The Azure Cloud Sect was even bigger than Lin Tian had imagined.
The flying ship slowly descended toward the main mountain.
Lin Tian stood at the front of the deck, staring at the enormous buildings below.
Tall stone towers reached into the clouds.
Huge waterfalls flowed down the mountains.
White bridges floated between the peaks.
Cultivators moved through the air on flying swords.
Spirit beasts flew above the mountains.
Lin Tian’s eyes were filled with amazement.
“So this is a real cultivation sect…” Yue Qingxue stood beside him.
“You haven’t seen anything yet.” Lin Tian smiled.
“How much bigger can it get?” She pointed toward the highest mountain.
“That is the main peak.” “The Sect Master’s residence is there.” Lin Tian looked up.
The mountain disappeared into the clouds.
He couldn’t even see the top.
The old man’s voice echoed in his mind.
“Remember this feeling.” Lin Tian frowned.
“What feeling?” “The feeling of being weak.” “One day, you will look at this mountain and realize how small it once seemed.” Lin Tian nodded.
“I’ll remember.” The flying ship finally landed.
Hundreds of young people were already gathered in the enormous square.
Some came from nearby cities.
Others came from powerful clans.
A few even arrived from distant regions.
All of them had come for the entrance examination.
Lin Tian stepped off the ship.
Immediately, several people looked at him.
Some were curious.
Others were dismissive.
His simple clothes made it obvious that he wasn’t from a powerful family.
A young man nearby laughed.
“Look at that.” “He probably came from some small village.” His friend smiled.
“People like him usually don’t last through the first trial.” Lin Tian ignored them.
He had heard worse words from the Lin Clan.
He wasn’t going to let strangers affect him.
Elder Chen walked toward the center of the square.
“Everyone!” His voice spread across the entire area.
The crowd slowly became quiet.
“The Azure Cloud Sect entrance examination begins tomorrow morning.” “Until then, all candidates must remain in the outer disciple area.” “No fighting is allowed.” “Anyone who breaks the rules will be removed immediately.” The crowd began moving toward the assigned buildings.
Yue Qingxue turned toward Lin Tian.
“I have to return to the inner sect.” “We’ll meet again tomorrow.” Lin Tian nodded.
“Good luck with your training.” She smiled.
“Good luck with your examination.” Then she walked away.
Lin Tian watched her disappear among the disciples.
He turned toward the outer disciple area.
The rooms were simple but clean.
Each candidate received a small room and a basic set of supplies.
Lin Tian entered his room.
A wooden bed.
A small table.
A meditation cushion.
That was everything.
He placed his sword beside the bed.
Then he sat down.
Tomorrow…
Everything would be decided.
He closed his eyes.
The old man’s voice immediately appeared.
“Before the examination…” “Let’s see what you’ve gained.” Lin Tian opened his eyes.
“Can we train tonight?” “Of course.” He sat cross-legged.
The Heaven-Devouring Eternal Art began circulating.
Spiritual Qi slowly gathered around him.
But this time…
Something felt different.
The Spiritual Qi entered his body much more easily.
Lin Tian suddenly felt a strange warmth inside his chest.
The Heavenly Origin Pendant was glowing.
“What is happening?” The old man became silent.
Then he said, “Interesting.” “What?” “The lightning you absorbed changed something.” Lin Tian looked confused.
“Changed what?” Before the old man could answer…
A strange purple light appeared around Lin Tian’s body.
His Spiritual Qi began moving faster.
Boom!
His aura suddenly increased.
Lin Tian’s eyes widened.
“Another breakthrough?” The old man laughed.
“No.” “Something much more interesting.” The purple light slowly gathered toward Lin Tian’s right hand.
The mysterious symbol from the Heavenly Lightning appeared again.
This time…
It didn’t disappear.
It began glowing brighter.
Lin Tian stared at it.
Then he heard something.
A faint voice.
Not the old man’s.
Not his own.
A voice coming from somewhere deep inside the symbol.
“Heaven’s chosen enemy…” Lin Tian froze.
The voice continued.
“Your journey has begun.” Then the symbol suddenly disappeared.
Lin Tian remained completely still.
His heart was pounding.
“Master…” The old man didn’t answer immediately.
Finally, he spoke.
“Tomorrow…” “Do not show anyone that mark.” Lin Tian nodded.
“Why?” The old man’s voice became cold.
“Because I fear…” “Someone inside this sect already knows what it is.” Outside Lin Tian’s room…
A shadow silently passed the window.
Someone had been listening.