Location: Azure Flame Sect – Inner Court Grounds
The Inner Court was a different world.
No more cracked tiles or broken training weapons—only polished jade, floating pavilions, and disciples who stood above hundreds with a single glance.
And today… they were all gathered to watch a match.
A new Inner Disciple dared to challenge the top ranks on his first day.
And his opponent?
Rank 5: Xuan Mo, "Crimson Lightning."
---
The Challenger Enters
Jinhyuk stepped into the central dueling platform, wearing the plain robe of a fresh inner disciple. Whispers rose instantly.
"Is that the outer court freak?"
"He crippled Elder Wu… now he thinks he can take on Xuan Mo?"
"He's got guts, I'll give him that."
---
The Crimson Lightning
Xuan Mo stepped forward, his crimson spear crackling with lightning.
"You're strong, but you don't belong here," he said coldly.
"You're just an orphan with no background. Someone probably gave you power you didn't earn."
Jinhyuk tilted his head. "You talk too much."
---
The Duel Begins
The elder referee raised a hand.
"Begin!"
Instantly, Xuan Mo dashed forward, spear splitting the air with speed like thunder.
> [Enemy Skill: Lightning Step – Mid-Tier Movement Art]
[Weapon Art: Crimson Fang Thrust – Lightning Attribute]
The tip aimed straight for Jinhyuk's throat.
But Jinhyuk didn't dodge.
He moved forward.
Everyone gasped.
Then—
> [System Response: Shadow Flow Qi Technique – Redirect Initiated]
[Skill Combo: Void Grip + Disruption Pulse Activated]
With one hand, Jinhyuk grabbed the spear mid-air, twisted his body, and slammed his elbow into Xuan Mo's ribs, sending him flying across the arena.
---
Crimson Blood Falls
Xuan Mo coughed blood and tried to recover, but Jinhyuk was already there.
He slammed a palm into the ground.
> [Qi Surge: Dual-Core Compression – Break Release: 35%]
[Skill Triggered: Hidden Art – Shadow Reap]
A tendril of compressed shadow Qi exploded beneath Xuan Mo, binding him midair—then slamming him down.
Hard.
Silence.
Then thunderous murmurs.
---
A Challenger Rises
"Impossible…"
"He defeated Xuan Mo in less than twelve seconds!"
"No wonder Elder Wei is watching him…"
Jinhyuk stood tall, eyes cold.
"I didn't come here to follow rules. I came to break them."
---
System Update
> [Inner Court Reputation: +600]
[Challenge Record: 1-0]
[Hidden Route: Future Sect Leader 24%]
[Affection Update: Yue Qingxue – +4 (Pride tinged with tension)]
[Affection Update: Rogue Girl (right hand) – +7 (Loyalty deepening)]
[New Flag Triggered: Crimson Lightning's Sister – "You hurt my brother…"]
---