Chapter 14 — The Arena of Rising Steel
The gong's deep vibration rolled across the Starry Sword Sect like thunder crawling over mountains. Disciples tightened their grips on their swords, elders sat straighter, and the entire plaza trembled with anticipation. Today wasn't just another event—this was the day reputations were forged or shattered.
Jason Wu inhaled slowly, feeling the atmosphere thicken. Even the Longwu Sword vibrated faintly at his waist, like a beast stretching before a hunt.
"Finally awake?" Jason murmured.
Longwu snorted. "I was awake the whole time. I merely chose not to participate in your human nervousness."
"Right."
"Though if you die, please scream loudly. I want entertainment."
Jason sighed. "So supportive."
Fan Duyi appeared at Jason's side with a trembling lunch box. "Brother Wu, I packed emergency snacks. If you faint, I'll force-feed you buns for revival."
"That's not how revival works."
"It is in my world."
Jason chuckled. His nerves loosened for a moment.
High above the plaza, the Grand Elder rose to his feet. His white robes fluttered like banners of authority.
"Let the Ranking Evaluation begin!" he declared.
Dozens of stone platforms lit up, glowing with runic patterns as the disciples were assigned to their respective arenas.
Jason Wu's jade token buzzed.
Arena No. 6.
Fan Duyi checked his own. "Arena No. 12… Brother Wu!" He gripped Jason's shoulders dramatically. "If you die, I'll avenge you. Somehow. Probably by crying on someone's doorstep."
"That is not avenging."
"It is emotional damage!"
Jason shoved him away, but he couldn't suppress a grin.
He stepped onto Arena No. 6 where several disciples had already gathered. Some eyed him with disdain. Others with curiosity. One disciple whispered loudly enough for Jason to hear:
"That's the outer disciple who thinks he can jump ranks."
Jason ignored him.
The overseeing elder on this platform—a stern woman with sharp eyebrows—lifted her hand.
"First match: Jason Wu versus Liang Tao."
A ripple of laughter traveled through the crowd.
Liang Tao, a broad-shouldered disciple known for crushing beginners, cracked his knuckles. "Heh. Lucky me."
Jason stepped forward calmly.
Longwu whispered in his mind.
"This one's loud. Please defeat him quickly. His brain vibrates my consciousness."
Jason tightened his grip on his sword. "I'll try."
The elder dropped her hand. "Begin!"
Liang Tao charged forward like a charging bull, feet pounding the ground, spiritual qi surging around his fists. Jason shifted sideways and deflected the first strike with the flat of his blade, redirecting the force.
Liang Tao stumbled. "You—!"
Jason didn't give him time to recover. He stepped in, sweeping his leg low. Liang Tao toppled backward with a yelp before Jason's sword tip halted a breath away from his throat.
Silence swallowed the arena.
"…Winner: Jason Wu."
The crowd gasped.
"That fast?"
"He beat Liang Tao in one move?"
"Impossible!"
Jason sheathed his sword and bowed respectfully to the elder. He didn't celebrate. He didn't gloat. He simply walked back to his position.
Xueyin, who was supervising another arena, had turned her head. Her eyes lingered on him for a heartbeat—calm, yet warm beneath the surface.
Jason pretended not to notice the way his heart skipped.
Longwu sighed dramatically.
"Oh please. The romantic tension is choking me. Fight, kiss, or do something productive."
Jason mentally kicked the sword spirit.
The next rounds continued. Jason faced opponents with different techniques—whip users, qi-burst fighters, sword dancers. Each match grew progressively harder but Jason adapted quickly, as though instinct guided him.
He was sweating, breath heavy, but his resolve sharpened.
Match after match, Jason Wu won.
No flashy moves.
No brute force.
Just precision, timing, and a touch of creativity.
Whispers spread like wildfire.
"Who is this guy?"
"Wasn't he an unknown outer disciple?"
"He fights like someone trained for years."
As Jason prepared for the next match, a chilling presence entered the arena.
Bao Shen.
The crowd parted around him like frightened deer avoiding a predator. His aura thickened the air, making it feel like the temperature had dropped.
Jason's heartbeat slowed.
So it begins.
Bao Shen stepped onto the platform opposite Jason, cracking his neck. "Finally. I was getting bored watching you play with children."
Jason's jaw tightened. "This is an evaluation. Follow the rules."
Bao Shen grinned. "I will. The rules say nothing about how hard I'm allowed to hit you."
Longwu hummed.
"Jason, this one's dangerous. Might want to actually try this time."
Jason's fingers tightened around the sword. "I know."
Before the elder could announce anything, Xueyin arrived at their platform, expression icy.
"You will not fight yet," she announced. "Bao Shen is ranked far higher. Jason Wu must first complete his assigned progression. Only if he reaches your tier will a match be permitted."
Bao Shen scowled. "You protect him too much, Senior Sister."
Xueyin's gaze turned sharp enough to cut steel. "I protect the rules."
Jason exhaled quietly. Her intervention bought him time.
Bao Shen leaned close enough for only Jason to hear. "Enjoy your little victories. Because when your turn comes… I'll break more than your ranking."
He walked away, leaving behind a residue of killing intent.
Fan Duyi, watching from the crowd, waved frantically. "Brother Wu! Don't fight him! He looks like someone who bathes in anger instead of water!"
Jason laughed softly despite the tension. "Don't worry. I'll handle it."
Longwu whispered, tone serious for once.
"You will. Because your journey is only beginning."
Jason nodded. And as the next match was called, he stepped forward with renewed determination.
Today wasn't about winning everything.
It was about taking the next step—
toward becoming the man he was destined to be.
A future emperor.
A future legend.
Jason Wu.