《Silent Dao Sovereign - [Xianxia/Wuxia]》 Chapter 1: Ascending the Hidden Dragon
Chapter 1: Ascending the Hidden Dragon [First Person POV] Squeak! I felt something stuck beneath my shoe, causing me to lose balance. I stopped and bent down to see what it was. "Hey, watch it!" "Eekh! You fool! What are you doing? You almost dirtied my expensive clothes!" It was an ant¡ªan Ant Queen, to be precise. I took out a wooden toothpick from my sachet and used it to remove the dead body of the Ant Queen. People around me cursed in irritation, but I responded with silence. I knew I was in the wrong. I placed the tiny corpse on my palm and ran toward a desolate corner beside the wide staircase leading to the mountain peak. Thud! Thud! Thud! "Excuse me! Move, please!" I pushed past the other aspirants, moving to my left¡ªopposite the flow of hundreds of candidates¡ªwhile keeping one hand wrapped around the dead body of the gyne. Hiss! I took a deep breath and halted just in time to avoid colliding with a female aspirant. But it was futile. A sudden push from behind sent me forward, along with others, in an upward surge. Fortunately, the female aspirant¡ªwho had been just about to lash out at me¡ªwas shoved ahead with even greater force, causing a male aspirant to take her place and collide with me instead. Some perverts took advantage of the chaos. The crowd was too large, and almost everyone was dressed in identical white robes, making us indistinguishable from afar¡ªlike students in a uniformed school. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, I felt hands slap against my back. It was my first time being harassed like this. And I was a male. I couldn¡¯t even begin to imagine how the female aspirants must have felt. The most infuriating part? I didn¡¯t even know who the culprit was. After much struggling, I finally made it to the wild terrain. Quickly, I dug a hole in the ground and buried the dead Ant Queen. Sigh~ A deep breath escaped my lips. I looked down from the mountain peak¡ªthere was no end in sight to the influx of aspirants swarming upward. Like moths to a flame. "What are the chances that I¡¯ll pass the entrance test?" One percent? Less than that? I ignored the subtle glances from my fellow aspirants. I knew I stood out¡ªan unusual shift from my usual practice of making myself invisible.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Rubbing my nose to mask my embarrassment, I walked back into the tide of candidates. By the time I reached the gates of the Hidden Dragon Sect, my legs felt like they no longer belonged to me. Each step had been a battle. My breath came in ragged gasps. My vision blurred with exhaustion. The climb had taken hours¡ªperhaps longer¡ªbut at last, I stood before the towering gates of the sect. The stone beneath my feet was cold, even through my worn shoes. The air was thinner here, laced with a faint energy that I could not grasp. My body¡ªstill bound by mortal limitations¡ªtrembled from the effort. Behind me, I could hear others struggling up the final steps, some collapsing just before reaching the top. A few would never make it. The Hidden Dragon Sect did not stop them. No one stood at the gates to welcome us. No elders, no disciples offering guidance. Only the massive doors, carved with the image of a dragon coiled in the clouds, its hollow, lifeless eyes watching. This was the reality of an immortal sect. Cold. Unmoving. Uncaring. It was up to us to prove we were worth noticing. I forced myself to straighten, even as my muscles screamed in protest. All around me, others did the same¡ªgathering what little strength they had left, trying to appear composed despite the exhaustion weighing down their bodies. We were nothing more than desperate mortals hoping to step into the world of the powerful. Hoping to carve our names into history. Hoping to rise above the dirt we were born in. But the Hidden Dragon Sect did not care for our dreams. It would only accept those strong enough to seize their fate. "Welcome to the 15th recruitment session of the Hidden Dragon Sect." The voice rang clear, despite the massive crowd. "Today, some of you will rewrite your fates and soar to the skies, while others will remain mere mortals. Best of luck, young aspirants." Even though I stood far behind the crowd, the elder''s voice reached me as though he stood right in front of me. As a "mere mortal," I was unable to discern his appearance. But from the sonorous depth of his voice¡ªdeep and commanding¡ªhe was undoubtedly a higher-up in the sect. "Now, quickly form four separate rows! Girls in the first two rows, boys in the last two!" The moment the command was given, chaos erupted. Aspirants rushed to find their places, running in all directions. I simply stood still, waiting for the queue to form before walking toward the boys'' row. I did not speak to anyone. Instead, I made my way to the very back of the line and sat down on the rough ground. There was no point in wasting energy. If I couldn''t even climb onto the stage where the test was taking place, what would be the use of standing? Through the gaps between the rows, I caught a vague glimpse of the test area. But of course, everyone had the same thought. My vision was blocked by countless heads, some even bald. Bald heads? I looked again. Among the aspirants, a few young monks stood with their heads completely shaved. My tongue ran over my dry lips. Thirst gnawed at me. Just as I reached for my flask, a boy suddenly dashed through the almost-closing gates of the Hidden Dragon Sect¡ª ¡ªand snatched it from my hands. Before I could react, he tilted his head back and chugged down the water in huge gulps. Gulp! Gulp! I stood frozen in disbelief. People stole gold, treasures, ancient artifacts¡­ but water? The boy finally lowered the empty flask and handed it back to me. "Here. Thanks, brother." I peered into the flask. Not even a single drop remained. Like a wanderer in the desert, reaching for an oasis¡ªonly for the water to vanish just as he touches it. I stood up, looking down at the boy who had just stolen my life (water). I was a head taller than him. "You could have at least asked," I said, trying to suppress my irritation. But as the words left my mouth, I hesitated. Why am I getting angry? I had always been calm. Even when my adoptive parents¡¯ land was stolen by my uncles after their deaths, I had not lashed out. I had simply walked away and left my hometown. It was during my aimless wandering that I heard the Hidden Dragon Sect was opening its gates to mortals. And so, I had come here. Realizing my anger was unnecessary, I softened my tone. "Sorry," the boy said. "I just climbed up from the bottom, and I was so exhausted my throat refused to make a sound." "It''s alright." For some reason, I felt an unknown urge to ask his name. "What¡¯s your name?" "Long Chen." "Long Chen¡­ Dragon Dust." I murmured his name, letting the meaning sink in. "A powerful yet humble name." Chapter 2: Slapped for no reason Chapter 2: Slapped for no reason [First Person POV] The moment my eyes landed on Long Chen¡¯s face, an inexplicable surge of irritation rose within me. It was strange¡ªalmost unnatural. My chest tightened, and my fingers curled slightly, as if preparing for something I couldn¡¯t quite grasp. His features weren¡¯t particularly offensive, yet just looking at him soured my mood. It was as if some buried instinct, something beyond my understanding, was telling me that I shouldn¡¯t like him. "And yours?" "Me... you can call me Xu Mo." I turned my head back to check if the line had decreased. Seeing that it had, I ignored Long Chen and went back to stand in the queue. "Hey, wait for me." Like an old friend reuniting after years, Long Chen came running to stand right behind me. "So, Xu Mo, where are you from?" Murmur, murmur. "Please, can you remain silent for a minute? Please!" I almost shouted the last words. This guy had been talking incessantly. I sighed internally. Why had I chosen to drink water from that flask at that time? "S-Sorry, it''s my first time adventuring alone. When I get nervous, I tend to talk a lot." Long Chen innocently brushed the back of his head. "But I''m the complete opposite¡ªI become silent when I''m nervous. Still, thanks. Because you kept talking, my mind shifted to your words, and I feel less nervous now." "...Really, Xu Mo? You''re such a nice person." Long Chen¡¯s eyes turned slightly red. "Even when I was disturbing you by talking nonstop, instead of getting angry, you''re thanking me?" I didn''t notice that Long Chen''s eyes had reddened because my attention was still on the ongoing test¡ªlike students in an oral examination, listening intently to those called before them to get a hint about what was coming. After picking up tidbits from the people in front, I understood that the test was to determine whether us mortals possessed something called "Dao Resonance." "Are you curious about what the test is about?" Long Chen poked his head out from behind me. Hiss! I instinctively distanced myself. This guy¡ªwas he an assassin? Even though I was still a mortal, my sense of hearing had always been sharp. "Stand back and talk. Do you know about the test?" I signaled for Long Chen to stand at least two feet away from me. "..." Long Chen closed his eyes for two or three seconds before opening them again. I noticed the rusty ring on his finger. It had intricate patterns, obscured by corrosion.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. "Your ring looks old and ancient, but it¡¯s nice," I commented. Long Chen hurriedly covered his fingers and hid the ring. His expression twisted into something almost ferocious. A chill ran through me, as if I had been thrown into an ice cellar. But when I blinked, his expression was back to normal. "Are you okay?" I asked carefully, studying his face. "Yes. Sorry if I scared you. This ring holds a special place in my heart, which is why I hate it when others look at or comment on it." It felt like a made-up excuse, but it wasn¡¯t like we were childhood buddies who had to disclose everything to each other. "Really?" I paused, then suggested, "Then you shouldn¡¯t wear it on your finger. You could make it into a locket and wear it around your neck so it remains covered by your garments." Long Chen¡¯s expression brightened at my suggestion. Ugh! Long Chen suddenly covered both his ears and bent down, his face directed at the ground. I quickly checked to see if he was okay. "Long Chen, what happened? Long Chen?!" I shouted, but a deafening roar drowned my voice. "What''s going on in the back?!" The voice felt familiar. I looked up and saw the elder, disciples, and hundreds of young aspirants looking in our direction. One moment, the elder was standing far away¡ªthen, in a flash, he appeared in front of me and slapped me hard. The slap landed with a loud SMACK!, leaving a red imprint behind. As a result, my neck twisted almost ninety degrees to the right. Huh?! I touched the spot where I had been slapped, struggling to comprehend what had just happened. Ah! The moment my fingers brushed my cheek, a burning sensation flared, and a metallic taste filled my mouth. Gulp! I swallowed the blood pooling inside my mouth¡ªI couldn''t afford to vomit in front of the elder. Long Chen, regaining his senses, saw that his first friend¡ªthe one he had just made¡ªhad been slapped for no reason except for worrying about his well-being. His attention snapped to the elder. If looks could kill, Long Chen would have slaughtered the elder a thousand times over. "Why did you slap him?" Long Chen asked, his voice cold, his glare sharp. Finally, I got a proper look at the elder. He stood tall, his long white robes flowing like those of a benevolent sage. His face was calm, his eyes filled with patience and wisdom¡ªor so it seemed. Yet beneath that facade lay something far darker¡ªa silent arrogance, a cruelty honed over years of unchecked power. The hand that had just struck me remained steady, without hesitation or remorse, as if my suffering was beneath notice. His lips barely curled, almost amused, as if pain was but a lesson he enjoyed delivering. To the world, he was a righteous guide, but to those who truly saw him, he was nothing more than a tyrant wrapped in virtue. The elder clasped his hands behind his back and looked at Long Chen calmly. The sudden slap had shocked the other aspirants. "Why did the elder suddenly slap him?" "He¡¯s that pervert from before. The elder must have caught him doing something shady." "What?! Has this guy harassed you before?" "Yes, he was behind me while we were climbing up, a-and..." She deliberately trailed off, her face flushing red. I watched as eyes that had been sympathetic just moments ago now glared at me, filled with disgust¡ªlike they would do the same if they were in the elder¡¯s position. I looked at the girl who had just accused me. I tried to recall any encounter with her, but nothing came to mind. She was seeking attention at the cost of ruining my reputation. Long Chen also looked at me, doubt flickering in his eyes. But then he shook his head and continued glaring at the elder. "Say, why did you slap Xu Mo?" "Didn¡¯t you hear what that female aspirant just said?" The elder pointed at the woman who had accused me. "Stop lying. Only when I cried out in pain did you arrive. Without even knowing what happened, you slapped Xu Mo." The elder smiled, wrinkles forming on his aged face. "So, how will you deal with me? Will you fight me and beat me until I apologize to your friend?" After taking a pause, elder continued. "Okay, okay... I just didn¡¯t like the disturbance you and your friend were causing." "It¡¯s alright, Elder. I apologize for talking during the test and disturbing everyone else." Although others had been whispering too, I decided to let bygones be bygones. Chapter 3: The Awakening of Fate Chapter 3: The Awakening of Fate [First Person POV] Long Chen grew even angrier when I apologized for something I hadn¡¯t done. He looked at me as if I had betrayed him. "No, no¡­ Xu Mo, why are you apologizing? You did nothing wrong. There¡¯s nothing to be afraid of." The elder raised an eyebrow at Long Chen''s words. "D-Does this mean that you actually feel guilty after committing the crime?" I glanced at Long Chen, wondering if he had a screw loose. I knew it was unjust to apologize for something I hadn''t done, but right now, I was desperate. There was no one waiting for me back home, no warm welcome awaiting my return. If I gained enough strength in the future, maybe I could take revenge. But for now¡­ it was better to apologize than to be banished from the sect and miss the best opportunity to start my cultivation journey. Long Chen must have taken some sort of medicine, as he suddenly backed away from me. "Heh¡­ quite intriguing," he muttered. The elder turned his gaze toward Long Chen and spoke. "Why are you laughing?" Clap! "Let¡¯s continue the test. You two, step forward¡ªI will begin with you." Everyone present knew exactly who "you two" referred to. Xu Mo and Long Chen. I shook my head and followed behind the elder. As he walked toward the platform, the hundreds of aspirants instinctively made way for him. The elder led the way, followed by me, and then Long Chen. I kept my back straight, ignoring the unwelcoming glares thrown my way. I knew in my heart that I was innocent. This wasn¡¯t the first time I had received such treatment. Even back then, after my adoptive parents'' deaths, it felt as if the sky had shattered over my head. Those experiences had forced me to mature early, to learn when to advance and when to retreat. I glanced at Long Chen, who was deliberately ignoring me. Hehe~ A small smile appeared on my face. Not everyone shared the same circumstances as me. Long Chen, at this moment, reminded me of a child whose parents had scolded him in front of his friends¡ªor worse, had sided with his friends instead of him. Standing at the front of the aspirants, I finally got a clear view of the stone used for talent testing. It was enormous. I didn¡¯t know much about it¡ªLong Chen was about to explain, but then everything had turned into chaos. I glanced at him again, silently urging him to tell me what the stone was.