The sky above the Azure Flame Sect was overcast, thick with storm clouds. A dull wind swept through the mountains as Jinhyuk descended the sect steps alone, his black cloak fluttering behind him. He carried no weapons, no treasures—just a single small satchel tied to his waist and the weight of countless eyes watching from afar.
His departure had drawn a silent crowd. Disciples whispered behind cupped hands.
"Is that the guy who cleaned out half the elder council?"
"He looks like a beggar… how powerful could he really be?"
Most didn't know his name. Just the rumors: the fat outer disciple who was kicked out, survived the monster zone, came back unrecognizable, and overturned the sect from the inside out.
Jinhyuk didn't care.
He had no intention of playing politics anymore. The Azure Flame Sect was cleansed. Now, it was time to aim higher.
---
Arrival of Crimson Sky Sect Envoys
At the foot of the mountain, two Crimson Sky disciples waited beside a luxurious spirit-beast-drawn carriage. Both wore crimson robes with golden thread and the sharp smugness common among elites.
"Jinhyuk of Azure Flame?" one of them asked, looking him up and down. "This is who they sent? Are they mocking us?"
The other, a thin youth with narrow eyes, smirked. "The Sect Master probably wanted him gone. Dumped him on us."
They laughed. Jinhyuk stepped forward without a word.
The narrow-eyed one blocked his path. "Where's your greeting, huh? You're beneath us, trash. You should bow—"
In a flash, Jinhyuk stepped past him, brushing his shoulder. The force spun the disciple around, slamming him into the carriage door.
The disciple stood, eyes wide. "You—!"
But Jinhyuk was already inside.
"Let's go," he said flatly.
Neither disciple spoke again for the rest of the ride.
---
Crimson Sky Sect – A New Hell
They arrived at dusk. The Crimson Sky Sect stood like a mountain-sized fortress carved from crimson stone and obsidian glass, suspended over lava veins and glowing rivers of spiritual energy. Firebirds circled its tallest spires. The gates were guarded by four peak-stage Nascent Soul elders.
Inside, disciples cultivated in open fields, fought duels mid-air, or read ancient scrolls atop floating platforms.
Jinhyuk stepped down from the carriage, his expression indifferent.
He felt hundreds of eyes on him instantly. Some hostile, most curious.
Another outsider. Another challenge.
"Outer Court Sector, west wing," said one escort. "You'll share quarters with the kitchen staff."
"Don't touch anything important. Don't speak unless spoken to," said the other.
They shoved a cracked jade medallion into his hand and walked away laughing.
---
Ridicule Begins
"Hey! Fatty, don't walk near the furnace—you'll melt."
"I thought we had standards here. Guess even pigs can cultivate."
"Hah, Azure Flame must be desperate."
Jinhyuk endured it all. Silently. Coldly. Every insult was a spark—fuel for a fire that would soon burn uncontrollably.
---
Midnight – Forest Behind the Sect
Deep in the mountains surrounding Crimson Sky, Jinhyuk meditated under a blood moon. The system buzzed to life:
> [New Environment Detected – Crimson Sky Territory]
[Hidden Quest Activated: Burn the Sky]
Objective: Copy 3 Crimson Sky techniques.
Bonus Objective: Defeat their top disciple in 30 days.
Rewards: ???
Time Limit: 30 Days
> [Level-Up Requirement Met]
Do you wish to ascend to Core Formation Stage?
> Confirm.
The moment he did, his body ignited from within.
Qi surged through his meridians like magma. His skin boiled, twisted. Bones snapped and reformed. Muscles tore and healed instantly. Fat was burned off with unnatural speed, revealing corded muscles underneath.
His face shifted—jawline sharpening, eyes glowing, his once greasy hair turning sleek and dark.
> [Transformation Complete – Core Formation Achieved]
[Appearance Enhanced – Curse Partially Lifted]
[Hidden Trait Activated: Dragon Veins Body Constitution]
Jinhyuk opened his eyes—cold, silver, and unreadable.
He was no longer the chubby outcast. He looked like a celestial prince carved from obsidian and fire.
---
Not Alone
Behind him, a faint thud echoed.
He turned.
A girl in red robes stood frozen a few steps away—eyes wide, mouth slightly open. Her spiritual beast had sensed his qi eruption and led her here.
> She was beautiful—white hair tied in twin braids, a crimson sect crest pinned to her collar. A Core Formation genius.
She had seen everything.
"You…" she whispered, stepping closer. "You're not an outer disciple, are you?"
Jinhyuk didn't speak.
The girl blushed—clearly shaken by both his appearance and the power he just displayed.
"I-I won't tell anyone," she said quickly. "I was just curious about the qi spike… but if you don't want people to know—"
Jinhyuk stepped forward. She flinched—but he simply placed a finger on her lips.
"You never saw me. Understood?"
She nodded rapidly.
Then—unexpectedly—she smiled. "You're different. I'll keep your secret. But…"
Her eyes gleamed with dangerous curiosity.
"I want to know more."
---