One Person: Revitalize the Sword Sect, Start with the Sword Challenge of the Ten Lords

As the night deepened, lights flickered in Zhang Zhiwei's quaint residence. Amidst the interweaving of light and shadow, two figures sat facing each other and had a long conversation.

"Brother Zhiwei, Ye Lin is kindhearted and skilled in martial arts, but he refuses to take on the responsibility of being a Heavenly Master. What should we do?" Lu Jin frowned, his voice tinged with worry. His gaze pierced the window, as if it could penetrate the night, gazing directly into the unknown future.

Zhang Zhiwei stroked his long beard gently, his eyes deep, and his tone was filled with an indescribable calmness: "Brother Jin, everything has its time. Since Ye Lin has his own considerations, we should not force him. Perhaps he already has a suitable candidate in mind."

"Oh? Then who do you think Ye Lin will be interested in?" Lu Jin's eyes flashed, and he was obviously quite curious about this.

"This person must possess both wisdom and courage, a heart for the people, and the courage to face adversity." Zhang Zhiwei spoke slowly, each word sounding like it was carefully considered. "Just like Mingyuan, the determination and purity he displayed in front of everyone today were quite reminiscent of Ye Lin's youth."

Hearing this, Lu Jin nodded thoughtfully: "Indeed, Zhang Mingyuan has both great potential and character. Given time, he will surely become a great man. Then I will go to Ye Lin in person another day to find out what he means."

"That's great." Zhang Zhiwei smiled and nodded, then seemed to remember something and added, "However, we must proceed with caution on this matter. The Heavenly Master's degree is of great importance and concerns the safety of all people in the world. Ye Lin's choice must be the right person at the right time."

The next morning, sunlight filtered through the mist, illuminating the bluestone path. Ye Lin was practicing swordplay in the courtyard, his blade shadows like dragons, nimble and agile. After finishing his practice, he gently wiped the sweat from his forehead and suddenly saw Lu Jin approaching in the morning light.

"Senior Lu Jin, I'm a rare guest. What can I do for you?" Ye Lin smiled slightly, with a glint of shrewdness in his eyes.

Lu Jin didn't beat around the bush and got straight to the point: "Ye Lin, Brother Zhiwei and I have discussed the matter of the Heavenly Master's Degree for a long time. Since you have no intention of inheriting it, do you have any recommendations for candidates?"

Ye Lin put away his smile and his expression became serious: "Senior Lu, I do have a candidate, but I need to think twice before doing anything."

"Oh? Who is it? Just tell me directly." Lu Jin's eyes were full of anticipation.

Ye Lin took a deep breath and looked into the distance. It seemed as if he saw a figure through layers of clouds and mist:

"Zhang Chulan." Ye Lin slowly uttered the name, as if every word carried a heavy weight.

Lu Jin's eyebrows flickered with surprise when he heard this. "Zhang Huaiyi's grandson? The mysterious Zhang Chulan who is said to have been in the outer sect for many years? Is he...reliable?"

"Reliability isn't just about appearances," Ye Lin said firmly. "Zhang Chulan may seem cynical, but he actually has a heart of justice. His grandfather, Zhang Huaiyi, has a deep connection with the Tianshi Temple, and he bears an unshirkable responsibility for this. More importantly, he possesses an indescribable potential, a force capable of stirring up chaos."

Lu Jin pondered for a moment, then finally nodded: "Since you recommended it, you must have your reasons. However, this matter still requires Brother Zhiwei's approval. Let's go, we'll go find him now."

The two of them walked into the main hall side by side. The old Taoist priest Zhang Zhiwei was sitting at the desk with his eyes closed, as if waiting for their arrival.

"Brother Zhiwei, Ye Lin has something to tell you." Lu Jin went straight to the point.

Zhang Zhiwei slowly opened his eyes, his gaze gently falling on Ye Lin: "Tell me, Ye Lin, what makes you so serious?"

Ye Lin stepped forward and said respectfully, "Senior, regarding the inheritance of the Heavenly Master Degree, I have considered it again and again and believe that Zhang Chulan is the best candidate. Although he is young, he has great wisdom and courage, and is closely connected with the destiny of the Heavenly Master Mansion."

Upon hearing this, the old Taoist priest smiled faintly, "Zhang Chulan, huh? He's indeed an interesting young man. Do you think he can handle this important task?"

"I believe he can do it." Ye Lin said firmly, "Besides, this is his choice and my trust in him."

"Okay, Ye Lin, since you're so insistent, I'll give Zhang Chulan a chance to see if he's really suitable." Zhang Zhiwei clapped his hands lightly, as if everything was under his control. "However, the method of the test is up to me."

Lu Jin nodded in agreement: "Then it's settled. Brother Zhiwei's arrangement must have a deep meaning."

At this point in the conversation, it seemed like everything was settled.

However, the wheel of fate has just begun to turn, and a storm concerning the future of Tianshi Mansion and even the entire world of extraordinary people is about to quietly set off.

......

Inside the room, the candlelight flickered, and the air was filled with a tense and subtle atmosphere.

Zhang Chulan sat at the table, frowning slightly, his eyes moving back and forth between Feng Baobao, Xu San, and Xu Si. Different expressions were written on each of their faces, together painting a complex picture of emotions.

Feng Baobao remained as nonchalant as ever, as if the external turmoil had nothing to do with her, only occasionally a flicker of curiosity would flicker in her clear eyes. Xu San, on the other hand, looked pensive, tapping his fingers on the table as if weighing something. In contrast, Xu Si seemed the most irritated. Amidst the haze of smoke, his brows were practically knitted into a knot.

"I really don't understand what that kid Ye Lin is thinking!" Xu Si took a puff of his cigarette, his words tinged with dissatisfaction. "Tianshi Degree, that's something that countless extraordinary people dream of, and he actually said he would give up like that? If it were me, I would have happily accepted it long ago!"

"Hey, Si'er, you're still too impatient." Xu San shook his head gently, his eyes full of meaning. "Ye Lin must have his reasons for making this decision. Perhaps, in his opinion, Zhang Chulan is the most suitable candidate."

Zhang Chulan smiled bitterly and interrupted, "Speaking of this, how do you think the old master will test me? This is not an ordinary test. What if..." Before he finished speaking, he was interrupted by Feng Baobao.

"Don't worry, Xiao Lanzi, nothing will happen with me here." Feng Baobao's tone was simple and direct, but it inexplicably gave people a sense of security.

"Hmph, as for tests, the more outlandish the better." Xu Si blew out a smoke ring, trying to lighten up the mood. "Maybe they'll ask you to single-handedly challenge ten demonic beasts, or give you a chance to learn a lost martial art within three days!"

Xu San glared at Xu Si and said, "Don't talk nonsense. The old master knows how to handle the test. It's useless for us to guess blindly. The key is, Zhang Chulan, are you ready? No matter what the test is, you must give it your all."

Zhang Chulan took a deep breath, his eyes gradually firming: "No matter if the front is a sea of fire or a dangerous place, I will not retreat. This is my own choice and it also reflects the trust of Senior Ye Lin. For this, I must do my best."