The gates of the sect stood tall and gleaming as Ash, Lian Rou, and Yan Qing stepped through them after a month of endless battle, blood, and unexpected growth.
Behind them, carts pulled in the carcasses of slain beasts. Flags of success fluttered in the wind. It was a rare sight—border missions weren't often completed with this level of triumph.
And certainly never with a first-time direct disciple among them.
---
A Storm of Rewards
Within the great Reward Hall, elders gathered to acknowledge the returning task members. Sect envoys recorded beast kills, and spirit tokens were exchanged for contribution points.
Ash stepped forward with his report, followed by the girls. When the final tally was read out loud, the hall buzzed.
> "Three Tier 2 beasts, one confirmed Tier 5 threat neutralized…"
> "Total reward points: 12,400."
A murmur spread like wildfire.
Even Elder Huo, who was usually stoic, let out a loud laugh. "That's the best outcome for a border mission in years!"
Ash bowed respectfully, but he could feel the stares.
Dozens of direct disciples, inner disciples, and even a few core instructors were now watching him.
> He's the newbie who just became a direct disciple.
And now he's one of the highest earners?
A few fists clenched. One or two disciples scoffed.
Zhao Yiming, in the corner of the hall, narrowed his eyes.
---
Bonus Rewards
Because of the rare Tier 5 beast encounter and their frontline performance, the trio was granted a bonus from the sect treasury: each of them was to receive one mid-tier spirit treasure and a technique scroll of their choice.
Yan Qing's eyes sparkled. Lian Rou just nodded gracefully.
Ash, meanwhile, was already thinking about how to use this new fortune to expand Vulcan's forging potential.
---
Later That Day – Elder Huo's Courtyard
Ash stood before Elder Huo, who motioned him to sit. The old man sipped his tea, eyes twinkling.
> "You've done well. I heard about the ape. Though some say it was teamwork—others think it was sheer luck."
Ash chuckled, feigning humility. "A bit of both, I suppose."
Elder Huo looked into Ash's eyes for a long moment. "You've changed. Your aura—it's denser, calmer. You've advanced, haven't you?"
Ash gave a slight nod. "Yes, Elder. I've entered Core Vein Formation."
The old man's brows shot up. Then a grin spread across his face.
> "Hahaha! Good! You're advancing far faster than I expected. At this rate, you'll surpass most of your peers within half a year."
Then Elder Huo leaned in slightly, voice dropping.
> "But be careful. Fast growth draws sharp eyes. Not everyone in the sect wants you to succeed."
Ash bowed. "Understood, Elder."
---
Back at Ash's Courtyard
That night, Ash sat cross-legged as Vulcan carefully floated nearby, a hammer in hand, sharpening a nearly complete blade. Mrit, the nine-horned bull spirit, was silently grazing on spirit grass nearby.
Shen Mu's voice echoed inside his mind.
> You've done well… But this is only the beginning.
The higher you rise, the deeper the shadows grow.
Ash nodded to himself.
The sect may be safe on the surface…
But he could feel the undercurrent of envy, of schemes starting to form.
He was no longer just a common disciple.
He was becoming a threat.
--