Projection of the Heavens: I prove my immortality through slaughter.

Lin Xuan's single finger strike at Shi Bao was like pouring a ladle of ice water into a boiling oil pan, instantly igniting the entire outer gate. That astonishing scene was etched deeply into the hearts of every witness.

The name "Star Finger" spread like wildfire, reaching every corner. Even some disciples responsible for miscellaneous tasks were whispering among themselves, discussing that stunning and devastating finger strike.

Everyone was re-evaluating the previously unknown, even mocked, herb garden keeper. The contempt and ridicule melted away like snow under the sun, replaced by indescribable shock and deep curiosity.

His handsome yet indifferent face became mysterious and unpredictable in the eyes of others, as if shrouded in an impenetrable mist.

The arena battles continued. On the reinforced bluestone platform, flashes of spiritual light and the clang of metal echoed, accompanied by shouts and cries.

Leng Feng's sword remained as sharp as ice, each strike carrying a piercing edge.

Liu Bai's magic remained unpredictable; with a gentle wave of his fan, countless wind blades and phantoms intertwined, making them impossible to defend against. Their performance still earned them much applause. However, for some reason, as the audience watched, they couldn't help but compare them to Lin Xuan's earth-shattering finger strike, as if an invisible measuring stick stood between them.

"Do you think Senior Brother Leng Feng's 'Splitting Light and Shadow' technique can break through Lin Xuan's finger strike?"

"Senior Brother Liu Bai's movements are like a ghost, perhaps he can use his speed to maneuver around?"

"Difficult, so incredibly difficult... That finger strike wasn't just fast and sharp, it carried... a will that seemed capable of settling the fate of the world!"

Lin Xuan paid no heed to the clamor surrounding him, as if the uproar had nothing to do with him. He remained a detached observer, quietly residing in the most inconspicuous corner of the quiet area, his eyes lowered, seemingly resting or pondering deeper truths. His aura was completely concealed; one would almost ignore his presence unless witnessed firsthand. It was as if he himself had not been the one who had effortlessly stirred up such a monstrous wave on the arena.

However, the tree may wish to remain still, but the wind will not cease. The real turmoil is only now quietly beginning to stir.

Less than an incense stick's time after he defeated Shi Bao, a gentle, mellow, warm jade-like divine sense transmission, yet carrying an undeniable majesty, skillfully pierced through the noise of the arena and resounded directly deep within his mind, each word clear:

"Young friend Lin Xuan, I am Elder Chi Yang of Danxia Peak." He paused, seemingly observing Lin Xuan's reaction. "Judging from your exceptional talent and solid foundation, especially your unique insights into the art of magic, you are no ordinary person. Our Danxia Peak is established on alchemy and artifact crafting, with a long and rich tradition. We possess abundant spiritual materials and precious medicines, as well as the insights and notes of our predecessors on alchemy and artifact crafting, all of which are open to you. Joining my sect will allow you to use these resources at will, which will be like adding wings to your path of cultivation."

Lin Xuan's heart stirred slightly. Elder Chi Yang of Danxia Peak? This was a highly respected and powerful figure within the sect, whose alchemy skills were among the best in the entire Qingyun Sect, and all his disciples considered it an honor to receive his guidance. He did not respond immediately, his expression remaining calm and composed.

Immediately afterwards, as if by prior arrangement, another clear, cool female voice, like the flowing of an icy spring, carrying a hint of chill yet capable of cleansing the soul, rang out, its tone concise and to the point:

"Hall of Enforcement, Ice Soul." These four words alone exuded a chilling, iron-blooded aura. "Your resolute character, calm demeanor in the face of enemies, and ruthless yet measured methods perfectly align with the principles of my Hall of Enforcement. By joining my sect, you will be taught the 'Ice Soul Immortal-Slaying Sword Technique,' a superior-grade Xuan-rank sword technique. Upon mastery, its sword energy can freeze a thousand miles, slaying demons and monsters, and protecting the laws and dignity of my sect."

The Enforcement Hall! In charge of the sect's laws and regulations, patrolling the four directions, wielding immense power. Its disciples are all seasoned veterans, possessing formidable combat skills, and commanding great respect within the sect. This recruitment carries immense weight.

This is not over yet.

"Kid! Don't listen to those two old guys' nonsense!" A voice as loud as a bell, full of heroism and fighting spirit, suddenly rang out, causing Lin Xuan's sea of ​​consciousness to tremble slightly, showing the powerful spiritual strength of the speaker.

