Time passed quickly.

  A week had slipped by since Devor returned to the main world, and in that time, his teammates had visited, eager to share what had happened after he left the competition grounds.

  Nyuru, Torni, and the others filled him in on sect matters, tournament gossip, and the rewards distributed to the top-ranked teams.

  Even Sugu had come.

  Devor watched him closely as he approached—no arrogance, no hostility.

  Sugu’s demeanor had changed. He seemed more composed, more mature than before. In his hands, he carried a black wooden box, which he placed in front of Devor without a word.

  Inside, nestled in soft lining, were high-grade healing pills. A faint golden glow pulsed from them, radiating rich medicinal energy.

  “These will help you recover faster,” Sugu said, his voice calm, unreadable.

  The pills were precious, powerful enough to heal deep internal wounds and stabilize meridians even in dire conditions.

  Devor accepted them with a nod.

  "Thank you."

  But inwardly, he remained guarded.

  He still didn’t trust Sugu. Not completely.

  The hostility Sugu had once directed at him was gone—but the timing of his change felt too convenient.

  And yet—when Devor studied his face, he saw something unexpected.

  Regret.

  It was subtle, barely there. But it was there.

  Sugu may have played a role in his ruined garden, but he didn’t seem capable of orchestrating something so intricate.

  Maybe he was just a pawn, not the mastermind.

  For now, Devor kept his thoughts to himself. Without solid proof, confronting Sugu would accomplish nothing.

  During his recovery, he had noticed something else.

  Yulin.

  She was watching everything—people, objects, even the smallest shifts in their surroundings.

  She was searching for something. Or someone.

  "She’s investigating."

  That much was obvious.

  But she hadn’t said a word about it.

  All she had told him was to focus on healing.

  Devor understood why.

  If she had found anything important, she probably feared he’d do something reckless—too desperate to wait, too angry to be careful.

  And… she wouldn’t have been wrong.

  "I’ll talk to her later."

  Revenge wasn’t his priority right now.

  There were far more pressing matters to deal with.

  Besides, he was still too weak. If he rushed in blindly, he might walk straight into an even bigger trap.

  Once his body had recovered enough for light training, it was finally time—

  To meet the Azure Sky Sect Master.

  With Yulin by his side, they made their way through Vinix City toward a grand structure reserved for the sect’s high-ranking elders and officials.

  As they approached, sect guards stepped forward to block their path.

  “Name and purpose?”

  “Devor Li. The Sect Master summoned me.”

  The guards exchanged looks before stepping aside.

  “Proceed.”

  Devor moved forward, but behind him, Yulin remained still.

  “Wait outside,” one of the guards ordered.

  Devor hesitated, glancing back.

  Yulin met his gaze but didn’t protest.

  She simply gave him a small nod.

  He understood exactly what it meant.

  Taking a deep breath, Devor stepped inside.

  The room was elegant yet restrained—walls lined with shimmering light crystals, casting a soft glow over carefully arranged spiritual flowers. Their fresh fragrance drifted through the air, both calming and subtly intoxicating.

  At the far end of the chamber, behind a polished wooden desk, sat the Azure Sky Sect Master—a man whose presence commanded absolute attention.

  As Devor entered, the Sect Master set aside his work and looked up.

  "Devor Li. Your performance in the competition was impressive."

  His voice was calm, unreadable.

  "Please, have a seat."

  Devor bowed deeply, then settled into the chair across from him, forcing himself to stay composed.

  But his heart pounded.

  What would the Sect Master say next?

  "You may ask me anything, and I will answer. I’m sure there are many doubts weighing on your mind."

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  Devor’s thoughts raced with questions.

  This was a rare opportunity—one he couldn’t afford to waste.

  Yet, when he finally spoke, it wasn’t about his ruined garden or the mastermind behind it.

  Instead—

  “Disciple wishes to know… does the sect have a specialized class for Spiritual Plant Synthesis?”

  A flicker of surprise crossed the Sect Master’s face.

  He didn’t expect that.

  He had assumed Devor’s first question would be about revenge or the politics surrounding the tournament’s aftermath.

  Instead, Devor had prioritized knowledge.

  And that, more than anything, pleased him.

