Three months. Three months since the chaos began.

  The council chamber of the Celestial Dragon Sect hummed with tension as the twelve elders gathered around the ancient table of divine heartwood. Scrolls, reports, and jade slips were scattered across its polished surface, each bearing news from different corners of the cultivation world.

  "Impossible," Master Feng declared, slapping one of the jade slips onto the table. "The theories outlined here would require a fundamental reinterpretation of the Celestial Dragon Classic. It cannot be correct."

  "And yet," Elder Lian countered, her wizened fingers tapping the same jade slip, "our tests confirm the efficacy of the circulation method. Three disciples have already shown remarkable improvement using these patterns, and more join their ranks each day."

  What had begun as a simple publication by Elder Zhou had exploded into a major controversy within cultivation circles. The theories of a formerly unremarkable outer sect disciple had sparked debates from the smallest cultivation families to the most prestigious sects.

  "The Lin Clan is deliberately using this to elevate their standing," Master Feng insisted. "This 'Lin Tian' was mediocre at best during his time in our outer sect. How are we to believe he suddenly developed revolutionary insights?"

  Elder Zhou, seated at his position of honor as one of the senior elders, maintained his composure despite the thinly veiled criticism. "I verified the theories myself before publication. Their validity is not in question."

  "Your judgment, however, might be," Master Feng muttered, just loud enough to be heard.

  Elder Wu, who had remained silent throughout the debate, finally spoke. "Whether these theories are correct or not is immaterial. The fact remains that the Celestial Dragon Sect has presented a challenge to traditional cultivation understanding. We must now decide how to proceed."

  "What is there to decide?" Master Feng scoffed. "We should distance ourselves from this controversy immediately."

  "And lose the opportunity to lead the cultivation world into a new era?" Elder Shen countered. The normally reticent elder rarely spoke during council meetings, making his intervention all the more significant. "If Lin Tian's theories prove correct—and three months of testing suggests they do—our sect will be remembered as the birthplace of a cultivation revolution."

  "Speaking of Lin Tian," Elder Tae Won interjected, "I've received word that the Lin Clan has extended his training at their Sacred Spirit Cave under Elder Jin's guidance for another three months."

  This news silenced even Master Feng momentarily. The Sacred Spirit Cave was one of the Lin Clan's most treasured resources, and Elder Jin was notorious for his brutal but effective training methods.

  "Six months total in the Sacred Spirit Cave?" Elder Lian murmured. "They must truly believe in his potential."

  Sect Leader Wu nodded thoughtfully. "Then we shall see what becomes of him when he returns for the Inner Sect Academy term. Until then, we will continue our own research into these theories."

  The sect leader's gaze swept across the council. "Now, speaking of our disciples, how has the sect been progressing, particularly the current generation?"

  All eyes turned to Elder Zhou, who was responsible for the observational disciples program. With practiced movements, he withdrew a scroll from his sleeve and unfurled it on the table.

  "I need not say anything," Elder Zhou began with a slight smile, "but I will. The program has progressed beautifully over these three months. Wang Tao has shown noticeable progress, as have Zhang Sung, Ju Meng—all have entered Core Strengthening stage."

  He traced his finger down the scroll. "But the two who have rapidly progressed are Liu Hui and Mei Ling. Both are in Core Strengthening IV and are expected to reach First Rate Warrior Realm within a month."

  Elder Shen leaned forward with interest. "Liu Hui? The one with the rare constitution? I recall his entry evaluation was... less than impressive."

  "Yes," Elder Zhou confirmed with a knowing smile. "When he first came to us, he was quite different—round-faced, soft-bodied, and painfully awkward. I still remember his entrance examination." The Elder shook his head at the memory. "A comically inept performance from a round-faced boy who seemed to panic under observation.

  "And now?" Elder Tae Won inquired.

  "Transformed," Elder Zhou replied. "His physique has undergone a remarkable change. He's grown over six inches taller in these three months alone, and his frame has filled out substantially with solid muscle. His constitution is naturally exceptional, but it was dormant until he began implementing the new circulation methods."

  "That's an unprecedented rate of physical development," Elder Lian noted with a raised eyebrow.

  "Indeed," Elder Zhou agreed. "Liu Hui has drawn attention from various other sects. He does not hail from a clan and only made it into our sect via his latent physicality. Several noble families have sent letters asking if they can officially take him under their wing."

