The formal commendation ceremony happened three days after our return.

Three days that I'd spent mostly sleeping, eating real food, and occasionally being prodded by Medical Disciple Wen who insisted my "impossible cultivation speed" required monitoring. Yun Xia visited daily, and we'd finally had time for actual dates, walking through sect gardens, sharing meals, just being together without imminent death threats.

It was... nice. Peaceful. Almost boring after the Wastes.

[RELAXATION: HEALTHY]

[MENTAL RECOVERY: PROGRESSING]

[BOREDOM: TEMPORARY]

[SOMETHING WILL GO WRONG SOON]

'Can I have one week of peace?'

[MAYBE]

[PROBABLY NOT]

[THIS IS A CULTIVATION WORLD]

The ceremony was held in the Grand Hall, a massive chamber reserved for major sect events. Every returning disciple attended, along with elders, inner sect members, and even some outer sect disciples who'd come to see the "heroes of the Wastes."

[AUDIENCE: 500+ CULTIVATORS]

[ATTENTION: MAXIMUM]

[YOUR REPUTATION: ABOUT TO SKYROCKET FURTHER]

Sect Master Liang stood at the center platform, his Nascent Soul cultivation making him the natural focus of every eye. "The Crimson Wastes expedition has concluded. Fifty disciples gave their lives. Sixty returned, tested and proven."

The hall fell silent in respect for the fallen.

"However," the Sect Master continued, "several teams distinguished themselves through exceptional performance. Today, we recognize their achievements."

[HERE IT COMES]

He began with other teams, Team 6 for retrieving rare cultivation resources, Team 9 for mapping previously unexplored sections, Team 1 for defeating a Stage 8 corrupted beast.

Each team received contribution points, cultivation pills, and access to restricted techniques. Respectable rewards.

Then came Team 7.

"Team 7, led by Chen Rou, achieved the following: Zero casualties despite engaging in multiple high-risk operations. Rescue of Team 4's survivors. Defeat of a Crimson Serpent Guardian..." murmurs rippled through the audience at that, "...acquisition of Immortal Era treasures, exposure of Elder Shen's conspiracy, and direct combat with a corrupt Core Formation elder resulting in his flight and disgrace."

[ACHIEVEMENT LIST: LEGENDARY]

[AUDIENCE REACTION: SHOCKED]

[SOME PEOPLE ARE DEFINITELY JEALOUS]

"Chen Rou, approach."

Chen Rou walked to the platform, her bearing military-perfect despite still recovering from injuries.

"For exceptional leadership and zero-casualty performance, you are hereby promoted to inner sect elite status, granted 10,000 contribution points, and awarded the title of 'Guardian Leader.'" The Sect Master handed her an ornate jade token. "Additionally, you may select one technique from the Hidden Archive."

[CHEN ROU REWARDS: MASSIVE]

[HIDDEN ARCHIVE ACCESS: LEGENDARY TECHNIQUES]

[SHE DESERVES IT]

Chen Rou bowed deeply. "This disciple is honored."

"Tang Bolin, Han Feng, Su Mei, Wei Long, Liu Yan, Zhao Fei, Zhou Ming, approach."

Each received promotions, contribution points, and valuable pills. Zhou Ming looked like he might faint from receiving 3,000 contribution pointsz more than most outer sect disciples earned in a year.

[TEAM REWARDS: GENEROUS]

[EVERYONE BENEFITING]

Then came my turn.

"Lin Tian, approach."

[YOUR TURN]

[PREPARE FOR FAME]

I walked to the platform, acutely aware of hundreds of eyes tracking me. The whispers had already started, "Stage 7 in two months" , "defeated Elder Shen," "provisional to hero in weeks."

Sect Master Liang's expression was unreadable. "Lin Tian. Your performance requires... special recognition. Advancement from Stage 5 to Stage 7 during the expedition. Combat effectiveness exceeding your cultivation level. Critical role in exposing the conspiracy." He paused. "And mid-combat breakthrough that turned the tide of battle against a Core Formation opponent."

[PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGMENT]

[YOUR LEGEND: GROWING]

"For these achievements, you are hereby promoted to full inner sect status, provisional period waived. You are granted 15,000 contribution points, the title 'Breakthrough Blade,' and, " he pulled out a spatial ring, "access to a personal cultivation chamber with enhanced Qi density."

