The Spirit Ring Arena beneath Whispering Hollow Keep had not seen use in centuries. Built by ancient Yuncao lords, it was a coliseum carved into the roots of the forest, illuminated only by glowing crystal veins and hollowed moonstone pillars.
Lucen Arkai stood at its center, arms folded behind his back, as Qingsai entered dressed in training garb stitched with light-resistant thread.
> "Today," Lucen said, "you will duel a Veil Echo."
With a snap of his fingers, Lucen activated a wardstone embedded in the center of the arena. A glimmering humanoid figure, made entirely of dark mist and old memory, formed. Its body shifted with shadow. Its eyes glowed like burning coals.
Qingsai instinctively summoned fire—but Lucen raised a hand.
> "No. This trial is for Lucentia. You use anything else… you fail."
The Echo leapt.
Qingsai dodged back, heart pounding. His hands moved on instinct—but the flame refused to rise.
> Still your soul. Find the clarity.
He focused.
His thoughts went to Lianhua's soft voice, Meiyan's hard truths, Chunsi's unwavering loyalty… and the feeling of cutting through illusion.
Light sparked in his palms.