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. Long Chen turned his face away. The elder noticed but said nothing. "Write your name and age in this Entry Register. Then, place your dominant hand on the Talent Stone," the elder instructed. After a brief pause, he added, as if suddenly remembering something, "¡­You do know how to write, don¡¯t you?" "Yes," I replied plainly. So, it''s called a Talent Stone¡­ I took the register and brush from the elder¡¯s hands. Flipping open the register, my gaze habitually landed on the entries before me¡ªthose who had taken the test earlier. Fortunately, my adoptive parents had been financially stable enough to hire a scholar to teach me how to read and write. Xu Mo, seventeen years old. I carefully wrote my name and age in neat, clean handwriting. Then, I glanced at the elder, silently asking whether I should pass the register to Long Chen. He nodded. Long Chen took the register and brush from my hand, but time ticked by, and he was still playing with the brush, rolling it between his fingers. "We don¡¯t have all day. Hurry up!" the elder chided. "Long Chen, should I write it for you?" I asked in a low whisper, seeing the dilemma he was in. The other aspirants were growing impatient. Long Chen¡¯s neck and ears flushed red with embarrassment. He really didn¡¯t know how to read or write. Instead of answering, he shot me an angry glare. Huh? What? I was offering to help, and he''s glaring at me? "Xu Mo, leave Long Chen. You go first¡ªplace your hand on the Talent Stone," the elder commanded. I left Long Chen behind and walked to the center of the platform. The Talent Stone stood at a towering two meters. In front of it, I looked like a mere child. Hooo~ I inhaled and exhaled deeply, trying to ease my nerves. Slowly, with anticipation and anxiety intertwining in my heart, I raised my right hand and placed it on the stone. The surface of the Talent Stone was cold and smooth, about twenty-eight centimeters thick. And then¡ª A tremor. The massive black Talent Stone began shaking violently. Dust rose from the ground. Pebbles trembled. The very mountain the sect stood on quaked. Cracks appeared on the stone where my hand touched it. Tiny spiderweb-like fissures spread outward, originating from my middle and ring fingers. [Third Person POV] The elder¡¯s composed expression shattered. His eyes widened in shock. Deep within the sect, elders who were in seclusion were abruptly awakened by the sudden earthquake. Many aspirants collapsed to the ground, barely able to support themselves. One by one, sect elders began appearing around the testing platform¡ªsome teleporting directly to the location, others walking through the sky. Xu Mo, Long Chen, and the other aspirants were in awe. They had heard of immortals who could fly, who could split the sky in two with a single strike. But hearing was one thing¡ªseeing it was another. The sheer presence of these powerful figures made them instinctively want to kneel. The newly arrived elders unleashed their divine sense, scanning the entire sect. They quickly pinpointed the source¡ªthe Talent Stone buried deep within the ground. It was the cause of the tremors. Their attention snapped toward Xu Mo, whose hand remained pressed against the stone. The moment he removed his palm, the shaking stopped. Everyone regained their footing. The testing elder hurriedly bowed upon seeing that even inner sect elders had arrived. "What is your name, young man?" One of the elders¡ªclearly the leader¡ªdescended from the sky, his presence dominating the air. His footsteps made no sound as he landed on the testing platform. "E-Elder! M-My name is Xu Mo," Xu Mo stammered, startled by the elder¡¯s sudden approach. But he quickly corrected himself. "Were you the one who caused the tremors? Or was it someone before you?" the elder asked, his gaze scanning the other aspirants. The testing elder, drenched in sweat, hastily pointed at Xu Mo. In his fifty years of service, nothing like this had ever happened. The Talent Stone cracking? Unheard of. Xu Mo, though uncertain how a mere mortal like him could shake an entire mountain, did not shy away from taking responsibility. "Elder, the tremors began the moment I placed my hand on the Talent Stone¡­ and then cracks appeared." The testing elder was about to say something more, but he quickly fell silent under the sharp gaze of the inner sect elder. Shhh¡ª A heavy silence blanketed the entire testing platform. An ominous, powerful aura spread across the Hidden Dragon Sect¡¯s entrance examination. Chapter 4: Heaven’s Chosen? Or Heaven’s Forsaken? [Third Person POV] The elders who had silenced the testing platform¡¯s elder walked toward the Talent Stone. One of them traced his fingers over the cracks that had appeared after Xu Mo had placed his hand on it¡ªaccording to Xu Mo. Jingle~ The stone emitted a faint ringing sound, barely audible but still noticeable to those present. Xu Mo heaved a sigh of relief, thinking, At least the stone is still functioning, right? Xu Mo looked confused, and Long Chen appeared the same. However, after a brief moment of contemplation, Long Chen seemed to have an epiphany. His expression returned to calm and composed, but his posture subtly straightened, his neck and back now held with greater confidence. The reactions were similar among those from cultivation backgrounds. While some had an idea of what the ringing sound symbolized, they weren¡¯t entirely sure. The majority, however, were like Xu Mo¡ªcompletely lost. "Long Bai. That is my name. For you, Elder Long Bai." Elder Long Bai glanced at Xu Mo and spoke in a firm yet composed tone. White Dragon. A wise yet terrifying name, thought Xu Mo. "Elder, I¡¯m not in any trouble, right?" Xu Mo asked cautiously, trying to read Long Bai¡¯s expression. "Hahaha! I don¡¯t know. Only the sect master can say for sure." Long Bai laughed heartily, his voice echoing through the crowd of young aspirants. Sect Master?! Xu Mo¡¯s face broke out in cold sweat. "What? Are you not happy to meet the sect master? Many wish for such an opportunity but leave disappointed." "Hehe¡­" Xu Mo could only respond with a nervous laugh. "Is this guy with you?" Long Bai asked, glancing at Long Chen. "A friend I made when I arrived here." "Oh¡­ but he doesn¡¯t seem like the type to play the role of a true friend." Before Xu Mo could respond, Long Chen stepped forward. "Elder, I wish to take the test now." Seeing that Long Bai was the highest authority present, Long Chen wasted no time in making his request. He didn¡¯t dwell on Long Bai¡¯s remark about his character. His mind was set on discovering his talent and meeting the sect master.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Long Bai turned to the other elders. "You old fogies can go back to your abodes." The elders on the ground¡ªand even those floating in the air¡ªlooked at each other, speechless. "Senior?!" They were dumbfounded by Long Bai¡¯s casual dismissal. What would become of their reputation if their senior treated them like this in front of the future juniors of the sect? Elder Long Bai, however, held the highest authority among them. He wasn¡¯t just the eldest but also one of the five strongest individuals in the entire sect. With a reluctant tch, the elders exchanged glances. After a moment of silent agreement, they scattered in different directions, returning to their respective places. The testing platform¡¯s elder hesitated before speaking. "Elder, should I proceed with Long Chen¡¯s test?"** His voice was barely a whisper. He didn¡¯t dare breathe too loudly in Elder Long Bai¡¯s presence, not after witnessing how easily he dismissed the other elders. It was clear¡ªLong Bai commanded the respect of even the most arrogant among them. The testing platform elder had met an inner sect elder once before, and that elder¡¯s arrogance made him feel that his own pride was mere modesty in comparison. Long Bai watched Long Chen step forward, his excitement barely contained. As Long Chen positioned himself before the Talent Stone, the testing platform¡¯s elder stole a few quick glances at Xu Mo. But his vision was suddenly blocked. Long Bai had stepped in front of Xu Mo. His sharp gaze landed on the red marks on Xu Mo¡¯s cheek. "These slap marks¡­ who?" Strangely, Long Bai¡¯s mouth didn¡¯t move. His voice resonated inside Xu Mo¡¯s mind as if it were an inner thought given form. Sensing the lingering traces of Qi on Xu Mo¡¯s face, Long Bai deduced what had happened. Xu Mo hesitated before responding, "It¡­ was the examiner. But it was my fault. I was talking, and that¡¯s why he did it." Xu Mo wasn¡¯t afraid of the examiner, nor was he trying to cover for him. But getting arrogant just because an elder wanted to take him to the sect master would be too dangerous. Nothing was certain yet. If the sect master becomes dissatisfied with my conduct and throws me out of the sect¡­ what use is an invincible cultivation talent if I don¡¯t even know how to cultivate? Long Bai¡¯s piercing eyes met Xu Mo¡¯s, but before he could say anything, the testing platform¡¯s elder spoke. "Trash. No talent in cultivation found." Silence. The one most shocked was Long Chen himself. "No¡­ No. How could this be possible? There must be something wrong with the stone. Yes, that¡¯s the only explanation!" Long Chen was in complete denial. When he had placed his hand on the Talent Stone, there was no reaction¡ªonly an eerie, suffocating silence. "I want to retake the test! Just one more chance! Please!" "No." "No." The second refusal came from Long Bai. "Retaking the test is against the rules. And even if you retook it, the result wouldn¡¯t change." Long Bai¡¯s voice remained calm, but his words were absolute. He had seen this reaction countless times before. Xu Mo remained silent. He had no deep connection with Long Chen, so he didn¡¯t feel the need to interfere. Long Chen, however, turned to Xu Mo with pleading eyes. Xu Mo ignored him. Then, suddenly¡ª "It must be because of Xu Mo! Yes! He damaged the stone, making it malfunction!" Hiss! Gasps echoed throughout the testing platform. Long Chen had openly blamed Xu Mo. But everyone had witnessed how the stone worked perfectly when Long Bai had placed his hand on it. Long Bai turned to Xu Mo. "You decide, Xu Mo." Xu Mo, who had been absentmindedly admiring the sky, felt everyone¡¯s gaze shift toward him. He looked at Long Bai. Then at Long Chen. Then at all the eyes waiting for his response. He sighed. I just wanted to cultivate peacefully¡­ and become strong enough to take revenge¡ªif, by then, my emotions were still in turmoil. Chapter 5: The Weight of a Single Choice Chapter 5: The Weight of a Single Choice [First Person POV] I felt as if I were under an invisible wave of pressure. Elder Long Bai was asking me to decide someone¡¯s future. Even if there was only a 0.0001% chance of Long Chen¡¯s result changing after retaking the test, the weight of that decision pressed on me. And if I denied Long Chen the chance to retake the test, effectively destroying his future, I would carry the guilt forever. After thinking for a while, an idea came to me¡ªto allow Long Chen to stay as an outer sect disciple for one month. If he showed talent in cultivation during that time, he could remain. If not, he would be asked to leave the sect. I walked forward with steady steps, stopping close to Elder Long Bai. He stood like an unshakable mountain¡ªa towering man, easily two meters tall, with broad shoulders that made him seem even larger. His deep blue robes, embroidered with golden dragon patterns, billowed slightly in the breeze, exuding authority. A thick beard framed his sharp jawline, and his piercing eyes carried the weight of experience, like a predator that had seen countless battles. Though middle-aged, his body was built like tempered steel, and every movement radiated restrained power. When he spoke, his deep, commanding voice made even the air feel heavier. By comparison, I was only 1.75 meters tall. "Elder, I have a suggestion. But I will tell you first¡ªif you believe it is acceptable, then you may convey it to Long Chen," I said, my voice loud enough for Long Chen and the others to hear. Elder Long Bai nodded, and I lightly tugged at his sleeve, gesturing for him to bend down. As I explained my idea, his already content expression deepened with approval. When I finished whispering, he looked me up and down, scrutinizing me. "Um... Elder, if it is not a good suggestion, then it''s okay," I added hesitantly, seeing the way he examined me from head to toe. My voice carried a hint of uncertainty. "You are not only intelligent but also possess terrifying cultivation talent," he remarked. "Thank you for the praise, Elder," I replied, feeling flattered by his words. Cough! The testing platform elder feigned a cough, pulling everyone''s attention back to the ongoing discussion. Meanwhile, Long Chen was growing more anxious with each passing second. He had no idea what Xu Mo and Elder Long Bai were discussing. "Alright, it''s decided. Long Chen, you will be made a temporary outer sect disciple for one month. If you reach the first realm of cultivation within that time, you will become a permanent outer sect disciple of the Hidden Dragon Sect," Elder Long Bai declared in a single breath.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. "What?" "Damn, Long Chen is lucky to have Xu Mo as a friend!" "Yeah. If Long Chen actually proves himself in cultivation, it would mean the talent stone was wrong for the first time ever." "Lucky him." Murmurs spread throughout the crowd. They knew this was my suggestion, yet they also disdained Long Chen slightly, thinking him ungrateful. Despite my decision, an unsettling feeling lingered within me. Was letting Long Chen into the sect truly the right choice? [Long Chen''s POV] I was surprised by what Xu Mo had done for me. But just as positive thoughts about him began rising in my mind, something clouded my judgment, twisting my gratitude into jealousy. Xu Mo would get the chance to meet the Sect Master. [Long Chen, what happened? Why the long face all of a sudden?] "Nothing... Master, do you really think I have talent in cultivation?" I asked the voice residing within the ring on my middle finger. This was the greatest opportunity I had ever received¡ªthe soul of an ancient cultivator dwelled within my ring. In his final moments, he had been betrayed and forced to flee. But in the end, he was trapped by his enemies. Using the last of his strength, he allowed his soul to break free and hide inside a ring that had fallen from the corpse of one of his foes. [Of course. How could I be wrong?] "Then why didn¡¯t the talent stone react to me?" [I will tell you once you are strong enough.] [But for now, try to befriend Xu Mo and strengthen your relationship with him.] "Why?" [Just know that his cultivation talent is slightly below yours.] "What?!" The force that made the entire sect tremble and caused earthquakes¡­ has a talent lower than mine? I couldn¡¯t understand it. The talent stone was becoming more mysterious in my eyes. I clenched my fists so tightly that my nails turned white. Why did I have to start from the bottom while Xu Mo was given a higher position? When I¡ªclearly¡ªhad more talent than anyone here? [Isn¡¯t it fun? The world underestimates you, but you continue to rise against all odds, crushing those who look down on you.] I thought about my master¡¯s words for a moment. "Yes, you are right, Master. Thank you for your guidance." [Remember¡ªthe tallest tree faces the strongest wind.] With that, my master¡¯s voice faded. He was low on spiritual energy and had to enter deep slumber from time to time. The sun had begun its descent, sinking behind the distant mountains. Its light painted the sky in hues of orange and crimson, casting long shadows across the land. Boom! As dusk arrived, the remaining aspirants were thrown out of the sect gates. Those who had talent were already taken away by the testing platform¡¯s elder. It was a depressing sight. The elongated shadows of the failed aspirants stretched out before them as they descended the mountain, their dreams crushed. The successful candidates, on the other hand, remained inside the sect gates, laughing and celebrating their newfound status as disciples of the Hidden Dragon Sect. Meanwhile, those who had failed walked with their heads lowered. Their loved ones'' faces flashed through their minds¡ªhow would they explain that they weren¡¯t even qualified to cultivate? Among this group of rejected aspirants was the girl who had falsely accused Xu Mo of harassing her during their climb to the sect. Out of nearly a thousand hopefuls, fewer than a hundred had been selected.
