Eight sect banners unfurled above the square: the three founding sects— Crimson Lotus Cult , Shadowclaw Sect, Bone Forging Sect—and the five first-rate powers.
A resonant gong sounded.
"The first round begins!"
From the outer formations, disciples of the Spirit Awakening Realm ascended the stage. Some trembled with nerves, others strode with arrogant confidence.
The battles raged. Fire met water, steel clashed with bone, talismans flared against claws and fangs. Some duels ended in a single decisive strike; others dragged out, with formations collapsing and puppets rushing in to rescue those who could no longer fight.
At last, after dozens of contests, the final two clashed beneath a sky rippling with qi. A youth clad in simple gray robes, his expression calm as water, stood atop the arena floor. His every movement was measured, his spiritual qi pure and sharp, refined like tempered glass. Against him fell one proud scion after another, until none could remain.
