Three Months Later – Spirit Hall Outer Arena
Qian Tian stood barefoot in the white-marble arena, his silver-white hair flowing gently despite the still air. His robes—crimson trimmed with frost-blue—fluttered in silence. The audience above, composed of high-ranking Spirit Hall elders, spirit masters, and noble guests, held their breath.
Today marked the Trial of Awakening Flames, a ceremonial challenge where prodigies tested their combat prowess against older spirit masters under controlled conditions.
But Qian Tian wasn't participating because he had to.
No, this was his request.
Standing across from him was a 15-year-old Soul King, a top disciple of the Fire Phoenix Sect, with a five-ringed martial spirit of pure flame. Arrogant. Proud. Powerful.
But still a lamb before a divine storm.
Above the Arena – Spectator Pavilion
Qian Daoliu stood calmly with his arms crossed as Bibi Dong and several top elders looked on. Qian Renxue sat nearby, quietly nibbling a candied fruit, eyes glued to her brother below.
"I still believe this is unnecessary," said Elder Qiu, frowning. "This child is six. His opponent is nine years older and a Soul King."
Bibi Dong raised a brow. "You doubt the boy?"
"I doubt our understanding of what he is," the elder muttered. "This is no child."
Qian Daoliu didn't respond. He simply watched.
And waited.
Arena Floor
"Are you sure you want to do this, little prince?" the Soul King smirked. His flames coiled around him like serpents. "I don't hold back just because you're a kid from Spirit Hall."
Qian Tian didn't answer. He simply raised a hand.
System Command: Unlock Soul Ring Compression.
Confirmed. Suppressing soul energy signature to Spirit Elder level.
He wanted to be fair—to play with him a little.
His opponent narrowed his eyes, sensing the suppression but misunderstanding it completely.
"Arrogant brat."
The Soul King roared, his martial spirit—a blazing Fire Phoenix—erupting behind him with a scream of crimson. The temperature soared as a sea of fire surged across the arena, aiming to engulf Qian Tian whole.
"Phoenix Descent: Scorching Plume!"
Massive feathers of molten fire rained from the sky.
Qian Tian raised his palm.
"Celestial Ice Phoenix – Domain Unleashed."
The arena exploded in snow and white mist as a howling blizzard burst forth from his body. Every feather froze mid-air, suspended like ice sculptures, before shattering into diamond dust.
The Soul King staggered, coughing blood as his flames extinguished entirely.
"What—?! My fire—it's—" he screamed in panic.
"You burned brightly," Qian Tian said calmly. "But light fades."
He vanished.
Appeared behind him.
"Frozen World."
A crystalline lotus bloomed beneath the Soul King's feet. The air froze. His body locked in place, encased in a perfect sculpture of ice from head to toe. Not dead—but utterly neutralized.
One move.
Complete victory.
Spectator Pavilion
Gasps. Applause. Awe.
Even the most hardened elders stood stunned.
"He… suppressed his own level… to make the fight fair," one muttered.
"Ridiculous. That ice wasn't just cold—it overrode flame. Like law defeating law."
Bibi Dong's eyes gleamed.
He's no longer just a potential. He's becoming something absolute.
Later – Spirit Hall Inner Gardens
Qian Renxue sat beside a pond, watching lotus flowers bloom in the light of dusk. Her golden hair shimmered in the wind, but her thoughts were quiet.
Qian Tian approached.
"You didn't like the fight?" he asked, kneeling beside her.
She shrugged.
"You're… so strong," she whispered. "Like no one can match you. It's hard to tell where I stand."
Qian Tian was silent for a moment, then smiled.
"Then I'll train you. Every day. You'll surpass everyone—except maybe me."
She looked up, eyes hopeful. "Really?"
He nodded. "You're my sister. I will raise you to the heavens."
And the System responded.
Bond Detected: Sibling – Bloodline of Seraphim.
➤ Support Function Activated: "Divine Elevation"
➤ Qian Renxue's talents now scale passively under Qian Tian's guidance.
➤ Any shared training results in 10x growth efficiency.
Elsewhere – A Shadow Watches
Far across the continent, a cloaked figure in the outer forests of Heaven Dou City paused. He held a blue herb in hand, twin spirits at his back—Blue Silver Grass and Clear Sky Hammer.
Tang Hao narrowed his eyes.
"There's someone out there… a power unlike any I've felt."
He looked to the horizon.
"Spirit Hall… What are you brewing?"