The morning sun crept through the frost-covered windows, painting golden lines across Tang Xan's room. He opened his eyes slowly, his body still aching slightly from the previous day's cultivation."Eight already?" he muttered, rubbing his eyes and exhaling deeply. "I guess I should start early today."
He sat cross-legged on the cold floor, letting his breath slow as faint traces of light energy circled around him. The faint hum of aura energy filled the room, soft but powerful, as Tang Xan began cultivating again. Each inhale brought the essence of air and energy into his body; each exhale released impurities. His mind was calm, his spirit focused.
Time passed quickly. When Tang Xan opened his eyes again, the clock struck nine. He stood up, stretched his arms, and smiled faintly. "A new day… another challenge," he said softly, stepping outside.
At the registration hall, a crowd had already formed. Many cultivators stood with determined expressions, their auras faintly glowing in the crisp morning air. Tang Xan approached the judge's table calmly.
"Excuse me," Tang Xan said politely. "I'd like to register for today's tournament."
The judge, a middle-aged man with a heavy mustache, looked up lazily. "The tournament starts at twelve," he said. "Registration is open from eight to twelve. You're early."
Tang Xan blinked. "What? You mean… I woke up at eight for nothing?"The judge raised an eyebrow. "That's dedication, boy."Tang Xan sighed, scratching his head. "So… can you register me now?""Of course," the judge said, handing him a small crystal plate with glowing numbers. "You are participant number one today."
"Number one, huh?" Tang Xan smiled proudly. "Looks like luck's on my side for once."The judge smirked. "Don't be too sure. Your opponent will be the next to register. Be ready."
Tang Xan nodded, took the crystal, and turned away. As he walked through the frost city streets, a light breeze brushed past his face. The world seemed peaceful for once. "Maybe today," he thought, "I can finally fight without chaos."
Returning to his room, he began cultivating once again. He sat in perfect silence, eyes closed, surrounded by light. His aura expanded slowly, shimmering like faint wings behind his back. Hours passed, and he opened his eyes again. The time was 11:30 a.m.
"Oh no—!" Tang Xan jumped up. "I overslept!"Without wasting another second, he dashed to the window, spreading his light aura behind him. Wind burst through the room as he leaped into the air. His body glided above rooftops, cutting through the cold air like a streak of white flame.
"Faster!" he shouted, his aura flaring brighter. Within minutes, he landed in front of the Frost Arena, his boots crunching against the icy ground.He checked the clock on the gate wall. "Still twenty-five minutes left," he sighed in relief. "What now? Wait?"
Tang Xan looked around at the slowly gathering crowd. Warriors from different regions, nobles, and even civilians were taking seats in the enormous arena. It stretched miles wide, with ten platforms shimmering with protective enchantments. He saw banners of various sects fluttering in the wind and the royal balcony shining in the distance.
"Twenty-five minutes…" he murmured, yawning. "Guess I can rest a bit."
He walked toward the court entrance and sat near a cold stone pillar. His eyes grew heavy, his body exhausted from continuous cultivation. "Just a few minutes…" he said quietly before dozing off.
The arena bell rang, shaking the ground. DONG! DONG! DONG!
Tang Xan's eyes shot open. "Wha—what time is it!?"He looked up at the giant clock on the wall — 12:10 p.m.
From the loudspeaker, a voice echoed across the arena:"Participant number one, Tang Xan! Report to the arena immediately!"
Tang Xan's heart skipped a beat. "I'm late again!" he shouted, leaping to his feet. Aura burst beneath his feet as he sprinted toward the arena, leaving trails of frost in the air.
The moment he entered the open field, tens of thousands of eyes turned toward him. The massive arena was filled — spectators, nobles, and even the King of Frost himself sat on the royal balcony. Beside the king were the princess, the royal knights, and the Frost Commanders. The sound of drums echoed, and the cold wind grew still.
The judge on the stage frowned. "Tang Xan, you are late again," he said sternly. "Any reason this time?"
Tang Xan stopped in the center, bowed slightly, and replied, "Sorry, sir. I—uh—took a short rest."
The judge sighed, pinching his forehead. "You cultivators… no sense of time. Anyway, your match will begin now. Your opponent—"He turned to the other side of the stage. "—Duo."
A tall young man walked forward from the opposite gate. His aura was sharp and cold like metal. His smirk widened when he saw Tang Xan.
"Hello, Tang Xan," he said, his voice filled with mockery. "We meet again."
Tang Xan tilted his head. "Wait… you're the one who attacked me last night, right?"Duo laughed darkly. "Yes. Consider that a warm-up. I wanted to see your reaction. Looks like you're still the same — careless and weak."
Tang Xan's eyes narrowed, his body tensing. "You shouldn't have done that. You'll regret it.""Oh?" Duo raised an eyebrow, stretching his arms. "We'll see who regrets it when I crush you in front of the entire Frost Kingdom."
The crowd murmured with excitement. "That's Tang Xan, the one who destroyed half the city during the power test!" someone whispered. "And Duo — the prodigy from the Frost Dragon Sect! This is going to be huge!"
The King leaned forward, intrigued. "That boy again… the one with light aura."His daughter whispered, "Father, his power feels divine. It's unlike anything we've ever seen."
The judge raised his hand. "Participants, prepare yourselves. The duel begins in one minute!"
Tang Xan breathed deeply, his aura faintly flickering around him like wings of silver. Leo's voice echoed faintly in his mind, Stay calm, Tang Xan. Power isn't rage. It's control.
Tang Xan smiled faintly. "I know, Leo. I won't disappoint you."
Duo stretched his arms, frost energy swirling around him like a storm. "When this starts," he said with a grin, "I'll make sure everyone remembers your defeat."
Tang Xan took a stance, eyes locked on his opponent. "Let's see if you can keep that promise."
The crowd roared as the bell echoed once again. "BEGIN!"
The air trembled as both warriors leapt forward, their auras clashing midair in a blinding flash of blue and white.
The stage shook, the battle of fate began
End Of Chapter 18