The sun had not yet crested the eastern peaks, but the Dawnbreak Arena was already alive with motion. Perched on a plateau outside Dongping City's eastern gate, the coliseum was carved into the mountain itself, its obsidian walls layered with arrays to suppress destructive qi. Torches burned blue in the pre-dawn light, casting ghostly shadows as hundreds of cultivators gathered in the stands, cloaked in fog and expectation.
The semifinal stage had arrived.
Within the inner sanctum of the arena's preparation chambers, Li Yuan Tian sat cross-legged, eyes closed, breath slow and even. Around him, the faint glow of internal qi flickered through his veins like streams of light beneath the skin. This was not the time to reflect on sentiment or plans. Today was about power. Control. Purpose.
Across the chamber hallway, Fei Yuxin sat similarly—back straight, eyes open, fingers curled loosely on her knees. Unlike Yuan Tian, her breathing was almost undetectable. Her presence barely registered in the spiritual sense, like a blade hidden in a sheath, polished and waiting. The guards assigned to her side gave her space—not out of politeness, but instinct. One wrong movement could end in blood.
Above them, the crowd's roar intensified. The first match was about to begin.
Gu Tian Shen vs Mu Ran.
From the elevated platform at the arena's center, City Lord Xuan Mu stood once more in flowing silver-black robes, his voice amplified by formation stones etched into the walls.
"Let the Dawnbreak Semifinals commence!"
A wave of force spread out from the stage, calming the crowd, clearing the ambient qi, and activating the match boundaries. Massive golden runes lit up the arena floor, encasing the dueling platform in a dome of light that would isolate the combatants while allowing the audience to observe every detail.
As Gu Tian Shen stepped into the light, his robe fluttered around his lean form. Calm and poised, his aura surged upward—early-stage Blood Opening, honed to its absolute peak.
Mu Ran followed, a giant of a youth clad in crimson scale-plate armor. He radiated pressure like a war beast, muscles bulging, spiritual blood pounding like drums. Early-stage Blood Opening as well—but his was the wild, thunderous kind.
The match began with no flourish.
Mu Ran lunged with a roar, fist wrapped in blood qi, slamming downward with a force that cracked the arena stone.
Gu Tian Shen didn't dodge—he flowed. His body curved to the side like water and in that instant, his palm struck out like a serpent.
Crack.
A shockwave rippled as Mu Ran staggered.
Li Yuan Tian, watching from within the chamber, narrowed his eyes.
Gu Tian Shen had gained insight into blood-light balance, the key principle that let one manipulate blood qi with finesse instead of brute force. He was no longer just strong—he was refined.
The duel raged on for several minutes—blades of blood, stone-rending strikes, and near-misses that made the crowd hold its breath.
But in the end, precision outmatched power.
Mu Ran knelt, coughing blood, as Gu Tian Shen stood above him, breathing only slightly heavier.
The first match had ended.
Victory: Gu Tian Shen.
As he walked off the stage, calm and unshaken, the crowd erupted in cheers. He gave no reaction.
And now, it was time for the second match.
Li Yuan Tian stood.
A low murmur passed through the spectators. Unlike Gu Tian Shen, Yuan Tian was a mystery to them—there were few flashy battles, no tales of overwhelming might. But those who had observed closely—especially the elders—watched with narrowed eyes. He was not to be underestimated.
From the opposite side, Fei Yuxin rose as well. As she walked, her movements whispered like silk, graceful and deadly.
Their meeting on the central platform was silent.
Only when both stood within the golden barrier did the tension rise to a visible peak.
Two disciples from the same city.
Two monsters in the making.
Fei Yuxin gave him a slow nod, then loosened her stance. "Try not to disappoint me."
Li Yuan Tian didn't speak. His aura was still suppressed, calm as a sleeping volcano.
The referee stepped back.
"Begin!"