The sun had barely risen when a cold wind swept across the Outer Sect.
Ye Tian, seated cross-legged on a stone platform, when he was interrupted by a messenger in black robe.
"You are ordered to report to the Punishment Hall. Immediately."
The other disciples eyes widened in shock. One of them spoke, "That's where they take people who offend the sect members…"
Ye Tian didn't flinch.
System:Host, You are really damned this time, Wanna go? Or should we fake death?
"I'll go," Ye Tian replied.
The Punishment Hall
Dark room, Big red colored banners and rows of guards.
At the center sat an old man with clear white eyebrows – Elder Shen, the Hall Master. A judge who is known for harsh discipline… but also corrupt decisions.
Ye Tian bowed.
"I'm here, elder."
Elder Shen looked up lazily. "You embarrassed Lei Shan, disciple of Elder Yun."
"I followed the rules."
"You did." Elder Shen's voice became colder. "But rules don't allow you to do anything."
A pause.
Then, unexpectedly, he chuckled. "However… I like what you did."
Ye Tian's eyes narrowed and he was a little shocked.
"You slapped a lion in its den and walked out alive. Not many dare to do that. Tell me—what do you want, boy?"
Ye Tian stayed silent.
System:He's testing you. Speak with confidence, not desperation. Say something cool. Preferably with fire.
"I want strength. Enough to crush anyone who tries to bully me," Ye Tian said slowly.
Elder Shen smiled, revealing clear white teeth.
"Good. I have a scheme."
He tossed out a scroll, bound in red threads.
Forbidden Duel Invitation: Underground RingParticipate in off-the-record matches.Merit points, treasures, and… forbidden skills.
"You enter, you fight, you win. And maybe—I can protect you."
Ye Tian took the scroll and said confidently.
"I agree."
System Notification:New Quest Unlocked – Trial of the UndergroundObjective: Win 3 duels in the forbidden ring.Rewards: EXP, Spirit Points, Reputation (Hidden Circle), Rare Skill Chest
Side Note:Host, congratulations! You just joined a fight club where cheating is welcomed but mercy is not.
That Night – A Hidden Training Ground
Back in the shadows of the outer peak, Ye Tian stood before a lonely figure in a black robe.
"Who are you?" he asked.
The figure spoke in a female voice, soft yet sharp. "I saw your slap. And your spirit."
A glowing scroll appeared between them.
"Take it. It's a forbidden technique banned by the sect. But it suits your style and spirit."
Ye Tian opened it.
Forbidden Skill: Soulburn Palm (Unranked)A palm technique that ignites the opponent's spirit core with internal qi. Risky… but destructive.
System:WARNING: Host may suffer backlash if used often.Excitement Level: 98%
Ye Tian looked up. "Why are you helping me?"
The masked woman's eyes shined. "Because I want to see how high a broken disciple can reach."
Saying this, she disappeared into mist.
Back in His Room
Skill UpdateSoulburn Palm – AcquiredWrath Qi Surge – 12% MasterySP: 8Reputation: Sect – Notorious | Punishment Hall – Favored | Underground Ring – Initiated
Ye Tian breathed deeply. His cultivation surged through his veins.
His journey of revenge and fame was just beginning.