The Azure Cloud Sect buzzed with excitement.
Once a year, the outer sect held its Ranking Tournament, where hundreds competed for the top ten spots.
Those ten would ascend to the Inner Sect, gaining better resources, instructors, and status.
For Kael, it was more than promotion.
It was progress.
Another step on the blood-soaked path to strength.
The Gathering
The arena sat in a wide valley carved from stone. Disciples filled the stands, whispering, laughing, placing bets.
On the high platform sat three elders in blue robes, their expressions calm as they watched the young talents below.
A bell rang through the air.
> "Outer-Disciple Ranking Tournament begins! First round—commence!"
Dozens of duels exploded across the field.
Energy clashed, blades flashed, dust flew.
When Kael's turn came, most barely glanced his way — just another new recruit.The Silent Newcomer
His opponent grinned confidently. "Never seen you before, newbie. Don't take this personally."
Kael didn't reply.
The signal horn blared — and he moved.
A blur.
A single red flash.
The opponent collapsed before even realizing the fight had started.
> [Target Defeated: +40 EXP]
The crowd went silent for a heartbeat, then erupted.
"Who was that?"
"He ended it in one strike—was that sword intent?"
"No, that's pure speed!"
Kael stepped off the platform quietly, his expression calm as ever.
He won the next four rounds the same way — swift, precise, emotionless. The Final Duel – Rank 1 Outer Disciple
By the last round, only two remained.
Kael.
And Lin Feng, the top-ranked outer disciple — tall, proud, his spear gleaming with spiritual light.
"Interesting," Lin Feng smirked. "A nameless commoner made it this far. Let's see how long you last."
Kael drew his Blood-Vein Dagger slowly, red runes pulsing faintly.
"Three moves," he said quietly.
Lin Feng blinked. "What did you—"
The gong sounded.
Overwhelming Power
The moment Lin Feng lunged forward, Kael vanished.
> [Ability Activated: Blood Instinct (30s)]
[Passive Active: Blood Vein Link — Ambient Energy Absorption +10%]
The air shimmered. Kael reappeared behind Lin Feng — his dagger slicing across the spear shaft.
Crack!
The spear snapped in half.
The second move drove Lin Feng to his knees, blood spraying from a deep wound.
He looked up, trembling. "Wh-what are you"
Kael's third strike came faster than sound. The dagger stopped a breath from Lin Feng's throat, red energy swirling around it.
Gasps filled the arena.
> [Target Defeated: +150 EXP | +60 EXP (Spiritual Absorption)]
[Achievement Unlocked: "Overwhelming Victory"]
Aftermath
Silence.
Then applause thundered through the valley.
"Unbelievable!"
"He defeated Lin Feng in three moves!"
"His control of energy is terrifying!"
The three elders exchanged glances, nodding in approval.
"The bloodline energy in him is remarkable," one murmured. "His potential is limitless."
The middle elder stood and announced, "Kael, from this day forward, you are promoted to Inner Disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect!"
Kael bowed deeply. "Thank you, Elder."
> [System Update: Quest Complete – Rise Within the Sect]
[Reward: +500 EXP | Skill Fusion Feature Unlocked]
His vision flashed crimson for a second as the system's voice echoed.
> [Skill Fusion: Combining 'Blood Instinct' + 'Vein Pulse'...]
[New Skill Created: Crimson Flow Technique (Grade 1 – Middle)]
"Temporarily boosts speed and regeneration; consumes absorbed blood energy."
He exhaled slowly, hiding his excitement behind his calm mask.
> [Cultivation Level: Body Tempering (Middle) → Body Tempering (Peak)]
The crowd still chanted his name as he turned and walked off the stage, crimson aura fading from his blade.
He didn't bask in glory. He only thought of one thing.
> Inner Sect.
Stronger opponents.
More EXP.
System Log
──────────────────────────────
Blood Reaper System
Name: Kael
Rank: Inner Disciple (Azure Cloud Sect)
Cultivation: Body Tempering (Peak)
EXP: 230 / 800
Weapon: Blood-Vein Dagger (Grade 1 – Middle)
Skill: Crimson Flow Technique (Grade 1 – Middle)
Passives: Blood Vein Link, Energy Absorption
Shop: Grade 1 (Middle) Access
──────────────────────────────
Kael looked toward the distant peaks where the Inner Sect resided.
The path upward was only beginning — and his blood burned with anticipation.
> "Next," he whispered, "I'll climb higher."