  "As for Synthesis classes," the Sect Master said slowly, "there is no official course within the sect."

  "Why not?" Devor’s brows furrowed. "If the sect were to successfully cultivate unique and powerful plants, wouldn’t that be a great advantage?"

  The Sect Master gave a faint smile.

  "Synthesis isn’t as simple as it seems." He tapped his fingers lightly against the desk. "More importantly, the sect has no desire to monopolize rare or exclusive plants."

  Devor’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Because it would cause conflict?"

  The Sect Master nodded.

  "Yes. The cost of research and experimentation is high, but that’s not the real issue."

  Devor leaned in slightly. "Then what is?"

  "Politics."

  The word hung between them, heavy and unshakable.

  "Powerful noble families and ancient organizations control vast fields of rare plants. If we started producing exclusive species, it would threaten their influence—and they wouldn’t stand for that."

  Devor frowned. "So the sect chooses to step aside?"

  The Sect Master met his gaze without hesitation.

  "We choose our battles wisely."

  Silence settled between them.

  Devor leaned back slightly, turning the words over in his mind.

  It made sense. In a world where alliances dictated survival, stepping into the domain of those who controlled rare resources could spark war.

  The Sect Master’s lips curled in an amused smile, as if he had already anticipated Devor’s thoughts.

  "You are free to do as you wish, Devor. But understand this—power isn’t just about cultivation. It’s about influence."

  Devor’s brows drew together. He wasn’t sure he fully understood.

  The Sect Master noticed his hesitation and leaned back in his chair, his expression calm yet measuring.

  “The Azure Sky Sect’s domain is vast.”

  His voice was even, but Devor could sense the weight behind his words.

  “Beyond our own disciples, countless organizations and families operate within our lands. They refine pills, forge weapons, and trade rare materials. Through them, the sect maintains its influence and sustains a delicate economic balance.”

  Devor’s thoughts flickered to the Mystic Armament sword Yulin had given him—a weapon so durable and sought after that even higher-ranked cultivators pursued it.

  He had never considered that businesses like Mystic Armament, despite being independent, were part of a larger economic structure under Azure Sky’s influence.

  The Sect Master’s gaze sharpened.

  “There are also independent cultivators who live within our territory. Smaller sects have settled along our borders. If we were to seize control of their businesses, it wouldn’t just disrupt the economy—it would incite conflict.”

  Devor frowned, the bigger picture finally coming into focus.

  These outsiders weren’t officially part of the sect, yet they played a crucial role in maintaining regional stability.

  The sect, in turn, taxed their businesses, ensuring profit without unnecessary bloodshed.

  It was a delicate balance of power and diplomacy.

  Devor let out a slow breath.

  “I see… Thank you, Sect Master.”

  The Sect Master gave a slight nod.

  “Do you have any other questions?”

  Devor hesitated. There was still so much he didn’t understand, but none of it was something he could ask—not yet.

  Instead, he shook his head.

  “Not at the moment.”

  A flicker of curiosity crossed the Sect Master’s face, but he didn’t press further.

  With a wave of his hand, three tokens appeared on the table.

  Each one radiated a distinct aura, their surfaces etched with unfamiliar markings.

  One was deep blue, its glow calm and steady.

  Another was midnight black, exuding a cold, almost oppressive energy. The last was shimmering gold, pulsing faintly with authority.

  Devor’s eyes narrowed.

  One of them is... an Azure Sky token.

  The Sect Master watched him carefully.

  “Two other sects have taken an interest in you.”

  Devor’s breath caught.

  “They’re offering you a place as a Core Disciple, along with substantial resources to support your cultivation and experiments.”

  The words hit him like a thunderclap.

  He had expected many things from this meeting.

  But an invitation to leave Azure Sky?

  Before he could react, the Sect Master spoke again, his voice steady.

  “It’s not because we don’t want you.”

  The firmness in his tone left no room for doubt.

  “Azure Sky values every talented disciple. But the truth is—what you need most right now is the right environment to grow.”

  Devor remained silent.

  This wasn’t a test of loyalty.

  It was an opportunity.

  A chance to choose the path that would shape his future.

  The Sect Master’s gaze held steady.