"Life does not strike with fairness, nor does it reward the deserving. It merely turns, indifferent to our struggles, leaving us to carve our own destiny amidst its relentless tides."
Chapter 6: Obsessed With Staircase Chapter 6: Obsessed With Staircase [First Person POV] The night sky stretched endlessly, a single moon casting its glow as countless stars flickered in and out of existence. "Greetings, Elder Long." "Greetings, Elder Long." Tap. Tap. I followed behind Elder Long Bai, our footsteps echoing in the quiet night. Along the way, we passed many elders, all of whom recognized the distinguished figure in deep blue robes and respectfully greeted him. We were traveling on foot because I couldn''t withstand the fierce winds and breakneck speed of Elder Long Bai in the air. Out of concern for me, he decided to walk, using the opportunity to introduce me to the background and current standing of the Hidden Dragon Sect in the cultivation world. "Elder, am I really talented in cultivation? Will the Sect Master accept me?" I voiced the questions that had been gnawing at my mind. "I won¡¯t give you false hope. Something like this hasn¡¯t happened in thousands of years¡ªat least, not in our sect." "But doesn''t that mean it might just be a coincidence? That there could be another reason behind the earthquake?" "The Sect Master should know more than I do. But one thing is certain¡ªthe disturbance came from the Talent Stone. Every elder in my realm can confirm that much." Seeing that I was still uncertain, Long Bai decided to explain further. "You saw how the Talent Stone reacted when my fingers merely brushed past it." "Yeah¡­ a bell-like hum resonated in everyone¡¯s ears," I recalled, replaying the scene in my mind. "That means I have exceptional talent¡ªthe highest recorded so far." Wow! I stared at Long Bai in awe, my eyes gleaming with newfound admiration. Straightening his back, Long Bai walked with a more confident stride. "Yes, exactly. Every time someone places their hand on the Talent Stone, it reacts in some way¡ªsilence, a slight tremor, a deep hum, or ringing like a bell. There is also a legendary reaction beyond these, but no one has ever seen it before."The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. He took a deep breath before continuing. "That is why Long Chen was deemed trash. Because when he touched the Talent Stone, it made no sound." "Are the results of the Talent Stone permanent? Is there any¡ª?" "Stop. I know what you''re about to ask. But I advise you to focus on recognizing human hearts first. It¡¯s a skill that only comes with experience." I frowned. What did he mean by that? My brows furrowed as I mulled over his words, but even after several minutes, I couldn''t grasp what he was trying to tell me. He must have sensed something that I had failed to notice. Silence settled between us. Tch?! "Too slow." Chicken-Grabbing Technique!! Before I could react, I felt myself being lifted into the air¡ªmy waist secured and my arms bound under the armpits. Like a small chicken being grabbed by its wings. The world blurred around me at lightning speed. Before I could even process what was happening, my surroundings stabilized once more¡ªexcept we were now in a completely different place. The Sect Master¡¯s Pavilion sat at the highest peak of the Hidden Dragon Sect, overlooking everything like a divine throne among the clouds. Carved directly into the mountain, its grand hall was constructed from ancient blackwood, its towering pillars wrapped in golden dragon engravings that shimmered under the sunlight. A wide staircase, lined with stone lanterns, led to the pavilion, each step feeling heavier under the weight of the sect¡¯s authority. Behind it, sheer cliffs formed a natural barrier, while a cascading waterfall ran along the side, feeding into a mist-covered lake below. From here, the entire sect was visible¡ªdisciples training in courtyards, elders patrolling, and stairways sprawling down the mountain like veins of an ancient beast. It was a place of absolute power, where only the most worthy dared to step. For a moment, I forgot to breathe. The sight before me stole the very air from my lungs. "Welcome. To. The. Sect Master¡¯s Residence!!" Long Bai¡¯s voice boomed across the mountain, causing the very peak to tremble. Tiny pebbles tumbled from the cliffs due to the sheer force of his declaration. Cough! Cough! Cough! I suddenly found myself coughing, my breath catching in my throat. The air at this altitude was thin, yet a wild breeze whipped around me, making it difficult to even stand upright. No matter how hard I tried, breathing was a struggle. Shielding my eyes with my arm, I braced myself against the howling winds. Through my half-closed eyes, I saw Long Bai standing firm, unfazed¡ªlike an unmovable mountain in the storm. "ELDER... A LITTLE... HELP HERE, PLEASE!!" I had to shout just to be heard. If I had spoken normally, my words would have been swallowed by the raging wind before I could even finish them. "Oh yes, here¡ªtake this. From this point on, you must climb alone. Only those summoned by the Sect Master are permitted to enter the pavilion." Long Bai tossed something toward me. A locket-shaped token. I expected it to be blown away by the wind, but instead, it shot straight toward me and fastened itself around my neck¡ªas if it had marked me. Instantly, the wind vanished. I could breathe again. When I looked back up toward where Long Bai had stood, there was no trace of him. A chill ran down my spine. The breathtaking view that had once filled me with awe now seemed like an endless abyss. If I fall from here¡­ No, no. Don''t think about it. Chapter 7: The Silent Execution & The Relentless Climb
Chapter 7: The Silent Execution & The Relentless Climb Long Bai had vanished completely from the mountain peak. He still had unfinished business. He flew like an arrow through the night, arriving atop one of the elder''s residences. Only those in the same realm as him could sense his presence, floating above their heads. No one on the ground below had the slightest idea that among them, one was about to lose his life. "You dared to indiscriminately attack a once-in-a-generation genius." Long Bai didn¡¯t need to use any techniques. His sheer Qi was enough to overload those in a lower realm, causing instant Qi deviation¡ªa death so common among the weak that few dared to question it. Those who understood what was happening kept their silence, afraid that the next to die this way might be them. Meanwhile, a benevolent-looking elder was giving guidance to his female disciple. Ironically, even death itself might have been unaware that someone thirsted for this elder¡¯s demise more than it did. Heh~ Long Bai couldn''t suppress a sarcastic chuckle as he observed the scene inside the elder¡¯s residence through his divine sense. "People like you... are better off dead." And just like that, there was no after. The elder¡¯s breathing ceased. But as a cultivator, his life would not end so easily. Even after his breath was cut off, he struggled, desperately trying to pull air into his lungs. It was futile. His veins suddenly bulged, and one by one, they ruptured. "Aaahhh!!" A hideous scream tore through the room, but Long Bai had already enclosed the elder¡¯s residence within his divine domain. No sound could escape. No plea for help would be heard. The elder began to vomit blood. His female disciple, who had been watching in horror, fainted as soon as she saw his grotesque transformation. The once bright light in the elder¡¯s eyes had dimmed considerably, flickering like a candle about to be snuffed out. He collapsed onto the floor, convulsing as he continued to vomit blood. His disheveled hair clung to his sweat-soaked face. If anyone saw him now, they would never associate this wretched figure with the esteemed elder they once knew. His veins ruptured completely, and his skin swelled grotesquely from internal bleeding. His heart spasmed violently, struggling against the devastating purity of Long Bai¡¯s Qi rampaging through his body. It held on for mere moments before it burst out of his chest. Bloody fragments of his heart splattered across the room¡ªsome even landed inside the open mouth of his unconscious disciple.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. In his final moments, his soul attempted to escape, but Long Bai had long sealed the area. Floating in the air, Long Bai clenched his fist. Within the elder''s residence, the struggling soul was instantly crushed and dispersed into countless tiny golden particles, invisible to mortal eyes, drifting away into the unknown. ... Meanwhile¡­ Under the cover of night, instead of resting, Xu Mo was climbing once more. "Who said life would be easy after getting into an immortal sect?" He thought back to how his parents had motivated him to become a cultivator when they were alive. He never believed their words. Now, he knew¡ªhe had been right, and they had been wrong. While the other disciples enjoyed themselves, made friends, and discussed various myths, he, supposedly the luckiest and most talented of them all, was still working hard¡ª even when night had fallen. Yawn~ Xu Mo was getting sleepy. He had always been an early sleeper, unaccustomed to staying up late. Pant! Pant! Xu Mo pressed forward, head lowered, eyes fixed on the stone steps before him. The silence of the night was unsettling. The distant hoot of an owl, the rustling of unseen creatures in the trees, and the faint whispers of the wind played tricks on his mind. The shadows seemed to shift, watching him¡­ waiting. His foot slipped. His body lurched forward, his heart leaping to his throat. At the last moment, his fingers scraped against the rough stone, catching himself just in time. He exhaled, steadying his breath. He couldn''t stop now. He had already come too far. With clenched teeth, Xu Mo pushed onward, his lone figure swallowed by the endless stairway stretching toward the heavens. A shiver ran down his spine as the temperature dropped. Coincidentally, he had brought a cotton cape with him, a habit from his past struggles¡ªback when he feared he would fail the talent stone test and be forced to sleep outside. Fortunately, he had never needed it for that. Xu Mo¡¯s cotton cape was a simple, rough-spun garment¡ªnothing like the flowing silks and embroidered robes of the sect disciples. Made from coarse, handwoven cotton, it was thick enough to shield him from the biting mountain winds but heavy and stiff from years of wear. The fabric, once white, had long since faded to a dull gray, stained by dust and travel. Its edges were frayed, some parts crudely stitched where the fabric had torn¡ªa testament to the countless journeys it had endured. The inner lining was padded with dried grass and wool scraps, providing just enough warmth for cold nights. A simple rope served as a fastener at the front, loosely tying it around his shoulders. In this cultivation world, such a cape was common among wandering mortals, travelers, and those without wealth or status. It wasn¡¯t elegant, nor did it carry any spiritual enchantments, but for Xu Mo, it was his only protection against the elements¡ªa reminder of his humble beginnings. As he continued his climb, Xu Mo suddenly stopped. His sharp eyes caught sight of an old man curled up at the base of a tree, shivering under the biting cold with nothing to cover himself. The man¡¯s frail frame trembled, his breath visible in the frigid air. His clothes were nothing more than tattered rags, unable to provide him any warmth. Xu Mo hesitated for a moment before sighing. Without a word, he untied his cotton cape and draped it over the old man¡¯s shoulders. The man stirred slightly, his eyes fluttering open for a brief moment before closing again, as if too exhausted to acknowledge the small act of kindness. Xu Mo said nothing. He simply adjusted the cape to ensure it covered the man properly before continuing his ascent, his steps firm yet silent against the cold stone. The wind howled around him, but he felt strangely warmer than before. Wait?! what is an old man doing on this part of the mountain peak? Where access is restricted? It couldn''t be a ghost, right? Chapter 8: The Three Strongest People in the Sect
Chapter 8: The Three Strongest People in the Sect [First-Person POV] Thud! At the final steps, I could no longer stand. My knees buckled, and I collapsed, my hands barely preventing me from falling completely. "Why am I even doing all this?" I asked myself. Was revenge really that important? Did my parents even want me to take back their property from their blood relatives? Who was I to decide whether what they did was right or wrong? In the end, blood runs thicker than water. Slowly, I felt my senses slipping from my control. The world around me started to spin. Heh! I let out a giddy laugh, thinking the adrenaline was finally wearing off. With the help of my arms, I struggled to my feet with great difficulty. A hollow, gurgling sound escaped my abdomen, as if my very core was crying for sustenance. And then, I lost consciousness. [Third-Person POV] Three figures appeared just in time. Strangely, though one of them was the oldest, he was also the fastest among them. "That''s why I always say you shouldn¡¯t skip meals, but you young people just don¡¯t listen." It was an odd sight. The other two were dressed in luxurious garments, while the old man¡ªwho looked like he had one foot in the grave¡ªwore tattered robes, with Xu Mo¡¯s cotton cape wrapped around his frail physique. "Ancestor, you were too harsh on this young man," Long Bai said, rubbing his head. "No, Long Bai. What he did was necessary to shape his character," a man with an even more intimidating aura than Long Bai interjected. What was surprising was that Long Bai stood behind this figure, maintaining a foot of distance. "..." Long Bai remained silent. "Hahaha... You¡¯re as hyper as always." The person they called Ancestor laughed at Long Bai¡¯s reaction. Unaware of all this, Xu Mo lay in the embrace of the Hidden Dragon Sect¡¯s strongest powerhouse. His breathing was steady, and a faint smile tugged at his lips. Xu Mo had always been this way¡ªno matter how formidable the challenge, he faced it head-on with a smile. To him, what use was crying over something that had already happened?A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. "Ancestor, let me take care of Xu Mo," the Sect Master offered, stepping closer. The Sect Master of the Hidden Dragon Sect was a towering figure, his mere presence enough to silence a thousand voices. Clad in deep purple robes embroidered with golden dragons, his aura carried the weight of absolute authority. His face was sharp and defined, with a strong jawline and piercing eyes that gleamed like cold steel beneath heavy brows. Unlike Elder Long Bai, whose intimidation stemmed from raw physicality, the Sect Master¡¯s dominance came from something deeper¡ªan oppressive force that made the very air feel heavier, as if the heavens themselves bent under his will. His long black hair was neatly tied, streaked with faint silver¡ªa testament to both wisdom and experience. The faint scars along his knuckles and arms spoke of countless battles, each one a reminder that power was not inherited but seized. When he stood, his posture was unwavering, exuding an unshakable dominance¡ªnot yet at the terrifying level of the sect¡¯s Ancestor, but still enough to make even the boldest inner disciples hesitate before meeting his gaze. "Here, let him rest. Speak with him tomorrow." The Ancestor handed Xu Mo to the Sect Master before disappearing, leaving behind one final order. The Next Day Early in the morning, Xu Mo¡¯s consciousness stirred like a drifting ember in the wind¡ªsluggish and uncertain. His eyelids fluttered open, greeted by the faint glow of morning light seeping through the grand pavilion doors. The air was crisp, carrying the subtle scent of sandalwood