The courtyard buzzed with chaos long after Jiang Chen left.
Disciples whispered, argued, and stared in the direction he had gone, their expressions filled with disbelief.
"Jiang Ming… lost again."
"And this time, he was completely crushed."
"What kind of technique was that?"
Even the elders, who had been observing from a distance, wore solemn expressions.
"This matter…" one elder muttered, "…cannot be ignored."
---
Meanwhile, Jiang Chen had already returned to his courtyard.
The moment he stepped inside, he closed the door and sat down cross-legged.
His calm expression finally shifted.
A sharp pain spread through his meridians.
"…Too forceful."
The **Primordial Strike** had drained him more than expected. His qi reserves were still shallow, and forcing such a concentrated attack had nearly destabilized his newly repaired pathways.
But—
It proved something important.
His power was real.
Not illusion.
Not luck.
Jiang Chen exhaled slowly and opened the system panel.
---
**Host:** Jiang Chen
**Realm:** Mortal (Peak of Initial Awakening)
**Meridians:** 70% Repaired
**Primordial Points:** 70
**Technique:** Primordial Strike (Beginner)
---
"Seventy points…"
His eyes flickered.
"System, what can I use them for?"
---
**[Available Functions:]**
* **Meridian Repair Boost (50 Points)**
* **Low-Grade Qi Recovery Pill (20 Points)**
* **Trial Space Entry (Free - Cooldown Active)**
---
Jiang Chen thought for a moment.
Then—
"Use 50 points for meridian repair."
---
**[Confirmed.]**
A surge of energy exploded within his body.
Warm.
Pure.
Powerful.
It spread rapidly through his meridians, clearing blockages, strengthening pathways, and stabilizing the damage from earlier.
Jiang Chen's body trembled.
Then—
*Crack… crack…*
The final obstructions shattered.
His eyes snapped open.
A faint aura leaked out from his body.
---
**[Meridians Fully Repaired ✔]**
**[New Realm Unlocked: Body Tempering — Layer 1]**
---
Jiang Chen clenched his fists.
Strength.
Real strength.
Not just technique—
But foundation.
He could finally cultivate like a true cultivator.
"…Good."
A faint smile appeared.
But before he could continue—
A knock echoed at his door.
*Knock. Knock.*
Jiang Chen's eyes narrowed.
"Come in."
The door creaked open.
A middle-aged man stepped inside, dressed in simple but elegant robes. His presence was calm—but carried an undeniable pressure.
Jiang Chen immediately recognized him.
An elder.
But not just any elder.
This was **Elder Zhao**—one of the inner clan's core figures.
"Young Master Jiang Chen," Elder Zhao said slowly, his gaze sharp as he observed him. "You've caused quite a disturbance today."
Jiang Chen remained seated.
"I only followed the rules."
Elder Zhao's eyes flickered.
"…And broke expectations."
Silence lingered between them.
Then the elder stepped forward slightly.
"Tell me," he said, his voice lowering, "how did a cripple suddenly gain such strength?"
Jiang Chen met his gaze directly.
No fear.
No hesitation.
"Does it matter?"
The room grew still.
For a moment, even Elder Zhao seemed taken aback.
Then—
A faint smile appeared on the elder's face.
"…Interesting."
He turned toward the door.
"Prepare yourself."
Jiang Chen's eyes narrowed.
"For what?"
Elder Zhao paused briefly.
"For the **Inner Clan Assessment**."
His voice carried weight.
"It begins in three days."
The door closed.
Silence returned.
Jiang Chen sat there, unmoving.
Then—
A slow smile spread across his face.
"Perfect timing."
The system panel flickered again.
---
**[New Mission Issued]**
**[Pass Inner Clan Assessment]**
**[Reward: Rare Technique + System Upgrade]**
---
Jiang Chen stood up.
His aura steadier than ever.
"This time…"
His eyes burned with ambition.
"I won't just pass."
"I'll dominate."