Chapter 20: Whispers of Power

Ye Tian's victory over Feng Hai sent ripples throughout the Inner Sect. Names often carried weight within the sect's politics, and a single duel had carved his into the collective consciousness of the disciples.

Whispers followed him wherever he walked.

"That was Feng Hai he defeated—Feng Hai!"

"He made it look easy."

"Who is this Ye Tian, really? Where did he come from?"

Despite the growing chatter, Ye Tian carried himself with quiet composure, as though nothing had changed. But in truth, everything had.

Leveraging Influence

Two days after the duel, Ye Tian sat alone in a quiet corner of the Resource Hall, studying a new cultivation manual he had exchanged for merit points. Though low-tier, it contained valuable insights into controlling energy flow during combat—knowledge he intended to refine and elevate.

The faint shuffle of footsteps interrupted his thoughts. Ye Tian's sharp senses caught the intruder before they spoke.

"Ye Tian."

He looked up to see Zhou Li, the mid-tier disciple whose dissatisfaction had fueled earlier chaos against Jiang Hao. This time, Zhou Li's demeanor was different. Respect tempered his previous wariness.

"I heard about your duel," Zhou Li said, sitting across from him. "You've shaken the sect more than you realize."

Ye Tian offered no response. He merely continued studying the manual, flipping a page.

Zhou Li hesitated before leaning closer. "Look, I'll get to the point. A group of us are tired of the current order. The stronger factions—like Jiang Hao's—keep hoarding resources, and the elders turn a blind eye. Your victory showed us something: the system can be challenged. You're not afraid to act."

Ye Tian's gaze flickered up. "And?"

"And we want to align with you," Zhou Li said directly. "Together, we can dismantle Jiang Hao's influence, take our share, and—"

Ye Tian raised a hand, silencing him.

"I don't need allies," he said coldly. "I need tools."

Zhou Li blinked, confused. "What?"

Ye Tian's voice softened, though his tone carried sharp edges. "If you think you'll ride my name to power, you're mistaken. Aligning with me won't save you. Strength is earned, not borrowed. If you're serious, prove it."

Zhou Li swallowed, clearly unprepared for such a response. "And… how do we prove it?"

Ye Tian closed the manual with a faint snap, his golden eyes sharp as blades. "Opportunities are everywhere. Weakness surrounds us in this sect. Show me you can capitalize on it, and we'll talk."

Zhou Li hesitated but nodded, determination replacing his uncertainty. "You'll see, Ye Tian. We're not just talk."

As Zhou Li left, Ye Tian leaned back, fingers steepled thoughtfully.

Willing pawns are useful, but I'll let them prove their worth first.

The Elder's Summons

Later that evening, a sect steward appeared at Ye Tian's quarters with a summons.

"You are to appear before Elder Han at dusk," the steward informed him.

Ye Tian's eyes narrowed slightly. Elder Han was one of the Inner Sect Elders, overseeing disciple conduct and internal disputes. A summons from him was no small matter.

"What is this about?" Ye Tian asked.

The steward shrugged. "I don't ask questions. Show up, or risk punishment."

Ye Tian said nothing as the steward left, but his mind sharpened. Elder Han wouldn't summon me without reason.

Before the Elder

The hall of Elder Han was dimly lit by hanging lanterns, the air heavy with incense. Ye Tian knelt on one knee before the elder, who sat atop a carved wooden platform, his long white beard flowing over his chest.

Elder Han's sharp, scrutinizing gaze pinned Ye Tian like a hawk eyeing prey.

"Ye Tian," the elder said slowly. "You've caused quite a stir in the sect as of late."

"I simply won a duel I was qualified to challenge," Ye Tian replied calmly.

Elder Han's eyes narrowed. "Feng Hai's defeat has weakened the balance of power among the disciples. Such ripples do not go unnoticed. Tell me—are you attempting to provoke unrest in the sect?"

Ye Tian met the elder's gaze without flinching. "Is it wrong for a disciple to seek strength?"

The elder's silence stretched. Finally, he spoke again. "Strength is admirable, but chaos is not. Know this, Ye Tian: ambition is a fire. Left unchecked, it consumes its wielder."

Ye Tian bowed his head slightly, though his expression remained impassive. "I understand, Elder Han."

"Good," the elder said, his tone dismissive. "I will be watching you, Ye Tian. Be careful where you tread."

The warning was clear. Ye Tian rose, offered another respectful bow, and left the hall.

Outside, as he stepped into the cool night air, a faint smile tugged at his lips.

Let them watch. It doesn't matter.

Reclaiming the Night

Instead of returning to his quarters, Ye Tian moved toward the quieter parts of the sect grounds—the lesser-used training areas, where shadows concealed secrets. Here, the dregs of the sect gathered—disgraced disciples, struggling loners, and those who had long since given up hope of rising.

Ye Tian approached a group sparring weakly under the pale moonlight. Their movements were sloppy, filled with hesitation. They paused when they saw him, suspicion flashing in their eyes.

"What do you want?" one disciple sneered.

Ye Tian didn't answer. He stepped into their makeshift arena, sword unsheathed.

"You're wasting your lives," he said bluntly. "Train or rot. I don't care which you choose. But if you want strength—real strength—face me now."

The disciples stared, stunned.

"Face you?"

Ye Tian raised his blade. "You heard me. If you can't beat me, then listen and learn. I won't say it again."

A tall, scarred disciple stepped forward, scoffing. "Fine! I'll knock some sense into you!"

He lunged, but Ye Tian moved like a phantom. In two swift strikes, he disarmed the man and sent him sprawling to the ground. The others hesitated, but one by one, they attacked.

Ye Tian defeated them all effortlessly. He offered no words of pity—only cold, precise lessons.

"Strength comes through struggle," he said as they gasped for breath. "If you want to change your fate, you'll stop wasting time."

As he left, some glared at him with hatred, others with reluctant respect. It didn't matter. Ye Tian had planted seeds. In time, those desperate enough would seek him out.

And he would make them useful.