducked under one and accidentally tripped, rolling sideways—right into a crate of powdered spirit herbs.
BOOM.
A pink explosion lit up the field.
When the smoke cleared, Lin Feng stood dazed, covered in sparkly dust. Somehow, the powder had activated a temporary buff—his body radiated absurd strength.
Zhu staggered. "Wh-What aura is that?!"
Lin Feng blinked. "I think I just inhaled powdered berserker lotus."
Flame Duck whispered, "...That's usually illegal."
Then Zhu struck with a flaming sword.
Lin Feng panicked—and threw the pancake.
It struck Zhu square in the face. The syrup ignited on contact.
Zhu howled. "MY EYES! WHY IS IT STICKY?!"
---
Becoming the Final Trial (By Accident)
The exam proctors conferred quickly.
One said, "He displayed unexpected reaction speed!"
Another nodded. "And creative weapon use!"
A third added, "He radiated glittering chaos. Truly a rogue genius."
The sect elder stepped forward. "You, unknown cultivator! What is your title?"
Lin Feng rubbed his face. "Please don't give me another nickname."
"Then we shall dub you… Pancake Demon of the East!"
Lin Feng groaned.
The elder turned to the stunned applicants. "This was your final trial. If any of you had defeated him, you'd have instantly been granted inner sect status."
Zhu was still twitching on the ground, muttering, "So much syrup…"
---
Not Again
Later, Lin Feng sat under a tree, drinking tea while Flame Duck and Bai Xue sorted through new invitation scrolls.
Bai Xue read aloud, "You've been offered a core disciple spot. Again."
Flame Duck added, "The Pancake Demon title is trending."
"I didn't even do anything," Lin Feng muttered.
"That's the terrifying part," said Bai Xue.
Another messenger pigeon landed.
> "Dear Pancake Demon: Your chaotic aura is hereby requested at the Trial of Divine Noodles. Casual dress acceptable. Bring own chopsticks."
Lin Feng let out a long, long sigh.
"I swear, one more food cult and I'm joining a sword sect out of spite."
Bai Xue smirked. "About that… we did get a letter from a weird mountain sect. Says they don't care about food, politics, or fame. Just weirdos and misfits."
"…How weird?"
"Their emblem is a potato holding a sword."
Lin Feng stood up. "Get my robe. We're visiting Potato Mountain.