A month after the demonic cultivator incident, a ship of golden light descended upon the Azure Sky Sect.

  It wasn't flying, exactly. Flying implied effort, movement through space in the conventional sense. This ship simply existed at different points in the sky, as if reality itself was rearranging to accommodate its passage. When it settled above the sect's main plaza, the very air hummed with concentrated spiritual energy.

  The Sect Master stood in the courtyard, hands clasped behind his back to hide their trembling. Beside him, the Grand Elder maintained perfect composure, though his spiritual sense was screaming warnings about the power level of whoever was aboard that vessel.

  "One of the Three Supreme Sects sends an emissary," the Sect Master murmured. "This is either a great honour or a great problem."

  "Possibly both," the Grand Elder replied.

  The ship's boarding ramp materialised—again, not extending so much as simply becoming present—and a figure descended.

  Elder Tian of the Heavenly Dao Sect was a man who looked to be in his forties, though his actual age was closer to eight hundred years. He wore robes of white and gold that seemed to emit their own light, and his eyes held the peculiar clarity of someone who'd stared into the fundamental truths of existence and found them... manageable.

  "Sect Master of Azure Sky," Elder Tian's voice carried effortlessly across the courtyard without being loud. "I bring greetings from the Heavenly Dao Sect and an invitation."

  The Sect Master bowed at precisely the correct angle for greeting an elder from a superior sect—deep enough to show respect, not so deep as to appear obsequious. "Elder Tian, your presence honours our humble sect. Please, let us speak more comfortably inside."

  Over tea in the Sect Master's private hall, Elder Tian presented a jade scroll that radiated enough spiritual energy to make the table it rested on groan.

  "The Continental Young Masters Tournament," Elder Tian explained, "is held once every century. This year, the Heavenly Dao Sect has the honour of hosting. We invite the Azure Sky Sect to send its most talented disciples under fifty years of age to compete."

  The Sect Master accepted the scroll with both hands, his mind already racing through their roster of young talents. "We would be deeply honoured to participate. Our sect has several promising disciples who would benefit greatly from—"

  "I'm actually here about a specific disciple," Elder Tian interrupted gently. "We've heard... interesting rumours. Is it true you have an inner sect disciple named Shen Yue who advanced from Qi Refining to Core Formation Peak in less than a year?"

  The Sect Master's teacup paused halfway to his lips. Ah. So word had spread that far.

  "The rumours are... somewhat accurate," he said carefully. "Though Shen Yue is no longer technically our disciple. She studies under a senior expert who resides on our sect's territory."

  Elder Tian set down his own cup with deliberate care. "A senior expert. Powerful enough to elevate a disciple from Qi Refining to Core Formation in months. Living in seclusion on Azure Sky Sect land." His eyes sharpened. "Please, Sect Master. Tell me everything."

  So the Sect Master found himself explaining about Tranquil Peak. About the Unfathomable Master who thought himself weak. About disciples who advanced at impossible speeds. About formations that terrified Soul Formation demonic cultivators. About tea that triggered breakthroughs and gardens that grew legendary herbs.

  Elder Tian's expression progressed from interest to disbelief to something approaching reverence.

  "A master of such calibre, living in complete seclusion, content to tend a garden and teach a handful of disciples..." Elder Tian stood abruptly, his composure finally cracking. "I must meet this expert. Immediately. Can you arrange an introduction?"

  "The senior values his privacy extremely highly," the Sect Master said, choosing his words with the care of a man defusing a formation array. "We cannot disturb him without exceptional cause. However..." He paused, letting the idea form naturally. "If Shen Yue chooses to participate in the tournament, you would have the opportunity to observe the results of his teaching firsthand. And perhaps, if fate permits, you might encounter her master there."

  Elder Tian's eyes gleamed. "Yes. Yes, that would be... acceptable. Please extend the invitation to Shen Yue and any other disciples of this master. Their participation would bring tremendous prestige to the tournament." He paused. "And Sect Master? When I report this to the Heavenly Dao Sect's leadership, they will be... very interested. I recommend you maintain excellent relations with this senior expert. The Continental balance of power may shift based on which sect earns his favour."

  After Elder Tian departed in his ship of light, the Sect Master slumped in his chair.

  "That," he said to the Grand Elder, "was exhausting."