"Come to my Battle Peak! What's the point of being so fussy about alchemy and talisman-drawing? Your finger techniques are fierce and relentless, perfectly matching the Battle Peak's spirit of fighting to improve and advancing bravely! I, Li Zhantian, cherish talent above all else! Join my sect, and you'll have plenty of spirit stones and any cultivation method you choose. Whoever dares to mess with you, I'll bring all the disciples of the peak to back you up! I guarantee you'll reach the Foundation Establishment realm within three years!"

Elder Li Zhantian of Zhanfa Peak! The main sect's disciples are all fierce and warlike, widely recognized as among the strongest in the outer sect. His promise is simple, direct, and incredibly tempting.

In a short period of time, three powerful elders from the inner sect, representing the three strong forces of Danxia, ​​Law Enforcement, and Battle, extended olive branches, promising substantial benefits with earnest words! Such an honor is extremely rare in the entire history of the outer sect competition! Countless disciples, seeing Lin Xuan standing there expressionless, were filled with envy, their eyes reddening, their breathing rapid, wishing they could take his place.

From the high platform, Elder Mo Yuan surveyed everything below. He remained calm and composed, a faint smile playing on his lips, showing no anger whatsoever at the other elders poaching his disciple right before his eyes. He gently stroked the teacup in his hand, his eyes instead filled with amusement and anticipation, seemingly eager to see how his seemingly calm but actually brilliant disciple would handle this sudden "happy trouble."

Faced with the three elders' almost irresistible invitation, Lin Xuan slowly opened his eyes, his gaze clear and calm, like the waters of a deep pool. He did not respond using divine sense transmission, but calmly rose, straightened his perfectly wrinkle-free blue robe, and respectfully bowed towards the high platform, his movements precise and fluid.

Then, he raised his head, his voice clear and melodious like a jade chime, neither too loud nor too soft, yet strangely overpowering some of the noise in the arena, making it clear enough for the elders on the high platform and some sharp-eared disciples nearby to hear clearly:

"Disciple Lin Xuan thanks Elder Chiyang, Elder Bingpo, and Elder Li for their kindness!"

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the high platform, his eyes sincere and frank, and continued, his tone firm and unwavering: "I am deeply grateful for the appreciation of the elders, and I will remember this kindness and favor. However, I know that I am dull-witted and have mediocre comprehension, but I firmly believe that diligence can make up for my shortcomings."

This disciple is single-mindedly devoted to the Dao, with no other distractions. Moreover, this disciple is naturally lazy and undisciplined, dislikes constraints, and prefers to be alone. Only when sitting quietly in the deep mountains or contemplating swordsmanship under the moon does this disciple feel at ease.

If I were to enter any of the peaks, I fear I would find it difficult to adapt to the numerous rules and regulations, becoming constrained and unable to act freely, thus disturbing my peace of mind and wasting my time. This disciple is unwilling and dares not disappoint the earnest expectations of all the elders. After much thought, I believe the only way to find inner peace is to remain steadfast in my original intention and walk alone on the path of cultivation. I hope the elders will understand.

His words were neither humble nor arrogant, and were clearly articulated. He fully expressed his respect and sincere gratitude for the elders' appreciation, while also clearly and politely declining all offers of recruitment. His reasons were even more dignified and impeccable—he was single-minded in his pursuit of the Way and had no distractions; he was used to going it alone and disliked being constrained.

Upon hearing this, not only were the three elders who had spoken up to recruit him stunned, but even the other elders on the platform who had been observing from the sidelines, as well as the disciples below who had vaguely heard his words, all instantly showed expressions of astonishment and disbelief.

Rejected...rejected? And rejected three powerful elders from the inner sect all at once?! And with this reason of "single-mindedly pursuing the Dao" and "accustomed to going it alone," which sounds incredibly noble but also seems somewhat ethereal?

Is Lin Xuan's Dao heart so unwavering that he simply doesn't understand the immense opportunity he rejected?! Being chosen by any peak elder means instant ascension, with endless resources, powerful backers, and profound inheritance practically within reach! This is an opportunity countless disciples dream of, one they'd fight tooth and nail for, yet he rejected it so lightly and without hesitation?

"Hahaha!" Elder Li Zhantian of Zhanfa Peak was the first to recover from his astonishment. Far from being angry, he let out an even louder and more hearty laugh, which reverberated throughout the surrounding area. "Good! Good 'single-mindedly pursuing the Dao'! Good 'habitually walking alone'! Kid, your temper is arrogant and solitary enough! I not only don't blame you, but I admire you even more! But you'd better think this through, kid. The path of a rogue cultivator is full of thorns and is not easy to walk! If you ever regret it, the doors of Zhanfa Peak are always open for you!"

