The atmosphere at the sect entrance became deathly silent
The laughter from moments ago had completely vanished.
All eyes were fixed upon the jade token resting in Li Xuan's hand.
The snow-white jade reflected the sunlight faintly.
Ancient blue patterns flowed across its surface.
At the center—
The single word "Dao" was carved deeply into the jade.
A pure aura quietly radiated from the token.
One guard unconsciously swallowed.
Cold sweat appeared on his forehead.
The arrogance from earlier had disappeared completely.
His eyes remained locked on the token.
"Where…"
"Where did you get that jade?"
His voice no longer carried mockery.
Only caution.
Li Xuan calmly closed his hand.
The jade disappeared back into his storage ring.
His expression remained indifferent.
"I have no obligation to answer."
The guards exchanged uneasy glances.
For a moment—
Nobody spoke.
The disciples standing nearby no longer dared to laugh.
Even they could tell this token was extraordinary.
One disciple finally stepped forward.
"This matter is beyond us."
His voice sounded serious.
"We should report it to an elder."
Several guards immediately nodded.
If they mishandled the matter—
The consequences would not be something outer gate disciples could bear.
Another disciple quickly volunteered.
"I'll go."
Without wasting another moment—
He turned and hurried through the massive gates.
His figure disappeared into the sect.
Silence once again descended upon the entrance.
The remaining disciples stood quietly.
Occasionally stealing glances toward Li Xuan.
Curiosity filled their eyes.
This young man clearly possessed almost no cultivation.
Yet he carried a token that made even the guards nervous.
Who exactly was he?
Time slowly passed.
The mountain wind drifted through the entrance.
After several minutes—
Footsteps suddenly echoed from within the sect.
Everyone immediately looked toward the gates.
The disciple had returned.
His breathing was slightly hurried.
The moment he arrived—
One guard stepped forward.
"What did the elder say?"
The disciple took a deep breath.
Then looked directly at Li Xuan.
His expression was solemn.
"Elder Xu has ordered that he be brought inside immediately."
The words landed like a stone in water.
The surrounding disciples instantly became shocked.
An elder had personally given an order?
And so quickly?
The guards looked at each other.
Their expressions grew even more serious.
Without hesitation—
The spears blocking the entrance slowly lowered.
The path ahead opened completely.
The same guards who had mocked Li Xuan moments earlier stepped aside.
Neither dared to utter another word.
One guard slightly cupped his fist.
"You may enter."
His tone carried obvious respect.
Li Xuan's expression remained unchanged.
As if everything happening was perfectly normal.
Without saying anything—
He stepped forward.
Passing beneath the towering gates of the Dao Temple Sect.
The moment he crossed the entrance—
A completely different world unfolded before him.
Wide stone pathways stretched across the mountains.
Ancient halls stood among drifting clouds.
Towering peaks rose into the heavens.
Spiritual energy filled the surroundings.
Far denser than anything outside the sect.
Disciples moved between mountain paths.
Flying cranes occasionally crossed the sky.
The entire sect carried an ancient and majestic aura.
The disciple sent by Elder Xu walked ahead.
"Follow me."
Li Xuan gave a faint nod.
Then followed behind him.
The two figures moved deeper into the Dao Temple Sect.
The path wound through towering mountains.
Ancient halls stood among drifting clouds.
Occasionally—
Disciples could be seen practicing sword arts in distant courtyards.
Some rode spirit beasts across the mountain paths.
Others cultivated beneath ancient trees.
Everything reflected the strength and heritage of a great sect.
After some time—
The disciple finally stopped before a grand hall.
Stone pillars several meters thick supported the structure.
Ancient runes glowed faintly across the walls.
A powerful aura lingered around the building itself.
"This is Elder Xu's hall."
The disciple spoke respectfully.
"Please enter."
Li Xuan nodded slightly.
Then walked toward the entrance.
The moment he stepped inside—
A terrifying pressure descended upon him.
Boom—
It felt as though an invisible mountain had fallen onto his shoulders.
The air itself became heavy.
Even breathing felt slightly difficult.
Yet Li Xuan's expression remained calm.
His footsteps never paused.
At the center of the hall—
An old man stood with his hands behind his back.
His white robes moved gently despite the absence of wind.
His hair was completely silver.
His eyes were deep and sharp.
Like a pair of ancient stars capable of seeing through all disguises.
Powerful spiritual fluctuations surrounded him.
Vast.
Unfathomable.
Far beyond anything Li Xuan had encountered before.
Late-stage Core Formation.
A true powerhouse capable of dominating an entire region.
The disciple immediately lowered his head.
"Greetings, Elder Xu."
"I have brought him."
Elder Xu gave a faint nod.
"You may leave."
"Yes, Elder."
The disciple respectfully bowed.
Then quietly retreated from the hall.
The massive doors slowly closed behind him.
Thud.
The sound echoed through the silent chamber.
Now—
Only Elder Xu and Li Xuan remained.
For several moments—
Neither spoke.
Elder Xu silently examined the young man before him.
His gaze swept across Li Xuan's body.
In a single glance—
He saw the damaged meridians.
The crippled dantian.
The unstable spiritual energy flowing through his body.
Nothing escaped his perception.
A hint of surprise flashed through his eyes.
Such injuries should have long destroyed a cultivator's future.
Yet Li Xuan still stood before him.
Calm.
Unyielding.
Finally—
Elder Xu spoke.
"What is your name?"
His voice was neither loud nor soft.
Yet it carried unquestionable authority.
Li Xuan cupped his fists respectfully.
"This junior is Li Xuan."
Elder Xu nodded slightly.
"Li Xuan."
His gaze remained fixed upon him.
"Why have you come to the Dao Temple Sect?"
Li Xuan answered without hesitation.
"I wish to join the Dao Temple Sect."
The hall fell silent once more.
Elder Xu stared at him for several breaths.
Then slowly spoke.
"You arrived after the recruitment period."
"Your cultivation is nearly nonexistent."
"Your dantian is damaged."
"By all logic…"
"You do not meet a single requirement to enter this sect."
Each word landed heavily inside the hall.
Yet Li Xuan's expression did not change.
Seeing this—
A faint glimmer appeared within Elder Xu's eyes.
Then—
His gaze sharpened.
The atmosphere instantly became heavier.
"However…"
His voice echoed through the hall.
"There is one thing I find far more interesting."
A brief silence followed.
Then Elder Xu slowly continued.
"The jade token."
The moment those words fell—
The atmosphere inside the hall became tense.
"Now tell me, Li Xuan."
"Where did you obtain that token?"
His sharp eyes locked onto Li Xuan.
Waiting for an answer.