profound, chilling satisfaction settled in his core. He was no longer just a strong cultivator; he was a ghost, a shadow walking among men, undetectable by their advanced means.
He remained in the city for another month, continuing his silent observation, solidifying his grasp on the Mortal Veil and exploring the burgeoning strength of his Qi Refinement Stage 5. He watched the Sky Cloud Sect from afar, its white buildings gleaming like a monument to arrogance on the mountain peak. He heard more rumours of Ling Tian’s 'benevolence', his 'unmatched talent', his 'destined rise'. Each whisper reinforced Jian's resolve, hardening the cold shell around his heart.
He knew what he had to do. He couldn't just walk into the sect. Ling Tian had allies, a family, and a network of sycophants. He need
