Chapter 22: Genius

## Chapter 22: The Prodigy

The air in the cultivation hall thrummed with an almost palpable energy, a mixture of anticipation and unease. Whispers snaked through the rows of disciples, each one a thread in the tapestry of speculation. For today was the day of the Outer Sect Assessment, the crucible that forged or shattered aspirations. Among the hopefuls, one figure stood out, not by his stature or bearing, but by the sheer weight of the rumors that preceded him – Lin Mu.

He was the anomaly, the whisper that defied logic. A mere commoner, plucked from obscurity, yet possessed of a talent that sent shivers down the spines of those who had spent years, even decades, treading the thorny path of cultivation. They spoke of his cultivation speed, a terrifying pace that put seasoned inner disciples to shame. They spoke of his comprehension, an almost instinctual grasp of complex techniques that left even elders muttering in disbelief.

Yet, despite the accolades, Lin Mu remained a riddle wrapped in an enigma. He moved with a quiet grace, his eyes holding a depth that hinted at a past far more complex than his humble origins suggested. He didn't boast, didn't flaunt his progress. He simply cultivated, his focus a laser beam in the chaotic storm of the sect.

Today, however, there would be no more hiding in the shadows. The assessment would unveil the truth of the whispers. It would reveal whether Lin Mu was a true dragon in the making, or merely a fleeting comet destined to burn out.

The assessment began with the foundational tests – assessing cultivation base, martial prowess, and comprehension of basic Qi techniques. Disciple after disciple stepped forward, showcasing their skills, each striving to impress the stoic elders who presided over the trials. The air filled with the rhythmic clang of training weapons and the subtle hum of circulating Qi.

And then it was Lin Mu's turn. A hush fell over the hall as he approached the assessment area. He was unassuming, almost frail in appearance, yet there was an undeniable presence about him, a quiet power that radiated outwards.

He began with the cultivation base test, placing his hand on the spirit stone. The stone, usually a dull grey, pulsed with a vibrant green light, growing in intensity as Lin Mu channeled his Qi. The elders, their faces usually masks of impassivity, exchanged surprised glances. The speed at which the stone flared was…unprecedented for an outer sect disciple.

Next came the martial prowess test. Lin Mu faced a training dummy, his movements fluid and precise. He didn't rely on brute force, but on a deep understanding of leverage and flow. His strikes were not flashy, but devastatingly effective, each blow landing with pinpoint accuracy, leaving deep indentations in the reinforced wood.

Finally, the comprehension test. Lin Mu was presented with a complex Qi circulation technique, one typically taught to disciples who had already reached the peak of the Qi Condensation realm. He read through the scrolls, his brow furrowed in concentration, and then, to the astonishment of all, he began to execute the technique. His movements were hesitant at first, but quickly gained confidence, the Qi flowing through his meridians with an almost innate understanding.

A collective gasp rippled through the hall. It was impossible. This technique was beyond the grasp of even many inner disciples. Yet, Lin Mu performed it, not perfectly perhaps, but with a proficiency that spoke of true genius.

The elders rose from their seats, their eyes gleaming with a mixture of awe and excitement. They had seen countless disciples pass through these doors, but none like this.

"Lin Mu," the head elder's voice boomed, cutting through the stunned silence. "Your performance is…exceptional."

The word "exceptional" felt like a gross understatement. He was a prodigy, a true talent destined for greatness. The whispers had been true, and more.

From that day forward, the name Lin Mu was spoken not in hushed tones of speculation, but with open reverence and a touch of fear. The commoner who had defied expectations had proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with, a genius who had shattered the conventional boundaries of cultivation. The path to immortality was long and arduous, but for Lin Mu, it seemed the gates had already opened, beckoning him towards a destiny far beyond the comprehension of ordinary mortals.