The sun hung low in the sky, casting an orange glow across the training grounds of Spirit Mountain. The air was thick with the scent of burning incense and the acrid tang of sweat, as cultivators from various sects honed their skills under the watchful eyes of their elders. Edil stood at the edge of the arena, his fists clenched, his body still sore from the previous day's training with Mara. His mind, however, was sharp. The events of the past few days—the brutality of his family's fall, the knowledge of his family's disgrace, the whispered threats of rivals—had hardened his resolve.
"You think you're ready for this?" Mara's voice broke through his thoughts, calm yet piercing.
Edil turned to face her, his jaw set. "I'm ready. I have no other choice." He flexed his fingers, still not accustomed to the overwhelming force of Qi that flowed through him.
Mara studied him for a moment, her expression unreadable. "Very well. But remember, control is everything. And the world of cultivation doesn't offer mercy."
The large arena before him was surrounded by high stone walls, their surfaces etched with the runes of the ancient sects. The arena's floor was a mosaic of intricate patterns, designed to absorb and focus the flow of spiritual energy during battles. A sea of spectators had gathered—cultivators, sect leaders, and elders who were all too eager to see the latest batch of young blood tested. Among them, a figure in a crimson robe stood with his arms crossed, his gaze fixed on Edil.
Kael Reyes.
The same arrogant smile that had tugged at the corner of Kael's lips when they first met now spread wide across his face. His body radiated a quiet confidence that grated against Edil's already strained nerves. Kael's cultivation rank was high—he had passed Qi Refining, Rank 4, a considerable accomplishment in such a short time. Edil was still in the Diwa Seedling stage, barely beginning to unlock his core. In the cultivation world, the difference between these ranks was the difference between a fledgling bird and a seasoned hunter.
"This is it, Edil," Kael sneered. "The moment you finally understand how out of your depth you are. Diwa Seedling?" He chuckled. "You've barely begun. But don't worry—I'll make it quick."
Edil's eyes narrowed. His hands tightened into fists. "You talk too much, Kael. Let's see if your cultivation is as strong as your mouth."
A signal was given, and the ground beneath Edil's feet trembled as the arena activated, a surge of Qi filling the air like the crackling of a storm. Edil could feel the pressure against his chest as the energy fluctuated, pulsing, alive. It was an exhilarating feeling—a reminder of just how far he still had to go.
Kael moved first, his body a blur as he charged toward Edil, his spear gleaming in the sunlight. He struck with precision, a deadly thrust aimed directly at Edil's heart. The speed of the attack was enough to make even seasoned cultivators hesitate—but not Edil.
With a swift movement, Edil twisted to the side, dodging the attack by mere inches. He could feel the rush of air from the spear's tip, a sharp reminder of Kael's experience. But Edil had something Kael didn't: the knowledge of alchemy, a power that flowed through his every action.
As Kael stepped back, ready to strike again, Edil reached into his robes and drew out a small vial of "Essence of the Flamevine"—a rare alchemical potion that enhanced his speed and reaction time. Without hesitation, he shattered the vial, and a burst of fiery energy erupted around him. His muscles surged with power, and his body felt lighter, faster, more in tune with the world around him.
He moved.
Edil's body blurred as he launched himself forward, his hand glowing with a surge of Qi. The power he had unlocked from his Diwa Seedling core flared, forming a protective aura around him—a temporary shield that absorbed the impact of Kael's spear thrust. The force was enough to send Edil skidding back, but it was still a vast improvement over his previous fight.
Kael raised an eyebrow, impressed but not deterred. "Not bad, Edil. But you'll need more than that."
Edil stood, wiping sweat from his brow, his eyes fixed on Kael. His heart pounded in his chest as the power from the Essence of the Flamevine coursed through him. But this was only the beginning. He was still raw—he hadn't even tapped into the true potential of his alchemical cultivation fusion.
"I'm just getting started," Edil muttered under his breath.
Kael smirked and rushed in once again. But this time, Edil was ready. He channeled the Qi through his body, focusing on his core, and with a mighty roar, he unleashed a "Diwa Burst." A wave of spiritual energy exploded from his body, pushing Kael back. It wasn't a perfect attack—Edil could feel the strain in his limbs as the power drained—but it was enough.
Kael's eyes widened as the energy pushed him back, his footing faltering. "What… was that?"
"That," Edil said, voice calm but filled with an undercurrent of challenge, "was only the beginning. You're right about one thing—I'm still learning. But I'm not as weak as you think."
Kael sneered. "You're getting lucky, Edil. But it won't last."
Edil moved swiftly, his body flowing like water as he closed the distance between them. He launched a series of strikes, his hands moving in perfect synchronicity with his alchemical knowledge. He transmuted the air, turning it into a force that collided with Kael's defenses. Kael blocked with his spear, but Edil was relentless, not giving Kael a moment to breathe.
"Impressive," Mara said from the sidelines, her voice carrying across the arena. "But remember, Edil: power without control is nothing."
Edil didn't answer. His focus was entirely on Kael now. The rivalry between them was thickening, every strike a testament to their growing animosity.
Kael, now visibly frustrated, began to channel his own cultivation, his spear glowing with a faint aura of energy. He wasn't going to hold back anymore. With a sharp cry, he thrust his spear forward, sending a massive wave of Qi through the ground, the earth cracking beneath them.
Edil had only a split second to react. He raised his hands, weaving the alchemical fusion he had learned. The result was an explosive collision of energy—alchemy against cultivation, raw power against precision. The ground beneath them shattered, and both fighters were thrown back by the force.
When the dust settled, Edil stood, breathless but unbroken. Kael was on his knees, gasping for air, the Qi Refining, Rank 4 cultivator visibly exhausted.
"You've got spirit, Edil," Kael growled, struggling to stand. "But you're still far from the top."
"Maybe," Edil replied, his voice unwavering. "But I'm climbing, Kael. I'm climbing."