and aged parchment¡ªforeign yet strangely calming. But as soon as he moved, a wave of soreness washed over him. His entire body ached, his muscles tight and unresponsive, as if every fiber had been wrung dry from the relentless climb. His stomach twisted in pain, hunger clawing at him¡ªa stark reminder of his mortal frailty. His throat was dry, his breath ragged. He tried to sit up, only for dizziness to pull him back down. For a brief moment, confusion gripped him. Where was he? This was no mountainside, nor was there dirt beneath his back. Instead, he lay on polished wooden floors, smooth and cool against his skin. Then, realization struck. He was inside the Hidden Dragon Sect. He had made it. But why was he lying here¡ªat the entrance of the Sect Master¡¯s Pavilion, of all places? Had he collapsed? Had someone carried him here? His mind spun with questions, but there were no answers. Only silence. "You¡¯re awake. Come, follow me. Breakfast is ready. I¡¯m sure you¡¯re hungry." Xu Mo turned toward the voice. He looked straight into the darkness, and at the very end, where a throne stood. Sunlight streamed through the open windows, illuminating the figure seated upon it. The man rested his chin on one hand, his posture relaxed yet commanding. "S-Sect Master," Xu Mo murmured, uncertainty in his voice. The Sect Master stood from his throne and walked to his right. He stopped for a moment and gestured for Xu Mo to follow. The Sect Master¡¯s Pavilion exuded an air of refined simplicity, and so did its breakfast. A low, polished wooden table was set with steaming bowls of fragrant spirit rice, each grain glistening faintly, said to nourish both body and Qi. A plate of golden cloud buns sat beside it¡ªtheir soft exteriors concealing a rich filling of sweet lotus paste. A clay teapot released gentle wisps of steam, its spiritual herb tea carrying a refreshing yet calming aroma¡ªa blend known to clear the mind and steady the soul. Thin slices of crystal jade fruit rested on a jade dish, their translucent form glimmering in the morning light. Their taste was a delicate balance of sweetness and lingering chill, perfect for rejuvenating the weary. For those in need of strength, a bowl of slow-braised beast broth simmered to perfection, filled with tender cuts of mystical beast meat¡ªsaid to warm the meridians and fortify the bones. The food was neither excessive nor extravagant, yet each dish carried the essence of refinement¡ªbefitting the morning meal of the sect¡¯s highest figures. "Eat," the Sect Master commanded. Or at least, that was how Xu Mo felt it. His hands trembled with nervousness as he reached for the bowl of slow-braised beast broth. But as he pulled it closer, the warmth seeping into his palms, his trembling finally ceased. Chapter 9: Dao Enlightenment Chapter 9: Dao Enlightenment [First Person POV] "I wanted to ask, did I pass the test?" I asked after I had eaten enough to say that I was almost full. "Yes." The Sect Master made a strange expression when he heard my question. "When can I start cultivating, then?" "Anytime." The atmosphere became awkward, as I did not know what to say. "Why do you wish to become a cultivator? You can answer if you want to and remain silent if you don''t. Both are fine." The Sect Master sipped his tea. If someone asked me right now what the Sect Master of the Hidden Dragon Sect was like, I could only say he was like a close neighbor. The Sect Master did not carry the bearing that I thought someone of his status should have. "What? Did I disappoint you?" The Sect Master suddenly asked. I was too shocked to control my facial expressions, and he got the answer he wanted¡ªseeing my reaction, like a homeowner catching a thief sneaking inside his house late at night. "N-no... I just thought you would be more..." I tried to find words that could express my impression of the Sect Master. "Arrogant, overbearing, haughty, domineering, imperious, condescending." "Yes, condescending!" I excitedly answered, but only after the words left my mouth did I realize that it was the Sect Master himself who had listed them out one by one. The Sect Master''s eyes narrowed slightly, and his lips curled up¡ªsharpening like unsheathed swords, a silent warning. I could only keep my head lowered, not daring to even lift it or breathe any longer. "I have good news for you." The Sect Master paused, then continued. "You have been chosen as the true successor of the Hidden Dragon Sect." "True successor?!" Looking at my lost expression, the Sect Master decided to explain it to me in simpler words. "As the true successor, all the cultivation resources that other disciples have to fight for will be at your disposal. It also means that your cultivation talent is the highest in the entire sect." "Even above yours?" "...Yes, even above me." Before the Sect Master could continue¡ª Boom!! Rumble!! Loud sounds echoed from above. Since the Sect Master and I were at the highest point of the mountain peak, we were the first to witness it. [Third Person POV] Murmur, murmur. On the other side, a huge crowd of new and old outer disciples had gathered around the residence of one of the elders¡ªan elder all the new disciples were familiar with. "Just yesterday, I met him." "Yeah, and he showed no signs of being ill or injured." "Shhh~ I have connections with some of the elders, and they told me the elder died due to Qi deviation." "Qi deviation?!" Long Chen said out loud in an inquiring tone¡ªnot for the others but for his master, who resided in the ring on one of his fingers. ["It''s all bullshit. From my years of experience, this is clearly a murder."] Murder?! Long Chen thought of something when an image of someone flashed through his mind. See, Master? Just after meeting with the Sect Master, he took his revenge. ["Oh god, here we go again. Long Chen, I''ve told you many times not to jump to conclusions so quickly."] But, Master, Xu Mo is the only person who was slapped by the elder and had a grudge against the testing platform elder! If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. ["It could also be that elder named Long Bai, who was just cleaning out the trash from the Hidden Dragon Sect."] Master, you¡¯re still defending that Xu Mo?! Long Chen gritted his teeth, frustrated that the soul he had awakened¡ªafter continuously feeding it his Qi¡ªwas siding with his old friend. Just as Long Chen was feeling depressed¡ª Rumble! The sky roared, and the clouds churned. Long Chen and everyone else looked up. The dead body of the testing platform elder, being carried out by outer sect attendants, was momentarily forgotten as all eyes turned to the heavens. ["Listen closely. This is the rumbling of your talent¡ªthrough which all beings will benefit, but you will benefit the most."] Hear what? ["The Dao¡ªthe most mysterious and invisible power in the world."] Dao?! Like what is said in legends? Immortals forging their own Dao? ["Shhh~ This is your real talent. The announcement of your awakening to the whole world¡ªthat a monster has appeared."] Long Chen was unable to hear the last words of his master because, along with the rest of the world, he had fallen into a reverie. Meanwhile, at the mountain peak, the Sect Master had already deployed the sect formation to guard against any external threats. He had sensed that something was not right. Now, the Sect Master and Xu Mo stood at the peak, closest to the rumbling clouds. If one looked closely, everyone''s eyes held a dazed expression. [First Person POV] "The world has suddenly become silent," I murmured, looking around. Everything had paused. The world stood still. Last night, the heavens remained eerily quiet when Long Chen awakened his talent. Yet today, the entire world trembled¡ªclouds churned, mountains groaned, and the fabric of the heavens itself seemed to stir in celebration of his existence. A gift from the Dao itself. A decree of wisdom imparted to all living beings. Words formed in the skies¡ªunfathomable yet absolute. A voice¡ªneither loud nor quiet¡ªresounded in my mind. "He who walks the path of the strong shall break the heavens. He who walks the path of wisdom shall glimpse the truths beyond. He who walks the path of silence¡­" The voice faltered. It should have continued, but for me, it simply stopped. A gift from the Dao¡­ but incomplete? No. This was my gift. The world hummed with enlightenment as countless cultivators grasped their own paths. Their minds flooded with insights, their souls ignited by celestial wisdom. But me? Silence. The world had turned deaf to me, or perhaps, I had turned deaf to it. The rumbling heavens faded into a dull murmur. The voices of disciples screaming their realizations became distant. The very heartbeat of the world slowed¡­ until nothing remained. In that void, I saw it. Silence. Not mere absence of sound, but something deeper. The hush before a storm. The stillness before a blade is drawn. The quiet resignation before death. The silence that exists between life and eternity. It was not something spoken. It was something understood. Long Chen¡¯s awakening had given the world its answers. Mine had taken them away. And in that void, in that absolute stillness, I reached out¡ª And Silence embraced me. Chapter 10: Why is He Here? Chapter 10: Why is He Here? [Third Person POV] Two hours later, Everyone came back to their senses. [How was it?] The soul in the ring asked curiously. Long Chen answered with excitement, "Master, whatever it was, it was unbelievable." Then, Long Chen started discussing the visions he had seen while in his dazed state. [This is just the beginning. See? I told you your talent is the highest, but you didn¡¯t believe me.] "I am sorry, Master." Long Chen wanted to slap his past self for even doubting his master''s words for a second. Hearing the sincerity in Long Chen''s voice, the soul in the ring forgave him. Long Chen looked around and saw that everyone was animatedly discussing what had just transpired, but no one truly understood what it was¡ªexcept for him, of course. Heh~ Fools. You should be thankful that I¡¯m even breathing the same air as you. Long Chen had once again become arrogant. The soul in the ring noticed but let it slide, knowing that Long Chen was still inexperienced. I wonder what Xu Mo would have gained? the soul thought. However, Long Chen was unable to hear this because of the vast difference in their cultivation levels. While Long Chen''s inner thoughts could be heard by the soul, the soul¡¯s powerful divine sense blocked its own thoughts from being heard by Long Chen. Many disciples who had been stuck at bottlenecks in their cultivation felt that the barrier to the next realm had softened, making a breakthrough possible at any moment. Others, who had struggled to comprehend certain techniques, now found that these techniques were no longer as difficult as they had initially thought. Many powerful elders, like Long Bai, who had been stuck in minor realms for years without any progress, felt their shackles loosening. The Ancestor of the Hidden Dragon Sect, who had believed he had exhausted his potential in this lifetime, also felt the blessing extend his lifespan considerably. Cultivation wasn¡¯t about who was the strongest but about who lived the longest. The Ancestor had always been cautious¡ªmany of his companions had long since been buried, despite being more talented than him. Yet, he was still here, and now, with his lifespan extended, he had a chance to break into the next major realm and live even longer than he had initially expected.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. The Sect Master of the Hidden Dragon Sect, still in his prime, had been blessed with a unique cultivation technique¡ªone that could only be described as defiant. It also provided the solution to his most pressing problems. Then, he glanced down at Xu Mo, who had long since regained consciousness. The Sect Master suspected that Xu Mo¡¯s gains might not have been significant. It was common knowledge that those who remained in the enlightened state the longest had the greatest advantage. He could only shake his head. The heavens were fair and balanced. If they took something away from someone, they would compensate them in another way. There was no point in comparing oneself to others. The Sect Master lifted his gaze, his eyes penetrating the Ethereal Heights. [First Person POV] I noticed the Sect Master looking at me before shaking his head. He was obviously disappointed in my behavior, or perhaps something about me displeased him. "Sect Master, what just happened?" Cough~ "I am unsure myself. But it seems the firmament has passed down some sort of blessing to all living beings." "But why?" The Sect Master raised an eyebrow, but I continued, "I mean, this has never happened before." "...Who knows? Before the Grand Dao, even immortals are mere mortals." I fell silent upon hearing the Sect Master speak in such profound terms. "Your True Successor robes are inside. You can wear them now or wait until tomorrow, when it will be announced throughout the region that the True Successor of the Hidden Dragon Sect has been chosen." "..." "I thought you would cry or dance with excitement," the Sect Master said, looking at me as if I were some strange species. I didn¡¯t know why, but I felt a strange sense of apprehension. As if accepting the title of True Successor would seal my fate. Two voices echoed in my mind. One urged me to accept¡ªit would help me exact my revenge immediately. The other said nothing, but it made my instincts scream at me not to accept. This had never happened to me before. Accept or refuse? I was stuck in a dilemma. Refusing the offer would upset the Sect Master and the elders, who had high hopes that I would lead the sect to greatness. But if I accepted, my own life might be at stake. "Sect Master, I..." "Here are your robes, and this is the cultivation technique used by every outer disciple. The only condition is that they must not have started cultivating yet." "Thank you, Elder," Xu Mo said, bowing slightly. The elder who had handed Xu Mo his outer disciple robes watched him leave. Something about his back view seemed familiar, as if he had seen it somewhere before¡ªnot too long ago. I don¡¯t know why the higher-ups ordered me to be humble in front of this disciple. Does he come from some powerful background? So what? I am not like those people who flatter others for benefits. In this world, status is determined by strength, not by inheritance. Instantly, the elder''s impression of Xu Mo plummeted. But no one was there to tell him that although Xu Mo was an important figure, he was not from the mundane world¡ªhe was an asset of the Hidden Dragon Sect itself. Xu Mo walked aimlessly. No one guided him. No one showed him the way to his residence. The outer sect was vast, even larger than the inner sect in terms of land, as it was situated at the foot of the mountain. Encountering an acquaintance here was almost impossible. Perhaps his adoptive father was right¡ªthe world was indeed too small. Xu Mo''s reflexes kicked in instantly as he swiftly hid the flask of water behind his waist, moving it away from his left thigh. Because standing opposite him¡ªwas Long Chen. Chapter 11: Lost, Bullied, and Directionally Challenged
