The day of the Iron Flame Sect Tournament finally arrived.
Thousands of disciples gathered around the Grand Arena, a massive circular battlefield carved directly into the mountainside.
Stone stands surrounded the arena, filled with outer disciples, inner disciples, elders, and even visiting cultivators from allied sects.
Banners bearing the symbol of the Iron Flame Sect waved in the mountain wind.
Kael stood among the outer disciples waiting near the entrance tunnel.
His eyes moved across the arena.
"This place is huge…"
Nearby stood Lorian Hale, the top-ranked outer disciple.
Lorian noticed Kael looking around and chuckled.
"First tournament?"
Kael nodded.
"Looks like it."
Lorian crossed his arms.
"Don't get nervous. Just focus on your opponent."
Before Kael could reply
A loud voice echoed across the arena.
Elder Taron stood on the elevated judging platform.
"The Iron Flame Tournament begins now!"
The crowd roared with excitement.
Stone pillars around the arena suddenly glowed with energy as the protective barrier formation activated.
"Outer Disciple Elimination Round!"
"First group, step forward!"
Dozens of outer disciples entered the arena floor.
Kael watched several quick battles unfold.
Sword techniques flashed.
Aether techniques collided.
Some fights ended in seconds.
Others lasted several intense minutes.
Then
"Match 17!"
The announcer called loudly.
"Kael Veyron vs Danton Krell!"
The crowd murmured.
"Kael? Isn't that the new guy?"
"The one who fought Rylan?"
"Yeah, the Aetherless one."
Kael calmly walked into the arena.
His opponent, Danton, was a large outer disciple with heavy armor and a massive spear.
Danton sneered when he saw Kael.
"So you're the famous outsider."
Kael shrugged.
"Depends who's asking."
Danton slammed his spear into the ground.
"I've been waiting to crush you."
The referee raised his hand.
"Begin!"
Danton immediately charged.
His spear thrust forward with explosive force.
Kael stepped sideways easily.
Too slow.
Danton attacked again with a wide sweeping strike.
Kael ducked under it.
The crowd watched carefully.
"Why isn't he attacking?"
"He's just dodging."
Kael was observing.
Measuring.
Learning.
Danton grew frustrated.
"Stand still!"
He lunged again with full force.
That was the opening Kael wanted.
"Origin Rush."
His body blurred forward.
In a blink, Kael appeared directly in front of Danton.
The spear user's eyes widened.
"Too close!"
Kael's fist slammed into his chest.
"Origin Strike."
BOOM!
Danton flew backward like a cannonball.
He crashed into the arena wall and collapsed unconscious.
Silence filled the arena.
Then the referee raised his hand.
"Winner: Kael Veyron!"
The crowd erupted into loud murmurs.
"That was fast."
"One punch?"
"He didn't even use Aether!"
On the upper platform, several elders exchanged glances.
Elder Taron stroked his beard thoughtfully.
"That strange energy again…"