  "And Mei Ling?" Sect Leader Wu inquired.

  "Her progress is expected, considering who her older brother is," Elder Zhou replied with a respectful nod.

  "Do you think she has his level of potential?" Elder Lian asked, her tone curious rather than challenging.

  Elder Zhou shook his head slowly. "I do not think so. She is quite talented, but to be on the level of Song..." The chamber grew quiet at the mention of the name.

  After a moment, Elder Zhou redirected the conversation. "What about your disciples, fellow elders?"

  Elder Lian sighed softly. "I've been training Ling Ma and Huang Lei. Ling Ma has progressed quite well, but Huang Lei is... challenging. While he has improved, he tends to ignore refinement, focusing only on strengthening his body and raw cultivation. He has no technique to speak of."

  She rubbed her temples in frustration. "His biggest problem is his hardheadedness. He can't find a partner to physically match him. Wei Zhen would be ideal, but he isn't the type to respond to these requests."

  "Why not pair Huang Lei with Liu Hui?" Elder Zhou suggested. "If physicality is the problem, Liu Hui's constitution is the perfect counter to Huang Lei's style. Together, both could grow stronger."

  Elder Lian's eyes widened slightly as she considered the idea. "That's... actually a great suggestion. I shall schedule that arrangement."

  "Speaking of Wei Zhen," Master Feng interjected, clearly eager to change the subject from Lin Tian's theories, "his progress continues to be impressive. He's one of our most promising disciples."

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  "Yes," Elder Shen confirmed. "The Wei family has produced a true prodigy this generation."

  "And yet," Elder Zhou said quietly, "even Wei Zhen's achievements have been overshadowed by discussions of Lin Tian's theories. Curious how ideas can sometimes outshine raw power."

  Master Feng bristled visibly, but before he could respond, Sect Leader Wu raised a hand.

  "Enough. We have more pressing matters to discuss than rivalries between disciples. I've received communications from seventeen major sects requesting more information about the circulation theories." The sect leader's gaze fell on Elder Zhou. "They wish to send representatives to observe our implementation."

  "Seventeen? That's more than double the number from last month," Elder Tae Won remarked.

  "What shall we tell them?" Elder Lian asked.

  Sect Leader Wu's lips curved into a subtle smile. "We will welcome them, of course. The Celestial Dragon Sect has always prided itself on being at the forefront of cultivation advancement."

  As the council moved on to discussing arrangements for the visiting representatives, Elder Zhou caught Elder Shen's eye across the table. A silent understanding passed between them—the cultivation world was changing, and Lin Tian, whether unwittingly or by design, had become the catalyst.

  Meanwhile, in the outer sect training grounds, the disciples who had not yet heard about the council's discussions continued their daily routines. But whispers of change spread like ripples in a pond.

  "Have you seen Liu Hui lately?" a young disciple asked his training partner as they practiced basic sword forms.

  "I mean, who hasn't? The whole sect has been talking about him," his companion replied, adjusting his stance before continuing their practice exchange. "In just three months, he went from that short, round-faced boy to growing over five inches taller and getting completely jacked. That physique..."

  "It's so unfair," the first disciple grumbled. "Why does he get a good constitution and I don't?"

  A boy walking by them, carrying what appeared to be towels and practice clothes, suddenly stopped. "Liu Hui isn't in that shape just because he has a good constitution, brother," he said, his voice quiet but firm. "Brother Liu Hui trained very hard, day and night, until his bones felt like breaking, and then he got back up and trained more. That's why he's that strong."

  The cultivator turned with a scowl. "Ah, the little orphan boy thinks he knows something about cultivation? What would you know about real strength, you parentless whelp?" He stepped toward the boy threateningly.

  "Yeah," his companion sneered, "everyone knows your parents were so weak they couldn't even defend themselves against common bandits. What a pathetic bloodline you must have!"

  The boy's face darkened with rage. "Take that back."

  "Or what, orphan trash? You'll cry to your dead parents?" the cultivator taunted.

  What happened next left both disciples stunned. The boy dropped the linens he was carrying, leapt upward with unexpected agility, and delivered a precise kick that sent the larger disciple sprawling to the ground. When his friend rushed forward in shock, the boy moved with practiced efficiency, striking three precise points that left the second disciple gasping on his knees, clutching his throat.

