Ling Feng stood battered but victorious in the finals against a timid alchemist disciple. The crowd chanted his name—a far cry from their earlier scorn.
**[Main Quest: "Win the Tournament" Complete.]**
**[Reward: 500 Soul Points. "Azure Sky Manual" (Grade 3) Unlocked.]**
**[New Cultivation: Qi Condensation Stage 5.]**
As the sect master awarded him an inner disciple token, Su Mei approached.
"You spared me humiliation," she said stiffly. "Name your price."
Ling Feng grinned. "Teach me how to use a real sword."
Before she could reply, the ground trembled. A rift tore open above the arena, spewing crimson mist.
**[Cataclysm Alert: Blood Moon Realm Invasion.]**
**[All Disciples: Evacuate or Defend.]**
Elder Wu materialized beside Ling Feng, his face grim. "This is no coincidence. The system's energy is a beacon."
Demonic cultivators poured from the rift, led by a figure in black robes—the same crimson eyes as the Shadow Wolf.
**[Void Demon Cultist (Level 20)]**
**[Cultivation: Foundation Building Stage 3.]**
The cultist pointed at Ling Feng. "The Soulforge belongs to our king."
---
**Cliffhanger:**
As the cultist lunged, Su Mei shoved Ling Feng aside, taking the blow meant for him. Her blood splattered the arena—and the system screeched:
**[Emergency Protocol: Bloodline Fusion Detected.]**
**[Merge with Host? Y/N]**