The morning sun split the mist hanging over the Phoenix Range, its light falling upon the Sky Fair Arena like the heavens themselves were watching.
The syndicate elders raised their wands into sky. Ten colossal pillars of pure spirit light rose into the sky, each marked with a shimring number from one to ten.
The crowd filled every corner of the mountain terraces, voices buzzing with anticipation. This was no ordinary round—this was the decisive ranking test that would determine the true contenders for glory.
One of the elders, robed in fire-patterned crimson, lifted himself into the air. His voice, amplified by spells, thundered across the entire mountain:
"Disciples, step forward. Choose the light of the rank you desire. Your choice will decide your path in this tournant!"
The announcent struck the crowd like a gong. Murmurs ran wild. Who would dare step into the light of Rank One? Who would humble themselves for lesser positions? The tension thickened like storm clouds.
The first na was called.
"Kent King!"
The mountain cheers erupted with noise.
"It's him! The trickster!"
"No, the powerhouse hiding in plain sight!"
"Will he choose fifth or sixth to play it safe?"
"Impossible—if he's arrogant enough, he might even go for first!"
Rina Lova silently stared at Kent, whispering under her breath, "Kent, don't scare … just go for third or sothing…"
All eyes fixed on Kent. He walked forward in silence, the Heavenly Sword slung lazily over his shoulder. His steps were unhurried, but each carried the weight of a mountain. He stopped at the foot of the lights, and for a long breath, the Arena seed to hold still.
Then—he stepped forward and vanished into the dazzling glow of Rank One.
The crowd exploded.
"He's mad!"
"He's aiming for the top directly!"
"Does he think he's stronger than Shui Lan?"
From the stands, Teron Lova jumped to his feet, shouting, "I knew it! This fellow doesn't want anything less than number one!" His daughter, Rina, bit her lip, eyes shining with disbelief and worry.
On the other side, Shui Lan stood frozen, his hand tightening into a claw. His eyes blazed with venom as he locked onto Kent's back. "You dare…" he muttered under his breath. His aura flared faintly, and disciples around him shifted uncomfortably.
The elder continued calling nas.
"Shui Lan!"
Without hesitation, Shui Lan strode forward and entered Rank One's light, his glare never leaving Kent. The crowd roared again.
"Now it begins! Shui Lan versus Kent—it's inevitable!"
"One is the crowd's favorite, the other the black horse… the heavens will crack!"
Three more nas were called. Ye Fan, the reality manipulator who had killed all opponents till now, smirked and casually joined Rank One. Behind him, two more elites followed, making it a total of five standing in the first light. The pressure from their gathered auras made the very ground quiver.
"Five in Rank One? Madness!"
"Everyone wants the throne!"
"No… they all want the chance to crush Kent in public!"
The process continued.
"Li Fen!" shouted the elder. A girl with jade hair and twin fire-spears stepped forward and stood in Rank Three's light. Others followed, one after another. Soon, seven disciples filled Rank Three, their auras colliding in the air like sparks before a storm.
Like that nas were called and people began choosing their ranks based on other opponents. By the end of the process, no other extra people joined for number one and three.
What surprised everyone was the last choice. A thin, pale youth walked forward with shaking steps. Instead of standing anywhere near the middle lights, he drifted, like a ghost, to the farthest edge and sank into the glow of Rank Ten.
"What is this?"
"He gave up?"
"No… sotis the weakest wolf survives by hiding in the shadow of giants. Maybe he wants a safer path."
When the final na was called, the elder raised both hands, his voice striking like thunder:
"Hear this! The rankings you chose today are not your possession yet. You must fight for them! These lights will test your strength. If you cannot defend your chosen place, you will be cast down. If you wish, you may challenge higher ranks, but fail—and you risk losing even the lowest standing!"
The crowd shuddered. The stakes were higher than anyone imagined.
"From this evening, the battles shall begin! Each disciple is allowed one pet, one weapon, and unlimited spells. Killing is permitted in fair combat. Forbidden techniques and ancient sacrificial arts remain banned!"
His words echoed like divine law, shaking hearts and stirring blood. The light pillars pulsed brighter, as if thirsting for the coming slaughter.
The terraces turned into a cauldron of voices. Gamblers shouted odds, scholars scribbled nas furiously, and nobles leaned forward with glittering eyes. The air itself trembled with anticipation.
"This evening…"
"It's going to be blood!"
"Shui Lan will crush everyone—no doubt."
"No, Kent will shock us again!"
"Huang Tian is in there too—don't forget his space laws!"
Back near the arena edge, Fatty Ben groaned, clutching his head. "Boss, why… why number one? Can't you just let others fight and quietly take second? Do you want to die from heart attack before the finals?" His complaints drew laughter from gamblers nearby, though even they couldn't hide the nervous edge in their voices.
anwhile, Alia stood silently at the corner of the stands. Her sharp eyes followed Kent as he walked back from the glowing pillar, his expression calm, indifferent to the noise around him.
She approached slowly, her robes swaying like a ripple of moonlight.
"How did you grow so strong in this world in such a short ti!" Alia asked as a sense of pride filled her heart.
Kent's lips curved, not into a smile, but into sothing sharper—like the edge of his Heavenly Sword. His voice was calm, but it fell upon her ears with the weight of iron.
"I beca strong to protect my beautiful wife." Kent replied while touching her cheek.
The noise of the crowd thundered on, but in that mont, between Kent and Alia, the world felt silent.
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