The atmosphere was charged with battle spirit as the first duels raged across the arena stages. Flames exploded, swords clashed, and spirit energy flared like thunderclouds crashing into one another.
Suddenly, a platform lit up with golden light, revealing the next set of contestants.
High Heaven Sect vs. Beast Spirit Mountain Sect
A wave of murmurs swept through the crowd.
Shen Hong turned toward me, his expression unreadable. "Zhen Huan, I want you to observe. I'm sending Yang Kai."
My brows furrowed. "Already?"
He nodded. "It's time to test the steel of your disciple."
I turned to Yang Kai. His expression was calm, but I saw the fire behind his eyes.
"Yang Kai," I said, "remember everything I've taught you. If it gets too dangerous, use the Sealing Orb."
He nodded. "Yes, Master."
He stepped onto the platform.
Across from him stood a towering youth clad in dark green armor, a long black pike resting on his shoulder. Behind him loomed the spectral form of a spirit beast—a phantom tiger, snarling silently.
"Yang Kai of High Heaven Sect?" the youth smirked. "You look like you haven't even shed your baby skin. I'm Wei Xun of Beast Spirit Mountain. Try not to die too fast."
Yang Kai didn't flinch. He calmly drew his yellow-grade sword.
A bell chimed.
The duel began.
Wei Xun charged like a rampaging beast, his pike sweeping horizontally with monstrous strength. The phantom tiger roared behind him, enhancing his momentum.
But Yang Kai vanished.
Wind Steps.
He reappeared above Wei Xun's shoulder and struck downward with precision.
Clang!
The pike rose just in time to block, but sparks flew. The crowd gasped. That attack—it was faster than anyone expected from a newly advanced Qi Refiner.
Wei Xun growled and launched a flurry of strikes, sweeping the entire stage with brutal arcs. Yang Kai dodged with graceful footwork, never stopping, never standing still.
"This kid's footwork is refined!" an elder from the Violet Cloud Sect muttered.
Suddenly, Yang Kai skidded low under a sweeping strike and launched his sword upward in a spiral slash.
A gash opened across Wei Xun's side.
"You dare!" the beast cultivator roared. He infused spirit energy into his pike and launched a Beast Spirit Thrust, a technique that summoned his tiger's claw to strike simultaneously.
Yang Kai's eyes narrowed.
"Sealing Orb: Activate."
A sudden pulse of ancient energy burst out. A golden ring surrounded Wei Xun—and in an instant, his cultivation plummeted.
"What?! My spirit connection—"
Yang Kai's figure blurred again.
Slash!
The tip of his sword stopped an inch from Wei Xun's throat.
Silence.
Then—
"Winner: Yang Kai of High Heaven Sect!"
The crowd erupted.
Shen Hua punched the air. "That's Zhen's disciple alright!"
I smiled faintly.
As Yang Kai returned, I patted his shoulder. "Well done. You've made your mark."
He bowed. "Thank you, Master."
Meanwhile, new duels began.
Frost Moon Pavilion vs. Crimson Thunder Hall.
Silent Echo Sect vs. Dark Abyss Sect.
Starfall Temple vs. Heaven Core Sect.
Each fight was more intense than the last. Techniques clashed, elements surged, and surprises unfolded.
But my attention was drawn to the Twin Serpent Sect, whose disciples never fought directly, only poisoned their opponents slowly through invisible spiritual mist.
I narrowed my eyes.
Dangerous.
This wasn't just about martial strength. It was survival against technique, trickery, and raw power.
"Next match," the voice echoed, "Zhen Huan of High Heaven Sect vs. Yu Zhen of Heaven Core Sect!"
The crowd went wild.
A duel between two Nascent Soul cultivators.
I stepped forward.
"It's time I made my own mark."