The Xiao Clan's main hall was heavy with the scent of incense and tension.
Xiao Zhan, clan head of the Xiao Clan, sat at the center of the long table, his broad hands folded tightly. Elders lined both side, their faces drawn and grim, shadows dancing on the lacquered wood under flickering lantern light.
"Xiao Yu's condition cannot be ignored," Elder Xiao Li said first, voice sharp like a blade. "She was one of our strongest cultivators — now, weakened and unable to fight as before. Our enemies will see this as a sign of weakness."
Murmurs rippled through the hall.
Xiao Zhan's jaw clenched. "I know. Her fall weighs heavily on us all."
"Then you also know," Xiao Li pressed on, "that the Three-Year Promise duel can no longer remain a private affair. Word of Xiao Yan's rapid growth has spread throughout the empire. The Misty Cloud Sect will not risk their pride on a simple duel anymore."
Another elder nodded grimly. "Our spies intercepted this letter yesterday."
He unfolded a scroll, reading aloud with a careful tone:
> To the esteemed elders of the Xiao Clan,
The Misty Cloud Sect acknowledges the upcoming duel between Xiao Yan and our disciple, Nalan Yanran.
However, given recent events and the shifting powers within Jia Ma Empire, it is proposed that the duel be expanded into a public tournament — an event to showcase the strength and talents of all worthy youths across the clans and sects.
Such a tournament will serve not only to settle personal grievances but to strengthen alliances, test talents, and prepare our empire for the coming storms.
We await your wise counsel and acceptance.
— Yun Yun, Sect Leader of Misty Cloud Sect
A heavy silence fell.
Xiao Zhan's fingers tapped the table, weighing the words. "A tournament... It would expose Xiao Yan to greater scrutiny — but it also opens opportunities."
"Exactly," Xiao Li said. "Our clan has suffered. Xiao Yu's injury leaves a void in our strength. The clan must rally behind Xiao Yan and the younger generation. This tournament is a chance to show we are not broken."
One elder shook his head. "It is a gamble. We risk not only Xiao Yan but our clan's reputation. The Misty Cloud Sect's power will overshadow us, and more clans may join. We must be prepared for a war of influence as much as combat."
Xiao Zhan rose, voice steady and commanding. "Prepare our champions. Reach out to other allies. This tournament will decide the fate of the Xiao Clan's future. We cannot afford to lose."
---
Meanwhile, miles away in the grand hall of the Misty Cloud Sect, Sect Leader Yun Yun stood by a wide window overlooking the misty mountains.
"Young Yan is stronger than expected," she murmured to her advisor, a stern man with a scar crossing his cheek.
"Yes, Sect Leader. The tournament is our best chance to control the narrative. If we publicly humiliate him and crush his supporters, our sect's influence will be absolute."
Yun Yun nodded slowly. "And yet, there are whispers. Some fear the clan's desperation may spawn unpredictable challengers. We must watch closely."
Her eyes flickered. "Send spies. And prepare Nalan Yanran to shine in the spotlight. She must be the jewel of the tournament."
The advisor bowed. "At once, Sect Leader."
---
In a dark, forgotten cave far from the bustling cities, Xiao Chen sat cross-legged.
His cloak hung loosely over his shoulders, but his pale green eyes glowed faintly in the shadows.
Around him, the air shimmered with thick, evil qi — a rotting, malevolent energy that twisted the roots and stones alike.
---