NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 5: Chapter 5 The Inner Sect Banquet
Recap:
In the dead of night, assassins from the Violet Ghost Sect launched an attack on Long Tianyu, making it clear that a formidable enemy is out to get him. In the midst of this chaos, Tianyu unlocked a hidden reward—the Draconic Qi Core Fragment. Now, he finds himself invited to the Inner Sect Banquet.
---
The Inner Sect Banquet takes place once a year at the **Heavens Pavilion**, a stunning open hall that hovers over a mystical lake.
With floating lanterns casting a warm glow and stone dragon statues standing guard, it's a gathering spot for only the most gifted individuals.
Tonight, it promises to be a battleground of sharp tongues and concealed daggers.
Long Tianyu made his entrance clad in the **Fiery Scale Battle Robe**, its shimmering red and gold fabric drawing all eyes. Whispers rippled through the crowd as he stepped into the pavilion.
Is that Long Tianyu?
The one who conquered the Dragon Ladder Trial?
I heard he took down Long Rui.
At the heart of the banquet stood **Elder Wu**, the master of etiquette and tradition, flanked by prominent inner elders.
He raised a hand as Tianyu approached.
"Welcome, Young Master Tianyu.
The clan has taken note of your accomplishments.
You are invited to join the Inner Prospects Table."
Gasps filled the air.
That table was exclusively for the elite disciples on the verge of entering the core sect.
To extend an invitation to an outer disciple like Tianyu just days after his victory was a bold statement.
Not everyone was thrilled about it.
---
Across the table sat **Long Jun**, a rising star of the younger generation, exuding an aura of ice Qi.
His reputation for being ruthless was only rivaled by his arrogance.
"So, Long Jun said, taking a sip of his wine. You managed to beat Rui.
Quite impressive. But one battle doesn't make a dragon."
Tianyu offered a slight smile. "Neither does just talking."
Jun's eyes narrowed in response.
Another youth scoffed.
"Let's not forget, your achievements are built on whispers. Heaven-grade techniques? Fire intent? Maybe you just paid off a rogue elder."
Laughter erupted, but Elder Wu silenced them with a sharp look.
"Talent should be tested, not ridiculed.
In fact, Wu announced, tonight's banquet will feature a trial.
---
A wave of excitement rippled through the guests.
"The Flame Lantern Duel," Elder Wu proclaimed.
"Each contender must defend their honor in a three-round match under the lanterns. No killing.
No poisons.
No backing down."
Tianyu nodded.
He was well-acquainted with this clan. Even their banquets felt like battles.
---
**Round 1: Long Xuan Spear Mastery**
A slender youth with wind-element Qi stepped onto the platform first.
"I'll go easy on you since it's your first time here," he smirked.
Tianyu remained silent.
The gong sounded.
Xuan's spear moved like a whirlwind, striking from all sorts of angles.
But with his Soul Sense Bead, Tianyu expanded his awareness and dodged with ease.
He closed the distance and landed a solid hit to Xuan's chest, sending him flying.
"Next," he said
.
---
**Round 2: Mei Lian Ice Whip Discipline**
The only daughter of Elder Mei stepped in, her frost whip coiling gracefully in her hand.
Her strikes were elegant and precise, each one sending frost creeping across the ground.
Tianyu used flame-enhanced footwork to evade her attacks, then countered by dispersing her whip with heat.
A powerful palm strike knocked her weapon from her grasp.
Even she bowed slightly in acknowledgment.
"You're stronger than the rumors suggested."
---
**Round 3: Long Jun The Icy Phoenix Claw**
The crowd fell silent.
Jun entered the arena, his eyes icy and his aura radiating a chilling wind.
"You will crawl tonight," he whispered.
Tianyu activated
**Dragon Breath Flame Path: Second Layer**,
and his robes ignited with energy.
They clashed.
Ice vs Fire.
Jun's techniques were top-notch; he had trained with the core elders.
He unleashed Phoenix Claw Sweeps, frost field suppression, and layered elemental traps.
Tianyu responded with precise movements, flame dispersion, and explosive counters.
Every strike lit up the sky, and the lake below began to steam.
Then, Jun soared into the air for his final move: **Icy Phoenix Dive**.
Tianyu stood still for a moment, then a smile crept across his face.
> Unlock: Dragonstep Phantom + Flame Pulse
In an instant, he vanished, reappearing mid-air behind Jun, and delivered a powerful palm strike to his back.
BOOM!
Jun crashed onto the platform, his robe smoldering.
---
Winner: Long Tianyu!
Elder Wu stepped forward, giving a single clap.
The banquet has chosen its star.
Even the usually silent elders nodded in approval.
---
Later, as Tianyu made his way out of the banquet hall, a voice whispered from the shadows.
"You're rising too fast."
A dagger flew toward him.
He caught it effortlessly with two fingers.
Another assassin. But this one wasn't Violet Ghost; it was a **clan member**.
"You," Tianyu growled.
The assassin vanished, but not before Tianyu caught a glimpse of the mark on his arm.
The **Shen Crest**.
---
Teaser for Chapter 6:
The enemy is no longer hiding. Long Tianyu is about to make his first move, digging into the secrets of the Shen family. But what he uncovers may reveal something far darker than mere betrayal.