Morning sunlight spilled across the mountain peaks of the Iron Flame Sect.
The sound of a massive bronze bell suddenly echoed across the entire sect.
BOOOONG!
The bell rang once.
Then twice.
Then three times.
Every disciple across the mountain stopped what they were doing.
Training fields fell silent.
Meditation halls emptied.
Even the elders turned their attention toward the highest peak.
Kael stepped outside his residence room and looked toward the sky.
"What's happening?" he muttered.
A nearby disciple answered quickly.
"The Sect Bell only rings like that for important announcements."
Within minutes, hundreds of disciples began gathering in the Central Assembly Courtyard, a massive stone plaza carved into the mountainside.
Kael followed the crowd.
When he arrived, the courtyard was already filled with cultivators wearing robes of different ranks.
Outer disciples.
Inner disciples.
Even a few elders stood on the elevated platform above the crowd.
At the center of the platform stood Elder Taron.
His voice carried effortlessly across the entire courtyard.
"Disciples of the Iron Flame Sect."
"The time has come once again for the Iron Flame Tournament."
The crowd immediately erupted into excited whispers.
Kael listened carefully.
This tournament clearly held great importance within the sect.
Elder Taron continued.
"This competition will determine rankings among disciples and grant access to new cultivation resources."
His gaze swept across the crowd.
"Outer disciples who perform well may be promoted."
"Inner disciples who win may gain access to the Flame Ascension Grounds."
Even the inner disciples reacted to that announcement.
Kael noticed Darius Valen standing near the front of the inner disciple group, his expression calm but confident.
Nearby stood Seraphine, her golden robes glowing faintly in the morning light.
Elder Taron raised his hand.
"The tournament will begin in three days."
"Until then, prepare yourselves."
The crowd began dispersing slowly.
Excited conversations filled the courtyard.
Kael turned to leave when a voice called out behind him.
"So… you're really entering the tournament."
Kael turned.
Seraphine stood a few steps away.
He smiled faintly.
"That's the plan."
Seraphine studied him carefully.
"You only awakened your core yesterday."
"And you want to fight disciples who have cultivated for years."
Kael shrugged.
"Sounds fun."
Seraphine shook her head slightly.
"You're either brave or insane."
Kael answered calmly.
"Maybe both."
Seraphine's lips curved slightly in amusement.
"Well…"
Her eyes sharpened.
"I'll be watching."