⸻
The countdown to the Monthly Outer Disciple Ranking Battle had begun.
Every month, the outer sect turned into a battleground. Ranks determined resources, cultivation grounds, access to techniques—and survival. Climbing the ranks was mandatory, but staying there? That was war.
For many, it was a storm they feared.
For Li Xuan… it was the first real test of his legion.
—
In a barren gorge hidden within the lesser sect peaks, Li Xuan stood alone, backlit by the golden sun and the flickering phantom of a rotating Star Ring. Its celestial glow wasn't like Long Chen's—this one shimmered with erratic patterns and silent thunder.
His upper robes were stripped, revealing lean muscle scarred from meridian expansion attempts. His veins pulsed faintly with star energy.
System Notification:
—Nine Star Hegemon Body Art: 1st Star Stabilized (55%)
—Physical Foundation: Incomplete
—Warning: Further overload risks internal collapse
—LCP Suggestion: Expand meridians or reinforce cellular matrix
Long Chen's voice echoed with a scoff.
["Tsk. At this rate, you'll burst like an overstuffed pig. Buy the meridian fortification pills—don't skimp, brat."]
Li Xuan chuckled and opened the System Shop.
He didn't need a treasure trove for himself right now—he needed a blade-army. A legion.
He navigated to a private tab labeled:
[Legion Enhancements – Commander's Access Only]
From here, only he could buy and distribute resources. His brothers had no system. He was the system.
Li Xuan spent nearly half his LCP without flinching.
Enhanced Meridian Expansion Pill (x3)
Refined Beast Bone Marrow Extract (x3)
Low-Tier Martial Arts: Blood Wolf Charge, Phantom Counter, Ironroot Stance
These weren't top-tier. But they were enough to turn mortals into monsters with the right training.
—
In the cave below, Zhao Feng, Lin Yue, and Qiao Ming sat cross-legged. They didn't know where the pills came from, only that they burned like fire and twisted their bones like steel being forged.
They screamed. One passed out. Another nearly vomited blood.
Li Xuan simply stood at the mouth of the cave, back to them.
"Strength isn't something you pray for. You suffer for it. Or die trying."
Their only answer was the grinding of teeth.
By dawn, each of them had advanced a minor realm, and their willpower—once shaky—was carved in steel.
System Remark:
["Not bad, brat. A real general suffers alongside his men… but keeps feeding them poison to make them stronger."]
Li Xuan grinned.
"Then I'll keep feeding them until we're an army."
—
Ranking Day arrived.
In the Outer Sect Coliseum, battles raged across dozens of platforms. Hundreds of disciples fought, watched by instructors, elders, and recruiters from major internal divisions.
Li Xuan's arrival drew stares.
Not because of his rank—but because of his cloak: a black robe etched with quiet silver thread, stitched in the shape of a five-pointed star, a design never seen before in the sect.
The phantom star ring behind him flickered briefly—immediately concealed.
A few elders narrowed their eyes. It looked… familiar.
But they said nothing.
—
Zhao Feng fought like a beast, wielding his saber with unnatural rhythm and surprising strength. His Blood Wolf Charge overwhelmed his opponent and left them unconscious in three clashes.
Lin Yue's arrows blazed with ghostfire. Each shot curved unnaturally—her opponent fell after his defensive stance collapsed mid-charge.
Qiao Ming disappeared mid-fight and reappeared behind his enemy with a dagger pressed to his spine.
Gasps followed their wins. People began whispering:
"Who the hell are they?"
"They weren't even ranked before…"
But the real show was yet to begin.
—
Li Xuan's opponent was a Rank 15 outer disciple. Spear wielder. Known for having overwhelmed his past seven opponents without taking a scratch.
"You're overreaching," the man sneered. "You won't even land a blow."
Li Xuan replied by stepping into his own stance.
The phantom star ring blinked once behind him, unseen by most… but a chill crept up the spine of the ranking examiner.
The spear-wielder attacked like a tidal wave—fast, heavy, and merciless.
Li Xuan dodged.
Then parried.
Then smiled.
He struck with a flicker—Phantom Counter, timed perfectly.
The man's ribs cracked audibly.
The next blow was a gut punch infused with a starburst of raw energy.
BOOOOM.
The man collapsed.
System Notification:
—LCP Earned: +102
—New Ranking: 15
—Legion Standing: Rank 18
—Factional Attention: Moderate
—Special Access Unlocked: Duelist's Midnight Hall Invitation (3 Days Remaining)
As the crowd fell into stunned silence, Li Xuan stood above the unconscious body.
"Next time, wear armor," he said simply.
—
That night, back at the cave, Li Xuan sat in meditation. His brothers slept, recovering.
He pulled up the system interface, staring at the growing list of legion-specific enhancements and star body reinforcements.
["You've got roots now,"] Long Chen muttered. ["But this is when the blades start coming for your neck. Stay sharp, brat. Or they'll prune you where you stand."]
Li Xuan didn't respond immediately.
His eyes drifted to the dark sky.
"I'll cut them first."