The vast Martial Arena of the Verdant Mist Sect thundered with anticipation as the Outer Sect Competition officially began. Tens of thousands of disciples packed the stone terraces, voices rising like waves beneath the early sun. Disciples jostled for better views, elders floated above in their designated seats, and inner sect prodigies leaned lazily over railings, eyes half-lidded with boredom.
But that would change—soon.
A storm was rising in the outer sect.
Round One
Liu Yan's Match
As crimson flames erupted and engulfed his opponent, a roar burst from the outer sect, many shouting Liu Yan's name.
"He's invincible!" someone cried.
"The number one of the outer sect, without question!"
But among the cheers, a few elders frowned, sensing the cruelty in Liu Yan's expression. This was not the fire of a passionate youth—it was the wrath of a storm burning through everything in its path.
Chen Yixuan's Match
When Chen Yixuan danced across the arena, her movement like flowing ink across paper, the crowd fell quieter—not out of disinterest, but admiration. The way her twin blades flashed and shimmered, more than a few disciples gasped aloud.
Who is she?" one inner sect girl whispered.
"She moves like a core disciple," another muttered.
When the match ended, there was no loud cheer—just awe, as though they'd witnessed a rare flower bloom in a killing field.
Long Tianyan's Match
As Tianyan stepped onto the stage, most spectators barely looked up. But when his opponent fell from just one strike, a stunned hush descended.
"Did… did anyone see how he moved?"
"Was that a technique?"
"No... it was just speed."
Even inner sect disciples sat up straighter. Elder Yan, watching from above, narrowed her eyes. Something about the boy felt... unfathomable.
Round Two
Liu Yan's Match
As the Flame Serpent coiled and exploded, cheers burst like fireworks. Younger disciples screamed in excitement. But others flinched from the heat and violence. A senior outer sect elder muttered, "He's growing too fast... too ruthless."
Chen Yixuan's Match
The clang of metal echoed sharply. As blades crossed and sparks danced, each strike was met with gasps from the crowd. When Chen disarmed her opponent with a delicate flick, the audience broke into respectful applause, mixed with admiration and concern.
"She's more than elegant. She's deadly," one disciple said in disbelief.
Tianyan's Match
As Tianyan shattered his opponent's technique and dropped him in one clean move, a sharp intake of breath swept through the crowd.
Someone finally whispered, "Who is he?"
"He doesn't chant. Doesn't roar. He just... ends the fight."
More and more eyes turned to him—not out of curiosity, but wariness. He didn't celebrate, didn't gloat. He simply walked off the stage like nothing happened.
And that made them uneasy.
Round Three
Liu Yan's Match
As the Crimson Phoenix Feather erupted across the stage, even elders leaned forward.
"That technique... it's not from the outer sect manual," one elder murmured.
Another elder's eyes narrowed. "That flame… it's the Crimson Flame passed down from generation to generation in Liu family. It's not just a technique—it chooses the next leader."
The crowd roared, but now there was a thin edge of fear in the cheers. Liu Yan wasn't just strong—he was beginning to look... untouchable.
Chen Yixuan's Match
Blood stained her sleeve as she switched to one-blade form. The crowd leaned in—every move felt like her last. When she finally delivered the winning strike, half the arena rose to their feet, erupting in heartfelt cheers.
"She fights with heart," someone said.
"A true warrior," an elder remarked, nodding.
Tianyan's Match
When Tianyan's aura surged mid-fight, a violent wind swept the arena. Pillars of stone cracked. Disciples shielded their eyes.
"Did he... break through? During the fight?!"
As the ice armor shattered, the girl fell to her knees, stunned. The crowd was dead silent. No one moved.
Then: thunderous applause. Not loud, but deep—a rumble of respect, fear, and curiosity all at once.
Even the Sect Master, high above, opened his eyes slightly.
Round Four – Semi-finals
Liu Yan vs. Chen Yixuan
As Chen Yixuan stood bravely against Liu Yan's overwhelming flame storm, the crowd held their breath. Her blades clashed with fire—again and again—until her form finally crumpled under the heat.
But before she hit the ground, elders blurred into motion, catching her.
The crowd erupted in heartbreak and respect.
"She didn't lose," someone said with misty eyes.
"She stood against fire with steel. That's courage."
Even Liu Yan didn't smirk this time. For a moment, his flames dimmed.
Tianyan's Match
A 9th Layer genius unleashed wave after wave of sword energy, shaking the stage. But Tianyan moved through it with instinctive grace, each dodge and strike calculated to perfection.
When he finally summoned a wave of power, a roaring golden aura erupted behind him. The opponent flew off the stage, unconscious.
Even inner sect disciples stood now.
"That's not just talent," one whispered.
"That's... terrifying."
Round Five – Final Match: Long Tianyan vs. Liu Yan
Two figures stepped onto the stage—flames vs. silence, arrogance vs. mystery, past vs. the unknown.
The crowd didn't cheer now.
They stood in utter silence.
From the elders down to the youngest disciples, all watched with bated breath.
For they knew—
This was no longer a simple match.
This was a clash that would shake the future of the Verdant Mist Sect.
And as their auras flared and the sky above darkened, all knew:
History was about to be written.