Xiao Lan stepped out of the arena, his body still buzzing with energy from the fight.
The name "Xiao Lan" was now whispered throughout Black Hollow.
He had done the impossible—defeated a seasoned warrior in seconds.
Some were impressed. Others were furious.
But one thing was clear:
He was no longer an unknown fighter.
As he walked through the streets, Xiao Qing followed beside him, still shaking her head in disbelief.
"One strike. One. Do you even realize how absurd that was?" she muttered.
Xiao Lan smirked. "I thought you wanted me to be careful?"
"I did!" she snapped. "But I also didn't expect you to turn someone's ribs into dust."
Xiao Lan laughed. "Guess I underestimated myself."
She sighed. "That's the problem. You don't even know your limits yet."
That thought stuck with Xiao Lan.
She was right.
He had awakened something strange inside himself. His Dao energy felt deeper, more refined, but he still didn't fully understand its potential.
And if he wanted to survive in this world, he needed to master it.
As they reached their small rented inn, a figure stood waiting for them.
A tall man, cloaked in black, his face obscured by a mask.
Xiao Qing instantly reached for her sword.
But the man raised a hand.
"Relax," he said in a smooth, measured voice. "I come with an opportunity."
Xiao Lan narrowed his eyes. "Who are you?"
The man chuckled.
"You can call me Roku."
He tossed a sealed letter toward Xiao Lan.
"The arena fights are just the beginning," Roku continued. "If you're truly looking for strength, there are greater battles ahead."
Xiao Lan caught the letter but didn't open it immediately.
"And why should I trust you?"
"You shouldn't," Roku admitted. "But the strong don't grow by playing it safe."
Then, without another word, he vanished into the shadows.
Xiao Qing frowned. "That was suspicious."
Xiao Lan smirked. "Yeah. And interesting."
He broke the seal and unfolded the letter.
His eyes scanned the page—
And then widened.
The letter was an invitation.
A special event was taking place in three days—
The Blood Trials Tournament.
It wasn't just for arena fighters. It was a battleground for rogue cultivators, mercenaries, and hidden talents.
The rewards?
Rare cultivation resources. Secret Dao techniques. And a chance to catch the eye of the strongest factions in the Outer Mist Region.
But there was a catch.
This tournament had one rule:
Only the strongest survive.
Xiao Lan's blood burned with excitement.
"This…" He clenched the letter. "This is exactly what I need."
Xiao Qing stared at him.
"You really plan on entering, don't you?"
Xiao Lan grinned.
"Of course."
The path to power had just revealed itself.
And Xiao Lan was ready to walk it.