Lin Tian awoke to soft morning light filtering through the paper windows of his quarters. The luxurious silk sheets felt almost too soft against his newly hardened body after three months of sleeping on cold stone during the Patriarch's brutal training.

  "Young Master, are you awake?" Lin Feng's voice came from beyond the door.

  "Enter," Lin Tian replied, sitting up.

  Lin Feng slid the door open and bowed. "Young Master, I bring important news. The Clan Elders have requested your immediate presence in the Grand Hall."

  Lin Tian raised an eyebrow. "The Grand Hall? All the Elders?"

  "Yes, Young Master. It appears your return has... generated interest." Lin Feng's carefully neutral expression revealed nothing, but Lin Tian detected concern in his voice.

  So it begins, thought Lin Tian. Three months ago, he had been nothing but the "trash of the Lin clan." Now he faced the clan that had dismissed him with newfound strength coursing through his veins.

  "When am I expected?" Lin Tian asked, rising from the bed.

  "Within the hour, Young Master. I've taken the liberty of preparing appropriate attire." Lin Feng gestured to a set of formal robes laid out nearby—deep blue silk with the Lin clan's silver cloud patterns emblazoned along the hems.

  Lin Tian nodded. "Thank you, Lin Feng. Any word on who else will be attending this... gathering?"

  "The entire Council of Elders, including the Patriarch. I've also heard that several of your family members will be present." Lin Feng hesitated before adding, "Including Young Master Lin Yuan and Young Mistress Lin Mei."

  Lin Tian's expression remained unchanged, but internally, his mind raced through the memories of his elder cousin Lin Yuan—the clan's celebrated genius, already at High Supreme Peak Realm at twenty years old. Lin Yuan, who had never acknowledged his existence, treating him as though he were invisible. And his sister, Lin Mei, who had largely ignored him, focused on her own cultivation journey.

  "I see," Lin Tian said simply. "Then I should not keep them waiting."

  As Lin Feng helped him don the formal robes, Lin Tian considered his options. Before his training with the Patriarch, he had been utterly unremarkable—barely able to reach Qi Condensation II despite abundant resources. Now, after three months with the Patriarch—his father—experiencing training that would have killed most cultivators, he had transformed.

  How much should I show them? he wondered. Limit myself to just above their pitiful expectations, or demonstrate enough power to alter my position within the clan?

  "Your thoughts seem heavy, Young Master," Lin Feng observed quietly.

  Lin Tian met his attendant's gaze. "I'm weighing the benefits of exceeding expectations against the dangers of drawing too much attention."

  "If I may speak freely, Young Master?"

  "Always."

  "The Lin clan values strength above all. Show too little, and you remain the clan's disappointment. Show too much, and you invite suspicion, perhaps even danger. But there is a middle path—enough improvement to change your status without raising questions about how such change occurred."

  Lin Tian nodded slowly. Lin Feng's counsel was sound, but incomplete. Never show all your cards—a lesson that had served him well throughout his previous life as Edward Reinhart.

  But there was another consideration: the Patriarch's training. His father had nearly killed him countless times over those three months. To return and deliberately underperform would be an insult to that sacrifice.

  "I've spent enough time being insulted in this life, he thought. All I truly want is to grow strong enough to be left alone—to live peacefully without interference. That requires respect, if not fear.

  "I've made my decision," Lin Tian announced. "I won't hide my progress. If the clan values strength, then let them see strength."

  Lin Feng and Lin Tian departed his quarters, walking through the compound's immaculate gardens. Servants and minor clan members stopped to stare as he passed, whispering behind raised hands.

  "...is that really the Third Young Master?"

  "...heard he trained with the Patriarch himself..."

  "...still looks weak to me..."

  "...I heard he showed purple resonance at the Celestial Dragon Sect trial..."

  "...no one survives more than a month of the Patriarch's training..."

  "...even Lin Yuan only lasted two months with the old monster..."

  Lin Tian ignored them all, focusing instead on managing his newly enhanced senses. The scent of jasmine from a distant garden threatened to overwhelm him; the whispers sounded like shouts. Controlling this sensory overload would be crucial in the coming confrontation.

