Xu Yan lay sprawled on the ground of his cave dwelling, his body aching from days of relentless experimentation and cultivation. The cold stone floor pressed against his back, grounding him as he stared at the jagged ceiling above. His chest rose and fell heavily, exhaustion settling deep into his bones.
He had spent hours experimenting with the Blood Image Technique, trying to adapt it to his shadow qi. Each attempt ended in failure. The technique's pathways clashed violently with the devouring nature of his qi, leading to backlash that wracked his body with pain. Blood dripped from the corners of his mouth on more than one occasion, his trembling hands evidence of his repeated failures.
Despite the setbacks, Xu Yan had made one discovery: no matter how severe the injuries, the pendant intervened. It steadied his condition, healing just enough to prevent life-threatening harm or damage to his foundation. However, the pendant's abilities weren't limitless. After each use, its effects diminished, leaving him partially recovered but still wounded.
'It has its limits,' he thought grimly. Whatever power the pendant held, it wasn't something he could abuse. He couldn't rely on it as a crutch for every failure. Progress required more than blind trial and error—it required understanding and precision.
During his time in the Azure Sky Sect, Xu Yan had heard stories about geniuses who could adapt techniques effortlessly, bending them to suit their needs. Some were said to create entirely new methods on a whim, their brilliance shining like stars among cultivators. But now, lying battered on the ground, Xu Yan couldn't help but smile bitterly. Either those stories were greatly exaggerated, or he simply lacked the talent to follow in their footsteps.
When frustration mounted, Xu Yan turned his attention to the Boundless Sword Technique. Over the days, he practiced its stances, repeating them until his body moved without hesitation. By now, he had learned the first part's forms, but mastery still eluded him. Without deeper understanding, they were little more than hollow movements. He knew that only real combat could bridge the gap between knowing and mastery.
His thoughts drifted to the sword he had purchased. Though he had hoped for something extraordinary, the blade seemed ordinary. There was no hidden power, no special quality to uncover. Yet there was something strange about it—a durability that defied its rusted appearance and a balance that felt natural in his hands. It wasn't much, but it was enough for now.
Xu Yan exhaled deeply, his body sinking further into the stone. He didn't feel accomplished, but he wasn't defeated. Every failure was a lesson, every step another move forward. His path was fraught with difficulty, but he had chosen it willingly. There was no turning back.
A deep, commanding voice echoed across the outer sect, projected with Qi to ensure every disciple heard it. "The tournament will begin shortly. All outer sect disciples are to report to the arena immediately."
Xu Yan opened his eyes and stood, adjusting his robes. The announcement wasn't a surprise. Leaving his cave, he made his way toward the arena. Along the way, the growing crowd of disciples funneled through the sect's pathways, all heading in the same direction.
When Xu Yan arrived at the arena, it was already packed. Disciples stood in tight groups, their murmurs blending into a constant hum of chatter. He caught snippets of conversations—whispers about who the favorites were and which disciples had bets placed on them.
"Li Feng is sure to crush everyone," one disciple muttered confidently.
"Don't be so sure," another said. "I've heard Yuan Mei's already half a step into Foundation Establishment. She'll dominate."
Xu Yan ignored the noise, his eyes scanning the vast arena. The stage was large and open, the perfect setting for combat. Rows of elevated seats surrounded it, packed with spectators, while a small group of elders sat on a platform overlooking everything.
A sharp voice cut through the chatter. "Quiet!" The authority in the tone silenced the crowd instantly. Xu Yan turned to see Elder Rui standing on the raised platform, his imposing figure exuding pressure.
"The tournament will proceed as follows," Elder Rui began. "This is an elimination-based competition. Disciples will fight with all they have against each other, and if one chooses to surrender, they are free to leave the stage. However…" He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "If you hesitate, if you are too weak to admit defeat, and you lose your life because of it—then that is your fault. The sect will not intervene or care."
The crowd stirred uneasily at the blunt declaration, though Xu Yan remained unfazed. This was the demonic path. Strength was the only law here, and the weak were expected to either bow or break.
Elder Rui continued, "The top ten disciples will earn the right to join the inner sect. Beyond that, there are additional rewards for those who excel. The top three will receive individual prizes, and the first-place winner…" He paused, letting the tension build. "…will be rewarded with a Foundation Establishment Pill."
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. Disciples exchanged shocked glances, their hushed whispers carrying a mix of envy and disbelief.
"A Foundation Establishment Pill?" one disciple whispered.
Xu Yan's expression remained neutral, though his thoughts churned. The stakes had just grown considerably. For a cultivator still at the Qi Refining stage, such a pill was a priceless treasure, capable of breaking through bottlenecks and advancing their cultivation significantly.
Elder Rui's gaze swept across the crowd once more. "Prepare yourselves. The first matches will begin shortly."