C25 Position!

"Hehe, Patriarch Ye, you're too kind. Naturally, I wouldn't quibble with the younger generation. Please, take these items back."

Zhao Danhua declined with a smile, though inwardly, he scoffed at their naivety.

"Hmph, what fools, blind to the true treasure before them. Lin Tian is a rare talent, yet he's been so disgracefully treated by the Ye Family, even driven out of the Outer Sect of the Celestial Dragon Sect. Having decided to ally myself with Lin Tian, why would I associate with them?"

At this, Ye Dao was visibly taken aback, rooted to the spot, while Ye Hong, with a glint in his eye, quickly interjected, "Great Master Zhao, we're well aware you wouldn't stoop to petty disputes, but this is merely a token of the Ye Family's esteem for you..."

"No need."

Zhao Danhua cut off Ye Hong before he could finish, chuckling, "Mr. Lin Tian is a dear friend of mine. I've heard about his troubles with the Ye Family, so to avoid any conflict of interest, I must decline your offer. What would Lin Tian think of me otherwise?"

"What?!"

Ye Dao gasped, unable to contain his surprise, and even Liu Maohai was taken aback. He had not anticipated Zhao Danhua's high regard for this young man named Lin Tian!

What standing did the Ye Family have? They were extending an olive branch, a gesture many sought but could not secure, yet Zhao Danhua was turning it down for Lin Tian's sake!

Who exactly was Lin Tian?

Similarly, Ye Hong and the others were visibly shaken, having not expected Lin Tian to wield such sway with Zhao Danhua.

"Cough, cough..."

Clearing his throat, Ye Hong attempted to regain composure, smiling once more, "Great Master Zhao, I've heard that Lin Tian's recent advancements are thanks to your guidance? He's also shown potential as a Pharmacist, and you've taken an interest in him, considering him for apprenticeship? That would make him your junior. So why the significant interest?"

"Hehe, if Lin Tian has said as much, then it must be true. I am indeed considering him for discipleship, but I also value him as a friend. Our relationship goes beyond the mere mentor-junior dynamic."

Zhao Danhua was quick to respond, flashing a smile as he said, "To put it simply, my bond with Mr. Lin Tian is rock-solid. Anyone who crosses Mr. Lin Tian is crossing me."

At those words, Ye Hong was left utterly speechless.

The members of the Ye family exchanged bewildered glances, each seeing the astonishment reflected in the others' eyes. They realized that Zhao Danhua's declaration was tantamount to a direct confrontation with their family!

For Lin Tian's sake, Zhao Danhua was willing to openly defy the Ye family!

"Hehe, if Great Master Zhao has put it that way, then Patriarch Ye, perhaps you should reconsider your offer."

It was then that Liu Maohai, who had remained quiet until now, chimed in with a chuckle, "Moreover, I'm confident that Patriarch Ye wouldn't harm a junior like Lin Tian. After all, Great Master Zhao is a friend of mine, and Lin Tian is a friend of his. That makes Lin Tian my friend too. I trust Patriarch Ye knows the right course of action."

"Heh... Hehe, certainly."

Ye Hong forced a laugh, then promptly cupped his fists and added, "Actually, I just remembered there are urgent matters awaiting me back at the sect, so I'll take my leave now. Prime Minister, Great Master Zhao, please excuse me."

"By all means."

Liu Maohai nodded amicably, while Zhao Danhua paid no heed, prompting Ye Hong and his entourage to depart the stands with grim expressions.

As they made their way out, Ye Hong's voice was tinged with a dark undertone, "Ye Dao, what's the meaning of this? Why is Zhao Danhua so invested in Lin Tian?"

"I... I'm not sure..."

Ye Dao was visibly shaken, having not anticipated Zhao Danhua's staunch support for Lin Tian. The stakes were higher than he'd imagined.

"It seems we've underestimated him. The boy is hiding something!"

Ye Hong's voice was icy, eliciting nods from the group.

"So, Patriarch, shall we notify Young Master Xing to stand down for now...?"

"There's no need!"

Ye Hong's reply was sharp, his eyes glinting coldly, "We'll stick to the plan! I'm eager to see what this kid has up his sleeve that's earned Zhao Danhua's backing! And even if we fail, it's not the end of the world—we still have Jian."

As the words were spoken, a jolt of energy surged through the Ye family members!

Ye Jian!

The brightest star of the Ye family, and one of the most prized talents of the Celestial Dragon Sect's Inner Sect!

He was the Ye family's pride and strength!

"Hehe, Master Zhao, how was my performance just now?"

At that moment, Liu Maohai turned to Zhao Danhua with a grin from the stands, "I took a strong stand, didn't I?"

"Absolutely. And I'm confident that the position the Prime Minister has taken will reap substantial benefits for him."

Zhao Danhua returned the smile and gave a nod of approval.

"Really? All because I threw my support behind that youngster, Lin Tian?"

"Exactly, just for that."

Zhao Danhua nodded again, clapping Liu Maohai on the shoulder, "Trust me, Prime Minister. You won't regret it."

Liu Maohai smiled in response, his curiosity about Lin Tian deepening. He was eager to discover what special skills Lin Tian possessed to earn such backing from the esteemed Pill Tower Elder, Zhao Danhua.

On the platform, Lin Tian stood with two others.

"Senior Brother Lin, the first hurdle of the Inner Sect Test is the Spirit Body Assessment. Those without an awakened Spirit Body will be eliminated. But since you've already awakened yours, passing should be no issue. Just focus on channeling your Inner Strength as usual."