  As they approached the Grand Hall—an imposing structure of carved stone and ancient wood that served as the clan's ceremonial center—Lin Tian detected numerous Qi signatures within. Some were at Supreme Peak Realm, with fewer radiating the immense pressure of Master Realm cultivators. At least one exuded the overwhelming aura approaching Grandmaster Realm—his grandfather, the former Patriarch.

  Lin Feng paused at the entrance. "Young Master, remember that many will be watching not just what you do, but how you do it."

  Lin Tian nodded, understanding the deeper meaning. It wasn't just his cultivation level that would be assessed, but his bearing, his control, his response to provocation.

  The massive doors swung open, and Lin Tian stepped into the Grand Hall alone, Lin Feng remaining outside as protocol demanded. The hall fell silent as all eyes turned to him.

  Rows of elders sat on elevated platforms to either side, their faces stern and evaluating. At the far end sat the Patriarch—Lin Tian's father—flanked by the most senior elders, including the imposing figure of his grandfather. And standing to the right of the dais were three young cultivators whom Lin Tian immediately recognized.

  Lin Mei, his sister, elegant and composed at Peak Realm, regarded him with analytical curiosity. Lin Kai, his cousin, already eighteen but still at Low Peak Realm, watched with undisguised skepticism. And between them stood Lin Yuan—tall, handsome, radiating confidence and power at High Supreme Peak Realm. His golden robes seemed to glow with his abundant Qi as he stared down at Lin Tian, a barely perceptible frown on his face.

  Lin Tian walked forward at a measured pace, neither rushing nor dawdling. When he reached the appropriate distance, he bowed with perfect formality—deep enough to show respect, but not so deep as to appear servile.

  "Lin Tian greets the Patriarch, honored Elders, and fellow disciples," he said, his voice clear and steady.

  The Patriarch studied him with a calculated gaze before speaking. "Lin Tian. You have returned from your training. We are gathered to assess your progress and determine your appropriate position within the clan before your return to the Celestial Dragon Sect."

  Lin Tian inclined his head. "I am grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate what I have learned, Father."

  Elder Feng, the clan's Cultivation Assessor, spoke next. "Before you departed for training with the Patriarch, you were barely at Qi Condensation II. Your sudden purple resonance at the Celestial Dragon Sect's trial was... unprecedented. Today, we will evaluate what three months of the Patriarch's training has accomplished."

  "I am ready for your assessment, Elder Feng," Lin Tian replied respectfully.

  Lin Kai stepped forward, his voice carrying a hint of challenge. "Cousin, I hear you've made some progress under Uncle's guidance. But cultivation advancement requires more than just guidance—it requires talent and discipline. Even if you've reached Peak Realm as rumored, your combat experience would still be far lacking compared to those of us who've been properly trained since childhood. Raw power means nothing without proper application."

  Several elders leaned forward with interest at this exchange. The Patriarch's expression remained impassive, but Lin Tian detected a subtle shift in his father's Qi—he was waiting to see how Lin Tian would respond to the provocation.

  Lin Tian smiled slightly. "Cousin honors me with his concern. The Patriarch's methods were indeed effective. But perhaps Elder Feng's assessment will speak more clearly than words."

  The Patriarch nodded. "Approach the Testing Stone, Lin Tian."

  At the center of the hall stood a massive jade monolith—the Testing Stone, which measured cultivation level and quality. As Lin Tian approached it, he made his final decision. No holding back. The Patriarch's training had nearly killed him numerous times; he would not dishonor that sacrifice by hiding his progress.

  Lin Tian placed his palm against the cool jade surface of the Testing Stone. Immediately, he felt it drawing on his Qi, probing his meridians, assessing his dantian. The stone began to glow, first a faint blue, then brighter, shifting toward white as it measured his cultivation.

  Whispers erupted around the hall as the glow intensified. Lin Tian maintained perfect calm, even as he felt the stone analyzing the unusual characteristics of his transformed meridians and the distinctive quality of his Qi flow.

  After a full minute, the light stabilized at a brilliant white-blue, causing several elders to lean forward in their seats. Numbers and characters appeared on the stone's surface, displaying his assessment results.

