For the last three hours, the three purple-robed disciples had been calling name after name. Kira had long since tuned out the endless list.
Kjell had stopped talking ages ago and now sat beside her in meditation, quietly cultivating.
Kira had taken out her weapon technique manual—Lightning Sword—and buried herself in its thick pages. The manual detailed hundreds of body movements, sword techniques, and complex Qi circulation routes required for each strike. Compared to her earlier martial arts, this one was on an entirely different level of complexity.
"How long is this going to take? You'd think cultivators would be a little more efficient," Kjell yawned.
"I guess… maybe it serves some purpose," Kira murmured. "Still, they could have just made the announcement the same way they told us to gather in the arena. And registration? That could've waited until the tournament."
"Well, I see no purpose in it," Kjell grumbled.
"It doesn't matter in the end. We don't have a choice but to wait," she sighed.
Kjell stared at her, bored chestnut eyes meeting her emerald ones. "This sucks," he declared.
As if blessed by the heavens, the cultivator in the center suddenly shouted, "Kjell Faro!"
"Finally!" Kjell exclaimed. "Sorry, Kira, but when I'm done, I'll head home for practice. Don't be mad, okay?" he said, making exaggerated puppy eyes.
"Fine. I wouldn't have waited for you either," she replied, smirking.
He clutched his chest dramatically, pretending to be wounded, then flashed her a grin and jogged toward the pit.
Kira watched as he stood before the purple-robed cultivator, accepted his token, and waved at her on his way out.
She returned her focus to the manual in her hands.
Lightning Sword:
The Lightning Sword focuses on channelling controlled bursts of lightning Qi through the body and blade. Practitioners strike with precision and power, timing each attack like a lightning bolt—swift, efficient, and devastating. It values endurance and control over flashy displays, embracing the philosophy of "Power in Precision."
Spark Step Slash:
Utilizes quick footwork to close the gap between practitioner and target. The sword strike releases a burst of static energy, shocking the enemy on contact.
Thunder Grip:
Channels lightning Qi through the muscles to increase grip strength and swing speed. Each hit has a chance to paralyze the target slightly.
Charged Blade:
The user infuses their weapon with a constant flow of Qi, causing it to hum with energy. Reinforces each cut, making it harder to block without pain.
Stormbreaker Lunge:
Gathers Qi in the legs and sword arm, launching the user forward with explosive force. The thrust strikes like a bolt of lightning.
Thunderous Crash:
A powerful overhead strike combining raw strength and lightning Qi to break armor and defenses alike.
Philosophy:
This technique teaches restraint, patience, and precision. Lightning is not wild—it strikes with purpose. Strength lies not in the storm, but in the bolt that finds its mark.
Kira tried to absorb as much as she could.
I can't wait to be done here and start practicing, she thought.
"Kira! No family name!" the disciple to the right bellowed.
Yes! she cheered inwardly.
As the name echoed through the arena, a wave of murmurs rippled through the crowd.
Kira looked around, puzzled, as she descended into the pit. Eyes followed her from every direction.
Her fist clenched so tightly that her fingers turned white.
What's going on? They can't still be talking about Kresa… how fast did the rumors spread?
She approached the registration table, trying to ignore the whispers.
Across the arena, a pair of icy-blue eyes locked onto her.
"Mizu, why are you staring at that peasant so intently?" Hari asked from beside her.
"Huh? What?" Mizu blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. "I wasn't staring."
But her gaze found Kira again.
"What's everyone whispering about? Did I miss something?" she asked, unsettled.
"You haven't heard?" Hari said, amused.
"Guess you've been too deep in cultivation."
"Heard what? Something about Kira?" Mizu asked, concern creeping into her voice.
"Cute, naive Mizu. You even remember their names," Hari teased. "You know Kresa, right? Lord Shira's daughter?"
"Yes… I've met her at court a few times.
Why?"
"Well," Hari said with a grin, "she and Kira were assigned to the same quarters. But this peasant nearly killed her. Crushed half the bones in her upper body. Like a wild dog."
"What?! No way! Why would she do that?" Mizu gasped.
"Who knows what goes on in their heads," Hari said dismissively.
Mizu turned her eyes back to Kira, who had just reached the disciple handling registration. A disturbed, contemplative look clouded her usually clear expression.
She seemed so nice… These are just rumors. Hari must be exaggerating again. Still, a quiet unease stirred in Mizu's chest.
"Come closer. I don't have all day," the purple-robed cultivator drawled.
"Kira, right?" he asked, pulling out a thick stack of papers from seemingly nowhere.
"Yes, Senior Brother," she answered politely.
"Kore Zahn," he replied while flipping through the documents.
Kira noticed a glint of amusement in his eyes as he stopped at a specific paragraph.
"So it's you—the newbie who beat up her roommate," he chuckled.
Shit. The higher-ups do know…
Her anxiety surged, the fear she'd buried over the past two days crawling back up her spine.
"Relax," Brother Zahn said with a laugh.
"You're not in trouble."
Kira exhaled shakily. "But I injured her pretty badly…"
"Why would we punish you?" he said casually. "In the sect, everyone is responsible for themselves. If she triggered someone stronger, that's her fault. As long as you don't kill anyone, the sect won't care."
Kira's understanding of the world deepened in that moment.
The weak… can only blame themselves.
"You've made some enemies," Zahn warned. "She's from a powerful family. Their revenge will come sooner or later. So stay alert. Keep cultivating."
He glanced at her again, raising an eyebrow.
"Body Tempering Stage Two already? Very promising. If you keep this pace, you've got a real shot at making the top 100."
"Thank you. I'll remember that," Kira said, cheeks flushing slightly.
"Here's your tournament token and number. Once the tournament begins, the back will display your opponent and the fighting stage."
"One last thing," he added, with a sharp grin.
"During the tournament, deaths are not uncommon. Get yourself a weapon. And when the moment comes—don't hesitate."
Kira's stomach turned.
Cold sweat trickled down her spine.
"Yes, Senior Brother. Thank you for the guidance," she said with a bow.
He nodded approvingly.
Kira turned to leave.
"Mizu Mikuna!" the disciple in the center called out.
Kira instinctively spun around, searching the arena.
Her heart pounded in her ears.
And then—there she was.
Even more beautiful than she remembered.
Kira froze. She wanted to talk to her—so badly. But Brother Zahn's words echoed in her mind:
Don't let yourself get distracted.
I can't. I have no time. I need to cultivate and find a sword… I have to master the Lightning Sword.
With a heavy heart, she turned away and walked into the exit tunnel, past the duel registration stall.
As she stepped through the dragon's gaping maw, she heard a voice—sweet as honey.
"Kira! Wait!"
Mizu's voice.