  "He wants to recruit the seniors' disciples," the Grand Elder observed.

  "Of course he does. So will every other major sect once word spreads." The Sect Master rubbed his temples. "We need to inform Senior Lin Feng about this invitation. But carefully. Very carefully. The last thing we need is to make him think we're trying to use him for political advantage."

  "How do you tell someone they're the most important political figure on the continent when they genuinely believe they're a weak Foundation Establishment cultivator hiding from the world?"

  The Sect Master stood, squaring his shoulders. "Very, very carefully."

  The next morning, the Sect Master and Grand Elder climbed to Tranquil Peak.

  As always, the moment they crossed through the formation barrier, the world transformed. The air became crisp and sweet. Spiritual energy flowed like water. Every plant, every stone, every blade of grass seemed to exist in a more real state than things outside the peak.

  Lin Feng met them at the courtyard gate, wiping dirt from his hands. "Sect Master! Grand Elder! This is a pleasant surprise. Please, come in. I was just pruning some spiritual herbs—they've been growing like weeds lately."

  The Sect Master noted the "weeds" in question were Thousand-Year Ginseng that would normally require carefully controlled environments and decades of cultivation to grow even a single root. Lin Feng had apparently been trimming them back like one might prune an overgrown hedge.

  They settled around a low table in the courtyard. Lin Feng poured tea—mercifully just excellent tea this time, not the Enlightenment-inducing variety—and looked at them with open, friendly curiosity.

  "So," Lin Feng said, "what brings you both up the mountain? Is everything alright with the sect?"

  "Everything is well," the Sect Master assured him. "In fact, we bring good news. An invitation, actually." He explained about the Continental Young Masters Tournament, watching Lin Feng's expression carefully.

  Lin Feng's face went from interested to concerned to almost fearful.

  "A tournament?" he said slowly. "With young masters from across the entire Eastern Continent? That sounds... incredibly dangerous."

  "It's conducted under strict rules," the Grand Elder explained quickly. "No killing. No permanent injury. Referees from all three Supreme Sects oversee every match. It's meant to foster friendly competition and allow the younger generation to test themselves."

  "Friendly competition among cultivators who could probably kill me with a gesture," Lin Feng muttered. He set down his teacup. "And you want Shen Yue and Zhou Yuan to participate in this?"

  "Only if they wish to," the Sect Master said. "And only with your permission, of course."

  Lin Feng turned to where Shen Yue and Zhou Yuan were practising sword forms in the distance. "Let me talk to them. This is their decision."

  He called them over, and they approached quickly, bowing to the visitors before looking to their master with questioning expressions.

  "The Sect Master has brought an invitation," Lin Feng explained. "There's a major tournament in three months—the Continental Young Masters Tournament. It's very prestigious, apparently. And very dangerous. They're asking if you'd like to participate."

  Shen Yue and Zhou Yuan exchanged glances.

  "Master," Shen Yue said carefully, "may I ask what the tournament entails?"

  The Sect Master provided details—the format, the rules, the level of competition expected. As he spoke, Shen Yue's expression grew thoughtful while Zhou Yuan's remained carefully neutral.

  "What do you think?" Lin Feng asked them. "I won't force you either way. But I need you to understand—this isn't like sparring here on the peak. You'll be facing prodigies from the most powerful sects on the continent. People who've trained their entire lives for this. It could be very dangerous, even with the safety rules."

  "I want to participate," Shen Yue said immediately. Then, seeing Lin Feng's worried expression, she continued more softly. "Master, you've taught us so much. About cultivation, about philosophy, about what it means to grow stronger. But all of that learning has been here, in safety, where the only stakes are our own improvement. I want to test myself. Not for glory or recognition—but to see if I've truly understood your lessons. To see if I can apply them when it really matters."

  Lin Feng studied her face. "You're sure?"

  "I'm sure."

  He turned to Zhou Yuan. "And you?"

  Zhou Yuan was quiet for a long moment. When he spoke, his voice was steady but carried weight. "Before I came to Tranquil Peak, I cultivated for one reason only: revenge. Power was a tool to kill my enemy. But you've shown me a different path, Master. Cultivation as growth, as understanding, as becoming someone worthy of the life I've been given." He met Lin Feng's eyes. "I want to participate. Not to prove anything to the world, but to prove something to myself—that I've truly changed from who I used to be."