  Elder Feng stood, his eyes wide as he read the findings. "Remarkable," he announced, his voice carrying throughout the hall. "Lin Tian has reached Peak Realm, with meridian quality comparable to Supreme Peak cultivators! His Qi density is extraordinary—concentrated spiritual energy rarely seen in one so young!"

  A murmur swept through the hall. Lin Yuan's composed expression faltered for a moment, replaced by the first flickers of surprise.

  "Peak Realm in three months?" someone whispered. "From Qi Condensation II?"

  "Did you feel his Qi? So dense it's almost solid!"

  "The Patriarch's training truly is as formidable as they say..."

  Lin Kai's face had paled considerably. "But... but how?" he sputtered. "Even with the Patriarch's training, such advancement should be impossible!"

  Elder Mei, a woman with silver-streaked hair tied in a tight bun, raised her hand. "I believe I may have an explanation for this phenomenon."

  The Patriarch nodded, granting her permission to speak.

  "Elder Jin and I have discussed this topic extensively," she began, gesturing to Elder Jin across the hall. "We've formulated several theories, but one in particular seems to apply here."

  "And what theory is that?" the Patriarch inquired, his tone revealing nothing of his thoughts.

  Elder Jin cleared his throat. "We believe that Lin Tian has experienced what ancient texts call an 'enlightenment.' Our records show numerous cases of latent cultivators who made little progress for years, only to suddenly advance at remarkable rates."

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  Elder Mei nodded. "Looking through Lin Tian's early records, he initially showed promise as a child, advancing faster than his peers. Then suddenly, his progress stagnated."

  "A false prodigy?" someone suggested.

  "No," Elder Jin replied firmly. "We believe this was his body preparing for enlightenment. His talent did not disappear—it was building, transforming internally before manifesting externally."

  Elder Mei continued, "The purple resonance at the Celestial Dragon Sect's trial was likely the first visible sign of this enlightenment. Perhaps something during his Observational Disciple training served as the catalyst."

  Lin Yuan stepped forward, surprising everyone. "This theory aligns perfectly with Elder Zhou's Meridian Circulation Theory published recently at the Celestial Dragon Sect. His work describes how precise Qi flow through properly aligned meridians can produce extraordinary results."

  He turned to Lin Tian with a measuring look. "Third Brother's contribution to that work—the foundational concept of the meridian pattern—suggests he may have been experiencing this enlightenment even then, intuitively understanding patterns that others could not see."

  Lin Tian concealed his surprise. Elder Zhou's theory—which Lin Tian had actually created himself during his time at the Celestial Dragon Sect—was now being used to explain his own advancement. More surprising was Lin Yuan's apparent familiarity with the work and his willingness to provide this explanation.

  The ancient elder at the far side of the hall—Lin Tian's grandfather, whose aura approached Grandmaster Realm—nodded sagely. "The theory of delayed potential is indeed well-documented, if rare. The harsh conditions of the Patriarch's training were precisely what was needed to fully unlock this enlightenment."

  "The Patriarch shared suspicions about this possibility with several of us," another elder added. "That true talent sometimes lies buried beneath layers of false perception. It seems he identified potential in Lin Tian that we failed to recognize."

  Lin Tian bowed to the elders, hiding his satisfaction. Their theories provided a convenient explanation for his sudden advancement—one he had inadvertently created himself through his previous work.

  "Father's methods were designed to clear such blockages," Lin Tian confirmed. "He spoke of potential that needed extreme conditions to manifest."

  The Patriarch nodded. "In light of Lin Tian's demonstrated progress, his status within the clan is hereby elevated. He will be granted access to the Inner Court resources and clan techniques commensurate with his new cultivation level."

  A murmur of agreement passed through most of the elders, though Lin Tian noted several exchanging calculated glances. Lin Yuan's face had settled into a mask of thoughtful assessment.

  "Furthermore," the Patriarch continued, "Lin Tian will represent the Lin clan alongside Lin Yuan at the Celestial Dragon Sect's Inner Academy. As he has already received the Observational Disciple mark and conditional acceptance, his new cultivation level should secure his position."

