The morning bell echoed through the Heavenly Azure Sect, its clear chime rolling over white stone courtyards and floating pavilions.
Li Feng opened his eyes slowly.
Golden sunlight filtered through the lattice window, warming his face. For a moment, everything felt peaceful—too peaceful. Today was supposed to be a good day.
"Another step forward," he murmured, clenching his fist.
At seventeen, Li Feng had already broken through to the Foundation Establishment Stage, faster than most disciples his age. Even the elders had praised him openly during last month's assessment.
And praise, in the Heavenly Sect, was dangerous.
The outer training grounds were alive with movement.
Steel clashed. Spiritual energy rippled through the air as disciples sparred under the watchful eyes of seniors.
Li Feng walked toward the arena, dressed in clean white robes embroidered with faint cloud patterns—the uniform of righteous cultivators. His posture was calm, his expression gentle.
"Senior Brother Li!"
A few junior disciples waved enthusiastically.
"Good morning!"
Li Feng smiled back.
"Train well. Don't rush your breathing."
They nodded eagerly, admiration shining in their eyes.
None of them noticed the gaze burning holes into Li Feng's back.
From the high platform above the arena, Tian Hao stood with his arms crossed. His robes were whiter, cleaner, marked with the golden insignia of the Sect Heir—the Holy Son.
His eyes were cold.
"So that's him…" Tian Hao said softly.
Beside him stood Mei Lan, her long hair flowing like silk down her back, her delicate face calm but curious.
"He doesn't look arrogant," she said. "The juniors like him."
Tian Hao's lips curved into a smile—but there was no warmth in it.
"That's exactly the problem."
Later that afternoon, disciples gathered for a joint training session.
Li Feng stepped onto the stone platform, adjusting his grip on his sword. Across from him stood another inner disciple.
"Begin!"
The clash lasted less than ten breaths.
Li Feng's sword stopped a hair's breadth from his opponent's throat.
Silence.
Then murmurs.
"So fast…" "His control is insane." "That movement—was that a modified Cloud Flow Technique?"
Elder Xu stroked his beard, eyes gleaming.
"Excellent restraint."
Tian Hao's fingers tightened.
Crack.
The jade railing beneath his palm fractured slightly.
Mei Lan glanced at him, surprised.
"Tian Hao?"
He relaxed instantly, laughing lightly.
"Nothing. Just impressed."
But his eyes never left Li Feng.
At this rate…
He'll surpass me.
That evening, Li Feng walked through the inner gardens with Mei Lan.
They had known each other since childhood. Once, she had been the one who encouraged him when cultivation felt impossible.
"You were amazing today," Mei Lan said with a smile.
Li Feng scratched the back of his head, embarrassed.
"I just worked hard."
She hesitated, then asked,
"Have the elders spoken to you recently?"
"Not really," Li Feng replied honestly. "Why?"
"Oh—nothing," she said quickly. "I was just curious."
She didn't notice Tian Hao standing in the distance, watching them, his expression unreadable.
As Li Feng turned away, Tian Hao stepped forward, clapping slowly.
"Junior Brother Li Feng," he said warmly. "Impressive display."
Li Feng bowed politely.
"Thank you, Senior Brother."
Tian Hao leaned closer, his voice low.
"Talent is a double-edged sword," he whispered.
"Be careful not to cut yourself."
Li Feng frowned slightly—but before he could reply, Tian Hao had already turned and walked away, Mei Lan following after him.
She glanced back once.
For reasons she couldn't explain, Li Feng felt a strange chill crawl up his spine.
Above them, the sky remained clear and blue.
But unseen cracks were already spreading through Heaven.