The Broken Sky Sect was not among the great powers of the realm, but in the eastern provinces of the Lower Heaven Domain, it was feared and respected. Perched atop jagged cliffs, the sect spanned across a thousand stone steps, surrounded by clouds and guarded by formations that shimmered like ghostly runes in the daylight.
Lin Yuan stood at the base of the mountain path, his bloodied robes cleaned with stolen water, his expression calm. He blended in among the dozens of outer disciples returning from herb gathering, beast hunts, and menial missions.
No one paid him any attention.
He preferred it that way.
---
Outer Disciple Compound – Southern Cliff
His new residence was a crumbling hut on the edge of the outer disciple quarters—bare stone walls, a straw mat, and a cold hearth. Memories of the body's former owner flooded back as he stepped inside: days of hunger, humiliation, and failed cultivation attempts.
But Lin Yuan sat down, legs crossed, and reached into his robes. Two Qi Condensation pills. A precious resource in this realm. But he didn't eat them.
Instead, he summoned the Orb into his consciousness.
It emerged silently—glowing, humming with anticipation.
He placed the first pill in his hand.
"Absorb."
The Orb extended a thread of light. The pill disintegrated in his palm, reduced to shimmering essence.
Absorbed: Mid-Grade Qi Condensation Pill (Purity: 74%)
— Spiritual Qi +14
— Meridians strengthened (1%)
— Cultivation progress: Body Refining (Level 3 → Level 5)
Lin Yuan shuddered. Power surged through his limbs, bones cracking faintly as they reinforced. His senses sharpened. The dull world brightened. The air itself seemed to pulse with invisible currents.
The second pill followed.
And when it was done, Lin Yuan opened his eyes. A faint swirl of Qi coiled around his body, drawn inward with each breath.
No effort. No meditation. No bottleneck.
The Orb was a monster.
But so am I now, he thought.
---
Jade Cliff Training Grounds – Next Morning
Outer disciples gathered to spar beneath the watchful gaze of inner elders. Points, resources, and opportunities were granted based on performance. In this brutal meritocracy, strength determined everything.
Lin Yuan stepped into the dueling circle.
Some recognized him—mocking grins, whispers.
"Isn't that the trash who was nearly killed last week?"
"Maybe he came to die properly this time."
"Wait… isn't he stronger?"
His opponent was Zhang Tao—a mid-stage Qi Condensation cultivator with a cruel smile and fast fists.
The bell rang.
Zhang Tao dashed forward, fist glowing with Qi. Lin Yuan stood still.
Then—he moved.
A single step. Not flashy, not elegant—but precise.
He dodged the punch by a hair's breadth and struck with an open palm.
Crack!
Zhang Tao flew back like a ragdoll, crashing into the stone wall, unconscious.
Silence fell.
Lin Yuan dusted his robe and walked off the platform.
Behind him, the elders began whispering. Names were noted. A faint ripple spread through the sect.
The "trash" had returned.
But now... he was something else.