The crowd's murmurs filled the arena as Zhou Bei groaned, struggling to rise. His face was pale, his breath ragged. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined that Lin Xuan, a supposed waste, would overpower him so decisively.

  "You..." Zhou Bei spat blood, glaring at Lin Xuan with unwillingness.

  Lin Xuan exhaled, feeling the surging energy still coursing through his veins. The Heavenly Script had unlocked a wellspring of power, but he knew this was merely the surface. If he wished to truly stand atop this world, he had to keep pushing forward.

  Elder Wu cleared his throat, his gaze sweeping across the stunned disciples. "This duel is over. Lin Xuan is the victor."

  A murmur of disbelief spread. Some disciples looked at Lin Xuan with newfound respect, while others harbored jealousy and resentment.

  "How did he do that?"

  "He was a nobody before! This is impossible!"

  "Maybe he was hiding his true strength all along?"

  Lin Xuan ignored the whispers. His victory had been clear, but it was only a small step on a much longer journey.

  "Lin Xuan," Elder Wu called out, his voice steady. "You have proven yourself worthy. From this day forth, you will be promoted to the inner sect."

  Shock rippled through the crowd once more. The leap from an outer disciple to an inner sect disciple was nearly unheard of, especially for someone who had been dismissed as talentless.

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  Lin Xuan bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Elder Wu."

  As he turned to leave, he could feel countless gazes boring into his back. Some were filled with admiration, others with hostility. But none of it mattered. He had taken his first step.

  Later that night, Lin Xuan sat cross-legged in his small courtyard. The faint moonlight cast a silver glow over his surroundings. His mind replayed the battle, analyzing every movement, every surge of energy.

  "The Heavenly Script... just what is its true power?" he mused.

  He opened his palm, allowing a faint thread of golden energy to swirl above it. This power had been dormant within him, waiting to be awakened. But he had no idea how deep it truly ran.

  Before he could delve further into his thoughts, a soft knock came at his door.

  "Lin Xuan," a familiar voice called.

  Opening the door, he found Su Mei, a fellow disciple, standing there with an anxious expression. "Elder Wu wants to see you. Now."

  Lin Xuan frowned but nodded. He had expected something like this. His sudden rise in strength would naturally attract attention—both good and bad.

  Without another word, he followed Su Mei through the winding paths of the sect, the cool night air carrying an unspoken tension.

  Arriving at Elder Wu’s residence, Lin Xuan stepped inside. The elder sat calmly, his sharp eyes scrutinizing him.

  "Sit."

  Lin Xuan obeyed.

  Elder Wu leaned forward. "Tell me, Lin Xuan. What changed? How did you, a disciple without talent, suddenly display such strength?"

  Lin Xuan met his gaze steadily. "I simply refused to remain weak."

  Elder Wu studied him for a moment before letting out a chuckle. "Clever answer. But I am no fool. Whatever you have gained, be careful. Power invites envy, and strength invites disaster."

  Lin Xuan remained silent, knowing the elder's words held truth.

  Elder Wu sighed. "I will not pry further, but know this—others will not be so patient. Your path from now on will not be easy."

  Lin Xuan nodded. "I understand."

  "Good." Elder Wu leaned back. "Now, go. And prepare yourself. A greater storm is coming."

  As Lin Xuan stepped out into the night, he exhaled slowly. He had taken his first step into a larger world.

  And he was ready for whatever came next.