Location: Azure Flame Library – Inner Sanctum
Rows upon rows of jade scrolls glowed softly under eternal flame lanterns. The air was thick with ancient energy. Most disciples weren't even allowed near this place without three years of loyalty.
But Jinhyuk walked in like he owned the floor.
> [Access Granted: Azure Flame Library – Tier 2]
[Skill: "Ember Vein Sutra" (Fire-Type) copied successfully]
[Skill: "Blazing Step" (Movement-Type) copied successfully]
[Warning: Maximum daily limit reached – System cooldown in progress]
He leaned back against the wall, eyes half-lidded.
Already, he could feel the rush of power beginning to swell inside him.
What these fools studied for decades, he learned in minutes.
---
Outside the Library
Chen Ziyun watched from the shadows, his knuckles white.
He was one of Elder Myung Jin's inner circle. Loyal for years. Obedient. Talented.
And yet… this outsider walks in and steals his spotlight?
He grit his teeth.
---
Courtyard Duel Request
A golden talisman floated down to Jinhyuk as he left the library.
> [Duel Request – Challenger: Chen Ziyun]
[Location: Ember Ring Arena]
[Time: One hour]
Jinhyuk read the talisman… and smirked.
"Let them come."
---
One Hour Later – Ember Ring Arena
Dozens gathered.
Inner disciples, outer disciples, even some instructors. Whispers filled the air as Jinhyuk walked in, expression calm, steps lazy.
Chen Ziyun stood with a golden spear crackling with flame qi, his aura pushing into the peak Core Formation stage.
"You don't belong here," he said coldly.
"I do now," Jinhyuk replied, stretching.
"I earned my place. You just appeared."
"Then prove I don't deserve it."
---
The Duel
Chen Ziyun attacked without warning. His spear shot forward like a meteor, flame exploding across the ring.
"Blazing Dragon Strike!"
A golden serpent of fire shot toward Jinhyuk—
But Jinhyuk stepped aside with a flick of his hand. The fire split around him.
> [Skill Activated: Blazing Step (Modified)]
[Effect: Phase Shift – Fire Resistance Amplified 90%]
"What—?!"
Before Chen could react, Jinhyuk appeared behind him, two fingers pressing lightly on his neck.
> [Shadow Flame Palm – Modified: Internal Burn]
A whisper of heat flared inside Chen's body.
He fell, screaming, his meridians burning from within.
Jinhyuk caught the falling spear and stabbed it into the arena floor beside the unconscious body.
"I earned it now?" he asked the crowd.
Silence.
Then—
Clap. Clap. Clap.
Everyone turned to see Yue Qingxue standing at the edge of the ring, arms crossed, smirking faintly.
"So… you're not just talk."
Her eyes met Jinhyuk's.
And for the first time, interest replaced contempt.
---