  Lin Feng was silent, his expression complex. Finally, he sighed.

  "System," he said quietly, "what's your assessment?"

  [Continental Young Masters Tournament detected]

  [Analysis: This event represents a significant opportunity for disciple development]

  [Tournament safety protocols are genuine and enforced by Supreme Sect elders]

  [Disciples' current cultivation levels: Both at Core Formation Peak, nearing Soul Formation breakthrough]

  [Probability of serious injury: Low]

  [Probability of disciples gaining valuable experience: Very High]

  [Rewards for Host:] [- If disciple places in top 100: 10,000 Seclusion Points] [- If disciple places in top 10: 50,000 Seclusion Points][- If disciple wins tournament: 100,000 Seclusion Points]

  [Recommendation: Allow participation but attend personally to ensure safety]

  Lin Feng nodded slowly. "The system says it's safe enough. And you both clearly want this." He looked at each of them seriously. "Alright. You can participate. But I have conditions."

  "Anything, Master," they said in unison.

  "First: if you face someone clearly stronger, you surrender immediately. No heroic last stands, no pushing beyond your limits. Your safety is more important than any ranking."

  "Yes, Master."

  "Second: you watch out for each other. If one of you is in trouble, the other helps, tournament rules permitting."

  "Yes, Master."

  "Third..." Lin Feng hesitated. "Remember everything I've taught you. Not just the techniques, but the philosophy. Winning doesn't matter. Growth matters. Understanding matters. Don't lose sight of that in the heat of competition."

  "We won't, Master," Shen Yue promised.

  Lin Feng turned back to the Sect Master. "They can participate."

  The Sect Master tried not to show his profound relief. "Excellent! The tournament will be—"

  "However," Lin Feng continued, "I'd like to attend as well. To watch over them."

  The Sect Master's relief transformed into mild panic. Is Senior Lin Feng attending the Continental Young Masters Tournament? The political implications alone...

  "The senior would be most welcome in the VIP section," he managed. "All sect leaders and powerful experts will be there, and—"

  "Oh no," Lin Feng interrupted, looking horrified. "I couldn't possibly sit with sect leaders and experts. I'm just Foundation Establishment. I'd be completely out of place."

  Please stop saying you're Foundation Establishment, the Sect Master thought desperately.

  "Perhaps..." the Grand Elder suggested delicately, "the senior could attend in disguise? To observe your disciples' progress without drawing unwanted attention? The tournament grounds will be crowded with spectators. You could blend in easily."

  Lin Feng's expression brightened. "That's actually perfect! Yes, I'll go in disguise, watch from the regular crowds. That way, I can support Shen Yue and Zhou Yuan without anyone bothering me." He paused. "Are you sure that's allowed? I don't want to cause any problems."

  "Spectators are absolutely welcome," the Sect Master assured him, thinking: If only you knew the problems you'll cause just by existing in the same province as the tournament.

  After more discussion of logistics and dates, the Sect Master and Grand Elder took their leave. As they descended the mountain path, the Grand Elder spoke quietly.

  "He's going to attend."

  "I know."

  "In 'disguise.'"

  "I know."

  "This is going to be a disaster, isn't it?"

  The Sect Master was quiet for a long moment. "I think 'disaster' might not be quite the right word. More like... a historical event that reshapes continental politics for the next thousand years."

  "So, a disaster."

  "An unforgettable disaster."

  That evening, Lin Feng gathered all five disciples in the courtyard.

  "Listen up, everyone. Shen Yue and Zhou Yuan will be participating in the Continental Young Masters Tournament in three months. Which means we have three months to make sure they're ready."

  Liu Mei raised her hand hesitantly. "Master, could... could we participate too?"

  Lin Feng's expression softened. "I appreciate your enthusiasm, Liu Mei. But this tournament is going to have young masters from sects across the entire continent. Prodigies who've been cultivating since they were children, who have access to the best resources and teachers. You've only been training seriously for a few weeks."

  "But Master, I'm already at Foundation Establishment—"

  "Which is wonderful! You're advancing incredibly fast. But fast advancement doesn't necessarily mean combat experience or the kind of refined techniques these young masters will have." He smiled gently. "There will be other tournaments, I promise. But this one? It's too dangerous for someone so new to cultivation."