Chapter 11: Lost, Bullied, and Directionally Challenged "What is he doing here?"Long Chen and the soul in the ring said at the same time. The distance between Xu Mo and Long Chen was far enough that they could only see each other''s mouths moving but could not hear one another. The gap between them was filled with other disciples walking and talking. Xu Mo expected Long Chen to ignore him and walk away, but what happened next surprised him. "Xu Mo, how was your meeting with the sect master? I thought I wouldn¡¯t see you in the outer sect anymore," Long Chen asked with a stiff smile. "Oh! About that, it turned out to be a false alarm. The sect master re-evaluated me and found that I was just average talent. Man, I really thought I could finally say goodbye to a life of frugality and welcome the life of a noble." "Well, don¡¯t worry. At least you have the chance to cultivate, unlike the other aspirants we had to say goodbye to yesterday." Long Chen tried to hide his true emotions but failed miserably as a smile almost reached his ears. "Thanks. But next time you try to console someone, remember to hide your smile." Xu Mo was straightforward, unaccustomed to the intrigues of the world. He said whatever was on his mind, never harboring second thoughts about anyone. Long Chen paused in shock. Even the soul inside the ring was surprised by Xu Mo''s bluntness. Xu Mo walked away, and after five minutes, he stopped and looked back¡ªLong Chen was nowhere to be seen. "Agh~ I forgot to ask for directions."I don¡¯t think he would¡¯ve told me after telling him to control his smile. Xu Mo decided to ask the sect master to install some sort of directional guide. "Well, let¡¯s just ask someone." Xu Mo turned in a full circle and finally spotted a group of female outer disciples, though they were obscured by shadows. "You disgusting, wretched woman!" Xu Mo approached and overheard the harsh words. The speaker was the ugliest woman he had ever seen¡ªeven the women in his village were more beautiful than her. And her mouth was as ugly as her appearance, spewing such venom at another girl.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. "Excuse me," Xu Mo respectfully said, keeping a distance of three feet from the group. The female disciples, who had been harassing another girl, stiffened. They thought they had been caught in the act. When they realized he was just another outer sect disciple like them, they heaved a sigh of relief. "Mind your business." "Tch, what an eyesore. Get lost," one of them snapped in an annoyed and disrespectful tone. "I was just asking for directions. I¡¯m new here." Xu Mo felt slightly intimidated, being stared at by so many females at once.Thank God they¡¯re not beauties. He tried to see who they were ganging up on, but before he could get a clear look, the group shifted, blocking his view. "So, go ask somewhere else. Can¡¯t you see we¡¯re busy?" "Busy?" Xu Mo¡¯s voice trailed off sarcastically. "Even if I¡¯m new here, I still know the way back to the elder in charge." He deliberately mentioned the elder¡¯s authority, knowing it would rattle them. And he was right. The group flinched. Many started fidgeting. They had been disciples of the sect for a year now, and their victim had been their plaything since day one. The elder had already warned them multiple times. If they were reported again, they would surely be expelled. "Hah! Know your place and crawl away! Who would even believe you?" The leader of the group scoffed, though fear flickered in her eyes, and her heart raced. "Looking at how unperturbed you are, it¡¯s clear this isn¡¯t your first time. And look behind you¡ªmany of your group members have terrified expressions." She turned and saw that Xu Mo was right. Many of the girls behind her looked guilty and nervous. Sigh~ "Stay, and I¡¯ll make sure you regret it." Xu Mo threw one last threat to scare them off. He pulled up his sleeves, taking a stance as if ready to fight. The leader hesitated, then gestured for the group to follow her. "How long can you keep her hidden behind you?" she taunted before walking out of the alley. Xu Mo watched as the group disappeared and bent down, resting his hands on his knees. He had been on edge the whole time. It was a gamble¡ªif those girls had been cultivators, things could have ended disastrously. "Are you okay?" he asked, glancing at the frail-looking girl. Her outer sect robes were torn and covered in dust. She had clearly taken a beating. "T-Thanks¡­" A soft voice came from beneath her pitch-black hair, which completely hid her face. The alley¡¯s shadows made it difficult for Xu Mo to make out her features. She stood up weakly, using the alley walls for support as she walked away with staggering steps, her body swaying like a flickering candle in the wind. Xu Mo did not offer help. If he had the strength to back up his words, he would have executed justice properly and not let the girl suffer at all. But his mother had always warned him against jumping to conclusions too quickly. Every story had two sides. Who knew what had really happened between this girl and that group? Perhaps the leader of those female disciples simply enjoyed bullying the weak. "Not again!!" Xu Mo shouted into the night, his voice echoing through the quiet sect. A flock of crows, perched on a pile of discarded robes and broken swords, flapped their wings in panic, squawking as if mocking his misfortune. Xu Mo clenched his fists. How do I keep forgetting to ask for directions?! Just then, a passing outer disciple glanced at him, hesitated for a moment¡­ and then quickly walked the other way, pretending not to see him. Xu Mo sighed. "Maybe I should just follow the crows. At least they seem to know where they¡¯re going¡­" Chapter 12: First Attempt
Chapter 12: First Attempt [Xu Mo''s POV] I had finally reached my residence after many twists and turns. The outer sect residences were located at the backside of the mountain, whereas the path I had previously taken led to the training and market area. What was funny was that a disciple had been stationed at the exit of the Hidden Dragon''s Staircase to guide me to my residence, but I had arrived faster than him, causing me to get lost and then found. I apologized to the disciple, who had to wait for me for hours. He was kind enough to forgive me, leading me to think that there were still people in this world with a heart willing to help others, even at their own inconvenience. The residences for outer disciples were separated into two different buildings¡ªone for males and one for females. They weren¡¯t built opposite each other but instead placed a considerable distance apart while still following the same path. The good thing was that the sect''s grounds were vast. Even with hundreds of disciples, it never felt overcrowded. Stepping into my assigned room, I took a deep breath. The air was dry, carrying the faint scent of aged wood and dust. The space was small, almost barren, with only the essentials. Against the wall sat a simple wooden bed, its straw mattress uneven and thin, but far better than the cold, hard ground I had slept on before¡ªafter my adoptive parents'' demise. In the corner, a rough study table stood, its surface scratched and marked with faint carvings¡ªnames, strange symbols, and idle doodles left behind by past disciples. The rest of the room was empty, an open space meant for cultivation. A single paper lantern swayed from the ceiling, casting flickering shadows on the stone walls. No luxuries, no comfort¡ªjust a place to rest and grow stronger. I sighed and sat on the bed. This was home now. I now had two options: cultivate using the technique given by the elder or¡­ Dao of Silence. I closed my eyes. And muttered. Dao.Inhale~ Of.Exhale~ Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. Silence. I uttered these three words at an extremely slow pace. I opened my eyes and looked around, but nothing happened. I tried to recreate the feeling I had experienced that morning. Once again, I closed my eyes, but this time, I recalled the injustices I had faced after my parents left this world. I tried to use emotions to stir that feeling. But again, it failed. I attempted to draw upon every memory that resonated with me on a deeper level¡ªfirst, my parents'' sudden death, then the uncle who used to play with me suddenly taking away all the property my parents had owned before throwing me out. Me coming here to test my luck, awakening an extremely high talent, being offered the True Successor position¡ªone below the Sect Master but above thousands¡ªwhile I was still a mortal. Declining that offer and choosing to start from the very bottom. "Strange. I remember the feeling when I first came into contact with this thing called Dao. I have memories of it, but it¡¯s as if I¡¯m missing some sort of connection¡­ The connection to the source from which that power first approached me." I shook my head. I felt like slapping myself. In my excitement to start cultivating, I had forgotten the most basic yet most important truth about my current self. I was still a mortal. And what I¡ªand every being¡ªreceived blessings from was the Grand Dao. How could I, a mere mortal who couldn¡¯t even control his own frail body, hope to command and tame something as vast and unfathomable as the Dao? "Forget it. Let¡¯s see what technique the elder gave me." I reached into the folds of my robe and retrieved a slender book, its worn cover carrying the scent of old ink and parchment. Though unassuming at first glance, each page held the weight of countless thoughts and wisdom. The fragile sheets were bound together by delicate, almost invisible threads¡ªfirm yet subtle, preventing them from drifting away like scattered leaves in the wind. In this quiet, unassuming form, it carried a world of knowledge waiting to be unraveled. Mortal¡¯s Primer on Cultivation Flipping open the first page, I found a passage written in bold characters: "Cultivation is the path of mortals who defy the natural order, seeking to refine their bodies, minds, and spirits beyond the limits of ordinary men. Through discipline, comprehension, and perseverance, one can step into the realm of the extraordinary." I hummed, tracing the words with my finger. Straightforward enough. Turning the page, I found a simple diagram¡ªan outline of the human body with several points marked across it. "Energy flows within all living beings. This energy, called ''Qi,'' exists in the air, the earth, and the stars. Through breath control and meditation, a cultivator draws this energy into their body, refining it into personal strength. The first step is called Condensation¡ªgathering the scattered energy within and forming the foundation of the path ahead." Qi¡­ energy from the world itself? I exhaled, staring at the diagram again. So this was where it all began. The next few pages described Qi Deviation, a terrifying condition where energy surged uncontrollably, leading to severe injury or even death. "Without a stable heart and a clear mind, one may fall victim to inner demons¡ªfragments of doubt, fear, and obsession that take root in the cultivator¡¯s spirit. These must be overcome, lest one stagnate and perish before ever setting foot on the true path." I frowned, my grip tightening on the book. Heart demons¡­ Even the first step on this path could break a person if they weren¡¯t careful. I turned another page, finding a section about different cultivation realms. "The first realm is Qi Condensation. It consists of nine stages, each one strengthening the body and refining energy until the cultivator reaches a point of breakthrough. Many fail at this stage, never able to move forward. The stronger the foundation, the greater the future potential." Nine stages¡­ So I wasn¡¯t even at the first step yet. I kept reading, absorbing the words as best as I could. Grand Dao? Dao comprehension? Meridian cleansing? Some terms felt too distant to concern myself with for now. But as I turned to the final page, one last sentence stood out: "For a mortal, the first step on this path is the hardest. Beyond it, one either soars¡­ or crumbles to dust." Chapter 13: Tribulation Chapter 13: Tribulation [Xu Mo''s POV] I clutched my stomach, my face twisting in agony as a sharp pain shot through my gut. Damn it! Why did the sect''s morning porridge feel like it was brewed with vengeful spirits? I staggered forward, my robe sticking to my sweat-drenched back, and reached the male disciples'' communal toilet¡ªonly to find the door shut tight. Knocking frantically, I called out, "Whoever''s inside, hurry up!" Silence. Then, from within, a lazy voice drawled, "Occupied." I knocked harder, my other hand pressing against my churning stomach. "How long do you need? Are you cultivating in there?!" The person inside chuckled. A bastard! I gritted my teeth, my legs trembling as I stood in front of the stone-built outhouse. Unlike the lavish halls where the elders resided, the outer sect disciples'' toilets were nothing more than large pits covered by aged wooden seats with cracks running through them. The place reeked of accumulated filth, the air thick enough to choke a mortal. The sect had placed an array around the pit to neutralize the worst of the stench, but it wasn¡¯t enough¡ªespecially when disciples barely cared to keep the place clean. Stained wooden walls, dim lanterns flickering weakly, and the faint sound of scurrying rats made it clear that this was a battlefield not of swords, but of endurance. I swallowed, refusing to breathe too deeply. As a rule, I only cleaned my own belongings. This place? Never. Some disciples tried purifying it with a weak burst of Chi, but most just covered their noses and accepted their fate. Since I had yet to condense Chi, I had no such luxury. The pain twisted again. No time for dignity. I slammed my fist against the door. "Get out now, or I¡¯ll kick this door down!" A sigh came from inside, followed by the sound of robes rustling. "Tch, fine. You don¡¯t have to be so impatient¡­" The door creaked open, and I nearly fell inside as the previous occupant walked out, looking far too smug for my liking. I didn¡¯t care. Clutching my stomach, I rushed in and slammed the door shut behind me. A battle won, but the war was just beginning. The moment I stepped inside, I regretted it. The so-called "toilet" was a wooden seat with a gaping hole leading to an abyss I dared not think about. The dim lantern flickered, casting eerie shadows on the cracked walls. The air was thick¡ªnot just with the stench of previous battles fought here, but with the lingering presence of defeated warriors who had walked in, never to walk out the same.