The once warm-hearted 7th Prince had vanished. What remained was a cold, calculating warrior, one who viewed people as mere stepping stones toward his ultimate goal.
The palace buzzed with rumors of his transformation, but no one dared to question him. His training intensified, his ambition sharpened, and soon, the next test arrived—the Battle of Advancement.
For a cultivator, reaching Level 30 was a defining moment. It marked the transition from a mere martial artist to a true force in the world. And today, the 7th Prince was about to prove that he belonged at the top.
---
The Arena of Valor
The grand arena was packed with nobles, warriors, and the royal family, all eager to witness the 7th Prince's test.
"Your Highness," a guard spoke, bowing. "To advance, you must defeat an opponent at Level 30. The council has chosen an elite warrior for your challenge."
The crowd erupted in excitement as a towering figure stepped into the arena. He was a battle-hardened general, Ren Jiao, known for crushing enemies with brute strength.
He smirked. "A mere prince at Level 25 dares to challenge me? This will be over in seconds."
The 7th Prince did not respond. He simply drew his sword, his gaze devoid of emotion.
---
The Battle Begins
BOOM!
Ren Jiao launched forward, his fist coated in golden energy, aiming to end the fight in one strike. The ground shattered beneath his feet.
But as the punch landed—it hit nothing.
The 7th Prince had already vanished, appearing behind him in an instant.
A single slash. Blood splattered.
Ren Jiao gritted his teeth, stepping back. "Fast…"
The crowd gasped. No one had ever dodged Ren Jiao's opening attack so effortlessly.
The 7th Prince remained silent, his sword dripping with blood. His expression did not change.
Ren Jiao roared, activating his full power. His aura surged, shaking the entire arena. "Let's see how you handle this!"
Golden waves of energy exploded, engulfing the prince. The attack was enough to obliterate an ordinary Level 25 warrior.
But when the dust cleared—
The 7th Prince still stood, completely unscathed.
"Impossible!" Ren Jiao's eyes widened.
The prince raised his sword, his tone as cold as death. "You talk too much."
In an instant, he vanished again, reappearing right in front of Ren Jiao.
A clean thrust to the chest.
Ren Jiao staggered, blood pouring from his mouth.
The entire arena fell silent.
Then, with one final flick of his sword, the 7th Prince ended it.
Ren Jiao collapsed. The match was over.
The crowd erupted in shock and awe.
The 7th Prince had just defeated a Level 30 warrior while still at Level 25.
But instead of celebrating, he simply turned away, his eyes cold and calculating.
He was no longer here for recognition.
This was just the beginning.
"Who's next?"
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