The Celestial Ruins faded behind them.
In its place now stood the majestic spires of Skybound Sect, a legendary neutral ground where rogue cultivators, sect disciples, and wandering geniuses gathered for one thing: the Heaven Ranking Tournament.
Dozens of spirit ships circled the skies above the arena. Crowds of cultivators, nobles, and sect masters lined the marble platforms. Power buzzed in the air—tension thick as storm clouds.
> [System Alert: Major Plot Arc Triggered – Heaven Ranking Tournament]
Participants: Top 100 Rising Cultivators
Rewards:
– Public Fame
– Access to Immortal Lotus Pool
– Invitation to Heaven's Library
– Bond Compatibility Boost (Public Combat triggers heightened emotion)
Lin Xue adjusted her robes, which had grown… tighter. Whether due to cultivation or deliberate design, her form had become impossible to ignore. She stood close to Yuefeng now—not as a shadow, but a force.
"Master," she murmured, "they're staring."
"They always will," Yuefeng replied. "Let them."
At that moment, the announcer's voice echoed:
> "Next match… Lin Xue of the Celestial Master's lineage, versus Han Wu of the Thunder River Sect!"
The crowd buzzed.
"Did he say Celestial Master?"
"Isn't that the rogue who destroyed Crimson Veil?!"
Yuefeng watched calmly as Lin Xue stepped into the platform. Across her stood a muscular youth wrapped in lightning, sneering. "You're just his bed toy. I'll crush you."
Lin Xue's eyes narrowed.
She didn't draw her sword.
She just raised a palm.
> [Bonded Skill Activated: Frost Lotus Palm – Variant: Lustfire Bloom]
Effect: Qi Corruption + Nerve Overload
With a single strike, the thunder cultivator collapsed, trembling, flushed, unable to move.
The crowd gasped. Even the elders flinched.
> [Public Victory – Reputation +240]
Lin Xue: Popularity Rank ↑↑
Affection: +3% (Satisfaction)
Affection: +5% (Audience Recognition Boost)
Back in the waiting hall, Yu Rou leaned on a pillar, arms crossed, watching.
"Not bad. For your first disciple, she has bite."
Yuefeng turned. "Are you jealous?"
She smirked. "Why would I be? After all, you'll be watching me next."
True to her word, Yu Rou's match was a spectacle. Her flame techniques were seductive and violent, designed to captivate and dominate. When her opponent begged for mercy, she simply licked her fingers and whispered, "Too soon."
> [New Prompt: "Multiple Disciples in Tournament Arc"]
Status: Both Lin Xue and Yu Rou favorably competing
Rivalry Effect: Bond Strength Multiplier Engaged
Hidden Trait Unlocked: Celestial Jealousy
"Disciples bonded to the same host may clash. Outcomes vary: Passion / Conflict / Dual Breakthrough…"
But Yuefeng's system pinged again—this time darker.
> [Background Threat Detected: Cultivator 'Mo Tian', Shadowflame Sect]
Cultivation: Foundation Establishment (Peak)
Affinity: ???
Intent: Eliminate Celestial Master
Status: Watching From Above. Waiting.
Yuefeng's eyes narrowed as a figure in black robes stared from the highest viewing platform—his eyes glowing red with cursed qi.
A shadow… was forming.
And the tournament had only just begun