The Rise of an Evil Sect Leader

The air was thick with anticipation as the day of the Trial of Legacy drew near. Ye Tian had prepared meticulously, setting plans in motion, and ensuring that every aspect of the trial was within his grasp. The Crimson Veil Ravine would be his stage, and he would not be simply participating in the trial—he would be controlling it.

The disciples of the Inner and Outer Sects gathered at the gates of the ravine, each of them filled with a mixture of excitement, fear, and uncertainty. The trial was no ordinary test. For those who survived, it would elevate them to a new level of power, granting them both fame and strength. But for those who failed... death was the most merciful outcome. Ye Tian knew that many of them would falter, their resolve breaking under the pressures of the unknown dangers waiting for them within the ravine. And he would be there to pick up the pieces.

"Are you ready?" Jiang Hao asked, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. He had long since abandoned any doubts about Ye Tian's plans. The agreement between them had solidified; Jiang Hao understood that survival in this trial, and in the world beyond, would depend on how well he played his part in Ye Tian's grand design.

Ye Tian glanced at Jiang Hao, his expression cool but focused. "Ready? I was born ready," he replied, his voice dripping with confidence. "The question is, are they?"

Zhou Lie stood nearby, his eyes scanning the crowd of disciples, some of whom he recognized and others whose faces were unfamiliar. The Trial of Legacy was a testing ground, but it also served as an arena for powerful factions to form. The Inner Sect disciples were already grouping together, their alliances formed in whispers and secret glances. They thought they had the advantage, but Zhou Lie knew better. They were too blinded by their own arrogance.

"Their movements are predictable," Zhou Lie said quietly, turning to Ye Tian. "They are already watching us. I'm certain some of them think we're easy targets."

Ye Tian's lips curled into a smirk. "Let them think that. Let them underestimate us. Their downfall will be their own arrogance."

Entering the Crimson Veil Ravine

The journey to the ravine was long, the rocky terrain of the Outer Sect giving way to a dense forest that seemed to swallow the sunlight. The air grew colder as they approached the ravine's entrance, the trees thickening and the ground becoming uneven and treacherous. The Crimson Veil Ravine was as dangerous as the stories said it would be. But Ye Tian didn't fear danger. He welcomed it.

As they stood before the darkened maw of the ravine, the ground beneath their feet trembling with an eerie energy, Ye Tian felt the weight of the trial settle upon him. He had no illusions about the difficulty ahead. The ravine was a labyrinth of twisted paths, cursed traps, and monstrous beasts—only the strongest could survive. But strength alone was never enough.

"You know what to do," Ye Tian said to Zhou Lie, his voice low. "Don't engage unless necessary. Map the paths, find weak points in their defense, and watch for any opportunities."

Zhou Lie nodded, slipping into the shadows without a word. He knew the importance of stealth—there were enemies in this trial who would be watching every move, and they couldn't afford to give anything away.

Jiang Hao stepped closer, his gaze firm. "And what of me, Brother Ye?"

Ye Tian's eyes locked onto Jiang Hao, calculating. "You will remain close, but don't make yourself a target. This trial isn't just about brute force—it's about outthinking our opponents. You're not here to fight; you're here to learn, to observe, and to provide whatever assistance you can when the time comes."

Jiang Hao swallowed, the weight of Ye Tian's words sinking in. He had once been a proud disciple of the Inner Sect, but now, under Ye Tian's guidance, he had learned to be patient and strategic. Every action had its place, every step had its purpose. There was no room for pride in this trial—only the ability to adapt.

The First Strike

The trial began with a blinding flash of light as the gates of the ravine slammed shut behind them. The air grew still, the oppressive atmosphere pressing down on them. There was no turning back now.

Ye Tian took a deep breath and began to move, his footsteps silent on the forest floor. The sound of clashing swords and cries of pain echoed from the distance, but Ye Tian didn't falter. He had long learned to ignore the chaos around him. He was focused—he was the hunter now, not the prey.

It wasn't long before they encountered their first obstacle. A massive serpent, its scales gleaming in the dim light, coiled around a narrow path. Its eyes glowed with an unnatural red hue, and its fangs were longer than swords. The beast hissed, sensing their presence, and lunged forward with terrifying speed.

Jiang Hao took a step back, his hands instinctively reaching for his sword. But Ye Tian raised a hand, stopping him.

"Let me handle this," Ye Tian said, his voice cold and commanding.

Before Jiang Hao could protest, Ye Tian's figure blurred, disappearing in a flash of movement. He reappeared in front of the serpent, his eyes cold and calculating. The beast lunged at him, its fangs aimed at his throat, but Ye Tian was faster. With a swift motion, he sliced through the serpent's neck, the blade gleaming with the force of his strike.

The serpent's massive body collapsed to the ground, its blood staining the earth. Ye Tian stood over it, his expression unchanging, as if the kill had been nothing more than a simple task.

"Don't underestimate me," Ye Tian said, his voice carrying a dangerous edge. "This is just the beginning."

Deeper into the Ravine

As they ventured deeper into the ravine, Ye Tian could sense the change in the atmosphere. The path grew narrower, the trees more twisted and gnarled. Strange whispers echoed in the air, and the shadows seemed to stretch unnaturally long. It was as if the ravine itself was alive, watching, waiting for them to make a mistake.

But Ye Tian was never one to make mistakes. His eyes darted from side to side, always alert, always calculating. He had learned the value of patience. The Trial of Legacy wasn't about brute strength—it was about control, manipulation, and the ability to strike when least expected.

And as the first day passed in silence, Ye Tian knew that the other disciples, who had assumed that the Trial of Legacy was simply about surviving the beasts and obstacles, were falling into their own traps. They had no idea that the true challenge lay not in the trials ahead, but in the enemies they would encounter—and the ones they would create themselves.