Location: Crimson Sky Sect – Outer Recruitment Grounds
Word spread fast.
A mysterious rogue cultivator—bearing no clan name or crest—had arrived at the gates and requested to be tested.
By evening, a crowd had gathered near the testing grounds, whispers and mocking laughter passing between disciples like wildfire.
"Some no-name dares ask to join our sect?"
"Look at his clothes—no spiritual emblem, no qi signature… probably a failed alchemist's son."
He ignored them all.
Jinhyuk stood calmly on the stage, eyes half-lidded, expression unreadable.
---
Enter the Jealous Disciple
The crowd parted as a woman stepped forward, long green robes embroidered with the Serpent Crane emblem.
Liu Feiyan — Inner Disciple, Rank #48, known for her vicious temper and obsession with status.
She sneered at Jinhyuk, flicking her whip-like spiritual sword lazily.
"Trash like you thinks you can walk into our sect and demand entry? Tch. I should teach you how real cultivators play."
"Then try," Jinhyuk said without emotion.
---
The Duel Begins
Feiyan's aura exploded—late Core Formation, aggressive and swift.
She struck like a snake, her blade splitting into multiple phantom lashes, each coated with poison qi.
The crowd jeered.
"He won't last a second."
"He hasn't even summoned a weapon—"
CRACK.
The sound of shattering air silenced them.
Jinhyuk didn't summon a blade.
He caught hers—with two fingers.
Her eyes widened. "What—?!"
He stepped in, his hand glowing with shadowy flame.
> [Skill Activated: Shadow Compression Palm]
Her protective aura buckled instantly.
A scream tore from her throat—but was cut off.
He pressed his palm into her chest.
And crushed her heart.
Silence fell.
Liu Feiyan's body crumpled to ash, her inner core imploding with a whisper.
---
The Aftershock
No one spoke.
Not even the elders hidden in the clouds above.
One outsider.
One move.
One death.
Jinhyuk turned to face the stunned crowd.
"If this is the strength of your inner disciples… you'll need better."
He walked off the stage.
---