  “In the next fifty years, the world’s most gifted cultivators will be tested. They will compete for the right to enter the Immortal Palace.”

  Devor’s fingers tightened slightly.

  That name—Immortal Palace.

  “What is that?”

  “A world far greater than this one.”

  The Sect Master’s voice carried a weight Devor hadn’t heard before.

  “This world is not the only one. Beyond our skies, there exist realms far stronger—more terrifying—than anything we know.”

  Devor’s face remained impassive.

  But deep inside, he was unfazed.

  The Sect Master noticed immediately.

  Most young cultivators would have been shaken by the revelation of greater worlds beyond their own.

  But Devor?

  He had already suspected it.

  Of course he had.

  He wasn’t originally from this world.

  “This is why ten sects have formed an alliance.”

  Devor refocused as the Sect Master continued.

  “Transferring disciples between sects is no longer uncommon. The goal is to place each cultivator where their potential aligns best—so that when the real trials begin, they

  will be strong enough to survive.”

  Devor’s heartbeat leveled out.

  The Sect Master’s gaze was steady, his voice calm yet laden with meaning.

  "I am offering you a choice—become either a Divine Disciple or a Core Disciple. From this day forward, the Azure Sky Sect will fully support you."

  He let the words settle before continuing.

  "We have been watching you, Devor. The hardships you faced within the sect were never the result of negligence. They were a test. We needed to see how you would endure adversity without intervention."

  A test.

  The word sank into Devor like a weight pressing against his chest. Every struggle, every humiliation—deliberate. The betrayals, the challenges, the endless nights of sharpening himself against the grindstone of hardship… none of it had been mere misfortune.

  A hidden trial.

  His fists clenched at his sides as he exhaled slowly through his nose. He should have been furious. But instead, all he felt was a cold, quiet understanding. This was the way of the Azure Sky Sect. The strong endured. The worthy rose.

  The Sect Master’s expression remained unreadable as he continued.

  "Joining the Azure Sky Sect is no easy feat. Rising within it? Even harder. Power is never given to the unproven. Every Core Disciple, every elder, every true member of this sect has demonstrated their worth beyond question. And you, Devor… you have exceeded every expectation."

  Devor let out a slow breath, steadying himself.

  "Divine Disciple?" he asked at last. "I’ve never heard of that rank before."

  The Sect Master inclined his head slightly.

  "That’s because it didn’t exist until now. The title of Divine Disciple is one I created—specifically for you."

  A shiver ran down Devor’s spine. The Sect Master had forged an entirely new path just for him?

  "Its rank is equal to that of a Core Disciple," the Sect Master continued. "However, while Core Disciples are mentored by one of the sect’s top elders, a Divine Disciple walks their own path. They answer to no single master."

  Silence stretched between them. The implications were clear.

  This wasn’t just a position—it was freedom. A Core Disciple would be guided, trained, and molded under the watchful eye of an elder. A Divine Disciple, however, would stand alone, forging their own destiny. Supported, but untethered.

  "The choice is yours," the Sect Master said at last, his voice calm yet certain. "I know the offers from other sects must be tempting—resources, techniques, promises of power—all meant to lure you away."

  He exhaled slowly.

  "But here, in the Azure Sky Sect, I have prepared gifts tailored to your cultivation path. Things only you can truly make use of."

  Devor studied the Sect Master carefully. Was this still a test? A way to measure his loyalty?

  No. The Sect Master did not waste words. He would not extend an offer he wasn’t prepared to see through.

  "If you choose to stay, the decision is yours—Core Disciple or Divine Disciple."

  The Sect Master’s voice softened slightly, but his gaze remained sharp.

  "I have no doubt you would thrive as a Core Disciple. But…" He paused, studying Devor with a knowing look. "You are not the kind to follow someone else’s path, are you?"

  Devor’s pulse quickened. He couldn’t deny it.

  He had always fought to carve his own way, defying expectations, pushing past every boundary set before him. To be bound to another’s teachings—no matter how prestigious—would be a cage, no matter how gilded.

  And yet, beneath the logic, beneath the pride, there was a truth he had never spoken aloud.

  No one in this world was worthy of guiding him.