"Exactly. We'll keep an eye on the Spirit Body Stone during the test. If anyone from the Ye or Zhang families tries any foul play, we'll call them out on it, and our family elders will raise their concerns as well."

Lin Tian acknowledged them with a smile. He didn't understand why Zhao Hai and Kong Ling's family elders were so supportive, but he wasn't about to turn down their backing.

After a moment, Lin Tian's attention was drawn to a distant corner of the platform. Pushing through the crowd was a little girl in a red cotton jacket—Lin Ling!

"Ling!"

Lin Tian's face brightened at the sight. Lin Ling, spotting her brother on the platform, waved her arms excitedly and called out, "Brother, do you like my new cotton jacket?"

"Haha, looks great, really great."

Lin Tian laughed heartily on the platform, yet a warm current surged in his heart. He knew his sister was always careful with money, and today she had gone out of her way to buy a red cotton-padded jacket so he wouldn't lose face.

"As long as you like it! Brother, you're going to ace it!"

Lin Ling waved her hand again, and Lin Tian nodded with conviction. "Absolutely!"

Their exchange caught the attention of the onlookers, and soon, whispers spread among them.

"Is that Lin Tian's sister, Lin Ling? She's stunning. She's bound to be a knockout when she's older."

"Obviously, why else would Ye Ku from the Ye family have harbored ill intentions toward her? Only to be taught a lesson by Lin Tian himself?"

"Keep it down!" As the second person commented, another youth quickly hushed him, "Lin Tian is right there on the platform, and the Ye family members are in the stands. If they overhear us, we'll all be in hot water!"

"Ah! Right!"

The second youth quickly added, "Whether it's the Ye family or Lin Tian, they're both out of our league. My bad..."

Up on the high platform, the Ye family members gave Lin Ling icy stares, but Ye Hong spoke dismissively, "Ignore her! Our focus should be on Lin Tian alone."

With that, the Ye family members nodded in agreement and shifted their attention away from Lin Ling.

"The Sect Master has arrived!"

Abruptly, a reverent voice echoed from above, prompting everyone on both platforms to adopt a solemn demeanor and rise to their feet.

In that instant, a streak of light shot across the sky, swiftly landing on the central high platform, revealing an elder clad in white.

This elder was none other than Loong Zaitian, the Sect Master of the Celestial Dragon Sect!

Following his arrival, several silhouettes materialized around him, all esteemed elders from the Inner Sect of the Celestial Dragon Sect.

"Hehe, no need for formalities."

Loong Zaitian, noticing everyone standing, chuckled and nodded in acknowledgment, prompting the high platform's attendees to bow with their fists clasped, humbly insisting it was their duty.

However, it was oddly noticeable that Loong Zaitian remained standing after his announcement, as if anticipating something. This left the crowd bewildered, yet none dared to inquire further, opting instead to wait in silence.

Moments later, a black streak of light soared across the sky, descending swiftly onto the high platform and claiming the principal seat.

As he settled into his seat, his features became discernible—a middle-aged man in purple robes, his face square and authoritative.

"Please, take your seats," he said calmly.

Loong Zaitian nodded in response, gesturing with a press of his palm for others to sit before taking his place beside the middle-aged man.

The assembly was taken aback by the scene.

"Who is this man that commands such respect from Sect Master Loong?"

"He must be someone of great importance! But that's beyond our knowledge."

Murmurs filled the air, and before long, everyone was seated.

"To think that the Emperor would send Yang Pohai, the Imperial Guest, to grace us with his presence! Yang Pohai is the linchpin of our Celestial Dragon Country!"

Prime Minister Liu Maohai was visibly astonished on the high platform.

Yang Pohai was not only the most renowned but also the mightiest expert in the Celestial Dragon Country, his prowess nearing the pinnacle of the Martial Void Stage, just shy of advancing to the Earth Martial Stage. He was a pillar of strength for the Imperial Family.

With numerous neighboring nations and countless attempts at clandestine attacks on the Celestial Dragon Country, none had ever succeeded, thanks in large part to Yang Pohai's constant presence in the Imperial Palace.

Now, with Yang Pohai's unexpected arrival, the demeanor of the dignitaries on the high platform grew tense.

"What's the meaning of this? Why would Lord Yang Pohai come here? The Inner Sect Test of the Celestial Dragon Sect, while a highlight for the empire, is merely a chance for the young to emerge. Why would Lord Yang attend in person?"

The question hung unspoken in the minds of many, yet none ventured to voice it.

"Sect Master, shall we begin?" asked a middle-aged man, stepping onto the central high platform and addressing Loong Zaitian.

"Alright, let's get started."

Loong Zaitian gave a nod, and the middle-aged man responded with a fist salute before swiftly making his way to the expansive platform below.

Upon his arrival, a sense of seriousness washed over the young faces gathered there. With a calm demeanor, he began, "The time has come to commence the Celestial Dragon Sect's Inner Sect Test. Some of you may know me, others may not, so allow me to introduce myself briefly. My name is Gu Qiu, an Elder of the Inner Sect and the overseer of this year's examination."

"Greetings, Elder Gu."

The disciples on the platform bowed in unison, and Gu Qiu acknowledged them with a nod. "Now, let's discuss the assessment process. As in previous years, the first phase is the Spirit Body test. Those who have awakened their Spirit Body will have passed the initial stage. The second phase involves Martial Cultivator Battles, which will determine your rankings and the privileges you'll enjoy upon entering the Inner Sect. Is everyone clear on this?"

The platform remained silent; the disciples were already well-versed in these rules.