Dawn crept over Zi Xuan Academy, golden light cascading across the mountain peaks, painting the sky in hues of rose and flame. A mist clung to the ancient trees, curling between tiled rooftops like whispered secrets.
But inside the dorms, there was no time to admire the sunrise.
Zhang Xin's team stood ready.
Each had meditated through the night, pooling their energy, steadying their spirit. Their robes were clean, weapons polished, a quiet fire burning in their eyes. Only Xiaobo's hair still stood in a volcano of chaos.
> "You look like you slept in a thunderstorm," Yuxin said flatly.
> "I was the thunderstorm," Xiaobo replied with a wink, fists crackling with flame.
The stone path to Ascension Hall was long, guarded by ancient statues of warriors, each bearing a different weapon. As they approached the towering black gates, other disciples gathered along the perimeter.
Word had spread.
A new team had survived Master Ruo Lin's trial, and now they were facing a challenge from one of Zi Xuan's ranked squads: Team Silver Fang.
> "Look at that one—he's the flame puncher who nearly tripped on his own fire!"
> "The petal girl, she's deadly. Elegant too."
> "And the leader… Zhang Xin. There's something off about him. Calm, too calm."
> "Bet Silver Fang eats them alive."
The whispers buzzed like flies.
Inside the hall, the battle arena stretched wide—an open stone floor encircled by steps and arched columns, enchanted banners fluttering above. A tall bell hung in the corner, its chime used to begin duels.
At the center, Team Silver Fang waited.
Six disciples, each clad in silver-lined robes, their emblem—a snarling wolf's head—stitched into their chests.
At their front stood their leader: Lu Yanzhi, a third-year disciple known for his brutal wind-based spear techniques. Handsome, tall, but with cold eyes and a cruel smirk.
> "Newbies," he sneered as Zhang Xin's team approached. "Still alive after Ruo Lin's playtime? Impressive. But don't get cocky. We'll give you a proper welcome."
Zhang Xin said nothing.
But behind him, Xiaobo muttered, "If this guy sneers one more time, I'm going to fire-punch the arrogance out of his teeth."
The referee, a stern-faced elder with glowing jade eyes, raised his hand.
> "This is a sanctioned duel under the Ascension Code. Victory is by incapacitation or surrender. Killing is forbidden."
He paused.
> "Begin!"
The bell rang.
Instantly, Lu Yanzhi spun his spear in a blinding arc, wind swirling violently as he launched a Gale Piercer at Zhang Xin.
Zhang stepped aside, just barely.
The battle erupted.
---
First Minute: Clash of Fangs
Xiaobo met his opponent head-on—Tian Ze, a stocky brawler with iron gauntlets and Qi-infused punches. Fists collided, flame against steel, both grinning savagely.
> "I like you already," Tian Ze growled, blocking Xiaobo's blazing punch.
> "We can brawl after I roast your beard," Xiaobo snapped back.
Nearby, Mei Lan and Yuxin fought in tandem. Mei's water orbs danced like silk, soothing her team, shielding from afar. Yuxin controlled the rhythm, freezing the air with Winter Palm Form, locking one enemy's legs to the ground.
> "They're in sync," Lu Yanzhi muttered, eyes narrowing.
He turned—and lunged again at Zhang Xin.
But Lian Hua intercepted, petals flashing in the air.
> "Go for the leader," she shouted. "I'll handle this one."
Petal Sword met Spear, their movements a deadly waltz of grace and fury.
---
Third Minute: Thunder and Stone
Chen Bo, quiet and efficient, circled the field, tracking weaknesses. His sword, humming with electricity, clashed against Wu Lei, a lanky speedster from Silver Fang wielding dual daggers.
They zipped across the battlefield like shadows.
Wei Luo held the center, fists pulsing with the rhythm of the earth. Every time a shockwave neared his teammates, he stomped, and Stone Shell Barriers rose like mountain shields.
> "Protect Mei Lan and Yuxin," Zhang Xin commanded calmly.
He saw everything—movement, flow, danger. But he wasn't just observing.
He was building energy.
---
Fifth Minute: The Silver Ambush
Suddenly, a loud howl pierced the air.
Lu Yanzhi slammed his spear into the ground—and silver light exploded beneath his feet. Runes lit up. A formation circle activated.
> "Pack Formation!" he barked.
The rest of Team Silver Fang responded instantly, their Qi syncing.
