Chapter 6: The Eye of the Sect

As the sun dipped beneath the horizon, the Path of Serpents trial came to an end. One by one, recruits limped out of the tunnel—some battered, others barely breathing. Their expressions ranged from exhaustion to humiliation, clutching serpent scales as if they were life itself.

But amidst the crowd, Ye Tian stood out like a lone wolf among sheep.

Dressed in a bloodstained robe, ten serpent scales hanging at his side, his calm yet ruthless demeanor silenced even the loudest whispers. The other recruits avoided his gaze, fear flickering in their eyes. Zhang Wei, his face pale and clothes in tatters, clenched his fists, his hatred for Ye Tian burning hotter than ever.

Elder Wei stood on the platform, a look of intrigue settling on his sharp face as he regarded Ye Tian.

"To bring back ten scales… you've exceeded expectations," Elder Wei said, his voice carrying over the courtyard.

Ye Tian offered a faint smile, bowing slightly. "They were weak."

His words rippled through the crowd like a cold wind. Weak? The serpent beasts had almost claimed lives, and yet this newcomer mocked them as if they were nothing? The brazenness of it left many stunned.

Elder Wei's smile deepened, though his eyes flashed with a trace of caution. This boy is not simple.

Selection and Division

As the trial ended, Elder Wei addressed the recruits.

"From this moment forward, you are outer disciples of the Jade Serpent Sect. Celebrate, for you now stand above the common rabble! But know this—strength alone will decide your fate within these walls."

The recruits listened silently, the pressure in Elder Wei's words weighing on their shoulders.

"To foster your growth, all outer disciples will be assigned to different divisions. Your performance will determine your placement."

A younger disciple dressed in green robes stepped forward, unrolling a scroll. "First: Zhang Wei! Placement—Serpent Fang Division!"

Zhang Wei straightened, forcing a smug look despite his humiliation earlier. The Serpent Fang Division was one of the stronger outer disciple groups—his position was secure, though his pride remained bruised.

"Next: Ye Tian," the young disciple announced, pausing briefly as whispers broke out again. "Placement—Serpent Shadow Division."

The murmurs grew louder.

"The Serpent Shadow Division?"

"That's the smallest and strangest of the divisions… Why send him there?"

"Isn't it rumored to house rejects and troublemakers?"

Ye Tian raised an eyebrow. Serpent Shadow? Sounds fitting.

He stepped forward without hesitation, bowing lightly to Elder Wei. While others may have seen the placement as an insult, Ye Tian recognized an opportunity. A smaller division meant fewer eyes watching him—fewer distractions as he grew stronger.

Elder Wei studied him closely, his smirk almost imperceptible. Let's see what you make of it, boy.

The Serpent Shadow Division

Night fell as Ye Tian was led across the vast sect grounds toward his new home. The Serpent Shadow Division's compound sat on the far edge of the Jade Serpent Sect, surrounded by thick forests and dark cliffs. The buildings were old, worn, and far less grand than the other divisions.

A lone figure awaited Ye Tian's arrival—a lanky man with wild hair and dark, sunken eyes. He leaned lazily against a rotting fence post, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"So, you're the new recruit?" the man said, his voice hoarse. "Welcome to the Serpent Shadow Division, where misfits and outcasts thrive."

Ye Tian studied the man carefully. Though he appeared disheveled, the faint pressure of his aura suggested a dangerous strength hidden beneath the surface.

"And you are?" Ye Tian asked.

"Me? I'm Senior Brother Luo Xiang," the man replied with a lazy wave. "I don't care about formalities. Just don't die too quickly, kid."

Ye Tian smirked faintly. "Don't worry about me."

Luo Xiang's gaze sharpened for a moment before he let out a low chuckle. "I like you already. Follow me."

The Shadows' Training Ground

Luo Xiang led Ye Tian to an open courtyard surrounded by crooked training dummies and crumbling stone platforms. Several disciples—no more than twenty in total—were scattered around, their gazes wary and hostile.

"This is your new family," Luo Xiang said with mock enthusiasm. "The Serpent Shadow Division may be small, but we value survival over numbers. Out there…" He pointed toward the sect's distant training grounds. "…the other divisions fight for glory. Here, we fight to stay alive."

The other disciples sneered, their eyes lingering on Ye Tian.

"Another weakling?"

"What's a kid like him doing here?"

Luo Xiang silenced them with a single glare. "Enough! You'll have plenty of time to test him later." He turned back to Ye Tian. "The rules are simple: train hard, don't get in anyone's way, and fight when you're told."

"Fight?" Ye Tian asked, his voice calm.

"Of course. The outer disciples hold regular matches to compete for resources and honor. If you want to survive here, you'll need to prove yourself."

Ye Tian's lips curled into a small smile. "That suits me perfectly."

A Challenge Appears

As Luo Xiang left, one of the Serpent Shadow disciples—a broad-shouldered youth with a scar running down his cheek—stepped forward.

"Boy, you're not welcome here," the youth growled. "If you think you can act tough like you did in the trial, you're dead wrong."

Ye Tian met the youth's glare with an indifferent look. "And who are you supposed to be?"

"Your worst nightmare," the youth spat, lunging forward with surprising speed. His fist shot toward Ye Tian's face, but Ye Tian's body blurred.

Shadowstep.

The youth's punch struck empty air, his balance thrown off. Before he could react, Ye Tian appeared behind him, his hand striking the youth's neck with surgical precision.

Thud!

The broad-shouldered disciple crashed to the ground, unconscious. Silence fell over the courtyard as the other disciples stared in shock.

Ye Tian dusted off his robe, his voice calm. "Anyone else?"

The disciples stepped back, their hostility replaced by wariness. Even in the Serpent Shadow Division, strength ruled above all else.

Eyes in the Darkness

As the night deepened, Ye Tian stood alone in his room, the faint glow of the moon spilling through the window.

Serpent Shadow Division… he thought, a cold smile playing on his lips. A perfect place to begin.

In the darkness, the golden energy within him stirred again, faint whispers echoing in his mind.

"Power… Seek power…"

Ye Tian's eyes gleamed like cold stars. "Don't worry. I will."

Outside, unknown to Ye Tian, a shadowy figure watched his room from the treetops. The figure's eyes glinted with curiosity—and danger.

"So, this is the new recruit. Interesting…"

The path ahead was shrouded in blood, secrets, and shadows. But Ye Tian would carve his way forward—no matter the cost.