  Lin Tian bowed deeply. "Father honors me with this responsibility. I will strive to bring credit to the Lin clan at the Celestial Dragon Sect."

  "See that you do," the Patriarch replied. "Your recent progress, while impressive, is merely the beginning. The Inner Academy will present challenges that will test the limits of your newfound abilities."

  "Before we conclude," Lin Yuan spoke again, his voice measured, "perhaps we should verify the practical application of Third Brother's new cultivation. Theory and Testing Stone results are valuable, but combat reveals true mastery."

  Lin Tian glanced at Lin Yuan, analyzing his cousin's suggestion. It was unexpected—Lin Yuan rarely acknowledged his existence, let alone suggested a combat assessment. What game was he playing?

  The Patriarch considered this, then nodded. "A reasonable suggestion. Lin Kai, you are at Peak Realm—a suitable match for Lin Tian."

  Lin Kai stepped forward with less eagerness than his words had suggested earlier, a nervous edge to his movements that belied his confident stance.

  "I would be honored, Uncle," Lin Kai said with a bow that barely concealed his anxiety.

  Lin Tian inclined his head. "As would I."

  Elder Feng directed them to the center of the hall, where servants quickly cleared space for the sparring match. As they took their positions, Lin Tian subtly regulated his breathing, focusing his enhanced senses and preparing his transformed meridians for combat.

  Lin Kai attempted to project confidence, shifting his weight from foot to foot. "Don't worry, Cousin," he called loudly enough for all to hear. "I'll try not to embarrass you too badly in front of the elders. Even if you've somehow reached Peak Realm, you've had no proper combat training. The Patriarch may have given you power, but he couldn't possibly have taught you all the hand-to-hand combat techniques that I've spent years mastering."

  Lin Tian said nothing, settling into a basic stance that revealed little of his capabilities.

  "Begin!" Elder Feng commanded.

  Lin Kai launched forward immediately, his right hand glowing with concentrated Qi as he aimed a powerful strike at Lin Tian's chest—a finishing move meant to end the match instantly and assert his dominance.

  Three months ago, it would have succeeded.

  Now, Lin Tian simply wasn't there. With a subtle shift of weight and minimal movement, he slipped aside, letting Lin Kai's attack pass harmlessly by. Before his cousin could recover, Lin Tian's palm tapped him lightly on the back—a touch that sent a controlled pulse of Qi through Lin Kai's meridians, temporarily disrupting his balance.

  Lin Kai stumbled forward, eyes wide with shock, then whirled around with a snarl. "Lucky dodge!"

  He attacked again, this time with a flurry of strikes, each charged with bright blue Qi. Lin Tian evaded each with precise, economical movements, never using more energy than necessary, never revealing more technique than required.

  "His movements..." an elder whispered. "So efficient."

  "The techniques—those are from the Patriarch's personal style," another observed with awe.

  "No, look closer," Elder Jin murmured, leaning forward. "It's even more refined. Every strike, every shift of weight—there's not a single wasted motion. His precision exceeds even the Patriarch's style."

  After allowing Lin Kai to exhaust himself with increasingly desperate attacks, Lin Tian finally countered. His movement was a blur as he stepped inside Lin Kai's guard and delivered three precise strikes—shoulder, waist, knee—each targeting a key meridian junction. His hands moved with uncanny precision, carrying a spiritual pressure that belied his cultivation level.

  Lin Kai froze, his Qi circulation disrupted, his limbs suddenly heavy. "What... what did you do?" he gasped.

  "Pressure point manipulation," Lin Tian explained calmly. "The Patriarch's methods were quite thorough."

  With a final light push, Lin Tian sent his cousin staggering backward. Lin Kai collapsed to one knee, his face a mask of disbelief and humiliation.

  Lin Tian turned to the elders and released a measured amount of spiritual pressure—enough to demonstrate his power without being disrespectful. "Is this assessment sufficient, honored elders, or would you prefer a different demonstration?"

  The hall was utterly silent.

  "Incredible control..."

  "His Qi quality... it truly matches the Testing Stone's assessment..."

  "To master the Patriarch's techniques in mere months..."

  "No, even more than mastered—he's refined them further."

