Month two began with bells.
Not the standard training call. The ceremonial bells — deep, resonant tones that echoed across the entire Sanctuary grounds. Three long rings that signaled important announcements.
Wei Chen was in the middle of morning practice when they sounded. Around him, other students stopped immediately, exchanging glances. Ceremonial bells meant Master Zhao. Master Zhao meant something significant.
All sixty-one Outer Disciples gathered in the main courtyard within minutes. Inner Disciples appeared as well, forming neat rows behind the Outer ranks. Even the five Core Disciples materialized, their gold-trimmed robes catching morning light.
Master Zhao stood at the courtyard's center, flanked by four instructors. But beside them stood someone new — a man in traveling robes marked with official courier seals. His clothes were dusty from the road, and he held a sealed scroll prominently.
"Outer Disciples," Zhao began. "This courier brings official notice from the Western Lands Regional Shadow Sanctuary Council. The Inter-Sanctuary Competition has been confirmed."
Murmurs rippled through the assembled students. Wei Chen felt Chen Ling tense beside him.
Zhao gestured to the courier, who stepped forward and broke the scroll's seal. His voice carried clearly across the courtyard:
"By order of the Regional Council, the Annual Inter-Sanctuary Competition will be hosted at Capital City Shadow Sanctuary, beginning seven days from this date. Ten participating branches from across the Western Lands: Capital City, Northern District, Eastern Port, Southern Trade Hub, River Junction, Mountain Gate, Coastal Settlement, Forest Border, Merchant's Cross, and Industrial Quarter. Each branch will send thirty Outer Disciples ranked one through thirty, ten Inner Disciples ranked one through ten, and five Core Disciples. Instructors will accompany at branch discretion. Competition duration: three days. Events include combat tournaments at all three levels, team tactical missions, technique demonstrations, and collaborative instructor exhibitions. Branch rankings and individual achievements will be recorded for the annual registry."
The courier rolled up the scroll. "Branch delegations will arrive over the next five days. Hosting protocols are in effect immediately."
He bowed to Zhao and departed. The courtyard erupted into excited conversation.
Zhao's staff struck the ground once. Silence returned instantly.
"Competition details," Zhao continued. "Nine branches send thirty Outer Disciples, ten Inner Disciples, five Core Disciples, and instructors each. Over four hundred total visitors including support staff. They arrive starting tomorrow. Full delegation by day five. Competition begins day seven."
He paused, letting that sink in. Four hundred visitors. The scale was staggering.
"Hosting branch responsibilities: provide accommodations, training facilities, meals, and logistical support. This means significant disruption to normal schedules. Training areas will be restricted. Common facilities will be shared. Morning conditioning continues, but afternoon sessions are suspended. Evening practice relocated to outer courtyards only."
Zhao's gaze swept across the Outer Disciples. "Those ranked thirty and above — you will compete in Outer Disciple tournaments. Those below rank thirty — you will not compete. However, observation is mandatory educational requirement. You will study visiting competitors. You will learn advanced techniques. You will understand what higher-level capability actually looks like."
He tapped his staff. "Inner Disciples and Core Disciples have separate competition tracks. You may observe those as well, though priority viewing goes to upper-rank students."
"Additionally," Zhao continued, "visiting branches bring their own instructors. Some have agreed to demonstration sessions and technique exchanges. These are rare educational opportunities. Attendance is encouraged but not mandatory. Scheduling will be announced as instructors confirm availability."
"One final point," Zhao said, his voice hardening. "We are hosting branch. Our reputation is being evaluated by nine other Sanctuaries. Any behavior that embarrasses this Sanctuary will be punished severely. Maintain discipline. Show respect to visitors. Represent us competently."
"Dismissed."
The courtyard exploded into conversation the moment Zhao left.
"Four hundred people," someone nearby said. "Where are they even going to put everyone?"
"Did you hear? Inner Disciples and Core Disciples compete too. We might see Master-level techniques."
"Instructor demonstrations," another student added, voice awed. "When was the last time we saw multiple Master-level mages exchange techniques?"
Wei Chen stood quietly, processing. Seven days until competition. Five days of preparation and arrivals. Over four hundred visitors descending on the Sanctuary.
And competitions at all three levels — Outer, Inner, and Core. Plus instructor exhibitions.
This wasn't just about Outer Disciple rankings. This was region-wide evaluation of entire branch strength.
"This changes everything," Chen Ling said quietly.
"How?" Wei Chen asked.
"Scale. This isn't just top students showing off. This is political. Branch rankings determine resource allocation from the Council. Recruitment privileges. Regional influence." Chen Ling's mind was clearly calculating. "Every match matters. Every demonstration is being evaluated."
"Opportunity though," Xu Lan said. "We'll see Inner Disciple combat. Core Disciple techniques. Maybe even instructor-level applications. That's education worth more than months of regular training."
"If we can actually learn from it," Wei Chen countered. "Watching Master-level techniques doesn't mean understanding them. The gap might be too large."
"Then we focus on what we can understand," Xu Lan said. "Outer Disciple matches. Advanced applications of techniques we already know. Patterns we can actually absorb."
That afternoon, the Sanctuary transformed.
Work crews appeared, converting unused buildings into temporary dormitories. The East Wing — normally storage and administrative offices — was cleared and furnished. Common areas expanded with additional tables and benches. Kitchen staff tripled as workers were hired from the city.
Additional training dummies appeared in outer courtyards. Sparring circles were marked and reinforced. Medical tents erected near competition areas. Supply wagons arrived daily with food, equipment, materials.
Wei Chen watched the preparations from the training grounds. The logistics alone were staggering. Housing four hundred people required coordination he couldn't begin to imagine.