  Liu Mei's face fell, but she nodded. "Yes, Master."

  Lin Feng turned to Wei Ling and Chen Bo. "That goes for you two as well. Wei Ling, I know you have centuries of experience, but you're still recovering from your foundation after your injury. And Chen Bo, you're progressing beautifully, but this tournament... the level of competition will be extreme."

  This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

  What Lin Feng didn't realise was that after weeks of training on Tranquil Peak, Liu Mei had comprehended Dao principles that most cultivators never glimpsed in entire lifetimes. Chen Bo's "beautiful progress" had taken him from barely Core Formation to a level where he could spar with Soul Formation cultivators. And Wei Ling had not only recovered her foundation but rebuilt it into something far stronger than what she'd had before.

  Any of them could have competed in the tournament. All three would likely have placed in the top ranks.

  But Lin Feng saw them as his students who needed protection, not warriors to be unleashed on the world.

  "However," he continued, "I need you three to help prepare Shen Yue and Zhou Yuan. Wei Ling, your experience and tactical thinking will be invaluable. Chen Bo, you're the perfect sparring partner—steady, reliable, adaptable. And Liu Mei, I want you to work on alchemy. Prepare recovery pills, stamina restoration pills, anything that might help them during the tournament."

  The three disciples bowed. "Yes, Master."

  "Now then." Lin Feng looked around the courtyard. "We need a proper training area. The garden is too crowded, and I don't want to risk damaging any of the herbs. Let me set up some basic formations in the clearing beyond the pond."

  What Lin Feng called "basic formations" took him three days to complete.

  He walked the perimeter of a large clearing, placing formation flags at key points, drawing connection lines with spiritual energy, muttering to himself about energy flow and spatial stability.

  "Just simple protective arrays," he explained to his disciples, who watched with varying degrees of awe. "We need something that can withstand your sparring without getting damaged. And some spatial expansion would be good—give you room to move without feeling cramped."

  Simple protective arrays.

  What Lin Feng was constructing was a layered spatial formation that created a pocket dimension roughly three times the size of the physical clearing. The protective barriers could withstand attacks from Immortal Emperors. The spatial arrays prevented any energy leakage that might damage the surrounding environment. There were even automatic repair functions built in, so if something did manage to crack the formations, they'd fix themselves instantly.

  In the cultivation world, formations of this complexity were jealously guarded secrets. Nations would go to war over the knowledge required to construct just one layer of what Lin Feng was casually building.

  "There!" Lin Feng stepped back, surveying his work with satisfaction. "That should do it. Basic protection, spatial expansion, and some energy dampening so you don't accidentally level the mountain. Nothing fancy, but it'll serve the purpose."

  Shen Yue tested the formation by releasing a casual palm strike—about ten per cent of her full power.

  The formation absorbed it without even flickering.

  "It's very sturdy, Master," she said, carefully hiding her amazement. She'd just hit the barrier with enough force to crater a mountainside, and it hadn't even registered the impact.

  "Good, good. I built it a bit stronger than necessary, just to be safe." Lin Feng clapped his hands. "Now, I want you two to spar while the rest of us observe. Don't hold back too much—we need to see where you need improvement."

  Shen Yue and Zhou Yuan moved to opposite ends of the clearing. They bowed to each other, then exploded into motion.

  The first clash sent a shockwave through the formation that made the air shimmer. Shen Yue's Phoenix Flame Scripture manifested as wings of fire that painted the sky crimson. Zhou Yuan's Primordial Dao Sword sang as it cut through space itself, leaving trails of severed reality.

  They moved faster than normal eyes could follow—a blur of fire and steel, technique and counter-technique, power and precision.

  Lin Feng watched critically, occasionally calling out observations.

  "Shen Yue, you're telegraphing your fire techniques! I can see you gathering energy before you release. Against a skilled opponent, that's a fatal weakness!"

  Shen Yue adjusted immediately, compressing her energy gathering into a fraction of a second.

  "Zhou Yuan, good sword work, but you're too focused on attack! Defence isn't just blocking—it's positioning, timing, controlling the flow of combat!"

  Zhou Yuan's style shifted, becoming more fluid, more adaptive.

  "Better! Both of you, remember—power is useless if it doesn't hit. Technique is useless if you're too slow. You need both, working together seamlessly!"

