Dawn began creeping across the eastern sky, sweeping the secret realm with golden light. Dew clung to the leaves, sparkling like tiny gems. Bai Tian had been awake for a long time, leaning against a tree trunk, staring into the distance without truly seeing.
The hut door creaked softly. Xuan Ying'er stepped out, her movements light, her body appearing more refreshed even though her spiritual power had not fully recovered. The morning breeze played with the ends of her black hair, making her look different—softer than usual.
Their gazes met. Bai Tian only gave a thin smile, yet in his black eyes was a flash that was hard to read. Xuan Ying'er, though saying nothing, felt a slight warmth she had not expected to feel for the young man she called "little man."
"young lady," Bai Tian said politely but calmly, "there is a hot spring five hundred meters from here. I have prepared it for you."
Xuan Ying'er did not speak much, only nodded, but her voice carried command.
"Take me there."
They walked in silence. Only the sound of footsteps on damp earth and the distant gurgle of water accompanied them.
Upon reaching the hot spring, Xuan Ying'er immediately instructed Bai Tian to keep watch outside. She entered the pool, letting the warm water wash over her, erasing the remnants of battle and fatigue.
After bathing, she called Bai Tian to approach. Without warning, a quick kick sent him into the water.
"Clean yourself too," she said flatly.
Bai Tian simply took a breath and obeyed. Afterward, he stood before Xuan Ying'er, waiting.
Xuan Ying'er's gaze sharpened.
"Explain who you are. And why do you know I am the Master Sect's niece?"
Bai Tian answered without hesitation,
"My name is Xio Tian, a disciple of this year. I know you are the Master Sect's niece because during the opening ceremony… I saw you. Graceful, gentle, like a goddess descended from the heavens—"
Before he could finish, Xuan Ying'er's face flushed slightly.
"Enough."
A brief silence followed, then she asked coldly,
"What do you want in return for saving me?"
"For now, I only wish to be an outer disciple," Bai Tian replied innocently, "so I can carry out missions and gain some additional resources."
Xuan Ying'er stared at him for a long moment, as if trying to read his heart. Then she said,
"Then… do you want to become my subordinate?"
Bai Tian paused, then shook his head with a bitter smile.
"Sorry, young lady. I do not wish to be an enemy of all the men in the sect."
A thin smile appeared on Xuan Ying'er's lips. She understood his meaning. This young man seemed simple, but his mind was clear.
"Very well. I do not like to force anyone. The secret realm will close in ten days. Accompany me. If you can satisfy me… I will ask my uncle to make you an outer disciple, even an inner disciple."
Bai Tian nodded, unable to hide his smile. His goal was finally within reach.
Days passed. Bai Tian and Xuan Ying'er explored every corner of the secret realm—diving into clear rivers, playing in meadows, lying in piles of snow, and watching the view from the highest peaks. Every night, Bai Tian cooked different meals for her and guarded her sleep. In short, Bai Tian's duty was to ensure the "madwoman" always remained cheerful.
Gradually, Xuan Ying'er began to open up slightly. Yet Bai Tian kept his boundaries. His attitude left Xuan Ying'er unsatisfied, but she knew he was fully aware of his position.
Then, one morning, a voice echoed across the secret realm—the promotion test would soon close.
Participants exited the secret realm one by one, carrying wounds, dust, and pride. Cheers followed their every step. When Xuan Ying'er appeared, the atmosphere fell silent. Every eye turned to the graceful figure descending like a lotus falling from the sky.
She said nothing. Her steps were swift, her robe fluttering as she approached the elderly man seated at the main chair—her uncle, the Master Sect.
The Master Sect turned, gazing deeply. There was a strange gleam in her eyes—a mix of something hard to define.
Xuan Ying'er landed, saluted, and then sat beside him. Yet her eyes did not stop moving, scanning as if hunting shadows.
When all participants had exited, the Master Sect raised his hand.
"Participants with promotion tokens, enter the hall!"
Light enveloped them, and one by one, they disappeared into the main hall. The staff immediately began verifying the remaining participants.
Soon, ten participants stood upright in the hall: six from the Third Secret Realm, three from the Second Secret Realm, and one from the First Secret Realm.
But… Xuan Ying'er noticed someone was missing. Her eyes narrowed, then she turned silently and vanished.
A loud crash was heard outside. The hall doors swung wide open, and all eyes widened—Xuan Ying'er returned, dragging a young man. His hair was disheveled, his clothes covered in dust, yet his eyes remained calm.
With a swift motion, Xuan Ying'er threw him into the center of the hall, making the floor tremble slightly.
"Uncle… Sect Leader," she said flatly but firmly, "make him an outer disciple. This young man… is quite talented."
Silence fell.
The Master Sect frowned.
"Ying'er, rules are rules. Your uncle cannot break them."
Xuan Ying'er did not flinch. Her voice turned colder.
"If rules only benefit those born in the right place, what is the purpose of the test?"
The ten other participants exchanged glances. They assessed Bai Tian from head to toe—what was the result? Only an ordinary young man.
What is happening with my niece? thought the Master Sect, beginning to feel that something was beyond his understanding.
Amid the sharp stares of everyone, Bai Tian stood slowly. He straightened his clothes and stepped forward.
"Master Sect, this is the token I found," he said calmly, showing a cracked token. "It is damaged… but proof is proof. With this, may I be accepted?"
The room was silent, only the participants' breathing audible.
The Master Sect took the token, gazed at it briefly, then smiled slightly.
"Very well. You pass."
He announced the rewards for the eleven participants who succeeded, then ordered everyone to leave. The previous incident was erased—as if it had never happened.
Xuan Ying'er froze, her eyes dimming. She realized once again she had been outplayed, even though she knew it was not entirely Bai Tian's fault. Since meeting this little thief, misfortune seemed always to cling to her.
With a look full of hatred and frustration, she turned and flew out of the hall, disappearing into the sky above the sect.
The Master Sect merely shook his head, muttering softly,
"This girl… becomes harder to understand."
This promotion test was truly unlike any before. Every secret realm opened presented a unique experience, full of danger and opportunity. Yet the price was high. In the Second Secret Realm, nearly two of the ten participants lost their lives, while nine of the remaining ten suffered serious injuries. The competition was extremely fierce—but because of that, the chance to gain wealth and rare heritage was even greater.
Leaving the main hall, Bai Tian passed an old friend, Zhang Hun. Their eyes met briefly. Thin smiles appeared on both faces, without a word. That was enough. Then they parted ways, taking separate paths toward their own futures.
Bai Tian did not stop. He went directly to the administrative office to complete the procedures for his promotion to outer disciple.
In the administrative office, he found two staff members—a woman with a gentle yet cold face, and a young man with sharp eyes. Without much ceremony, Bai Tian handed over a bronze badge and a recommendation letter.
They exchanged a glance, then nodded. They accepted the badge and letter, verified them quickly, then returned them along with a new badge and standard outer disciple equipment.
"From now on, you are officially registered as an outer disciple," the young man said briefly.
Bai Tian received the items calmly, then turned to leave. Nothing more needed to be added. That night, he returned home, packed his belongings, and prepared for his new life.