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. I took a step forward, but my foot stuck to the wooden floor with a sickening squelch. What in the Grand Dao¡­? I didn''t want to look down. I didn''t want to know. My stomach twisted violently, a warning that there was no time for hesitation. Holding my breath, I pulled up my robe, braced myself, and sat down. Silence. Then¡ªagony. It was as if a hundred spears were stabbing my gut from within, twisting and turning like enraged serpents. Sweat poured down my face as I gritted my teeth, my hands gripping the edges of the wooden seat like I was holding on for dear life. Why does it feel like I¡¯m undergoing tribulation?! Outside, footsteps approached. A knock followed. "Hurry up, brother! I can¡¯t hold it any longer!" I clenched my jaw. And you think I can?! Another knock. Then another. Soon, a full line of desperate disciples had gathered, each pounding on the door like debt collectors. I wanted to shout back, to tell them to cultivate patience, but I had more pressing concerns¡ªmainly, surviving this ordeal. A deep breath. A silent prayer. The battle raged on. The knocking outside grew louder, turning into furious pounding. "Brother, if you don¡¯t come out, I¡¯ll break the door down!" someone threatened. "Use your sword if you must! But I am not leaving!" I groaned, my voice barely above a whisper. The sweat on my forehead dripped down my nose as I gritted my teeth. My stomach twisted again, an unbearable wave of agony surging through me. Did I offend the Dao of Digestion in my past life? Then, a terrifying realization struck me¡ªI needed water to clean myself. I froze, my breath catching in my throat. A wave of despair nearly made my soul leave my body. What kind of monstrous place is this?! Frantically, I turned my gaze to the corner, spotting a wooden bucket filled with water. Relief surged through me. The bucket itself was clean, the water clear, but¡­ I hesitated. I had seen where this water came from. The sect¡¯s water channels were old, neglected for years. Sediment clogged the stone pipes, slowing the flow to a pathetic trickle. Sometimes, the water carried faint traces of moss and debris from deep within the mountain. It wasn¡¯t filth, but the unsettling thought of stagnant, ancient water made my stomach churn all over again. But I had no choice. The pounding on the door became relentless. "Xu Mo, if you don''t come out, we''ll drag you out!" Trembling, I closed my eyes and made my decision. A few moments later, I emerged from the toilet, looking like a man who had survived tribulation. My legs were weak, my steps unsteady. A crowd of furious disciples stood outside, glaring at me. One of them stepped forward, arms crossed. "What took you so long?" I met his gaze, my face pale but my heart calm. "I was¡­ comprehending the Dao." Then, without another word, I walked away, leaving behind an experience I would never speak of again. As I staggered back to my room, my body felt like it had been through a tribulation. My stomach, though finally at peace, still echoed the horrors of its earlier rebellion. I clutched my abdomen, my expression solemn as if making a grand oath before the Dao itself. "Never again¡­" I muttered under my breath. "Never again will I eat until I''m full." The memory of my suffering was too fresh, too painful. What was the point of cultivating if a mere meal could bring me to my knees? From now on, I would leave at least one full plate¡¯s worth of space in my stomach, no matter how tempting the food. I exhaled deeply, nodding to myself. Yes, this was the path to true enlightenment¡ªthe Dao of Moderation! Then, just as I was about to collapse onto my bed, a warm, fragrant scent wafted in from the kitchens. My stomach let out a quiet rumble. ¡­Perhaps just a small bowl wouldn¡¯t hurt. Chapter 14: "Master Gave Me an OP Technique… Now I Have a Headache" Chapter 14: "Master Gave Me an OP Technique¡­ Now I Have a Headache" [Long Chen''s POV] [Throw away that trash technique the sect gave you.] "What?! Master, does that mean you''re finally going to impart some invincible technique to me?" I looked at the ring on my finger, eyes brimming with excitement. [Well~ you can think of it that way if it makes you feel better.] "Okay, Master!" I sat cross-legged, ready to receive my legendary inheritance. The moment I relaxed my mind and let down my mental defenses¡ª BOOM! A tidal wave of knowledge crashed into my brain like a dam breaking. ¡ªOne hour later¡ª I lay sprawled on the floor, my limbs numb, my mind fried. "W-What was that?!" I croaked, my throat dry and hoarse. [The technique¡­ plus some of my comprehension.] "...Yeah, that¡¯s what I thought. Because no way in hell should a single cultivation technique feel never-ending." [You held on better than I expected. That could be attributed to your monstrous talent as well.] "Huh?" [Don¡¯t be so surprised. You asked for an invincible technique, plus my 10,000 years of accumulated experience. Honestly, I thought it¡¯d be lucky if you didn¡¯t fall into a coma.] "But wasn''t it you who¡ª" I mumbled, but who was I kidding? My master was an unfathomable existence. How could I ever hide my thoughts from him? "Master, slightly off-topic, but what do you think of Xu Mo?" [Him? Well, even I am uncertain¡­ I miss my younger self, back when I could easily deduce the fate of both mortals and immortals.] "Wow, Master! You could even see the future of immortals?" I flattered him shamelessly, knowing full well that praise was the way to his heart. [You could try recruiting him. His talent is only slightly below yours, so he¡¯d be perfect as your¡­ back-up life.] "...Back-up life?" [Oh, Long Chen, you¡¯re still too innocent for this world. What I mean is¡ªbecome his friend, win his trust, and if you ever find yourself in an unsolvable situation, use him as a shield and run away.] "Wait¡­ isn¡¯t that a little¡­" [Whose future is more important? Yours or his?] "My future, of course!" I said resolutely.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. [Then do as I say.] [Xu Mo''s POV] "Huu¡­" I exhaled, massaging my stomach as I sat on my bed. A bowl of hot soup had done wonders to ease my fatigue. My gaze drifted toward the window. The sky, once vast and bright, had dimmed into hues of deep orange and dusky purple. Wisps of clouds stretched lazily across the horizon, tinged with fading gold. The half-submerged sun cast long, wavering shadows over the sect grounds. A faint breeze slipped through the open gap, carrying the scent of incense and distant cooking fires. Lanterns flickered to life one by one, their glow like scattered stars against the creeping twilight. The world was slowing, settling¡­ yet the hum of cultivation never ceased¡ªdisciples meditating, elders pondering, the Dao flowing ceaselessly. Evening had arrived, draping the world in its silent embrace. "Alright, time to get back to cultivating." Failure had only fueled my determination. I was excited¡ªan indescribable feeling. Just as I was about to sit down on the cold wooden floor, my eyes caught something beneath my bed. At first, I thought I was imagining things. But upon a second glance, I saw it clearly¡ªa faint silhouette of¡­ something. Bending down, I carefully reached under and pulled out two objects. One was an incense stick¡ªlong, finely crafted, and exuding a scent that screamed ''high-grade.'' The other was a heavy pouch. I placed the incense stick on my bed and pried open the pouch. Inside were several perfectly cut stones, all identical in size¡ªspirit stones. My brows furrowed. "Who the hell would leave something like this in my room?" Was someone trying to frame me? That was the only logical conclusion. Who would be generous enough to just leave valuables in someone else¡¯s quarters? Sighing, I placed both items openly on my study table. If I reported this to an elder, I¡¯d be the first suspect. But if I didn¡¯t and someone searched the male disciples¡¯ quarters, I¡¯d still be accused of theft. "Well, too bad for them¡ªI¡¯m not entirely without backing." I chuckled, imagining the faces of whoever set this up when their plan inevitably failed. Shoving aside my suspicions for now, I sat down and refocused on cultivation. "How do I get that feeling back?" I had sensed it before¡ªthis faint, golden energy, like air itself. It had no shadow. The orange hues of the sunset didn¡¯t affect its color. I had been able to see this invisible force ever since my talent awakened. After reading The Mortal¡¯s Primer on Cultivation, I finally learned its name. If I wanted, I could break through to Qi Condensation right now. And yet¡­ something made me hesitate. Every time my fingers brushed past this energy, goosebumps crawled over my skin. I hadn¡¯t told anyone about this feeling. And I prayed no one ever found out. Because if they did¡­ they might search my soul or dissect my body, just like the stories my father once told me¡ªstories of immortals who went to extreme lengths when they found something ''interesting.'' Shiver. [Ancestor¡¯s POV] I stood outside the boy¡¯s window, observing silently. Xu Mo¡ªthe sect¡¯s true successor¡ªhad chosen to work his way up from the bottom rather than claim his rightful position. An interesting decision. Earlier, while he was away, several male disciples had entered his room. I saw everything. I knew exactly who was behind it and why. But I did not interfere. If Xu Mo truly found himself in a crisis, Long Bai could help him from behind the scenes. There was no need for an old sack of bones like me to step in. Hahaha¡­ I chuckled for no reason, amused at the irony. The same boy who once buried an ant queen he had accidentally stepped on¡­ was now being framed for theft. A harsh but necessary lesson. He had chosen this path himself¡ªearning recognition rather than inheriting power. Admirable. He was aware of his shortcomings and knew that acknowledgment earned through effort was worth a hundred times more than privilege. These small trials would help shape his character. Only time would tell how long he could restrain his inner demons from abusing his power. The Hidden Dragon Sect had existed for eons. There had been only a handful of true successors throughout history. And yet, while I still lived, every single one of them had perished¡ªeither consumed by their own desires or executed by other supreme powers. I watched as Xu Mo returned and discovered the planted evidence. I even heard his muttered suspicions. Shaking my head in disappointment¡­ But then¡ªsomething happened. Something shocking. So shocking, in fact, that I nearly lost control of my divine sense. "Did he just¡­ make contact with Qi?!" Chapter 15: When Trying to Cultivate Gives You a Headache—Literally!
Chapter 15: When Trying to Cultivate Gives You a Headache¡ªLiterally! [Ancestor''s POV] For the first time in many years, I was left speechless. Seeing and even touching Qi was nothing new. But that was only true for those at my level or slightly below me. Yet I had only gained the ability to see Qi when I reached the First Level of Qi Condensation. I couldn¡¯t even touch it until now. "The future of this lad will be interesting to watch," I thought after witnessing how he could already see and touch Qi while still being a mortal. What did this mean? Xu Mo had greater talent than me. Although we were both once-in-a-generation geniuses, the disturbance his awakening caused was far beyond mine. "I should focus on breaking through to the next realm," I mused. "This lad is still young and needs protection." With a small smile, I turned and walked back to the mountain peak. No one could see or sense my presence. Taking a walk after so many years, I glanced at the carefree smiles of young disciples and shook my head. How many of you will even make it past Qi Condensation? Even though Qi Condensation was considered weak¡ªcannon fodder when the sect faced tough times¡ªa single disciple who had just reached the First Level could terrorize an entire village. And if that disciple was not right in the head¡­ a massacre. I miss my old friends. Sigh. Living a long life has its downsides. Then again, everything has its advantages and disadvantages. [Third Person POV] The night stretched endlessly, its vast darkness pierced only by the cold silver moon and the flickering light of distant stars. A quiet breeze carried the scent of dew and earth, rustling the trees as unseen beasts stirred in the shadows.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Inside his room, Xu Mo sat on the cold floor, frustrated. From the surrounding rooms, the laughter and bickering of new disciples echoed through the night. Xu Mo had no real friends¡ªnot in the way that mattered. Sure, there was Long Chen and the girl he had saved from bullies, but neither visited him to discuss techniques or train together. "Why won¡¯t it flow toward me?" Xu Mo muttered, clenching his fists. He had been sitting there since evening, desperately trying to draw Qi into his body. He could see it. He could even feel it. But it refused to enter him. At one point, in sheer desperation, he had even tried inhaling it through his nose and mouth¡ªeating the Qi, so to speak. That didn¡¯t work either. "Am I even talented enough? The Dao won¡¯t listen to my call, and the Qi won¡¯t flow inside me." It was a good thing the Ancestor had already left. Otherwise, Xu Mo would have been beaten black and blue. If he wasn¡¯t talented, then wasn¡¯t that an indirect insult to the Ancestor, who had the same level of talent?! And trying to command the Dao? Madness. Even the smallest part of the Grand Dao was still the Dao. Comprehending even the first stage of a Dao would allow a so-called trash to surpass all the great figures of the world. Yet here Xu Mo was, a mere mortal, trying to order it around like a stubborn pet. Sighing, he stood up and looked outside. The Hidden Dragon Sect looked more alive at night than during the day. Fire lanterns lit the entire path up the mountain, and the once-distant peak stood like an impenetrable fortress stretching toward the Azure Sky. Xu Mo felt the empty ache inside his heart. It had always been there since his parents¡¯ passing. But tonight, it felt stronger. At their funeral, he hadn¡¯t cried. Not a single tear. Not even a flicker of emotion. But now, as he recalled those memories, his eyes burned. Big teardrops welled up, rolled down his cheeks, and gathered at his chin before falling onto the wooden floor, leaving faint stains behind. His vision blurred, but he didn¡¯t try to stop the tears. He let them flow. He knew it was better to let them out now rather than breaking down in public later. Xu Mo let out a small laugh at the thought¡ªbut with tears still streaming down his face, it only made him look more pitiful. After a few moments, the storm of emotions settled, leaving behind a strange sense of relief, as if a weight had been lifted from his heart. He looked up at the night sky, dotted with blinking stars. And then¡ª Beep. A strange sound rang in his ears. Xu Mo flinched. The noise grew louder, drowning out everything else. His frown deepened as he covered his ears, but it didn¡¯t help. "Agh!" Pain shot through his skull. Xu Mo dropped to his knees. "I¡¯m sorry! I won¡¯t think about the Dao anymore! Please, take this sound away!" He begged whatever was punishing him. As a mere mortal, he had no right to approach the Grand Dao. Please. Please. Please. Xu Mo rolled on the floor, gripping his head as the pain became unbearable. And then¡ªjust as suddenly as it started¡ªthe pain began to fade. Panting, Xu Mo slowly sat up. The sound was gone. Like it had never been there in the first place. He wiped the sweat from his forehead¡ªa clear reminder that everything had been real. Not an illusion. Chapter 16: Xu Mo Napped His Way to Almost-Greatness Chapter 16: Xu Mo Napped His Way to Almost-Greatness [Xu Mo¡¯s POV] "What¡­ was that?" I whispered, my voice trembling like a leaf in a hurricane. My head still throbbed, but the pain was manageable now¡ªlike a hangover after a night of questionable decisions. I glanced around the room, half-expecting to see some kind of divine punishment manifesting in the air. But there was nothing. Just the faint glow of moonlight streaming through the window, mocking me with its serenity. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. Was this a warning? A sign that I was overstepping my bounds? Or maybe the universe just really wanted me to take a nap. "Elder Long, are there any techniques for Qi Condensation? Because I am struggling," I muttered, gripping the necklace that Long Bai had given me. Before coming to the outer sect, Elder Long had told me that this necklace could also be used as a means of communication. Handy, right? I felt strength being drained from my palms and getting sucked inside the necklace, causing it to glow faintly. "Looks like Mortal Primer''s of Cultivation wasn¡¯t wrong. Qi is present in every being," I mused, though my face turned pale as I realized I was basically a human battery. Looks like I¡¯ll need to sleep to recuperate. Classic move. I turned off the lamp and laid down on the bed, ready to embrace the sweet oblivion of sleep. Elder Long wouldn¡¯t be free enough to respond to me immediately, right? I mean, he¡¯s probably busy doing¡­ elder things. As the weight of exhaustion pulled me into slumber, I found myself drifting into an endless void¡ªa place without light, without sound, without form. It was not the comforting darkness of night, nor the boundless expanse of the heavens. It was something deeper, something more profound. An abyss that was not empty but instead full, pressing against me from all directions, surrounding me in an embrace of absolute stillness. I did not know how long I remained there. Time did not flow in this place, nor did my thoughts scatter as they did in waking life. It was as if I had stepped beyond existence itself, where even the faintest breath of thought was swallowed by the vast silence that ruled this realm. Then, a presence emerged. A figure stood before me, neither man nor woman, neither young nor old. A silhouette of pure shadow against the greater darkness, its form shifting like ripples on the surface of still water. Though it had no face, no eyes, I knew it was watching me. Measuring me. The weight of its gaze pressed into my very soul, filling every part of me with an awareness so overwhelming that I almost forgot to think. Then, the figure moved. Its lips parted, forming words I could not hear. Not a single sound reached me. Not a whisper. Not a murmur. Not even the echo of something lost. It was as if reality itself had refused to grant me the ability to listen. The silence was suffocating, deafening in its intensity, more profound than any quiet I had ever known. I tried to focus, tried to strain my ears, to grasp even a fragment of what was being said. But no matter how hard I struggled, no matter how close I was to this being, the void between us remained unbroken. A deep sense of frustration welled up within me. Was this a lesson? A punishment? A test? The figure continued to speak, but I could not hear. It raised a hand, gesturing, its movements slow, deliberate¡ªyet I could not understand. I wanted to scream, to demand that the silence be shattered, that the voice I could see be given sound.