"When blades meet, the body bleeds. When flames clash, the soul trembles."
---
The central arena was a wide, circular platform of polished black obsidian, veined with glowing crimson lines. Arrayed around it were pavilions marked with sect banners, clan insignias, and foreign emblems from dozens of minor realms. Today, the Inter-Sect Examination officially began.
Ash stood with the other Nightveil heirs in their designated sector. His dark silver robes bore the faint shimmer of soul-infused weave, and the twin flame marks on his forearms pulsed with a subtle rhythm—one crimson, one violet.
Above them, the officiator—an elder from Frostmirror Gate—spoke aloud as his voice echoed across the arena.
> "This examination shall determine who ascends into the greater sects. Strength alone is not enough—you must show discipline, control, and brilliance. Begin!"
A series of names appeared on the floating arena crystal.
> [Round 1 – Match 4]
Ash Nightveil vs. Jian Rong of Stormroot Valley
Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
Jian Rong was no ordinary opponent. A fifth-step Flame Mark cultivator, known for his Ironwood Guard Arts, which gave him a defensive shell nearly impervious to most elemental techniques.
Ash stepped into the ring with calm indifference. Jian Rong was already waiting, a bulky youth with dark bronze skin, short-cropped hair, and thick metal bracers on both arms.
He smirked. "Nightveil, huh? Hope your flames don't fizzle."
Ash didn't answer.
The officiator raised his hand.
"Begin."
---
The fight opened fast.
Jian Rong launched forward with a booming stomp, his left fist cloaked in bark-like essence. His Ironwood Fist split the air as it surged toward Ash's face.
Ash didn't retreat.
Instead, he slid sideways with a sharp pivot—Ember Coil Step—and his palm surged forward in response.
> [Flame Burst Palm – Initiate Tier]
A direct hit.
The explosion of flame caught Jian Rong off guard, slamming him sideways. But the bark-like aura around him flared and absorbed most of the damage.
He rolled and grunted. "Not bad. But this—"
He slammed both fists together.
> [Ironwood Root Guard – Second Form]
Roots of glowing green-brown essence coiled up his arms, forming a thickened armor. His body bulged with spiritual reinforcement as he launched toward Ash again.
Ash closed his eyes for half a second.
When he opened them, the violet flame flickered.
> Let's try something deeper.
He took a half-step back, letting Jian Rong's punch graze past him—and then delivered a twisting elbow strike powered by inner fire.
> [Flame Serpent Coil – Custom Variation Initiate Tier]
Flame surged around his body in a spiral, wrapping his limbs with rotational momentum. The strike struck Jian Rong's ribs—and this time, the bark cracked.
Jian Rong winced, but snarled and retaliated.
Ash blurred, dodging again, footwork precise—Ashen Spiral Form, soul-burning but fluid.
The pace quickened.
Flame met bark. Fists crashed. Roots tried to bind. Ash's movements grew tighter, sharper—until his flame twisted into a new shape.
> [Flame Construct – Initiate: Ember Blade]
A short-range flame blade formed from condensed essence. Cuts soul-thread as well as flesh.
The blade shimmered into existence along Ash's right arm, violet with black edges. One sweep—and Jian Rong's right bracer shattered. A second sweep—and his armor cracked across the chest.
The older boy fell back, coughing smoke.
Ash stopped.
"Yield," he said coldly.
Jian Rong's jaw tightened, but he nodded.
> [Victory – Ash Nightveil]
---
Elsewhere – High Pavilion
Kaelen leaned against a carved stone post, eyes on the ring.
"His movements... they aren't clan-taught anymore," he murmured.
Beside him, Elias Thorne smiled faintly.
"No. They're reborn."
Kaelen glanced sideways. "You still think he's—?"
"I don't think. I know," Elias replied smoothly. "But I need proof."
---
Back at the staging area, Lyra met Ash with a rare, proud expression—brief, but unmistakable.
"You're holding back," she whispered.
Ash inclined his head. "Only what's not needed."
"Good. Because they're watching."
---
Later That Afternoon – Match 2
Ash's second opponent was a twin-blade user from Iron Orchid Pavilion—sleek, fast, and skilled in wind-based techniques.
But the moment Ash invoked the Flame Serpent Coil, his speed outclassed her.
And when the Ember Blade cleaved through her defensive spiral, the fight ended in a single, elegant strike.
> [Victory – Ash Nightveil]
This time, the arena didn't murmur.
It buzzed.
---
Night – Nightveil Clan Grounds
Ash sat atop the roof of his personal courtyard, gazing at the crimson moon above.
Below, the courtyard was quiet—except for the rustle of wind through the flameleaf trees. The breeze carried faint whispers from distant sect camps.
Schemes.
Eyes.
Enemies.
He could feel them all moving.
> This world hasn't changed. Every arena is just a stage for predators. I've played this game once... and died.
He clenched his hand.
Not again.
His inner soulsea flickered.
And then, he heard a voice.
Soft. Familiar.
> "You're holding back too much, Sovereign."
It was Eiran, appearing in the shadows beside him. No sound. No motion. Just presence.
Ash didn't look at them. "Not yet time."
Eiran sat beside him, uninvited but welcome.
"The next opponent is from Frostmirror Gate. You've seen the records?"
Ash nodded. "Selene. Ice Flame user. Precise. Not reckless like Jian Rong."
Eiran's gaze narrowed. "She's more dangerous than she looks. That flame isn't natural. It borders on soul frost."
Ash smirked. "Good. Let's see how cold her flames can burn."
---
Meanwhile – In a Hidden Pavilion
A cloaked figure knelt before a runic mirror.
A distorted voice echoed from it. "The boy lives. And he carries the first mark?"
"Yes, master."
"Observe him. Do not interfere. If he awakens the next node... inform the Black Veil immediately."
The cloaked figure bowed deeply.
"Yes, master."
Far away, within a void between realms, something ancient stirred.
The Sovereign's return had not gone unnoticed.
---
End of Chapter 9