  Each piece of casual advice contained principles that master swordsmen and ancient fire cultivators would spend lifetimes trying to understand. Lin Feng was essentially providing them with a century's worth of combat wisdom in real-time corrections.

  After an hour of intense sparring, both disciples were breathing hard but grinning.

  "Again?" Shen Yue asked.

  "Again," Zhou Yuan confirmed.

  They launched at each other once more.

  Three miles away, in the Azure Sky Sect's main hall, the Sect Master felt tremors running through the mountain.

  "They're training," the Grand Elder observed unnecessarily.

  "The formations are holding."

  "Of course they are. Senior Lin Feng built them."

  Another tremor, stronger this time.

  "Sect Master," an elder asked nervously, "should we be concerned? The disciples are reporting earthquakes."

  "Tell them it's natural seismic activity," the Sect Master said calmly. "Nothing to worry about."

  "But Sect Master, this region has never had earthquakes—"

  "It does now."

  The elder bowed and left, still looking uncertain.

  "You know," the Grand Elder mused, "if this is what the seniors' disciples can do while 'holding back,' I'm starting to feel sorry for the other participants in the tournament."

  "I've been feeling sorry for them since Elder Tian extended the invitation," the Sect Master replied. "Those poor young masters have no idea what's coming."

  Two weeks into training, during a particularly intense sparring session, something shifted in Shen Yue's energy.

  She'd been pushing Zhou Yuan hard, her Phoenix flames growing hotter and more aggressive with each exchange, when suddenly she stopped mid-attack.

  Her eyes went wide. "Zhou Yuan, back up."

  He retreated immediately, sensing something in her voice.

  Spiritual energy began to pour into Shen Yue from the surrounding environment—not slowly, not gradually, but in a torrent. The air around her ignited. The ground beneath her feet cracked. Her cultivation base, which had been pressed against the barrier between Core Formation and Soul Formation for weeks, suddenly shattered that barrier like it was made of paper.

  "Everyone, get back!" Lin Feng shouted, throwing up a hasty protective barrier around the other disciples.

  The breakthrough energy erupted outward in a wave of pure spiritual force. If not for Lin Feng's formations, it would have levelled everything within a mile radius. As it was, the protective arrays lit up like suns, absorbing and redirecting the massive energy discharge.

  Shen Yue floated a foot off the ground, her body wreathed in phoenix fire, her eyes closed in concentration as she integrated the new level of power. The fire around her cycled through colours—red to orange to blue to white—each shade representing a deeper understanding of the Dao of Flame.

  Lin Feng watched with his heart in his throat. He'd read about breakthrough tribulations, about cultivators who lost control during advancement and destroyed themselves. "Shen Yue," he called out, trying to keep his voice calm, "stay focused! Don't let the energy overwhelm you! Guide it, don't fight it!"

  What he didn't know was that his "advice" was actually a supreme-grade breakthrough guidance technique. His words carried Dao resonance that helped Shen Yue stabilise her advancement, turning what might have been a dangerous moment into a smooth transition.

  After ten minutes that felt like hours, the energy slowly settled. Shen Yue's feet touched the ground again. The flames around her dimmed to a gentle aura, then vanished entirely.

  She opened her eyes, and they glowed with inner fire.

  "Soul Formation," she breathed. "I've reached Soul Formation."

  Lin Feng rushed over, checking her for injuries or instability. "Are you alright? That looked dangerous! You nearly lost control there!"

  "I'm fine, Master. Better than fine. I feel..." She looked at her hands in wonder. "I feel like I could fight for days without tiring. Like the world is clearer somehow, more real."

  "That's normal for breakthroughs," Lin Feng said, though he was actually just guessing based on what he'd read. "Just don't let it go to your head. Soul Formation is still far from the peak of cultivation. You have a long way to go."

  [Disciple Shen Yue has advanced to the Soul Formation Realm]

  [Age: 24 years]

  [Note: This makes her the youngest Soul Formation cultivator in the Eastern Continent in the last five centuries]

  [Achievement Unlocked: "Prodigy Creator"]

  [Reward: 25,000 Seclusion Points]

  [Additional Note: Host's casual breakthrough guidance prevented energy deviation that would have crippled a normal cultivator. Host's teaching ability continues to defy logical limits.]