Tian Ze's punches grew heavier. Wu Lei moved faster. A girl with whip-chains flanked Yuxin. Their formation was trained, brutal, and swift.
Zhang Xin's team reeled.
> "Pull back!" he shouted.
But Lu Yanzhi was already in the air, descending like a comet toward Mei Lan.
> "No!" Lian Hua yelled, trying to intercept.
Time slowed.
Zhang Xin raised his hand—and his light exploded outward, forming a Radiant Mirror, reflecting the spear strike just enough to deflect its killing blow.
Mei Lan stumbled back, eyes wide.
> "Th-thanks…"
> "Stay behind the shield," Zhang said, eyes glowing faintly.
> "He's using Light Essence," someone gasped from the crowd. "That's… that's rare."
> "And pure," a senior murmured. "Is he bonded with something?"
---
Seventh Minute: Dragon's Glimmer
Inside Zhang Xin's Sea of Consciousness, the Golden Dragon stirred.
> "You hold your ground well, child," it whispered. "But power alone is not enough. Listen. See. Lead."
Zhang Xin opened his eyes, and something shifted.
He began speaking—short, precise commands:
> "Lian Hua, aim left. Yuxin, freeze the ground under their leader. Wei Luo—lift a wall on my mark."
They obeyed instantly.
Yuxin slammed her palm down—Frost Terrain! Lu Yanzhi's feet skidded.
Lian Hua struck—Petal Flurry Edge! Dozens of blades cut through the wind.
Wei Luo raised a wall—Mountain Blockade! separating the enemy.
Chen Bo zipped across the flank, his Thunder Step flashing—delivering a clean cut across Wu Lei's leg.
> "He's bleeding!" Xiaobo whooped.
---
Ninth Minute: The Flame Reversal
Silver Fang was staggering—but not defeated.
Tian Ze roared, activating his Iron Wolf Mode, gauntlets glowing red. He slammed into Xiaobo, sending him flying across the field.
> "Too slow, flame boy!"
Xiaobo groaned—but then grinned.
> "Nah. Just charging up."
He rolled, spun midair, and unleashed his ultimate:
Phoenix Fist: Blazing Sky Break!
A vortex of fire surged upward and then crashed down on Tian Ze, sending dust and heat in every direction. When it cleared—Tian Ze was out cold.
One down.
---
Tenth Minute: The Judgment Strike
Lu Yanzhi growled, his pride in tatters.
> "Enough games!"
He pulled back, spinning his spear, summoning a Howling Wolf Storm—a tornado of blades, wind, and silver Qi.
He launched it at the entire team.
But Zhang Xin was already moving.
He raised both hands. His body lit with brilliant gold.
> "Everyone! Behind me!"
The team obeyed without hesitation.
> "LIGHT ART: SUNBURST PULSE!"
He formed a glowing orb of light, pulsing like a miniature sun—and hurled it forward.
It met the Wolf Storm midair.
The collision lit the hall like a second sunrise.
The crowd shielded their eyes.
When the light faded—Lu Yanzhi lay on one knee, his weapon shattered.
Zhang Xin stood, panting heavily, but upright.
> "You… damn you…" Lu Yanzhi muttered.
> "This is only the beginning," Zhang replied. "If you're silver fangs… then we'll be the light that breaks them."
Aftermath
The elder referee stepped forward, expression unreadable.
> "Team Silver Fang is unable to continue. Victory… goes to the newcomers."
The bell rang again.
The hall exploded into whispers and cheers.
Some were stunned. Others thrilled. But all eyes now turned to Zhang Xin's team.
From the shadows, Master Ruo Lin watched silently, arms folded.
> "Hm… They're adapting quickly. And the light in that boy…" he whispered to himself. "Yes. He will be tested further."
---
Later That Evening
Back at the dorms, the team sat around, bandaged but glowing with pride.
Xiaobo leaned back, grinning.
> "We won. We actually won!"
> "Barely," Yuxin added, but her lips curved in a rare smile.
> "Your Sunburst was beautiful," Mei Lan said to Zhang Xin.
> "Thanks," he replied quietly. "But next time… it may not be enough."
Lian Hua nodded. "They'll come harder now. The others won't take us lightly."
> "Then we'll train harder," Wei Luo said simply.
Chen Bo looked up. "I saw someone watching us. From the tower."
> "Who?" Yuxin asked.
> "Not a student. His energy felt… ancient."
Everyone went quiet.
The air grew heavier.
> "Then the real game," Zhang Xin said, voice low, "has finally begun."