"They're converting three warehouse buildings into dormitories," Han Tao said, joining Wei Chen's observation. "Guest quarters are being expanded. Even some instructor residences are doubling up to make room."
"One week of complete chaos," Wei Chen said.
"One week of opportunity," Han Tao corrected. "When else would we see this many Darkness mages in one place? Usually Sanctuaries operate independently. This is rare."
The next morning brought the first arrivals.
Wei Chen was finishing breakfast when noise erupted from the main gates. Students rushed to windows and balconies, watching as the first delegation entered.
Northern District branch. Thirty Outer Disciples in dark blue robes, marching in precise formation. Behind them, ten Inner Disciples with silver trim moved with casual confidence. Five Core Disciples with gold trim walked at the rear, their presence alone seeming to compress the air around them. And at the front, three instructors whose magical aura was palpable even from a distance.
The discipline was immediate and obvious. Every student knew their position. No wasted movement. Military precision.
Wei Chen watched the Core Disciples particularly. Their robes seemed to absorb light in unnatural ways. Shadows clung to them like loyal servants. These weren't students anymore — these were mages who'd achieved something Wei Chen could barely comprehend.
The Northern District delegation was directed to the East Wing. As they filed past, Wei Chen noticed details: weapons that hummed with enchantments, movement that suggested body cultivation techniques, eyes that tracked everything with predatory awareness.
"They move like they're expecting combat," Chen Ling muttered.
"They probably are," Wei Chen replied. "Constant readiness. That's what top-level training produces."
Over the next three days, eight more branches arrived.
Eastern Port came on massive river barges, their students comfortable in motion, weapons practical and well-used. Their Core Disciples moved with fluid grace that suggested water cultivation foundations despite Darkness affinity.
Southern Trade Hub arrived in expensive carriages, equipment gleaming, robes perfectly maintained. Wealth evident in every detail, but their sparring demonstrations showed the money translated to actual skill.
River Junction brought students who looked weathered, practical, unbothered by luxury. Their Inner Disciples carried scars from real combat. Wei Chen respected that immediately.
Mountain Gate delegation was stocky and resilient. Their students practiced with weighted training gear even while traveling. Physical cultivation emphasis showing in muscle density and movement efficiency.
Coastal Settlement arrived with lean, quick students whose eyes never stopped scanning. Hyperawareness built into every gesture. Their Core Disciples demonstrated shadow-step techniques that left afterimages.
Forest Border brought predatory movement and stealth-focused techniques. Their students disappeared into shadows reflexively, even in crowded courtyards. Wei Chen watched them practice concealment that made his own attempts look amateur.
Merchant's Cross delegation had mixed specializations, tactical diversity, students who clearly trained for team operations rather than individual glory. Their coordination during simple formations was flawless.
Industrial Quarter arrived heavily armed and armored. Their students preferred direct combat, overwhelming force, tank-like builds that absorbed damage and retaliated with brutal efficiency.
Each delegation brought forty-five students plus instructors. Each group represented different training philosophies, regional adaptations, specialized applications of Darkness magic.
By day five, over four hundred visitors had filled every available space in the Sanctuary.
The atmosphere changed completely. Conversations in different regional dialects filled common areas. Training grounds operated constantly as visiting students practiced in rotating shifts. Meal times became strategic operations requiring careful timing to avoid crowds.
Wei Chen spent those five days observing. Not just watching — studying. Taking notes on movement patterns, technique variations, equipment choices, training methods.
Northern District emphasized discipline and uniformity. Eastern Port focused on adaptability and fluid response. Southern Trade Hub combined resources with skill. River Junction valued practical experience over theory. Mountain Gate built physical foundation first, magic second. Coastal Settlement prioritized speed and awareness. Forest Border perfected stealth and ambush. Merchant's Cross trained teamwork and coordination. Industrial Quarter developed overwhelming direct combat capability.
Nine different approaches to the same element. Nine different answers to the question "how do we train Darkness mages?"
And each approach produced competent results at the top tier.
On day six — one day before competition began — Master Zhao gathered everyone.
Three hundred students from ten branches filled the main courtyard and spilled into adjacent areas. Outer Disciples in front, Inner Disciples behind, Core Disciples at elevated positions. Instructors stood to the sides, observing their students and each other with professional assessment.
"Tomorrow, competition starts," Zhao announced. "Day one: Outer Disciple individual combat tournaments and Inner Disciple team tactical missions. Day two: Inner Disciple individual combat and Core Disciple demonstrations. Day three: Outer Disciple team missions, Core Disciple tournament finals, and instructor technique exhibitions."
He gestured to the massive crowd. "Competitors: remember this is evaluation, not warfare. First blood or surrender for Outer and Inner levels. Core Disciple matches end at instructor discretion. Medical staff will be present. Permanent injuries result in disqualification and disciplinary action."
"Non-competitors: observation areas will be marked. Stay within boundaries. Do not interfere. Ask questions during designated periods only."
Zhao's expression hardened. "This competition determines branch rankings for the year. Performance here affects resource allocation, recruitment privileges, and regional standing. Represent your branches well."
He tapped his staff. "Opening ceremony is at dawn tomorrow. All students attend. Dismissed."
That evening, Wei Chen sat with Chen Ling, Xu Lan, and Han Tao in a quiet corner of the outer courtyard.
"Three days," Han Tao said. "Three days of watching what we're supposed to become."
"And what we're competing against," Chen Ling added. "Those Outer Disciples? They're what rank thirty looks like across the region. That's the standard."
Wei Chen pulled out the notebook Feng had given him. The list of fighters Feng wanted him to watch specifically. Twenty names from various branches, each with brief notes about their specializations.
"We take notes," Wei Chen said. "Watch everything. Compare observations each evening. Three days of education we can't get anywhere else."
"Agreed," Xu Lan said simply.