Path of the Forgotten.

The outer sect square was packed by morning. Dust swirled under rushing feet. Names echoed off the cliffs as disciples gathered by the hundreds. All faces turned toward the white stone platform where Elder Bai stood, scroll unfurled in his hand, voice calm as ever.

> "This year's Culling Trial will proceed immediately." There were no cheers, because this trial wasn't about glory. It was about removal.

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Behind the Curtain – Elder Council Chamber

> "Too many outer sect disciples survived the last spiritual drought," said the Second Elder. "And too many weak seeds think themselves worthy," spat another.

The Seventh Elder remained silent, arms folded.

> "We'll send them into the Spiritbone Vale this year," someone whispered. "But that place....Is exactly what we need."

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Spiritbone Vale – A Place of Quiet Death

Few ever entered. Fewer returned.

A spiritual canyon shrouded in blue mist and filled with the bones of ancient beasts. It wasn't known for glory — it was known for breaking cultivators. The Qi there bent strangely. Techniques faltered. And things moved in the mist… things no one had ever named.

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Back at the Square – Lin Feng!

He said nothing as his name was called.

He just stepped forward when told. No emotion. No questions.

But inwardly… > "This isn't a regular trial," he thought. His skin prickled from familiarity as if something in him recognized what waited there.

He passed Meng Xuanye, who smirked faintly, arms folded behind his robe....> "I hope the mist likes arrogant trash," he muttered.

Lin Feng didn't respond. But for a moment… something pulsed from him and Meng Xuanye's smirk faltered. Just for a second.

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Later – At the Edge of the Vale

Each chosen disciple was handed a spirit jade.

> "Break it only when you're ready to forfeit," the elder said. "Or when you're close to death."

Lin Feng took his without a word. Then stepped into the mist.

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Inside the Spiritbone Vale

It was quiet. Unnaturally so.

Even his footsteps didn't echo. The world bent in strange ways. Trees leaned the wrong direction. Stones cracked without sound. Time… stalled. And far ahead….A black stone gate stood half-buried in the earth.

> "Why does it feel like I've seen that gate before…?".....He approached and from behind him, the air shifted.

Someone else had followed him. Looking back to see nothing

> "This trial was never about merit," Lin Feng muttered.....It was a purge."

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