  The other disciples gathered around Shen Yue, offering congratulations. Liu Mei looked awed, Chen Bo nodded approvingly, and Wei Ling's eyes showed deep respect.

  Zhou Yuan, however, wore a complicated expression.

  Lin Feng noticed. "Zhou Yuan? What's wrong?"

  "Nothing's wrong, Master. I'm happy for Shen Yue." But his hand gripped his sword hilt tightly, and his spiritual energy fluctuated irregularly.

  "You feel left behind," Lin Feng said gently.

  Zhou Yuan's jaw clenched. "I... yes. We started our advancement at the same time. We've trained together, learned together. But she broke through first, and I..." He looked away. "I'm being petty. I should just be happy for her."

  "You're being human," Lin Feng corrected. "Feeling competitive doesn't make you petty, Zhou Yuan. It makes you a cultivator. The desire to advance, to not be left behind—that's natural. The question is what you do with that feeling."

  "What should I do with it?"

  Lin Feng smiled. "Use it. Not as jealousy, but as motivation. Shen Yue breaking through first doesn't diminish your progress. It shows you what's possible. Let her breakthrough inspire you, not discourage you."

  Zhou Yuan was silent for a long moment. Then he nodded slowly. "Thank you, Master. I... I think I need to meditate on this."

  "Take your time. And Zhou Yuan?" Lin Feng squeezed his shoulder. "Your breakthrough will come. Trust in your cultivation. Trust in yourself."

  What Lin Feng didn't realise was that his words were triggering something in Zhou Yuan's Dao Heart. The Primordial Dao Weapon at his waist began to hum, resonating with its wielder's shifting emotional state.

  Zhou Yuan walked to the edge of the formation and sat in meditation, his sword across his lap.

  For two days, Zhou Yuan sat without moving.

  The other disciples trained around him, gave him space, and occasionally glanced his way with concern. Lin Feng checked on him regularly but didn't disturb his meditation.

  "Should we be worried?" Liu Mei asked on the second evening.

  "He's working through something important," Lin Feng said. "Breakthroughs aren't just about accumulating energy. Sometimes they're about understanding. Let him find his answer."

  On the third morning, just as the sun crested the horizon, Zhou Yuan's eyes opened.

  His spiritual energy, which had been chaotic and struggling, suddenly crystallised. The Primordial Dao Weapon released a clear, pure note that rang across the peak like a bell.

  Zhou Yuan stood. Drew his sword. And released a single slash into the empty air.

  The slash tore through space itself, creating a rift that revealed the void between dimensions before sealing itself. It was a technique beyond his previous capabilities—a strike that touched on the fundamental principle of Dao: that all things could be severed, separated, divided.

  Spiritual energy flooded into Zhou Yuan as his cultivation base broke through to Soul Formation.

  This breakthrough was quieter than Shen Yue's—no flames, no dramatic energy displays. Just a profound sense of presence, as if Zhou Yuan had become more real than the space around him.

  When it settled, he turned to find his master and the other disciples watching.

  "Soul Formation," he said simply. "I understand now, Master. What you told me—about using competition as motivation rather than jealousy. The answer wasn't to break through faster than Shen Yue. It was to break through for the right reasons. Because I was ready, not because I was chasing someone else."

  Lin Feng beamed with pride. "Exactly! You've grasped something important, Zhou Yuan. Cultivation isn't a race against others. It's a journey of self-discovery."

  [Disciple Zhou Yuan has advanced to the Soul Formation Realm]

  [Age: 27 years]

  [Achievement: Breakthrough triggered by emotional/philosophical insight rather than pure energy accumulation]

  [This represents extremely pure Dao Heart cultivation]

  [Reward: 25,000 Seclusion Points]

  [Note: Host is creating cultivators with foundations so solid they could support advancement to True Immortal without deviation. This is legendary-grade teaching.]

  Shen Yue approached Zhou Yuan, smiling. "Congratulations. Your breakthrough felt different from mine—quieter, but deeper somehow."

  "Yours was fire and passion," Zhou Yuan replied. "Mine was... understanding. We each found our own path."

  "As it should be," Lin Feng said warmly. "You two have grown so much. I remember when you first came to this peak. Now look at you—Soul Formation cultivators!" He shook his head in amazement. "Though remember, this is just one more step on the path. Don't let advancement make you arrogant. There's always more to learn, always room to grow."

