The tournament continued rapidly.
More matches were called.
More disciples were eliminated.
But the audience's attention slowly shifted toward one name.
Kael Veyron.
His second match came soon after.
"Match 28!"
"Kael Veyron vs Harek Sol."
Harek was known for his fast sword techniques.
The fight lasted less than ten seconds.
Kael dodged two strikes.
Then used Origin Pulse.
BOOM!
The shockwave knocked Harek completely off the arena floor.
Another victory.
The crowd began whispering louder now.
"That ability isn't Aether."
"Then what is it?"
"He's too strong for a new cultivator."
High above the arena, Seraphine watched silently from the inner disciple section.
Her eyes followed Kael carefully.
"He's improving… every fight."
Nearby, Darius Valen leaned casually against the railing.
His expression was darker.
"So that's his trick."
Seraphine glanced at him.
"You're worried?"
Darius scoffed.
"Hardly."
But his gaze remained locked on Kael.
"Still… he might actually reach the Inner Disciple Bracket."
Seraphine folded her arms.
"And if he does?"
Darius smiled coldly.
"Then I'll personally eliminate him."
Back in the arena
The announcer's voice echoed again.
"Final Outer Disciple Match!"
"Winner advances to the Top 10 Outer Disciples!"
"Kael Veyron vs… Lorian Hale!"
The crowd exploded with excitement.
Even Kael smiled slightly.
He had expected this.
Across the arena, Lorian stepped forward calmly.
The strongest outer disciple.
The final obstacle before the inner disciple bracket.
Lorian raised his hand casually.
"Well."
He grinned.
"Looks like we meet sooner than expected."
Kael rolled his shoulders.
"I was hoping for this match."
The referee stepped between them.
"Begin!"
Both fighters moved at the same time.
Their clash shook the entire arena.
And for the first time in the tournament
Kael faced someone who could truly challenge him.