A faint breeze rustled the trees outside the hidden cave. The sun filtered softly through the veil of leaves, casting dappled light onto the forest floor.
The waterfall behind the cave thundered faintly, as if the world were still unaware of the chaos that had just passed.
Inside, Jian Dao and Huo Chuntian stood in silence.
Their eyes rested on the unconscious figure of Mike, who lay still beneath layers of spiritual mist. His chest rose and fell slowly, sweat beading across his brow, his expression tight with strain even in sleep.
Huo Chuntian exhaled, his voice low.
Jian Dao… what did we do? he muttered. I didn't even know he could manifest something like that. That aura… it felt like doomsday. Do you remember how heavy the air became?
Jian Dao didn't look away. His tone remained composed.
That's not the issue. The real problem is he unlocked a Di Technique. That kind of awakening... it could've cost him his mind, his life. And if he doesn't recover in time, we'll lose more than days. We'll lose this entire journey.
Huo Chuntian's brows drew together. You mean… we tested him like fools.
Just then, Mike stirred. A flicker of spiritual light flared in his core. His eyes flew open and he sat up, breath ragged, voice sharp.
I'll kill him! I'll ! He froze mid-sentence, blinking through the haze. …Oh. It's you two?
Mike, calm down, Jian Dao said firmly, kneeling beside him. You're safe. Here. Take these. He handed over three gleaming pills Tier 3 Recovery Elixirs.
Mike swallowed them with a grimace. Thanks… Master. He took a deep breath, then asked, But… who was that man? And where did he go? He was strong. Really strong. Like… from some hidden realm or something.
Jian Dao gave a knowing nod.
You're not wrong. But also, not right.
Huo Chuntian smirked faintly. He wasn't from any realm, Mike. That man you fought… was standing in front of you right now.
Mike's head snapped toward them, eyes narrowing. What?
We fused, Jian Dao explained. After you mastered the Mountain Shatter Hammer, we merged our spiritual forms our combined rank reached Dou Wang seven stars. We wanted to test how far you'd come.
Mike shot up. You were testing me?! And you went that far?
Jian Dao nodded, unfazed. You asked why he seemed stronger? That's because in cultivation, each step past Dou Shi isn't small. The leap from one star to the next is greater than all the stages below it. Dou Wang 7 to 8 isn't a step… it's a mountain.
Mike sat back down, stunned. So there are people even stronger than you two out there?
Countless, Jian Dao said. Dou Wang 9 stars… almost Sheng Zhe realm. They can bend mountains with their will.
Mike was quiet, then looked up. Then I need to grow faster. I don't want to be left behind.
Huo Chuntian let out a laugh. Crazy kid. You made your own flame-based Di Technique. Do you know how rare that is? Even we can't craft one so easily.
Mike blinked. Wait, what? I made my own technique?!
Jian Dao nodded seriously.
You fused your Sea Snake Flame and Ice Snake Flame with blood. You tore open space itself. It wasn't some accident it was a true Di-rank technique, born from your will. And that's why the Competition Hall's powerful cultivators sensed it.
Mike leaned back, overwhelmed. So what now?
No more delay, Jian Dao said, standing. Let's head to the arena.
Mike got to his feet, a flicker of confidence returning to his eyes.
Yeah. Let's see who's strong enough to stop me now.
As they rose into the sky, Jian Dao glanced at him.
Mike… your name's already submitted in the participant rolls. Just as 'Mike.' Keep it that way. No showing off. No real identity exposure.
Mike nodded. Got it. What about you two?
I'll stay in the city, jian Dao replied.
And I, Huo Chuntian added with a grin, will hide in your body. No one not even Jing Xu will notice.
Mike raised an eyebrow. Jing Xu? Who's that?
Jian Dao chuckled. She's the founder and Dean of Azure Sky Academy. And a friend of your father.
Mike's eyes widened. Wait… my father, you, Mr. Huo, and Jing Xu?
Yes, Huo Chuntian confirmed, smiling wistfully. And Wei Liansheng. Fang Hailong. We six… were bonded not just by strength, but by loyalty, love, and blood.
Jian Dao glanced at him. Let's not get too nostalgic. That story's for another day.
He turned to Mike. For now, be careful. You're on the peak of Dou Ba - 2 Stars. A breakthrough now would bring more trouble than gain.
Mike nodded with a faint smile. I'll manage it.
Together, they soared toward the city, their shadows stretching long across the sky.
Later…
The arena loomed before them like a vast beast made of marble and stone. Flags fluttered in the breeze, and a roaring crowd filled the air with anticipation.
Mike descended with calm steps, Huo Chuntian now hidden within him. His badge bore the number 300.
People stared. Some whispered. Some laughed.
But Mike didn't flinch.
Let them talk, he thought.
This is just the beginning.