On his way back, Seo Joon entered the outer disciple training grounds.
Hundreds of disciples practiced techniques — sword arts slicing the air, fists striking like thunder, spiritual energy clashing violently.
A group approached him.
At their center stood Kang Min.
But he was not alone.
Beside him were two other highly ranked outer disciples:
Jin Woo — master of swift blade techniques, ranked 23rd.
Baek Hyun — body cultivator, ranked 18th, towering like a mountain.
Kang Min spoke first.
"You've caused quite a disturbance."
Jin Woo's sharp eyes studied Seo Joon. "Skipping ranks… passing the trial… receiving elder attention."
Baek Hyun cracked his knuckles.
"We wish to see your strength."
Disciples gathered instantly, sensing conflict.
Seo Joon felt the Abyssal Heart stir — not from anger, but excitement at confrontation.
He calmed it.
"I do not seek conflict."
Kang Min laughed. "In this sect, conflict seeks you."
The First Clash
Baek Hyun moved first.
His fist shot forward like a falling mountain.
Seo Joon stepped aside instinctively, narrowly avoiding the strike. The ground behind him shattered.
Shock spread among the watching disciples.
His reaction speed was abnormal.
Jin Woo's blade flashed next — a streak of silver aimed at Seo Joon's shoulder.
Seo Joon raised his arm, circulating energy unconsciously.
A thin layer of dark-silver aura blocked the strike.
The impact sent him sliding backward, but he remained standing.
The crowd fell silent.
That aura… it felt different.
Dangerous.
Hungry.
Seo Joon realized what he had done and immediately suppressed the energy.
"I will not fight," he said firmly.
For a moment, Baek Hyun prepared to attack again —
"Enough."
A powerful voice descended from above.
An elder had appeared.
Unauthorized combat was forbidden outside designated duels.
The three challengers stepped back, but their gazes burned with hostility.
"This is not over," Kang Min said quietly.
As the crowd dispersed, Seol Ah approached Seo Joon discreetly.
"You must be careful," she said softly.
"They are testing you."
Seo Joon nodded. "I understand."
Her eyes lingered on him with concern.
"Your power leaked for a moment."
Seo Joon felt a chill.
If others noticed, his secret would not remain hidden.
"I will learn to control it completely," he said.
Seol Ah smiled gently. "You will. I believe in you."
Her words warmed him — a rare comfort within the sect's cold atmosphere.