The guest residence courtyard was already bustling.
Dozens of Zhao Family disciples had gathered long before the sun rose, forming loose circles around the open stone training ground. White-haired youths in sword robes stood, their arms folded across their chests, while several elders watched from the shaded pavilions with the calm detachment of those expecting a show.
At the very center, three young men and one young woman stood.
They all carried themselves with the easy confidence of those who had always known power.
The moment Lin Yi stepped out, a wave of murmurs rose through the crowd.
"He actually came."
"So, that's the outsider."
"Only Level 230?"
"His aura feels steady, though."
"Still too low, by far."
Lei Bao, invisible within the blade, whispered into Lin Yi's mind.
"Little one, quite the audience. Humiliate carefully."
Lin Yi paid him no mind, simply walking to the center of the courtyard.
The four Zhao disciples there openly assessed him.
