The sun rose with a red hue, bleeding across the sky like a wound.
A very quiet omen.
Today was the First Assembly of Core Lectures—a gathering where newly admitted disciples would learn from the elders, form alliances, and compete for positions in joint sect missions.
But in truth, it was a power show. A game of subtle war where reputation mattered as much as cultivation.
And Liu Shen knew better than most—
The ones who smiled the most… often struck the deadliest.
---
The Lecture Hall – Heaven's Staircase
The Heaven's Staircase was an open-air temple atop a floating platform, accessible only by formation light steps. One had to walk—without flying—guided by spiritual stability.
Dozens of disciples made the ascent. Among them were the elite of the Inner Court:
Feng Zhaoyun, face unreadable since his defeat.
Xiang Yuru, a genius alchemist from the Serpent Pool Sect.
Mo Chen, spear prodigy of the Thunder Court.
And from afar, cloaked in white-gold robes, came a name that froze Liu Shen mid-step:
> "Representative of the Sect of Pure Heaven, here on direct envoy order—Zhao Qingmei."
The name struck like thunder.
Zhao Qingmei.
In his past life, she was a celestial genius, hailed as the "Heavenborn Saintess."
But beneath her serenity, she had served as the final blade in his betrayal—
The one who personally sealed his soul during the Heavenly Tribunal.
And now… here she was again.
Alive. Untouched. Unknowing.
---
Eyes Meet Again
She stepped lightly into the center of the arena, bowing toward the elders with grace.
"I greet the seniors and present the invitation from my sect. I have also brought gifts of insight from the Inner Heavens, as our sect wishes to exchange cultivation paths with this generation's talents."
A respectful murmur spread.
Zhao Qingmei's eyes drifted across the crowd—and paused.
On Liu Shen.
Her gaze did not widen in shock. She did not frown. She simply tilted her head.
Curious. Almost… familiar.
Liu Shen met her gaze with cold amusement.
> She doesn't recognize me. Not yet.
But her soul did.
A flicker of dissonance passed through her aura—a momentary tremor.
The elder hosting the lecture, Grandmaster Yuwen, stepped forward. "Since we have the Sect of Pure Heaven present, let us begin with a small exchange."
He gestured at Liu Shen.
"You—Liu Shen. As the newest core disciple, will you step forward and spar with Lady Zhao?"
The arena went silent.
---
Clash of Heaven and Shadow
Zhao Qingmei stepped lightly into the center, conjuring a translucent fan of silvery spirit silk.
"Don't hold back," she said softly. "I'm quite interested in your flame."
Liu Shen smiled.
"I never do."
The moment the match began, her fan swept in an arc—silver wind blades arcing with spiritual precision.
Liu Shen stepped forward, weaving between them like water.
The Crimson Soul Flame flickered to life along his arm.
Their powers collided in bursts of opposing forces—Heavenly Purity versus Abyssal Flame.
But each clash of their powers twisted the air, and something strange happened:
> A mirror of soul recognition.
As their auras brushed again and again, memories began to stir in Zhao Qingmei's core.
Images she didn't understand.
Whispers from a past life she had long forgotten… because someone had sealed them.
> "Demon Sovereign… Liu…"
Why does his flame remember me?
---
Before the fight could escalate, Grandmaster Yuwen stepped in.
"Enough. Both of you have displayed remarkable talent. This match will remain… inconclusive."
Both disciples bowed.
Zhao Qingmei turned to Liu Shen before leaving.
"You... are more than what you seem. What lies beneath your flame, I wonder?"
Liu Shen only smiled.
> "When you remember... come find me."
She paused—but said nothing more.
---
Later That Night – Unknown Sanctuary
Zhao Qingmei sat cross-legged in meditation.
Her soul was unsettled.
And in the darkness of her spirit sea…
A faint whisper echoed.
> "You were once a queen… and you broke his throne."
She opened her eyes.
Trembling.