  "Yes, Master," they chorused.

  Soul Formation, Lin Feng thought privately, and they're treating it like just another minor milestone. Their humility does me proud.

  Meanwhile, his disciples were thinking: Master treats Soul Formation—a realm that takes most cultivators centuries to reach—like it's barely worth mentioning. His standards are truly incomprehensible.

  News of the breakthroughs spread quickly through the cultivation world.

  In the Heavenly Dao Sect, Elder Tian received a report and nearly dropped his teacup. "Both disciples reached Soul Formation? At ages twenty-four and twenty-seven? That's... that's unprecedented."

  "The Unfathomable Master's teaching ability must be beyond even our estimates," his assistant said.

  "We need to establish contact with him," Elder Tian decided. "Whatever it takes. A teacher who can produce prodigies of this calibre... the political implications alone..."

  In the Crimson Cloud Sect, the sect master who'd punished his son Han Jie received similar reports and slumped in his chair. "We had a chance," he murmured. "My foolish son had a chance to study under this master, and he threw it away because his pride was hurt by a gardening trial."

  And in the Azure Sky Sect, the Sect Master read the report with a mixture of pride and concern.

  "Two Soul Formation cultivators at the tournament," the Grand Elder said. "Both disciples of Senior Lin Feng. The other sects are going to lose their minds."

  "They're going to try to recruit them," the Sect Master realised. "Or worse—try to recruit the senior himself."

  "Can we prevent that?"

  "Can we prevent the tide from coming in? The Continental Young Masters Tournament is going to put a spotlight on Tranquil Peak. Every major power will be watching. And when they see what those two disciples can do..." The Sect Master sighed. "The age of the Unfathomable Master's peaceful seclusion may be coming to an end."

  On Tranquil Peak, blissfully unaware of the political tremors he'd caused, Lin Feng was trying to decide what to wear to the tournament.

  "It needs to be something inconspicuous," he muttered, rummaging through his wardrobe. "Something that will let me blend into the crowd. No fancy robes, nothing that attracts attention."

  He pulled out a set of robes he'd made during his early years of seclusion. They were simple in design—plain dark blue with minimal decoration. Comfortable. Practical. Perfect for a spectator who wanted to go unnoticed.

  What Lin Feng had forgotten was that he'd woven these robes from Void Dragon silk while practising his formation skills. The fabric contained self-maintaining formations for temperature regulation, self-cleaning, minor physical protection, and—most importantly—a concealment array that could hide the wearer's cultivation level from anyone below the True Immortal realm.

  "These should work perfectly," Lin Feng decided, holding them up. "Simple, comfortable, won't draw any attention at all."

  Xiao Hong, watching from her perch, clucked in what might have been amusement.

  If there was one absolute certainty about the upcoming Continental Young Masters Tournament, it was this: Lin Feng was going to draw attention. Lots of it. Whether he wanted to or not.

  The robes wouldn't help. The disguise wouldn't help. His presence alone would cause disturbances that would ripple through the entire event.

  But he didn't know that. He just carefully folded the "simple" robes made from materials that emperors couldn't afford and smiled, satisfied with his preparation.

  "There," he said to Xiao Hong. "All set. I'll watch from the regular spectator section, support my disciples, and no one will even know I'm there."

  Xiao Hong made a sound that was definitely laughter this time.

  One week before the tournament, Lin Feng called his two competing disciples together for a final conversation.

  They sat in the courtyard as evening settled over Tranquil Peak. Lin Feng poured tea—actually just tea this time, though from spiritual herbs that would still make normal cultivators weep with joy—and looked at them with an expression both proud and concerned.

  "You're ready," he said finally. "Your cultivation is solid, your techniques are refined, your understanding is deep. But I want to make sure you both understand something before you go."

  "What's that, Master?" Shen Yue asked.

  "This tournament doesn't matter."

  Both disciples blinked in surprise.

  Lin Feng continued: "I don't mean that you shouldn't try, or that you should treat it casually. What I mean is—winning or losing, ranking high or low, impressing the crowd or disappointing them—none of that touches what's truly important. You." He pointed at Shen Yue's heart. "And you." He pointed at Zhou Yuan's. "Your character. Your understanding. Your journey of cultivation. Those are what matter. The tournament is just... an experience. A chance to test yourselves. But it's not a measure of your worth."