  Never," Liu Wei said, standing over them with cold fury in his eyes, "speak of my parents again. And never mistake kindness for weakness."

  Several other disciples had stopped their training to watch the confrontation, murmurs of surprise spreading through the crowd.

  "That's Liu Wei," someone whispered. "Liu Hui's younger brother."

  "How did he move so fast? I didn't even see that kick coming."

  As the shocked disciples stared after him, Liu Wei walked away with his head high, the memory of three months ago playing in his mind...

  Liu Wei had limped into the small room he shared with his brother, trying to slip in quietly. But Liu Hui was there, doing pushups on the wooden floor. At the sound of the door, he sat up, eyes widening at the sight of his younger brother's bruised face.

  "What happened to you??" Liu Hui demanded, getting to his feet. "What are these bruises? Who hit you?"

  Liu Wei looked down, embarrassed. "Inner sect disciples."

  "Inner sect disciples?" Liu Hui's eyes darkened. "What did you do to get their attention?"

  "For being too weak, they..." Liu Wei's voice caught. "They beat me."

  Liu Hui's face fell, a mixture of sadness and anger crossing his features. "I see. I'll go talk to the elders about this. Surely this can't go unpunished."

  Liu Wei shook his head quickly. "It's already been handled. They got beaten up."

  "By who?" Liu Hui asked, surprised.

  "Lin Tian."

  Liu Hui's eyes widened in disbelief. "What? Are you sure? Lin Tian? Trash Lin?"

  "He wasn't trash, elder brother," Liu Wei insisted, a sudden passion in his voice. "His technique, the way he moved... I don't know where the rumors started, but Senior Brother Lin Tian is not trash, older brother."

  Liu Hui stared at his younger brother for a long moment before pulling him into a hug. "Well, I would have to thank him then."

  After holding his brother for a moment, Liu Hui stepped back. "The evaluation ceremony is coming up soon. I have to go."

  "I'll come with you," Liu Wei said.

  Liu Hui shook his head. "No, stay here. You're injured. Come after the ceremony; I'll tell you what happened."

  "But big brother—"

  "Just wait."

  Hours later, Liu Hui returned, panting with excitement. Liu Wei jumped to his feet.

  "Big brother! What happened?"

  "Wei, I... I passed," Liu Hui gasped. "And I've been admitted to a special program."

  "Special program?"

  "It's a new program, never before seen," Liu Hui explained, his eyes bright with excitement. "It's called the observational disciples program. And Lin Tian is there as well."

  Liu Wei's eyes brightened. "Senior Brother Lin is in this program too?"

  Liu Hui nodded. "You should go thank him. His quarters are close."

  Before Liu Wei could leave, he grabbed his brother's sleeve. "Before I go, big brother... can you not thank Senior Brother Lin Tian about saving me?"

  "What? Why?" Liu Hui asked, genuinely confused.

  "Senior Brother Lin Tian told me to get strong to protect myself," Liu Wei explained solemnly. "Thanking him would be stating I am someone who required help, and while I did... I do not want to be someone who depends on others. Like you, big brother, I shall become someone who paves his own path."

  Liu Hui stood silently for a moment, looking at his younger brother with new eyes. Then he smiled. "Well, fine. I won't mention it then."

  Liu Wei nodded gratefully. "Older brother, you'll be talking and training closely with Senior Brother Lin Tian now, right?"

  "Yes, I suppose I will," Liu Hui replied.

  "Then..." Liu Wei's eyes shone with admiration. "Could you learn from him? Watch his techniques? I believe there's much more to him than anyone knows."

  Liu Hui ruffled his younger brother's hair. "I'll make sure to do so. Now go.

  Now, as Liu Wei walked away from the confrontation, the memories fresh in his mind, he looked up at the sky with a small smile on his face. The scattered clouds drifted across the blue expanse, and a gentle breeze ruffled his hair.

  Lin Tian had said he would meet with him again, show him some techniques, but he never appeared. Liu Wei didn't blame him—after creating theories that had shaken the cultivation world, Lin Tian was bound to become a powerful cultivator with many demands on his time. Liu Wei would simply have to grow stronger too, strong enough to be worthy of notice.

  "Senior Brother Lin Tian," he whispered, "I have gotten stronger like you told me, and I have defended my pride and honor."

  Three months since the chaos began. And it was only just beginning.