Upon hearing this, Elder Chiyang frowned slightly, a hint of regret flashing in his eyes. However, seeing Lin Xuan's clear gaze and resolute attitude, which did not seem feigned, he said no more, but simply nodded slightly and said calmly, "Everyone has their own ambitions, and we cannot force them. In that case, I hope you will take good care of yourself, cultivate diligently, and not waste this talent."

Elder Bingpo's reaction was even more direct. She merely glanced coldly at Lin Xuan, her gaze as icy as the polar wind, then let out a soft snort and completely withdrew her divine sense, no longer paying attention, as if Lin Xuan had become an insignificant person.

On the high platform, Elder Mo Yuan paused slightly as he stroked his beard, his smile deepening as he looked at Lin Xuan with undisguised admiration.

Without arrogance or impetuosity, and unmoved by external things, this young man's ability to uphold his true self in the face of such temptations demonstrates a clarity and steadfastness of his Daoist heart, as well as a calm and mature temperament, far exceeding his initial expectations.

He initially accepted Lin Xuan as a disciple because he valued Lin Xuan's extraordinary temperament and potential, rather than being eager to bind him to his cause. Now it seems he was right after all.

After an initial deathly silence of shock, the disciples below erupted into an even more intense and noisy discussion, as if a pot had been boiled over.

"He...he actually refused?!"

"My God! Three elders! Does he even know what he's refused?"

"Devoted to the Way? That sounds nice, but I think it's just arrogance and a lack of appreciation!"

"Heh heh, I bet he's just reluctant to give up the peaceful life in the Northern Foothills Herb Garden. Once he's on the other peaks, he can't be as carefree as he is now."

"Regardless of his thoughts, his courage and decisiveness... I'm truly impressed!"

Some people thought he was ungrateful and wasted the elders' favor; others thought he was arrogant and would regret it sooner or later; but some people felt an unquestionable determination and an almost obsessive belief from his calm eyes and resolute words, and couldn't help but feel a complex admiration for him.

After this incident, Lin Xuan's image in the eyes of the outer disciples became more complex, multifaceted, and controversial. He was no longer simply a "strongman" or a "dark horse," but had gained a layer of "mystery," "aloofness," "unwavering Dao heart," and even "incomprehensibility."

After delivering those earth-shattering words and bowing respectfully, Lin Xuan sat down again, his eyes lowered, as if refusing the invitations of the three inner sect elders was just a trivial matter, like brushing dust off his sleeves.

His heart remained calm and undisturbed. He knew that while joining any sect would grant him short-term access to resources, it would also mean being completely embroiled in factional strife within the sect, with his actions restricted in every way. This would be extremely detrimental to his efforts to conceal the secret of the black token and carry out his multi-dimensional projection plan.

Only by maintaining this relatively detached and independent status can we maximize our freedom of action and initiative.

As for resources? He possesses a mysterious black token that can project itself into countless worlds, drawing nourishment from different realms. Resources from all worlds can serve as his sustenance! Why rush things and confine himself to one peak or one place?

Just as his thoughts were turning, the battle horn sounded again, interrupting his train of thought.

It's his turn to play in the next game.

His opponent was a disciple whose cultivation level was at the sixth level of Qi Refining. After seeing the opponent list on the light screen, the disciple's face turned deathly pale, and he even walked unsteadily when he stepped onto the stage.

Standing opposite Lin Xuan, he didn't even dare to meet Lin Xuan's calm gaze. The image of Shi Bao being pierced by a single finger and suffering a crushing defeat and unconsciousness kept replaying in his mind. He symbolically cast two basic fireball and water arrow spells, which Lin Xuan casually flicked away with his sleeve. He then hurriedly shouted "I surrender!" and practically tumbled off the stage, as if staying any longer would be life-threatening.

To subdue the enemy without fighting.

Lin Xuan's name, along with the mysterious and terrifying "Star Finger," already possesses an invisible yet powerful deterrent force.

He remained expressionless, calmly turned around, and slowly walked off the stage. His green robe fluttered, exuding an air of nonchalance, as he awaited the next, potentially stronger, opponent.

Everyone knew that the real battle was yet to come. Leng Feng, Liu Bai... these top outer disciples would inevitably clash with this lone wolf who had appeared out of nowhere.

When the Star Pointer clashes with thousands of illusionary spells and an indomitable fighting spirit, what earth-shattering sparks will it ignite?

Countless disciples were filled with anticipation, discussing various possibilities. But Lin Xuan, at the center of the storm, remained calm and waited, like a reef in the deep sea.

For him, this outer sect competition was merely a small interlude on his long path of cultivation, a testing ground to hone his skills. His gaze had already been set on a more distant and vast future.