The news spread through the Outer Sect faster than wildfire.The three newcomers had refused Luther Cain's protection fees.They had survived Beast Mountain.They had earned exceptional merit.Worst of all...Other disciples had begun following Sawyer's example.Luther's authority, once unquestioned among the new disciples, was beginning to crack.And everyone knew...He wouldn't let that happen.The morning training session had barely ended when a loud voice echoed across the Outer Sect."Where's Sawyer?"Disciples stopped what they were doing.Heads turned.Three disciples wearing blue armbands strode confidently toward the trio's small courtyard.Each carried a weapon.Each wore the smug expression of someone expecting an easy victory.At their center was a broad-shouldered young man with a scar stretching across his jaw.He planted his sword into the ground before shouting again."Sawyer!""Come out!"Wang was the first to emerge from the courtyard.He stretched lazily before yawn

Silence.The thunderous cheers that had shaken the dueling arena moments earlier vanished as though someone had stolen the sound itself.Thousands of eyes remained fixed on the stone staircase leading toward the Inner Sect.A lone figure stood at the top.He couldn't have been older than twenty-five.Yet the moment he appeared...The atmosphere changed completely.He wore robes unlike any Outer Disciple.Silver threads embroidered the dark fabric into the shape of a crescent moon that shimmered beneath the afternoon sun. His sword hung quietly at his waist, but no one doubted it had tasted blood.He wasn't particularly tall.Nor was he heavily built.But the calm confidence surrounding him made the bustling arena feel suffocating.Even the wind seemed to avoid him.One disciple gasped."An... Inner Disciple.""No."Another shook his head immediately."Look at the crest on his sleeve.""The silver moon with three stars..."Someone swallowed hard."Top Fifty..."The whisper spread throu

The Inner Sect was a different world.The moment one crossed the massive Moon Gate that separated it from the Outer Sect, everything changed.The noise disappeared.The crowds vanished.Instead of worn stone paths, polished white jade roads wound between towering palaces and tranquil lakes.Spirit trees swayed gently in the mountain breeze.Waterfalls cascaded from cliff to cliff, filling the air with a soothing mist rich in spiritual energy.Even the disciples walked differently.No shouting.No unnecessary conversations.No pointless disputes.Every person carried themselves with quiet confidence.To become an Inner Disciple was to leave behind the chaos of the Outer Sect.It was where Moon Brim Sect nurtured its true elites.Luther Cain climbed the endless stone staircase with a heavy heart.His bruises had healed.His wounded pride had not.Every disciple he passed greeted him politely, but Luther could feel the difference.Some looked away too quickly.Others whispered after he w

The towering gates of Moon Brim Sect slowly disappeared behind them.Ahead lay a road few Outer Disciples wished to travel.Blackwood Ravine.It stretched for dozens of miles between two enormous mountain ranges, its cliffs so steep that sunlight barely reached the valley floor. Ancient trees twisted toward the sky like giant claws, their thick branches weaving together into a ceiling of endless darkness.A cold wind drifted through the ravine, carrying with it the scent of damp earth...And blood.Even Wang, who usually joked without restraint, lowered his voice."This place...""...feels wrong."Chi tightened the straps on the large wooden crate strapped to his back. Inside were dozens of rare medicinal herbs destined for Moon Brim Sect's southern herb station. If they were damaged, the punishment would be severe."The map says we only need to follow the main trail."He glanced toward Sawyer."...Assuming the map is correct."Sawyer unfolded the mission map once more.His eyes caref

"Battle is won long before the first sword is drawn."The old instructor's voice echoed across the massive lecture hall.Unlike martial training, the Military Theory Hall was nearly empty.More than three hundred Outer Disciples had been ordered to attend.Barely half that number actually came.The rest found excuses.Some claimed they were cultivating.Others accepted missions.Many simply believed military theory was useless.After all...Moon Brim Sect produced martial artists.Not generals.Wang yawned loudly as he slumped against the wooden bench."I don't understand why we're here.""I came to learn how to fight.""Not read dusty history."Chi nudged him with an elbow."Keep your voice down.""If the instructor hears you, we'll be cleaning the training grounds for a month."Wang groaned."I'd rather carry spirit stones again."Sawyer chuckled but kept his eyes fixed on the elderly man standing before the class.Unlike everyone else...He was genuinely interested.Very interested