The crowd roared.
The Harmony Tournament's first round began with flair: banners flew, drums pounded, and fireworks burst into skywriting spells.
A judge announced, "First duel: Lin Fan of Twilight Shadow Sect versus Yan Rui of Blazing Vein Sect!"
Yan Rui stepped onto the stage, shirtless, muscles oiled, flames dancing along his arms.
"I'll roast you like pig meat," he sneered.
Lin Fan stepped on stage holding… a spatula.
The Arena
Yan Rui: "Are you mocking me?"
Lin Fan: "No. I thought it was a barbecue duel."
Yan Rui: "I use fire to burn enemies."
Lin Fan: "I use fire to feed them."
The crowd laughed. Yan Rui did not.
[System Notification:]
Match Begins: Lin Fan (Level 5 Martial Disciple) vs. Yan Rui (Level 6 Martial Disciple)
Advantage: Raw power (Yan Rui)Disadvantage: Zero tactical patience (also Yan Rui)
Lin Fan Special Skill Ready: Culinary Qi – "Blazing Wok Fist"
Round Start!
Yan Rui charged. Fire burst from his palms.
Lin Fan dodged with comical ease.
"You cook like a village dog!" Yan Rui shouted.
"That's an insult to dogs," Lin Fan said. "Ever had Spirit Pork with Plum Glaze?"
He twirled his spatula. A burst of qi shaped like boiling oil flared around him.
BOOM!Fire and steam collided.
Audience Reaction
Yun Xi: "Is he fighting with… soup?"
Han Li: "It smells amazing."
Li Ziqing: "He's weaponizing flavor."
Qian Mu (from the VIP stands): "They're making fun of us."
Shen Mo: "No. They're making dinner."
Back in the Arena
Lin Fan activated his signature technique:
"Flaming Wok of Fiery Harmony!"
A giant translucent wok hovered above him, spinning.
It deflected flame strikes. It absorbed fire. Then—
BOOOOM!It returned it, infused with seasoned qi.
Yan Rui was blasted off the stage, covered in singed herbs.
"I… I smell like coriander…"
The crowd erupted into laughter.
[System Notification:]
Match Winner: Lin Fan
Reward: +1 Sect ReputationUnique Title Earned: "Flame Chef of Chaos"
Lin Fan Trait Progression:→ Culinary Qi evolves into: Kitchen Combat Style – Fire Element Variant
After the Match
Yan Rui sulked into the medical ward. Lin Fan got a standing ovation from drunk elders.
A merchant offered to sell his technique scroll. Lin Fan signed it "With Love – Try My Noodles."
Shen Mo greeted him at the gate.
"That was reckless."
"Thanks!"
"I meant it could've gotten you hurt."
"Oh. Right. Well, I wasn't worried."
Shen Mo glanced back at the arena.
"You should be."
Meanwhile – Behind the Arena
A cloaked figure watched from the shadows.
A girl in healer's robes.
One eye covered by cloth.
The other glowing with cursed light.
"So… that's the demon king's disciple," she murmured.
A pale-robed elder appeared beside her.
"Will you join the tournament?"
"Yes. I want to meet him."
"Him? Lin Fan?"
"No… his master."
[System Notification:]
New Character Unlocked: Mei Lian – Cursed Eye Healer
Role: Potential DiscipleRequirement: Survive 3 Rounds + Interaction with Shen Mo
Her Curse: Sees the truth behind people's fate
Fate Thread: "Bound to the Demon King's Shadow"