The storm was coming.
On the third sub-peak of the Qingxiao Sect's outer division, Lin Ce sat before a refining table, embedding the final engraved copper plate into the center of a formation disk.
"It's done."
He exhaled softly, a trace of cold gleam flashing in his eyes.
This was the core of the Blood Severance Array he had spent seven days and nights constructing—a formation that, once activated, would unleash three layers of deadly assault using blood essence as a trigger:
First layer: Spirit-Severing Talisman, disrupting spiritual power.
Second layer: Binding Seal, restricting movement.
Third layer: Puppet Detonation, detonating hidden puppets.
At the moment of completion, it was as if a weight had been lifted off Lin Ce's shoulders.
Three days earlier, Yun Tongzi, a steward from the Servant Peak, had approached him.
"You've shown your prowess in the outer sect trials and have drawn the attention of inner sect elders. Three months from now, the sect will hold a 'True Disciple Selection'. Each peak may recommend one candidate."
Though Yun Tongzi's tone was flat, Lin Ce sensed the underlying implication.
"You want me to compete?"
"If you don't go, I'll have to recommend someone else."
That "someone" was Xie Chengyuan, once a fellow servant disciple, who had since been leveraging his powerful uncle to suppress Lin Ce in the outer sect.
Lin Ce sneered inwardly. If Xie Chengyuan were selected, the first thing he'd do before the selection would be to kill Lin Ce.
He had no choice but to fight.
But Lin Ce wasn't aiming to shine. He just wanted to survive.
That's why he prepared a killing array.
Three days later, the selection trial began.
Lin Ce was placed in the third team, alongside five others.
"Your task is to enter the Serpent Ravine Forest and collect seven Ghost Flowers."
Ghost Flowers bloom only at night, glowing like spectral flames deep in the forest—an area where even inner sect disciples had perished three years ago.
Lin Ce brought only a single storage pouch and three miniature blood puppets hidden in his sleeves. He remained silent.
Among the group was none other than Xie Chengyuan.
"Heh, junior brother," Xie clapped him on the shoulder with a bright smile, "Don't worry, I'll look after you."
Lin Ce lowered his eyes and said nothing.
Fifteen minutes into the forest, the team—under Xie's silent influence—was led into a withered grove of trees.
Serpentine shadows writhed, and miasma filled the air.
"Lin Ce, there's a Ghost Flower up ahead. Go pick it," Xie said casually.
Lin Ce looked at the miasma-covered zone, then nodded.
"Alright."
The moment he stepped into the woods—
"Now!" Xie signaled.
Three outer sect disciples secretly allied with Xie launched their assault—spiritual talismans flying, crackling with fire and lightning, all aimed at Lin Ce.
Lin Ce threw out three formation flags, embedding them into the ground.
"Array—activate!"
A crimson glow spread beneath his feet.
First layer: Spirit-Severing Talismans exploded—instantly nullifying their magic.
Second layer: Binding Seal tightened—freezing the three in midair.
"Wha—"
Before they could speak, three blood puppets burst from the earth and lunged!
Lin Ce stood with the formation disk in hand, watching coldly.
Three breaths later, the attackers were torn to pieces.
Xie Chengyuan's face changed drastically. He turned to flee, only to find himself standing within another hidden array.
Three breaths later, the attackers were torn to pieces.
Xie Chengyuan's face changed drastically. He turned to flee, only to find himself standing within another hidden array.
Lin Ce calmly raised the disk.
"Third layer—Detonate."
"BOOM!!!"
Blood light soared into the sky.
Xie lay on the ground, scorched and maimed, half his body ravaged by the explosion.
Lin Ce approached and looked down at him.
"You thought you would win?"
Xie coughed out blood.
"You... weren't you always hiding…?"
Lin Ce gave a faint smile.
"Hiding doesn't mean I can't kill."
"Remember this in your next life—never underestimate the 'ants'."
His palm struck down.
Xie Chengyuan, dead.
That night, Lin Ce thoroughly cleaned the scene—refining the corpses into blood parasites and storing away all spiritual items.
He jotted notes into his small journal:
"The more your enemy knows about you, the more dangerous they become.
When killing someone familiar—do it fast.
Survival Rule #11: Always be underestimated."
[Note: Cultivation Realm Hierarchy]
Body Tempering → Qi Refining → Foundation Establishment → Core Formation → Nascent Soul → Soul Transformation → Unity → Great Ascension → Tribulation → True Immortal
In his lifetime, Shen Changsheng categorized this long journey into three realms:
Senior Realm: Those who can crush you with ease.
Peer Realm: Those whose strength is close to yours and view you as a rival.
Ant Realm: Those you can kill at will.
These are not official classifications—just Shen Changsheng's personal summary, known only to a select few.