The roof exploded.
Shattered wood and debris rained down, crashing into tables and sending guild members diving for cover. A thick cloud of dust and smoke choked the air, blinding everyone inside.
Then—a glow.
A pulse of eerie, golden light cut through the haze, growing stronger with every heartbeat. As the dust settled, a figure emerged from the radiance.
She was tall, her raven-black hair cascading down her back like flowing shadows. Her rich brown skin glowed faintly under the dim lanterns, and her sharp, gemstone-like eyes gleamed with an intensity that made the strongest warriors lower their heads.
The room fell into a hushed reverence. And then, as if compelled by an unseen force, the guild members bowed in unison.
"Greetings, Guild Master!"
Feng Yun's eyes flickered with intrigue.
"So, this is the Guild Master."
But she ignored the greetings, her piercing gaze locking onto Shuan and Feng Yun. The very air tensed as she took a step forward.
Her voice, laced with amusement and irritation, cut through the silence like a blade.
"You two idiots have a death wish, don't you?"
Her gaze snapped to Shuan first. "You. Do you have even a shred of shame, or did you eat that for breakfast?"
Shuan stiffened.
"Fighting someone weaker than you?" she continued. "What are you, a man or a fucking parasite?"
Shuan's face twisted in frustration.
"Damn it. I forgot the Guild Master sleeps during the day—of course this commotion woke her up!"
Shuan lowered his head, knowing he had to act fast before she decided to punish him. "Guild Master," he said, his voice smooth, "I apologize for disturbing your rest. But this isn't just a random fight. This man insulted my parents. I was merely challenging him to a duel to defend my honor. And I promise to hold back so that it's fair."
The Guild Master's eyes narrowed. "Oh? Is that right?"
Her gaze flickered to Feng Yun. "And you?"
Before he could respond, Sophie stepped forward, handing her a form. The Guild Master barely glanced at it before speaking again. "Leon. Twenty years old. Rank… talented."
Her lips curled slightly. "So, do you accept his challenge?"
Feng Yun's face remained unreadable, but his voice was steady.
"Yes. But I accept it as a death match."
The entire guild froze.
Gasps. Whispered murmurs.
Shuan's eyes widened slightly before he chuckled darkly. "He truly wants to die? Fine. I'll gladly oblige."
"Is he serious or just plain stupid?" someone muttered.
The Guild Master raised an eyebrow. Her eyes flickered between the two men, and then, without another word—
She snapped her fingers.
A flash of golden light swallowed the guild hall.
And then—everything changed.
Feng Yun instinctively tensed, his body bracing for the unknown. The world around him had shifted.
The dim guild hall was gone, replaced by an endless expanse of swirling darkness. The floor beneath him wasn't stone—it was obsidian, polished and unnatural, reflecting an eerie silver-blue glow.
A perfect square ring stretched before him, its borders pulsing with an unknown energy. The air was thick with an oppressive force, pressing down on his shoulders like an unseen hand.
Beside him, Sophie stood calmly, as if this was routine.
"What is this place?" Feng Yun asked, his voice controlled.
Sophie tilted her head slightly, then spoke. "This is the Mistress's Soul Domain."
Her voice was calm, but there was an underlying warning beneath her words.
"A realm that requires innate talent to control. Only those ranked A+ and above can use it. In here, Mistress dictates the rules. She can bend reality to her will."
Feng Yun's mind raced. "A personal domain? This kind of ability is…"
His lips curled into a slight smirk. "Interesting."
But before he could contemplate further—
SNAP!
The Guild Master snapped her fingers again, and in an instant—
He and Shuan were teleported to the center of the ring.
A hush settled over the space. The tension was suffocating.
The Guild Master raised her hand—and then, with an eerie smile, she brought it down.
"Match start."
Shuan lunged forward. His fist cut through the air, aiming straight for Feng Yun's skull.
Feng Yun…
Didn't move.
At the last second—
Shuan's body froze mid-attack.
A violent shudder ran through him. His eyes widened in horror.
He tried to speak, but only a choking sound escaped his throat.
And then—
His head exploded.
A sickening crack echoed through the domain as blood, bone, and brain matter sprayed across the dark floor. His lifeless body collapsed, twitching for a brief moment before finally falling still.
The Guild Hall fell silent.
Sophie's breath hitched.
The Guild Master's eyes gleamed.
And Feng Yun… stood there, smiling.