[REWARDS: EXTREME]

[15,000 CONTRIBUTION POINTS: MASSIVE WEALTH]

[PERSONAL CULTIVATION CHAMBER: LUXURY TIER]

[EVERYONE IS DEFINITELY JEALOUS NOW]

"Additionally," the Sect Master continued, "you may select two techniques from the Hidden Archive, and you are granted permission to challenge for core disciple status within six months."

The hall erupted in shocked whispers. Core disciple, the elite of the inner sect, usually requiring years of proven performance. I was being given a direct path in six months.

[CORE DISCIPLE TRACK: OPENED]

[THIS IS HUGE]

[ALSO: TARGET ON YOUR BACK JUST GOT BIGGER]

I bowed, trying to process everything. "This disciple is honored and will strive to prove worthy of the sect's faith."

"See that you do." The Sect Master's tone softened slightly. "You have potential, Lin Tian. Do not waste it."

After the ceremony, I was mobbed.

Disciples wanting to congratulate me, ask questions, request training advice, or simply be associated with the "Breakthrough Blade." It was overwhelming.

[FAME: ACHIEVED]

[PRIVACY: LOST]

[SOCIAL DEMANDS: EXCESSIVE]

Su Mei rescued me, physically dragging me away from the crowd. "Come on, celebrity. Blue Moon Association is having a celebration dinner for our returning members. You're required to attend."

"Required?"

"You're one of us. That means showing up when we celebrate not dying." She grinned. "Besides, the food is better than the formal sect banquets."

[FACTION OBLIGATIONS: MILD]

[FREE FOOD: ALWAYS GOOD]

The Blue Moon celebration was held in their common building, casual, loud, full of laughter and genuine warmth. People who'd survived shared stories, compared scars, and bonded over mutual trauma in the healthiest way possible.

Jiang Mei found me near the food table. "Lin Tian! Stage 7, full inner sect status, and you're still Blue Moon Association. Thank you for not abandoning us for Phoenix Faction or Azure Dragon Alliance."

"You guys are less annoying," I said honestly.

She laughed. "High praise. Seriously though, having a rising star like you in our faction helps everyone. Other factions will think twice before messing with us."

[FACTION BENEFITS: MUTUAL]

[YOUR SUCCESS ELEVATES BLUE MOON STATUS]

[POLITICS: UNAVOIDABLE]

"Speaking of factions," Jiang Mei's tone turned serious, "Phoenix Faction is... not happy about your success. Zhou Ling has been making pointed comments about 'upstarts who don't know their place.'"

"Let me guess, she wanted to recruit me, I chose Blue Moon, now it's personal?"

"Exactly. Watch your back in training sessions. Phoenix Faction members play rough when they feel slighted."

[ENEMY FACTION: PHOENIX]

[COMPLICATION: PREDICTABLE]

[CULTIVATION WORLD POLITICS: PETTY AS ALWAYS]

Yun Xia appeared, having finally extracted herself from her own crowd of well-wishers. She'd received 5,000 contribution points and a promotion to inner sect, well deserved for her role in Team 7's success.

"There you are," she said, linking her arm through mine. "I've been looking for you."

"Sorry, got ambushed by admirers."

"I noticed. Very popular suddenly." Her tone was teasing but with an edge. "Should I be worried about all the female disciples who suddenly find you interesting?"

[JEALOUSY: DETECTED]

[CUTE BUT POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS]

[ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP MAINTENANCE REQUIRED]

"Not even slightly," I said firmly. "I'm very happily taken."

She smiled, the edge fading. "Good answer."

[RELATIONSHIP: STABLE]

[CRISIS AVERTED]

We found a quiet corner away from the party's chaos. "Have you thought about what techniques to get from the Hidden Archive?" she asked.

"Not yet. I should probably choose something that complements my existing style."

"Two techniques is generous. Most people only get one even after major achievements." She squeezed my hand. "You've really made a name for yourself, Lin Tian. Two months ago, you were outer sect cannon fodder. Now you're on track for core disciple."

"Feels surreal."

"It is surreal. Your advancement speed, your combat ability, the way you always seem to break through at critical moments..." She looked at me seriously. "There's something special about you. I don't know what, but I know it's there."

[SHE'S PERCEPTIVE]

[GETTING CLOSE TO THE TRUTH]

[HANDLE CAREFULLY]

"Maybe I'm just lucky?" I offered.

"Nobody's that lucky." But she smiled. "Whatever your secret is, it's yours to keep. Just... don't let it consume you. Power is great, but it's not everything."

