am-books Chapter 13 – A Step Toward the Inner Court
Chapter 13 – A Step Toward the Inner Court
Chapter 13 – A Step Toward the Inner Court
The air within Azure Dragon Academy had changed.
The weight of Xiao Lin’s name, once spoken only in mockery and derision, now carried an entirely different meaning—fear, uncertainty, and an unshakable sense of inevitability.
He had torn through the rankings of the Outer Court with unnatural speed, crushed one of its strongest disciples with absurd ease, and dismissed another without so much as a second thought.
In just a few days, he had become an unspoken force within the academy, and now, everyone watched him with bated breath, waiting for his next move.
But while the Outer Court was still reeling from the chaos he had unleashed, Xiao Lin himself remained unbothered, his mind already set on something far beyond their comprehension.
His true goal lay ahead.
The Inner Court.
And nothing—not the academy, not the Outer Court disciples, not even Zhan Kanzi himself—would stand in his way.
Within the quiet solitude of his training courtyard, Xiao Lin sat cross-legged, his breathing slow, controlled, as waves of golden Qi spiraled gently around him, absorbed effortlessly into his Supreme Divine Dantian.
After his victory over Wei Tong, he had spent the last few days in careful refinement, tempering his newfound strength, ensuring that every ounce of power coursing through his veins was honed to absolute precision.
Most cultivators required weeks, even months, to consolidate their progress after a major battle, their Qi needing time to settle into its new form.
But Xiao Lin was not like other cultivators.
His Primal Codex Physique ensured that his body adapted at an unnatural pace, integrating strength faster than any mortal could ever hope to achieve.
His Prime Golden Dragon Bloodline refined his energy to a level that most would never reach, making every drop of Qi within him purer, heavier, more absolute.
And his Universal Prime System had already shattered the very concept of bottlenecks.
Now, after days of refinement, he was already prepared for his next step.
Qi Gathering Realm, Fifth Level.
His golden eyes flickered open.
No hesitation. No wasted time.
Xiao Lin inhaled, and in an instant—he broke through.
[Qi Gathering Realm: Fifth Level Reached.]
A deep rumble resonated through his body as his Qi expanded exponentially, his meridians pulsing with newfound vigor, his very essence growing stronger, sharper, more refined.
And yet—it still wasn’t enough.
This was merely another step. Another rung in the ladder.
But his sights were set far, far higher.
And he would not stop.
Not until the world itself was forced to kneel.
The tranquility of his cultivation was interrupted by the soft crunch of approaching footsteps.
Even without turning, Xiao Lin already knew who it was.
Her presence was unmistakable—the faint fragrance of winter jasmine, the carefully measured rhythm of her steps, the subtle fluctuation of her icy Qi, colder than the winds of the northern mountains.
Su Luo.
And that terrified her.
Because the last person she had seen with that same gaze, that same unwavering conviction—
Had burned the world down with his ambition.
"You don’t have to do this alone," she said at last.
Xiao Lin tilted his head slightly. "Who said I was alone?"
Her chest tightened.
She wanted to say more. Wanted to reach for the Xiao Lin she had once known.
But she wasn’t sure if that man still existed.
And so, she stepped back.
And for the first time—she didn’t know if she would be able to follow him.
Not long after Su Luo left, another visitor arrived.
But this one was different.
There was no hesitation in his step. No uncertainty in his eyes.
Only quiet amusement.
An Inner Court disciple.
Xiao Lin watched as the young man approached, his robes embroidered with golden threads, a mark of those who had risen above the Outer Court and ascended into the true ranks of Azure Dragon Academy’s elite.
A messenger.
Sent to deliver a single message.
"The elders have taken notice of you," the disciple said, his smirk sharp. "If you want to enter the Inner Court, you’ll have your chance soon."
Xiao Lin’s expression remained unreadable.
"Explain."
The Inner Court disciple’s smirk widened.
"The Outer Court Selection Tournament," he said. "It begins in one month."
A pause.
Then—
"Do you think you’re ready?"
Xiao Lin chuckled.
He had been ready since the moment he opened his eyes in this world.
And soon, everyone would see.
The Outer Court could no longer contain him.
And the Inner Court?
Would soon belong to him as well.