The two gray-robed disciples came for him at dusk.
Lin Tian was sitting cross-legged on the floor of the Solitary Reflection Pavilion, breathing even, mind a calm lake over a bed of coals. The door opened without a knock. The older of the two, a man with a scar across his eyebrow, jerked his chin.
"It's time. You are to be presented, then sequestered until your… participation."
Lin Tian rose smoothly. He wore the simple gray inner disciple robes they had provided, crisp and unfamiliar. A costume. He said nothing, just walked towards them.
The scarred disciple's eyes narrowed. "You will speak only when addressed by an Elder. Any deviation will be seen as disrespect, and the Contest will be forfeit."
"Understood," Lin Tian said, his voice devoid of inflection.
They led him across the mist-wrapped bridge into the Inner Ring. The air was colder here, sharp with frozen pine and spiritual incense.