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. But the moment I had the thought, I understood. Sound did not belong here. I did not belong here. The realization sent a shiver through me. This place was not meant to be heard. It was meant to be felt. The silence was not a void¡ªit was a force. It was presence, weight, depth. A truth that existed beyond mere words, beyond comprehension. And as I let go of my futile desire to listen, something inside me shifted. A strange sensation bloomed in the center of my being. Like the faintest ripple in a still pond, it spread outward, filling me with a quiet understanding. Not through words, not through sound, but through a knowing that came from the silence itself. Then, the figure stepped back. The darkness thickened. And I fell. When I awoke, the room was still shrouded in the dim light of early dawn. The cold from the wooden floor seeped into my skin, grounding me in the present. My body felt unchanged, but my mind¡­ my mind was different. There were instructions in my thoughts. A method. A path. A way to cultivate. The knowledge had not been spoken to me, nor written, nor shown. It had simply appeared¡ªwoven into the very fabric of my consciousness, as if it had always been there, waiting for me to understand. And now, I did. The Dao of Silence had revealed itself to me¡ªnot through sound, but through the absence of it. ... [Third Person POV] Xu Mo sat in silence, his back straight against the cold wooden wall of his room. The dim moon light filtered through the worn-out paper windows, casting soft shadows along the floor. The dream still lingered in his mind¡ªnot as a fading memory, but as something etched deep within him, more real than anything he had ever learned before. The instructions were clear, yet they had no words. They were not something he could explain or write down, only something he knew. A sensation, a method, a path laid out before him. It was as if the Dao of Silence itself had whispered its secrets¡ªnot through sound, but through understanding. He closed his eyes. The first step¡­ He had to sense it. The Qi. The lifeblood of the world, the very thing that separated mortals from cultivators. But, what the¡­ Before, he had only heard of it in passing¡ªan invisible energy that strengthened the body, allowed for techniques, and formed the foundation of all cultivation. But for a mortal, it was something intangible, like the wind¡ªfelt, but never grasped. He could see it¡ªthe Qi. The instruction in his mind told him that he had to empty out every last bit of Qi in his body. "An indirect death sentence!" he thought, horrified. However, it also told him that this process could not be sped up and that the removal of Qi should be done once a week¡ªand that too, under control. His heart told him not to trust this technique. "Well, only a madman would use such an abnormal method," he muttered to himself. He had to leave his body hanging by a thread of Qi¡ªnot quite literally, but in a metaphorical way. Yes, because that¡¯s totally reassuring. Xu Mo slowed his breathing. Yesterday, he had tried to comprehend the Dao and reach the peak in one step, but it was not compulsory. He had not started practicing yet. Even now, if he wanted to, he could absorb Qi through a normal¡ªbut rare¡ªmethod not available to even Inner Sect Disciples, because he had the position of True Successor to back him. Yet, that feeling that had made him stop from standing out and even rejecting the position of True Successor returned. Although it did not tell him to practice this or that method, his instincts¡ªand also his brain¡ªtold him that if he chose to go with the Dao method, although dangerous and lengthy, after the initial weakness, his strength would become invincible in the same realm. He quieted his thoughts. Closed his eyes. And he waited. Xu Mo took a thinker¡¯s pose. [A/N: relaxed seated pose with one knee raised.] The world around him began to blur¡ªnot in sight, but in presence. The distant sounds of the outer sect disciples, the rustling of the wind outside, even the faint creaking of the wooden floor beneath him¡ªall faded into nothingness. Xu Mo exhaled slowly, his mind sinking into a strange void. It was as if the entire world had stilled, a vast silence stretching endlessly before him. His consciousness drifted, weightless, as if he stood at the threshold of a great revelation¡ª Snore~ His head tilted slightly to the side. His breathing grew slow and steady. The "Dao of Silence" he was about to comprehend¡­ was the sweet embrace of sleep. Outside, the midnight stretched on, indifferent to his enlightenment¡ªor rather, his complete and utter failure to attain one. Chapter 17: Qi-less and Questionable Choices Chapter 17: Qi-less and Questionable Choices The sun hung high in the sky, partially obscured by drifting clouds, casting intermittent shadows over the Hidden Dragon Sect. The world had already stirred to life, bustling with activity. "Agh¡ª" Xu Mo groaned as he attempted to move his stiff shoulders and neck. The worst, however, was his folded leg, which had gone completely numb. It felt like a dead weight, unresponsive and tingling as if thousands of ants were crawling all over it. Slowly, he straightened his leg, wincing as the sensation began to subside. He collapsed back onto the bed, feeling utterly drained. Just as he was rotating his stiff neck, the locket around his neck glowed, and a deep voice emanated from it. [Sorry, the Sect Master told me to send these to you, but I forgot. Should I send them, or will you come here and take them yourself?] Xu Mo hurriedly grabbed the locket, only for it to suck away the minuscule amount of Qi he had left. "Can you please come here and pick me up, Elder? I have something I need to tell the Sect Master... And please, come without alerting anyone," he said, all in one breath. He fell back onto the bed, strength abandoning his body. Will this even work? he wondered. After all, he was just a newly elected true successor who had done nothing for the sect. His audacious demand¡ªseven months of not cultivating but instead discarding Qi¡ªwas bound to raise eyebrows. Xu Mo massaged his temples, anxiety gnawing at him. ... "What happened to you? Did someone hurt you?" Elder Long Bai appeared beside his bed, his composure slipping as he examined Xu Mo from head to toe. "...Elder... you''re... here. I wanted... to meet the... Sect Master," Xu Mo managed to say, gasping for air. Long Bai hesitated for a moment before deciding to take Xu Mo to the Sect Master. As the head elder, he wasn¡¯t just for show. Though he often acted easygoing, it was merely a facade to lull others into lowering their guard. With a swift motion, Elder Long scooped Xu Mo up in a princess carry and vanished from the room. [Xu Mo''s POV] I found myself back in the grand hall, but this time, the Sect Master sat on his throne, looking down at me from several steps above. "Long Bai said you have something to tell me," the Sect Master stated. Before I could respond, I felt a surge of Qi filling my body, strengthening me. I glanced at the Sect Master, who nodded. It was clear he was the source.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. "Sect Master, there¡¯s no one else here except us, right?" I asked, feeling a lump in my throat. After all my efforts to waste his Qi, I was back to square one. But I shook my head and focused on the task at hand. The Sect Master raised an eyebrow but soon relaxed. "Yes." I looked around cautiously. The Qi here was denser and purer than in the outer sect. "I had a dream," I began, pausing to gauge the Sect Master¡¯s reaction. His lazy, uninterested posture shifted as he sat up straight, leaning slightly forward¡ªa clear sign of curiosity. "There was an entity in the dream who spoke to me, but I couldn¡¯t understand the language. When I woke up suddenly in the middle of the night, a set of strange instructions appeared in my mind." I decided to mix truth with lies. Given my past experiences with betrayal, I never let my guard down, not even around my Master. "And?" the Sect Master¡¯s voice echoed through the empty hall. "According to the instructions, I need to empty all the Qi from my body and bring myself close to death." "What?!" The Sect Master¡¯s eyes bulged as if they might pop out of their sockets. But he quickly regained his composure, not wanting to appear flustered in front of a junior. He looked at me with those innocent eyes of mine, which seemed to believe he was omniscient and should know what the dream symbolized. "What does your heart tell you?" the Sect Master asked, throwing the question back at me. I had expected this, but a small part of me still hoped for guidance. "My heart... tells me to believe the instructions, while my brain tells me to cultivate normally." "Do you wish to hear my thoughts?" "Uh... that¡¯s why I wanted to meet you, Sect Master." The Sect Master was momentarily taken aback, his posture faltering. He had assumed I, like everyone else, would flatter him and not point out his mistakes directly. It seemed he had grown accustomed to constant praise. "Hmm... I have a suggestion, but it¡¯s up to you to follow it or not. You can try the method from your dream. It¡¯s just Qi. If Elder Long or I sense that you¡¯re in danger, we¡¯ll intervene. Your talent is enough to make up for the lost time during this Qi disposal training. However, you can no longer stay in the outer sect." I contemplated his words. Now that I thought about it, I had been overthinking. My talent was sufficient to bridge the gap created by weakening myself instead of growing stronger. But if a disciple suddenly disappeared from the male residence without explanation... Although not many people knew me, there were still some neighbors who did. "Sect Master," I began, but when I glanced at him, I shrank back. "Are you going to go against my decision again?" The Sect Master smiled, but in the dim light of the hall, it looked eerily creepy. "N-no, never... I just wanted to say that a new disciple disappearing without reason might raise concerns. So, I have a plan." I spoke slowly, pausing occasionally to ensure the Sect Master followed along without confusion. "It¡¯s a good plan. But why go through all that trouble? I¡¯m the Sect Master of the Hidden Dragon Sect. I can do whatever I want." Cough¡ª The Sect Master¡¯s imposing demeanor deflated like a balloon. "Fine. I¡¯ll inform the Disciplinary Hall." "And... is there anything that can block Qi from entering or accumulating back in my body?" I asked hurriedly. This was crucial. After midnight, the Qi absorbed by the locket had replenished by morning. It seemed the body absorbed Qi automatically, even for mortals. That¡¯s why many mortals fell ill when Qi left their bodies and recovered when it returned. But the absorption rate was slow and depended on one¡¯s talent. The Sect Master¡¯s creepy smile returned. "Leave that to me." Chapter 18: Wrong Place, Wrong Time Chapter 18: Wrong Place, Wrong Time Meanwhile, after Xu Mo had been carried back to the outer sect by Long Bai¡­ In the Sect Master¡¯s Hall. "Senior, what does your experience tell you?" the Sect Master asked the shadows. Moments later, an old man emerged from behind the throne. A sudden cough echoed in the hall¡ªit came from the ancestor who had been lurking in the shadows, silently observing everything. It seemed he''d been boasting a little too much. "He¡¯s lying," the Ancestor said, appearing from behind the throne like an assassin. "Yeah, I thought so too." The Sect Master stifled a laugh, recalling how hard he had tried to hold back his laughter when Xu Mo was making up his cover story. But in the end, he had almost lost control. "You did well to replenish his Qi. Otherwise, he would have died without even realizing when or how." Hearing the Ancestor''s praise, the Sect Master felt content. "Everyone has their own opportunities, and it was smart of him to remain cautious even when offered the position of True Successor." The Ancestor had a satisfied expression on his face. Although what Xu Mo had requested was dangerous and could threaten his life, it also proved that he had enough talent to make a comeback. "Do you really believe all that talk about dreams and destiny?" the Sect Master asked, genuinely curious. In the entire sect, only the Ancestor had the same talent as Xu Mo, so he was the best person to judge. "I''ve heard of such strange phenomena before. Most are rumors, but as they say¡ªthere''s no smoke without fire. Some people claim to have had visions, some say they were chosen by an immortal, and a few even had their entire lives changed overnight after experiencing a dream." The Ancestor descended the stairs with his hands behind his back, not even bothering to look at the Sect Master. If it had been anyone else acting so arrogantly, the Sect Master would have surely punished them. But in front of the Ancestor, he was no more than an ant. His arrogance was well-earned¡ªhe had the strength to back it up. "Then why have I never heard of such a phenomenon?" "Because it happened to a friend of mine." "Friend?! You don¡¯t mean¡ª"If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. The Sect Master knew that, in his younger days, the Ancestor had been unbelievably arrogant. Compared to that, his current self was just a child. And his friends? They were never ordinary people. If someone made it onto the Ancestor¡¯s "friend list," it meant they were either as talented as him or even more so. "Yeah," the Ancestor confirmed. "And he''s coming for a visit next month. Says it¡¯s a surprise." "What?! Senior, why are you only telling me this now? You should have informed me earlier so I could prepare!" Today, the Sect Master had no idea whose unlucky face he had seen first upon waking, but he had already lost his composure more times today than he had in centuries. The Ancestor rubbed his nose and disappeared. The Sect Master, now in full panic mode, had no time to worry about him and immediately summoned all the sect elders for an emergency meeting. [Xu Mo¡¯s POV] Elder Long dropped me off a short distance from the male residence. He had intended to walk with me, but he was suddenly summoned by the Sect Master. From a distance, I saw a massive crowd gathered outside the male residence. At first, I didn¡¯t think much of it, but something in my gut told me otherwise. Cautiously, I approached and blended into the crowd. "What happened here? I just got here, brother," I asked a fellow disciple. "I don¡¯t know. I¡¯m just here for fun." I had