[WISDOM: UNEXPECTED]

[YUN XIA: GROUNDED AND MATURE]

[GOOD INFLUENCE]

The next morning, Elder Hu summoned me to his quarters.

"Congratulations on your achievements," he said without preamble. "Stage 7, hero status, and a clear path to core disciple. Impressive."

"Thank you, Elder."

"Don't thank me yet. I'm here to provide some... realistic perspective." He gestured for me to sit. "You've attracted attention, Lin Tian. Positive and negative. The positive is obvious, sect support, resources, opportunities. The negative is more subtle."

[REALITY CHECK INCOMING]

"What kind of negative?"

"Jealousy. Resentment. Suspicion." Elder Hu counted on his fingers. "Phoenix Faction sees you as a Blue Moon upstart. Some inner sect disciples resent your rapid promotion. And there are those who wonder if your advancement is... natural."

"Natural?"

"Forbidden techniques. Demonic cultivation. External assistance." His eyes bored into me. "I don't believe those rumors, your foundation is too solid. But rumors don't need truth to cause problems."

[POLITICAL COMPLICATIONS]

[REPUTATION: DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD]

"What should I do?"

"Prove yourself repeatedly. Continue performing at exceptional levels. Be visible in your dedication to the sect." Elder Hu's expression softened slightly. "Also, choose your Hidden Archive techniques wisely. What you select will signal your intentions, aggressive combat focus, defensive development, or balanced growth."

"Any recommendations?"

"That depends on your goals. Core disciple status? Combat superiority? Survival? Each requires different preparation." He pulled out a jade slip. "This lists all techniques available to you. Study it carefully. You have one week to decide."

[DECISION: IMPORTANT]

[TECHNIQUE SELECTION: STRATEGIC]

[ONE WEEK TO CHOOSE]

I took the jade slip, feeling its weight. "Thank you, Elder Hu. For everything, the guidance, the support, the honesty."

"You've earned it." He stood. "One more thing, the investigation into Elder Shen's conspiracy is ongoing. You may be called to testify. Be prepared."

[CONSPIRACY FOLLOW-UP]

[STILL UNRESOLVED]

[ELDER SHEN'S PATRON: STILL UNKNOWN]

That evening, I sat in my new personal cultivation chamber, a significant upgrade from my previous quarters. Enhanced Qi density, formation arrays for optimal cultivation, soundproofing for privacy.

[CULTIVATION CHAMBER: EXCELLENT]

[QI DENSITY: 5X NORMAL]

[STAGE 7 → STAGE 8 ESTIMATED TIME: 3-4 WEEKS AT THIS RATE]

[YOUR PROGRESSION: STILL RIDICULOUS]

I reviewed the Hidden Archive list. Hundreds of techniques, from ancient martial arts to esoteric Qi manipulation methods. Each one valuable, but I could only choose two.

'System, any recommendations?'

[ANALYZING YOUR CURRENT ABILITIES...]

[INFINITE TIDE SCRIPTURE: EXCELLENT FOUNDATION]

[SERPENT'S FLOW: MOBILITY AND ADAPTABILITY]

[GAPS: LONG-RANGE OPTIONS, DEFENSE AGAINST HIGHER REALMS]

[RECOMMENDATIONS:]

[1. VOID STEP - SPATIAL MOVEMENT TECHNIQUE]

[2. DIAMOND BODY SUTRA - DEFENSIVE TEMPERING METHOD]

[THESE WOULD ROUND OUT YOUR SKILL SET EFFECTIVELY]

The recommendations made sense. Void Step would give me escape options and tactical mobility. Diamond Body Sutra would shore up my biggest weakness, defense against higher-stage opponents.

But Elder Hu's words echoed: technique selection signals intentions.

Defensive choices suggested caution. Aggressive choices suggested ambition. Balanced choices suggested wisdom.

What did I want to signal?

[GOOD QUESTION]

[WHO DO YOU WANT TO BE?]

[CAUTIOUS SURVIVOR? AMBITIOUS CLIMBER? BALANCED CULTIVATOR?]

I thought about Team 7, about the friends who'd risked everything together. About Yun Xia, who kept me grounded. About the fifty disciples who'd died in the Wastes.

Power mattered. But so did protecting people I cared about.

'I'll choose techniques that let me protect others while continuing to grow stronger.'

[BALANCED APPROACH]

[MATURE DECISION]

[I APPROVE]

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.