  Elder Feng cleared his throat. "This is most impressive. Your combat technique shows precision usually seen only in Supreme Peak cultivators, despite your cultivation being at Peak Realm."

  The Patriarch nodded with satisfaction. "Lin Tian has met and exceeded my expectations. His time at the Lin compound has not been wasted."

  "Father has been an exceptional teacher," Lin Tian acknowledged with a respectful bow. "His methods, while demanding, produced results I could not have imagined."

  "And now you will return to the Celestial Dragon Sect as a true representative of the Lin clan," the Patriarch stated. It wasn't a question.

  Lin Tian nodded. "Yes, Father. The agreement with the Celestial Dragon Sect requires my return in four days for the start of the Inner Academy's first term."

  Lin Yuan studied Lin Tian with newfound intensity. "It seems Elder Zhou's theory of meridian enlightenment has been proven correct in your case, Third Brother. A rare phenomenon indeed—perhaps once in a generation." His voice was carefully neutral, but Lin Tian detected a calculating edge beneath the words.

  Lin Tian suddenly understood the game Lin Yuan was playing. By attributing Lin Tian's advancement to a rare, documented phenomenon of "meridian enlightenment," Lin Yuan was simultaneously explaining away the inexplicable while positioning himself as the magnanimous elder cousin who recognized and validated this phenomenon.

  Yet Lin Tian knew that if he truly were a "once in a generation" talent with unlocked potential, he would receive the full support of the clan—directly threatening Lin Yuan's position as the clan's chosen successor.

  "Elder Brother honors me with his knowledge," Lin Tian replied carefully. "I am still learning to understand these changes myself."

  "In light of Lin Tian's demonstrated progress," the Patriarch announced, "his status within the clan is hereby elevated. He will be granted access to the Inner Court resources and clan techniques commensurate with his new cultivation level."

  A murmur of agreement passed through most of the elders, though Lin Tian noted several exchanging calculated glances.

  "Furthermore," the Patriarch continued, "Lin Tian will represent the Lin clan alongside Lin Yuan at the Celestial Dragon Sect's Inner Academy. As he has already received the Observational Disciple mark and conditional acceptance, his new cultivation level should secure his position."

  Lin Tian bowed deeply. "Father honors me with this responsibility. I will strive to bring credit to the Lin clan at the Celestial Dragon Sect."

  "See that you do," the Patriarch replied. "Your recent progress, while impressive, is merely the beginning. The Inner Academy will present challenges that will test the limits of your newfound abilities."

  "I understand, Father," Lin Tian replied. Though his father's words were stern, Lin Tian recognized the crucial shift they represented—he was no longer dismissed as worthless. He had become valuable to the clan.

  A first step, he thought. From disappointment to asset. From there, I can build enough strength to be truly left alone. That's all I truly desire—peace, without the constant struggle for position and favor.

  "You are dismissed," the Patriarch announced. "Report to Elder Feng tomorrow for detailed assignment of appropriate resources before your return to the Celestial Dragon Sect."

  Lin Tian bowed once more to the assembly before turning to leave. As he walked toward the exit, he felt Lin Yuan's eyes on him—a gaze filled with newfound assessment and calculation.

  Just before reaching the doors, Lin Tian heard rapid footsteps behind him. He turned to find Lin Mei, his sister, approaching with measured grace.

  "Brother," she greeted him with a formal nod.

  "Sister Mei," he returned politely. In his memories, Lin Mei had neither tormented nor particularly supported him—she had simply ignored his existence, focused on her own cultivation and political positioning within the clan.

  "Your performance was... enlightening," she said, studying him with new interest. "Father rarely invests time in those without significant potential. It seems he saw something in you that the rest of us missed."

  Lin Tian smiled slightly. "Perhaps. Or perhaps anyone can exceed expectations when properly motivated."

  "Perhaps," she echoed, her expression thoughtful. "The Inner Academy begins in four days. Lin Yuan has been preparing his entire life for this opportunity. Do not mistake Father's words for actual support—he merely wishes to maximize the clan's opportunities at the sect."

  "And you, Sister Mei? What do you wish?"

