Two days after his match with Liu Hao, Luo Chen received a summons from Sect Master Tian Qing.
When he arrived at the sect master's tower, Luo Chen found Tian Qing in conversation with several inner disciples, including Zhao Ming. They fell silent when Luo Chen entered, though Luo Chen caught fragments of their conversation—something about "promotion" and "examination."
"Luo Chen, come in," Tian Qing said. "We have been discussing your future at the sect. Your progress has been exceptional, and several of our inner disciples believe you should be promoted to that rank."
This was excellent news, and Luo Chen felt a surge of gratitude and excitement.
But Tian Qing continued, "However, such a promotion would mean increased scrutiny of your cultivation methods and results. Inner disciples are subject to regular examinations to ensure their cultivation is progressing naturally and that their techniques are legitimate. Are you prepared for that? Are you confident that your techniques can withstand the examination of senior cultivators?"
Luo Chen considered his answer carefully. In truth, he was worried. An examination by multiple inner disciples could potentially reveal the presence of the Time Law in his dantian, which would create serious problems. While Tian Qing had accepted his dual law cultivation, not all of the senior cultivators in the sect would be so understanding.
"Sect Master, I am honored by the consideration, but I believe I am not yet ready," Luo Chen said carefully. "I would like to continue my training as an outer disciple for another year, until I feel confident that my foundation is stable enough for scrutiny."
This was a risky statement—disciples who turned down promotion were rare, and it might cause others to wonder why he would decline such an opportunity. But it was less risky than accepting promotion and having his secret exposed.
Tian Qing studied him for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Very well. Your caution is wise. We will revisit this discussion next year."
As Luo Chen turned to leave, Zhao Ming spoke up. "Disciple Luo Chen, I have a question. During your match with Liu Hao, I observed that you seemed to anticipate his attacks before he made them. Is there a specific technique you're using for prediction?"
Luo Chen's heart rate increased slightly. Zhao Ming was a senior cultivator and probably very perceptive.
"No specific technique, Elder," Luo Chen replied carefully. "I simply have good instincts developed through extensive sparring practice."
"I see. Your instincts are quite remarkable, then." Zhao Ming's eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't press further.
As Luo Chen left the tower, he felt a sense of relief mixed with anxiety. He had managed to avoid promotion and the scrutiny it would entail, but he could not evade such attention forever. Eventually, he would need to become strong enough that none of this mattered—strong enough that even if his secret was exposed, no one would dare challenge him.