Xiao Yan stood in the centre of the battlefield, his aura surging violently. He raised his palm, and a swirling vortex of blue flames formed above it.
"Blue Lotus Flame Art!" he roared.
A massive, blooming lotus of blue fire shot out from his hand, spinning violently as it rushed toward Jin. The flames twisted and danced, burning the air around them.
The spectators gasped. Even the elders from powerful clans were shocked by the sheer intensity of Xiao Yan's final attack.
"He used the Blue Lotus Flame..."
"It's over for Jin!"
Xiao Yan smirked, full of confidence. "This will end it. No one can survive this."
But before the attack could land—
Whoosh!
Jin appeared right in front of Xiao Yan in the blink of an eye. His sword flashed with cold light, slicing through the lotus flame like butter.
SLASH!
The blue flames dispersed into embers, fading into the air.
Gasps erupted all around.
"He... cut it in half?!"
"How?! That was Xiao Yan's strongest attack!"
Xiao Yan stumbled back, his eyes wide in disbelief. The confidence drained from his face.
"Impossible... How did he break my technique so easily? Master said this would work!"
In the distance, Xiao Yan's master watched, equally stunned. "I don't understand. He wasn't supposed to be this strong..."
Zara and Nyra, watching from the sidelines, lowered their heads.
"Even our last hope is gone," Nyra whispered.
Jin stepped forward with a smile, calm and confident.
"Is that all you've got?"
Xiao Yan's face twisted in frustration. "You don't have the right to mock me! I'm a genius—a once-in-a-millennium talent!"
Jin shrugged. "Sure, you're a genius. You survived a few of my attacks. That's impressive."
Zara, seriously injured and struggling to stay upright, stepped between the two.
She raised her arms, trying to defend Xiao Yan.
"Stop, Jin. Please, no more."
Jin sighed. "Don't worry. I'm not going to hit him. He's too weak for that."
He turned to Xiao Yan.
"You came here to defend your family's honour. Fine. We fought. You lost. But why did you try to kill me? What did I do to you?"
Xiao Yan looked down, silent.
Jin continued, his voice sharper now.
"Our families arranged a marriage. I wasn't asked. I don't agree either. Nyra is not my type."
Nyra's eyes widened.
"How dare you! Do you know who I am? I'm the top genius of the Nangoum Clan!"
Before she could say more, Jin flicked his fingers.
BAM!
A spiritual pulse hit her directly. Nyra collapsed, unconscious.
Jin turned back to Xiao Yan.
"Now, answer me honestly. Why did you try to kill me?"
He reached out and grabbed Zara by the neck.
Xiao Yan panicked.
"Wait! I'll talk! Just don't hurt her!"
He lowered his head in shame.
"I wanted to make a name for myself. I heard you were a prodigy. I thought if I defeated you, everyone would recognise me."
Jin narrowed his eyes.
"So it's all for fame. I see. Then here's what you'll do now."
"W-what?" Xiao Yan asked nervously.
"Destroy your cultivation base. Or I'll kill her."
The crowd gasped.
"He's... He's like a real demon..."
"He's only five years old, yet he acts like this?"
Xiao Yan clenched his fists.
"Can I... choose neither?"
Jin smirked. "No."
Xiao Yan took a deep breath. "Then... I'll destroy my cultivation. But promise me—you won't harm Zara."
Jin nodded. "I keep my word. I'm not a villain."
Xiao Yan lowered his hand, readying a strike toward his dantian to cripple himself. As he did, a bitter thought flashed through his mind.
You're not a villain, Jin... you're worse than a villain.
"Stop!" Zara shouted.
She stood between them, blocking Xiao Yan.
"Why are you doing this, Jin? What did he ever do to you?!"
Jin's voice was cold.
"He tried to kill me. I'm simply returning the favour. Asking for his cultivation is mercy. If you say one more word, I'll make him take his own life."
Zara trembled, staring into Jin's eyes. The boy before her no longer seemed like a child.
Xiao Yan raised his palm again, about to strike—
Suddenly, Zara screamed.
"Shadow Guard!"
From the shadows, a figure clad in dark robes appeared.
In one swift motion, the guard knocked Jin back and pulled Zara to safety.
Jin skidded across the ground, coughing blood.
The crowd stared in shock.
"A Shadow Guard?!"
"Look at his robes! That symbol—it's from the Holy Emperor's Family!"
Whispers turned into waves of disbelief.
"Does that mean... Zara is from the Holy Emperor's Family?!"
Most families knelt immediately upon the realisation, except for five—the most powerful and independent clans on the Central Planet:
Bai Clan – Hailing from the northern mountains, the Bai Clan is unmatched in physical prowess. They specialise in body cultivation, with secret techniques that enhance strength, endurance, and durability. Their warriors are known to crush boulders with bare fists and recover from near-fatal injuries through sheer willpower. Though not as politically powerful as the Holy Emperor Family, their combat strength makes them nearly untouchable.
Lan Clan – Masters of poison, the Lan Clan's assassins and alchemists can create venoms so lethal they kill immortals silently. They have perfected five elemental poison arts—fire, ice, shadow, blood, and soul poison—each more terrifying than the last. Their name is spoken in whispers even among high cultivators.
Nangoum Clan – A clan of legendary swordsmen with a rich heritage and powerful immortal ancestors. They are the creators of some of the most refined and deadly sword arts in the continent. Their elders have walked the path of sword intent so far that their strikes can cut through space itself.
Tivan Clan – Guardians of divine techniques and ancient sacred arts, the Tivan Clan possesses over a hundred divine spells. Each one is rare and powerful enough to be traded for a kingdom. Their lineage is rumoured to descend from the Martial Emperor himself, giving them unparalleled spiritual authority.
Demon Clan – The most feared clan, known for their brutal and overwhelming power. Their members cultivate demonic energy and are infamous for their cruelty in battle. Their techniques are so ferocious that even demons find them excessive. No other family dares to confront them without preparation. They stand very powerful power thhen the Holy Emperor Family in sheer Power.
Jin struggled to rise. Blood dripped from his lips.
Why isn't Grandpa doing anything?
From afar, Xing Tian's voice echoed in Jin's mind.
You were acting all cool a moment ago. Now you're looking at me for help? Don't worry. That attack won't kill you.
Jin scowled. Old man...
The Shadow Guard stood proudly, holding Zara behind him.
"How dare you lay a hand on our princess. Look around—everyone bows before our family. Even your clan won't save you now. Kneel before her, and I may spare your life."
Jin dodged the next attack and laughed coldly.
"You think I'll kneel? What do I look like to you—a joke?"
The Shadow Guard's face darkened. "Fine. I was going to spare you, but now I'll end your life."
He launched a devastating technique.
"If anyone dares help him, I'll slaughter them too."
Just as the attack neared Jin—
BOOM!
Xing Tian landed between them, blocking the blow with a wave of his hand.
The force shook the ground.
The Shadow Guard recoiled.
"Who are you?! Do you know who I am?! I serve the Holy Emperor Family!"
Xing Tian cracked his neck.
"I was going to let Jin handle this. But now, you've insulted my clan. Let's see how you survive."
He unleashed a single strike.
CRASH!
The Shadow Guard flew back, smashing into a stone wall.
He coughed up blood, trembling.
Who... Who is this man?
Xing Tian stepped forward, aura roaring.
"Let's finish this."
But before he could strike again—
"STOP!" Zara screamed.
She raised her hand.
"I've summoned members of my family. If you touch him again, they will wipe your clan from existence."
Everyone froze.
A deadly silence fell over the arena.