  "We understand, Master," Zhou Yuan said quietly.

  "Do you? Because I've seen what competition does to people. It makes them desperate to win, willing to compromise their principles for glory. I don't want that for you." Lin Feng's expression was serious. "If you face someone stronger, surrender. Don't risk injury for pride. If you have to choose between winning and staying true to what I've taught you, choose the teachings every time. Understood?"

  "Yes, Master," they said together.

  "Good." Lin Feng's expression softened. "Now, having said all that, go out there and show them what you can do. Not to prove anything to the world, but to prove to yourselves how much you've grown. Make me proud. Not by winning, but by being the kind of cultivators who make the world better just by existing in it."

  Shen Yue felt tears prick her eyes. "We'll do our best, Master."

  "That's all I ask."

  They sat in comfortable silence as stars emerged overhead. Somewhere in the distance, a nightbird called. The spiritual energy of Tranquil Peak flowed gently around them like an embrace.

  "Master," Zhou Yuan said eventually, "may I ask a question?"

  "Of course."

  "Why are you really attending the tournament? You say it's to watch over us, but... I think there's more to it than that."

  Lin Feng was quiet for a long moment. When he spoke, his voice was soft.

  "Because I'm afraid," he admitted. "You two are going out into a world I've been hiding from for decades. A world of powerful cultivators, political intrigue, and danger I can barely imagine. And even though I know you're strong, even though I trust in your training... you're my disciples. My students. I can't help but worry." He smiled self-consciously. "So I'm coming to watch over you, yes. But also because letting you go without me feels impossible. Does that make sense?"

  "Yes, Master," Shen Yue said gently. "It makes perfect sense."

  What none of them knew was that Lin Feng's "worry" and desire to protect his disciples was radiating Dao principles related to the Teacher's Path—a profound cultivation concept about the bond between master and student. His sincere concern, his genuine care, his willingness to admit fear rather than pretend invincibility—all of it was reinforcing the connection between him and his disciples in ways that would manifest during the tournament itself.

  But that was for later.

  For now, they simply sat together under the stars, a teacher and his students, enjoying the peace before the storm.

  The Continental Young Masters Tournament was coming.

  And with it, the world would finally begin to understand what the Unfathomable Master of Tranquil Peak had created.

  [Three Months of Preparation Complete]

  [Disciples Shen Yue and Zhou Yuan ready for Continental Tournament]

  [Both at Soul Formation Realm with foundations exceeding continental standards]

  [Host preparing to attend in "disguise"]

  [Total Seclusion Points Accumulated: 127,000]

  [Warning: Host's attendance at the tournament will cause unprecedented disturbances]

  [Recommendation: Host should probably stay home]

  [Prediction: Host will ignore this recommendation]

  [System Status: Resigned to inevitable chaos]

  Lin Feng went to bed that night feeling nervous but hopeful.

  The tournament would be fine. His disciples would be safe. He'd watch from the crowd, unnoticed and unbothered, and everything would go smoothly.

  Even the System, which had seen Lin Feng defy probability countless times, couldn't help but feel something like fond exasperation at his optimism.

  Everything was not going to go smoothly.

  Not even close.

  The breakthrough scenes were crucial—they needed to feel EARNED, not just "and then they advanced because plot." Shen Yue's dangerous, fiery breakthrough vs. Zhou Yuan's quiet, philosophical one shows their different paths while both being valid.

  I'm most proud of Lin Feng's vulnerability in the final scene. He's not just "oblivious OP protagonist"—he's a person with real fears who chooses honesty over pretending to be invincible. That humanity is what makes the comedy land harder, because we genuinely care about him.

  Next chapter: The tournament begins, and oh boy, is Lin Feng's "blend into the crowd" plan going to fail spectacularly. Can't wait to write it!

  Thanks for reading! Let me know your thoughts in the comments—which breakthrough did you prefer? Are you Team Shen Yue or Team Zhou Yuan? And what do you think will happen when Lin Feng shows up in his "simple" silk robes?

  I will be traveling for a short period and will not be able to upload new chapters during this time.

  Regular updates will resume as soon as I return. Thank you for your patience and continued support.