  Lin Mei's eyes narrowed slightly. "Change is always interesting to observe. You've become... unexpected, Brother. I simply wish to understand how deep that change goes."

  With that cryptic statement, she inclined her head and returned to the hall, leaving Lin Tian to ponder her words as he departed.

  Lin Feng was waiting outside, his expression carefully neutral. "How did the assessment proceed, Young Master?"

  As they walked away from the Grand Hall, Lin Tian summarized the meeting and its outcomes. Lin Feng listened attentively, asking occasional clarifying questions.

  "So you chose to reveal your true progress," Lin Feng observed when Lin Tian finished.

  "Most of it," Lin Tian corrected. "I demonstrated combat technique beyond my supposed cultivation level, but kept several capabilities hidden."

  Lin Feng nodded approvingly. "A wise balance. And now you return to the Celestial Dragon Sect with the clan's backing."

  "If not their full trust," Lin Tian added. "Lin Yuan's explanation about Elder Zhou's theory of meridian enlightenment was unexpected."

  "Indeed," Lin Feng said carefully. "Young Master Lin Yuan rarely acknowledges your achievements. For him to provide such a favorable explanation..."

  "...means he's planning something," Lin Tian finished. "If I truly am what he suggested—a once-in-a-generation talent with previously blocked meridians—then I would potentially rival him for the Patriarch's favor. He wouldn't highlight that unless he had a strategy in mind."

  They arrived at Lin Tian's quarters, where Lin Feng hurried ahead to prepare tea. As Lin Tian settled onto a cushion in his receiving room, he reflected on the day's events.

  Not bad for a former disappointment, he thought with grim amusement.

  The political landscape had shifted dramatically in a single morning. He was no longer beneath notice—he had become a potential asset to the clan, and simultaneously, a figure of interest to Lin Yuan. New opportunities would arise, but so would new challenges.

  Lin Feng returned with tea, serving it with practiced grace before settling across from Lin Tian.

  "Your thoughts seem distant, Young Master," Lin Feng observed.

  Lin Tian sipped the fragrant tea before responding. "I'm considering the implications of today's events. My position in the clan has changed, but so have the expectations and the scrutiny I'll face."

  "And the dangers," Lin Feng added quietly.

  Lin Tian's eyes sharpened. "You know those who attacked me on my return journey may attack again?"

  Lin Feng's expression revealed nothing. "I make it my business to know what threatens you, Young Master."

  Another reminder that Lin Feng was far more than a simple attendant. Lin Tian's instincts suggested that Lin Feng might be the most valuable ally he had, especially with his gift of "erasure" that could disintegrate bodies.

  "Then I'll rely on your discretion and insight as I navigate these new waters," Lin Tian said.

  "As always, Young Master." Lin Feng bowed slightly. "And may I suggest that you begin preparations for your return to the sect immediately? If you are to represent the Lin clan alongside Young Master Lin Yuan, you will need to be at your absolute best."

  Lin Tian nodded, his mind already calculating next steps. "The Inner Academy... their trials are said to be exceptionally difficult."

  "Indeed. But they also value quality over raw power. Your precision and technique may serve you well." Lin Feng paused. "Will you continue to advance your cultivation openly, or maintain your current level for now?"

  Lin Tian considered the question carefully. He had learned the value of strategic revelation—knowing when to display power and when to conceal it.

  "I'll advance," he decided finally. "But naturally, not suspiciously. Let them attribute it to my 'enlightenment' finally taking full effect."

  Lin Tian stared out the window at the gathering clouds on the horizon—dark and heavy with promise of rain. I don't seek to rule or dominate like I once did as Emperor Reinhart. All I truly want is to grow strong enough that others leave me in peace. To live without the constant threats and manipulations.

  As Lin Feng departed to make preparations for the final days before Lin Tian's return to the Celestial Dragon Sect, Lin Tian stared into his teacup, watching the leaves swirl in the amber liquid.

  From disappointment to a cultivator worthy of the Inner Academy, he thought. Today marks a change. Today, Lin Tian begins his rise toward true freedom.

  Outside his window, clouds gathered on the horizon—dark and heavy with promise of rain.

  A fitting omen for the storm that was surely coming.