The wind whispered through the misty peaks of the Sword Sovereign Sect, carrying with it the fragrance of blooming spirit lotuses. The once-quiet mountain range was now alive with noise — banners fluttered, disciples trained fervently, and elders oversaw the bustling preparations for the most awaited event of the year:
The Core Disciple Ranking Tournament.
Every five years, the strongest cultivators of the sect gathered to determine supremacy among their peers. It wasn't just an exhibition — the top ten would receive ancient treasures, and the winner would earn a private audience with the Sect Master's daughter, Li Yuexin — the sect's most talented beauty and rumored successor.
And this year, all eyes were on one name.
Lin Feng.
---
It had been three months since Lin Feng's return from the Black Forest. The rumors of his victories — defeating geniuses from three continents, breaking through to the Legend Realm, and awakening a dragon domain — had spread like wildfire.
Many disciples looked up to him with reverence. Others viewed him with envy and fear.
But the man himself remained... utterly indifferent.
In the quiet corner of the sect, nestled within his modest courtyard, Lin Feng sat cross-legged beneath a flowering spirit tree, his sword resting across his knees. The gentle hum of his Dragon Core resonated faintly in the air, and azure light pulsed rhythmically from his body.
Nearby, Fatty was lying lazily on a bamboo chair, chewing on spirit fruits, while Sun Mei tended to a pot of medicinal herbs, her soft humming filling the silence.
"Boss," Fatty said between bites, "the entire sect is going crazy over the ranking match. I heard even the Sect Master's daughter will be watching."
Lin Feng opened one eye lazily. "Mm."
Fatty blinked. "That's it? Just 'mm'? Aren't you excited? She's literally the most beautiful woman in the sect."
"I've seen many beautiful women," Lin Feng said calmly, closing his eyes again. "She's not my concern."
Sun Mei smiled faintly, hiding a blush as she poured water into the pot. "Senior brother never changes."
Fatty grinned. "You're hopeless, boss. Half the male disciples are training day and night just to impress her."
"Then they should train harder," Lin Feng replied.
"Still," Fatty continued, scratching his head, "aren't you supposed to be part of the ranking? You're the strongest core disciple right now."
"That's in two days," Lin Feng said absentmindedly.
Fatty froze. "Uh... no, boss. It's today."
Lin Feng's eyes snapped open. "What?"
Fatty gulped. "The ranking match. It's literally happening right now."
A long pause.
Then—
"..."
Lin Feng sighed, rubbing his temple. "I forgot."
Sun Mei giggled softly, covering her mouth. "You're unbelievable, senior brother."
---
At the Grand Courtyard
Meanwhile, the sect's Grand Courtyard was overflowing with disciples. Over ten thousand inner and outer disciples had gathered, forming waves of excitement and chatter.
The air buzzed with energy as golden banners bearing the Sword Sovereign insignia fluttered in the sky. On the raised platform stood the elders, while at the center sat the Sect Master, a middle-aged man with a calm yet imposing presence.
Beside him sat a young woman dressed in flowing white robes, her beauty serene and untouchable. Her long black hair was tied with a jade pin, and her eyes shimmered like moonlight — Li Yuexin, the Sect Master's daughter.
"Father," she said softly, scanning the crowd. "Where is Lin Feng?"
The Sect Master chuckled. "Knowing that boy, he's probably meditating somewhere and lost track of time."
One of the elders stepped forward, clearly irritated. "Sect Master, this is the Core Ranking Match. His absence is disrespectful."
Another elder laughed lightly. "Or perhaps he's simply too strong and sees no need to compete."
"Still, rules are rules," the first elder countered. "If he doesn't show up by the third round, he forfeits his title."
Li Yuexin's gaze lingered on the empty seat reserved for Lin Feng. She had never met him personally, but the stories about him fascinated her. A youth who challenged fate itself, who defeated the continent's strongest geniuses, who wielded four intents at such a young age.
A faint smile curved her lips. "I'd like to see what kind of person he truly is."
---
The Tournament Begins
The Grand Elder raised his hand, his aura spreading across the courtyard. "The Core Disciple Ranking Match begins!"
A roar of cheers erupted.
The first rounds began swiftly — duels of sword light, qi explosions, and lightning-quick movements filled the air. Disciples clashed on the platform with fierce determination, their techniques dazzling the spectators.
"Ranked 47 vs 45 — begin!"
"Ranked 20 vs 18 — begin!"
Each victory brought cheers, but the anticipation hung heavy — everyone waited for him.
The undefeated. The dragon-blooded prodigy.
Lin Feng.
---
"Boss, we really need to hurry!" Fatty yelled, half-running, half-stumbling as Lin Feng walked calmly down the stone path, still adjusting his robe.
"I told you not to yell," Lin Feng said flatly. "You're ruining the peace."
"Peace?!" Fatty sputtered. "The entire sect is at the arena waiting for you!"
Sun Mei followed quietly behind them, her expression amused. "Senior brother, you're the only person I know who could forget about something this important."
"I was cultivating," Lin Feng said, shrugging. "Time slipped."
Fatty groaned. "You're gonna give the elders a heart attack."
"Then they need better hearts," Lin Feng said as they reached the outer edge of the courtyard.
In the distance, the sounds of battle and cheers echoed. The tournament was well underway.
Lin Feng took a deep breath, his aura subtly flaring. A gentle azure glow surrounded him, rippling through the air like water.
"Alright," he said calmly. "Let's go."
Then, with a single step, he vanished.
---
A sudden gust of wind swept through the Grand Courtyard. The air shimmered — and Lin Feng appeared in the center of the arena, his arrival marked by a faint echo of dragon's roar.
Every conversation halted. Every gaze turned toward him.
He stood there, calm, confident, his black hair swaying gently. The aura around him was faint but suffocating — the unmistakable power of a Legend Realm cultivator barely restrained.
"L-Lin Feng!"
"He actually came!"
The Sect Master's eyes twinkled with amusement. "So, the dragon decides to show itself."
Li Yuexin's lips curved slightly. "He's younger than I expected…"
The elders exchanged nervous glances, unable to hide their awe. They had sensed his energy — calm, refined, yet terrifyingly vast.
Lin Feng bowed slightly toward the Sect Master. "Apologies for being late."
One elder scoffed. "Hmph, arrogance knows no—"
The Sect Master raised his hand, silencing him. "It's fine. You're just in time for the main round."
Lin Feng nodded, stepping into the arena. His gaze swept across the gathered disciples, many of whom quickly averted their eyes.
Fatty and Sun Mei found seats among the spectators, grinning proudly.
"He's here. Now things are about to get interesting," Fatty muttered.
---
As Lin Feng stood in the center, his eyes half-lidded, he could feel countless auras probing at him — jealousy, hostility, admiration.
He ignored them all.
Instead, he turned his gaze skyward. The sect banners fluttered gently, and for the first time in a long while, Lin Feng smiled faintly.
There was something almost nostalgic about being back here — among peers, before another storm of battle.
"Let's see," he murmured, resting a hand on his sword. "If any of them can make me draw my blade."