no words. Only silence could express my feelings toward this disciple. Then, I noticed a group of people in uniforms¡ªthe same ones I had seen before at the entrance ceremony. They had surrounded the area around the male apartments, preventing anyone from getting too close. Meanwhile, the rest of their team seemed to be inside, searching the rooms. "I heard someone reported that a male disciple was hiding stolen items from an outer sect elder in his room." "Yeah, and the reporter is anonymous." "What?! But how?" "Shhh¡­ It¡¯s clearly a setup. Poor guy must have offended someone powerful." By now, I had already connected the dots and had a pretty good idea of who the "culprit" would be. "Who here goes by the name Xu Mo?" A young man¡ªlikely in his thirties¡ªstepped forward. His uniform had two stars on the left side of his chest, while the others had none. The crowd erupted into hushed whispers, the once-silent gathering now buzzing with speculation. "I am!" I raised my voice loud enough for him to hear over the murmurs. Every eye in the crowd turned toward me. Ignoring their judgmental stares, I walked forward. "Is he stupid? This is clearly a trap." "Idiot. Should¡¯ve just run away." But I kept walking. The man who had called my name stood behind a line of his team members, who had cordoned off the area. He glanced at one of them, and after receiving a subtle nod, he stepped aside and gestured for me to come forward. "Are you really Xu Mo?" he asked, suspicion evident in his gaze. "Here, my outer disciple token." He barely touched it before nodding in confirmation. There must be some hidden function in these tokens that we "common" disciples weren¡¯t told about. "Apprehend him." Before I could react, ropes bound my arms. "Agh¡ª!" I shot a glare at the guy who had tied the ropes extra tight, cutting off circulation to my wrists. "You didn¡¯t need to bind me. I was going to cooperate anyway." The man smirked. "Yeah, I¡¯ve heard that before. The last guy who said it ran the moment his ropes were untied." "Not everyone¡¯s the same." "True. But precautions are better than regrets, right?" We exchanged a few more words, but soon, he gestured for his team to move. A rough elbow jab to my side signaled for me to start walking. Before I knew it, I was surrounded on all sides by eight people. Chapter 19: Experience of Getting Arrested Chapter 19: Experience of Getting Arrested [Xu Mo''s POV] Slam¡ª "Speak. When and where did you steal this from?" Wei Han demanded, his voice cold and stern. He slammed the items found in my room onto the table in front of me, the sound echoing sharply in the small interrogation room. "And what if I say I don''t know? What if these things just appeared under my bed one day?" Xu Mo spread his arms and shrugged, his eyes fixed on the objects with a calm expression. "Hah! As if I''d believe that," Wei Han scoffed, folding his arms across his chest and glaring at me with undisguised suspicion. We were in one of the interrogation rooms in the Disciplinary Hall, a place I had never imagined I''d find myself in so soon after joining the sect. A wooden table separated us, and Wei Han sat across from me, his piercing gaze trying to break through my composure. "Guardian Cold. Your name. Your parents must have hoped you''d grow into an upright person. But look at you now¡ªaccusing a new disciple of stealing from an elder when the disciple doesn''t even know his way around the outer sect." Wei Han''s frown deepened as I targeted his upbringing, his expression darkening. An intimidating aura radiated from him, but it didn''t affect me in the slightest. After all, I''d been in the presence of Elder Long and the Sect Master almost daily. How could a mere team leader compare to them? ''Why isn''t my Qi working on him?'' Wei Han wondered, his frown still etched on his face. He had been trying to pressure Xu Mo since the interrogation began, but every time his Qi approached Xu Mo, it seemed to be absorbed by something. ''Does he have another artifact on him?'' Wei Han''s eyes narrowed as he noticed Xu Mo''s hands trembling beneath the table, despite his outward bravado. I tried to steady my shaking hands, but they were beyond my control. This always happened when I found myself in situations I couldn''t manipulate. The fear of losing control was something I had struggled with since childhood, and it seemed even my cultivation couldn''t fully suppress it. "You''ll be placed in temporary detention until further investigation. Your Qi will be blocked, and you won''t be able to absorb any Qi while you''re there. I advise you not to attempt breaking the Qi-blocking chains. I''d rather not find a corpse during our next interrogation," Wei Han said, standing up and opening the door. Outside, members of the Disciplinary Hall stood ready to take me away. "Thank you. Take your time," I replied with a smile, inwardly praising the Sect Master''s arrangements. Why hadn''t I thought of this before? Being under constant surveillance in detention would help me avoid any unforeseen complications during my Qi dissipation. "Search his body. If you find anything unusual, confiscate it¡ªbut be careful," Wei Han ordered, clearly irritated by my lack of fear.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Was he trying to humiliate me? If so, he was going to regret it. [Wei Han''s POV] An anonymous report had come in, claiming that a disciple had stolen valuables from an elder. At first, I dismissed it as impossible. But my sense of duty wouldn''t let me ignore it. I put on my Disciplinary Hall uniform, adorned with two stars, and raided the male dormitories as per the report. To my surprise, I found the stolen goods¡ªsitting on the disciple''s study table, gathering dust. There was no attempt to hide them. Something felt off. My eight years of experience told me this was a trap set for this disciple, Xu Mo. When I called out his name, Xu Mo stepped forward without hesitation. He didn''t run or hide. ''Was he paid to take the fall? Or is he covering for someone else?'' I wondered. Alternatively, he might have powerful backing to escape this situation. But the more I observed him, the more confused I became. His demeanor was calm, almost too calm for someone facing such serious accusations. And then there was the matter of my Qi being absorbed whenever I tried to pressure him. It was as if he had some kind of protective artifact, but I couldn''t detect anything unusual on him. Meanwhile, Long Chen, who had been planning to befriend Xu Mo, was stunned by the news of his arrest. "Master, do you think it''s true? Could Xu Mo really have stolen from an elder?" Long Chen asked, his voice filled with disbelief. [Do you really think a mortal like Xu Mo could steal from an outer sect elder?] his master replied, his tone dismissive. "Aah..." [Go back and cultivate. If you don''t break through to the first level of Qi Condensation in the next four days, no more techniques for you.] "Master, no! I''m going back now!" Long Chen exclaimed, scrambling to his feet and rushing back to his training area. [Xu Mo''s POV] The heavy iron bars groaned as they slid into place, their echoing clang reverberating through the dimly lit prison hall like the final toll of a judgment bell. The lingering hum of metal faded into silence, leaving only the cold stillness of confinement. "Excuse me, what are the meal times here?" I called out to the retreating figure of the Disciplinary Hall member. "Why are you walking away? What if I escape?" I added, a hint of amusement in my voice. "Try if you can," the member''s voice echoed back, his tone indifferent. I laughed, my voice bouncing off the empty cells. I looked around my new "home," where I''d likely stay longer than I had in any other place in the Hidden Dragon Sect. "It''s cleaner than I expected," I muttered, brushing my fingers against the dusty walls. "At least there''s no stench or rats." I sat down on a hard rectangular block that served as both a bed and a sofa. Thud, thud¡ª I knocked on it with my knuckles to check if it was solid rock or hollow. The sound confirmed it was pure stone. I glanced up as the same Disciplinary Hall member returned, this time carrying two thick bracelets. "What are those for?" I asked, feigning ignorance. "To make you a mortal." "And what am I now?" "...A strong mortal." I wanted to say more but held back. It wasn''t in my nature to curse or scold someone just doing their job. The member seemed unfazed, and I could tell he''d developed a good impression of me. Most disciples cursed or insulted the Disciplinary Hall members, but I believed words could cut deeper than any blade. The wounds they left were often irreparable. As the bracelets were clamped around my wrists, I felt a strange sensation as my Qi was sealed away. It was an odd feeling, like being wrapped in a thick blanket that muffled everything. But I didn''t resist. This was all part of the plan. [Wei Han''s POV] I couldn''t shake the feeling that something was off about this entire situation. Xu Mo''s calm demeanor, the way my Qi was absorbed, the ease with which the stolen goods were found¡ªit all pointed to a larger scheme. But who was behind it? And why target a new disciple like Xu Mo? I decided to dig deeper. If this was a trap, I needed to find out who set it and why. And if Xu Mo was innocent, I owed it to him to uncover the truth. Patreon Announcement!!! ?? Unlock 5 Chapters Ahead ¨C Join My Patreon! ?? Hey everyone! ?? I¡¯ve got some exciting news¡ªI¡¯m officially on Patreon! ?? If you¡¯ve been enjoying my novel and want to support my writing, this is the best way to do it! Why join? ?? Get 5 chapters ahead every week! ?? Help me keep writing and bringing you more content! ? Become part of an amazing community of readers who love this story just as much as you do!This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. Now, I also have a totally reasonable (read: probably impossible) goal of reaching $5,000 per month! ?? Not because I want to become a full-time writer (I¡¯m still a student, after all ??), but just because it would be amazing to see this little dream of mine grow! Even a small pledge helps me get one step closer, and honestly, just knowing you enjoy my work already means the world to me. ?? So if you¡¯d like to read ahead and support the journey, consider joining my Patreon! No pressure¡ªjust appreciation, caffeine, and more chapters for you! ??? ?? Patreon Thanks for being part of this adventure! Whether you pledge or just keep reading, I appreciate every single one of you. With gratitude, Yezar. Chapter 20: Behind Bars and Breakthroughs Chapter 20: Behind Bars and Breakthroughs While Xu Mo was locked behind bars, the outside world¡ªmore precisely, the Hidden Dragon Sect¡ªhad entered a festive mood. By evening, almost everyone knew that some important guests were due to visit the following month. Everyone, whether outer attendants, disciples, or even elders, was working hard to clean and maintain the sect. The weeds that had started growing through the pavement, the overgrown branches of trees, and the outer appearance of the buildings were all being tended to. Even though the visiting guests might not pass through the outer sect, it was still important to think and plan ahead. The sect master had ordered that every piece of land on which the Hidden Dragon Sect was built had to be cleaned. The wild beasts that had been living within the mountains of the Hidden Dragon Sect had been shifted outside its boundaries. Even the public toilets, which had not been cleaned for who knows how long, were finally being addressed. ... On the other hand, Long Chen had entered a unique cultivation state. This state was induced by the technique given to him by his master. In his heart, his master held the highest position, even slightly above his real parents. The Qi was being absorbed into his body as if he were a sponge soaking up water. But if the water became more than the sponge could handle, it would overflow uncontrollably, seeping out in all directions, wasting its essence and weakening its foundation. Long Chen''s face began to turn rosy from the sheer amount of Qi he was absorbing. "M-Master, how long?" Long Chen''s voice sounded hoarse, and it seemed he was in extreme pain. [Two more breaths, and then you can compress the Qi to absorb only the pure Qi into your meridians.] Long Chen nodded and continued absorbing Qi for two more breaths. "AAAAAAAaaaa¡ª" Long Chen let out a wild scream. His body began to swell like a balloon being filled with air. [This is the most important step. Long Chen, whatever happens, do not lose consciousness.]Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. Sitting in a lotus position, Long Chen joined the fingers of both hands and began reciting some unknown syllables. If someone had X-ray vision, they would have seen that inside Long Chen''s body, the Qi he had absorbed¡ªuntil his body started to swell¡ªwas beginning to shrink. It was like a blacksmith ironing a hot rod of metal. The Qi continued to change shape, and the excess Qi that was expelled nourished his body. This process ensured that, in the future, his body could contain more Qi than an average person. Coupled with his already monstrous talent, Long Chen would become a complete beast. Soon, the huge amount of Qi was nowhere to be seen inside him. In its place was a sphere, a circular ball about the size of a ping-pong ball. If one looked closely with a magnifying glass, the ball of Qi was perfectly round, with no visible imperfections. Giving the Qi this shape was more difficult than it seemed. If it had been any other shape, Long Chen would have had to hammer it into the desired form with his will. In his dantian, there was a circular platform rotating in space, with nine empty semi-sphere dents placed at equal distances from one another. The moment the ping-pong ball of Qi was completed, it flew and placed itself in one of the empty spaces. A wave of Qi flashed across the circular platform. "Breakthrough!!" Long Chen roared like a beast that had just defeated its arch-nemesis. Immediately, Long Chen felt as though the chains that had been binding him had broken. The process of a mortal converting into a cultivator had begun. ... [Xu Mo''s POV] There was no day or night inside the cell. The only source of light was an old, worn-out lantern that flickered from time to time. I sat on the rock-hard bed and began exerting force to break the bracelet on my wrist. Of course, I didn¡¯t exert too much force, afraid that I might die suddenly from losing too much Qi. Pant... Pant... There wasn¡¯t much air in the cell, and the humidity rose as time passed. It signaled to me that it might be the time of day when the sun was at its peak. At night, the same cell that burned like fire during the day became as cold as an ice cellar. This was because the cell was located below the Disciplinary Hall. Unfortunately for me, my cell might not be under the shade of the Disciplinary Hall. Instead, hundreds of disciples might be walking right above my head. I looked at my hands, which were shaking again. It had already been two days since I was dropped off here. No one had come to see me except for the Disciplinary Hall member in charge of bringing food. ¡®Has the sect master forgotten about me?¡¯ I had started having this thought since yesterday. But then again, I shook my head. The Disciplinary Hall member might be the one sent by Elder Long to check on me. I lay down on the hard surface of the rock. My back had started to hurt whenever I woke up, and even standing up straight had become a challenge. Eating food was also difficult because of the constant pain in my back. I didn¡¯t know how I was still going. I raised my hand to grab the locket around my neck but only grasped thin air. The locket had already been taken away during the body search. I gazed at the few flies buzzing around the only source of light in this dim chamber.