The Heaven-Breaking Valley thundered with spiritual power.
A massive arena floated above the chasm, held aloft by countless formation pillars inscribed with ancient runes. The arena platform shimmered with golden energy—this was the Spiritual Combat Arena, forged by the founders of the Immortal Dao Academy themselves.
As the Cloudpiercer docked, I descended onto the platform along with Yun Ling'er. Cultivators from the various clans stood in rows—each wearing their respective sect insignias or family crests. Tension filled the air as powerful young cultivators sized one another up, each determined to prove themselves.
Whispers followed me as I walked toward the registration array.
"That's Wu Tangge, youngest son of the Wu Clan."
"I heard he awakened Heavenly God's Palm at just 9 years old."
"And he's Yun Ling'er's fiancé. The two most prestigious clans joined by marriage—what a monster."
But no one knew my secret. No one suspected that behind the cultivated calm and confident smile... beat the heart of an Evil God's successor.
I stepped into the registration circle. An ancient elder from the Immortal Dao Academy floated down, his white robes billowing like clouds.
He looked at me, eyes glowing with spiritual insight.
"Name."
"Wu Tangge."
He pressed a jade talisman against my chest. A pulse of Qi scanned me before the talisman lit up in gold.
"Verified. Cultivation: King Immortal – 3rd Layer. Age: 21. Status: Eligible."
The elder nodded. "You may proceed."
One by one, others stepped forward. There was Bei Hong, the cold-eyed genius from the Bei Clan, known for freezing a lake with a single breath. Yang Luofeng, a spearman whose attacks moved like flowing stars. And Xue Yao, a mysterious rogue cultivator who wore a black veil and emitted ghostly Yin Qi.
Each radiated strength. But none frightened me.
The arena elder raised his voice.
"The first trial will test your spiritual combat prowess. You will battle in pairs, one-on-one. Winning three rounds will advance you. Defeat, and you are disqualified."
The crowd stirred.
The elder continued, "This arena restricts all life-threatening techniques. Your objective is to dominate your opponent's spiritual projection—not to kill."
Suddenly, the platform shimmered, and dozens of illusionary arenas bloomed in the sky like lotus flowers—each capable of hosting a duel without interrupting others.
Then the matchups appeared in golden light.
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Match 1: Wu Tangge vs. Zhou Fan (Silver River Sect)
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I cracked my neck, stepping forward. My projection was instantly transported into one of the floating arenas.
Across from me stood Zhou Fan, a smug cultivator with flashy robes and an aura of lightning.
"So this is the Wu Clan's golden boy, eh?" he sneered. "Hope you're not all hype."
I didn't reply. My body glowed faintly as I circulated the Heavenly Immortal Dao Codex.
The arena elder's voice echoed:
"Begin!"
Zhou Fan struck first, sending arcs of lightning roaring toward me like dragons. The sky cracked as spiritual lightning tore through the air.
I raised one palm. "Heavenly God's Palm."
A massive golden hand descended from the heavens, swallowing the lightning whole and smashing down toward Zhou Fan. He screamed as his defense shattered. Before he could retreat, I flashed forward and slammed my palm into his chest.
BOOM!
His projection shattered like glass.
---
Ding!
Round One Victory
Minor Cultivation Boost Acquired
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I opened my eyes. The crowd was buzzing.
"He crushed Zhou Fan!"
"He didn't even use a weapon!"
Yun Ling'er, watching from the sidelines, didn't smile—but her eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
Back in the real arena, the elder's voice boomed again.
"Next round: in one hour."
I walked off the platform, relaxed—but inside, I was thrilled.
That was only a taste... I thought. Let's see who's next.