The Sky Vine Arena stood silent as the two prodigies faced each other.
Li Fan, bloodied but unbroken.
Ren Tian, the blade that cleaved all obstacles.
Above them, the clouds had changed.
No longer simply thunderclouds—they now shimmered with heavenly runes, gold and black, circling like predators above prey.
Elder Hua stepped forward, voice stern. "This match will proceed. But should a heavenly tribulation descend… all interference is forbidden."
The Grandmasters, seated high in the pavilion, nodded grimly.
Everyone could feel it.
This would not be a simple duel.
---
Ren Tian's blade hummed as it slid free of its sheath. "No more holding back."
Li Fan rolled his shoulder. "Agreed."
With a flash, Ren Tian disappeared—and reappeared mid-air, blade descending like a falling star. The strike cut space, creating a rift that trembled with sword Qi.
Li Fan raised both arms. The force of the blow slammed into him—but his body surged with molten strength. He held the strike at bay with raw physical might.
The arena cracked.
Spectators gasped.
Li Fan twisted, hurling Ren Tian backward.
Then he advanced.
Punches like meteors, every step a rumble in the earth.
Ren Tian countered with sword arcs—each one condensed into pure intent. Sword after sword struck Li Fan's arms, shoulders, and ribs.
Blood sprayed.
But he did not yield.
---
Then—it happened.
The Fifth Cauldron inside Li Fan's body ignited.
Not by choice.
By necessity.
It had waited long enough.
The air grew thick. The skies darkened further. Winds died. Birds fled.
From above, the first bolt of tribulation lightning descended.
BOOM!
It struck the arena—not Li Fan directly, but close enough to throw both fighters apart.
Elder Hua shouted, "Tribulation has begun! Step back, all!"
But Li Fan did not flee.
He stood, hair wild, chest heaving.
Golden veins ran across his skin, radiant with inner power.
"I won't run," he said, voice trembling but firm.
"I'll face it. Here. Now."
---
The second bolt came.
He raised his arms and caught it.
Caught it.
His body smoked. His skin tore.
The Fourth Cauldron screamed. The Fifth threatened to rupture.
But he didn't fall.
Memories surged within him—his father kneeling, his clan burning, the shame of weakness.
He roared.
And the Fifth Cauldron formed.
A perfect obsidian crucible inside him, rimmed with ancient runes.
The sky responded.
Nine bolts descended as one.
Each bolt tested his spirit, his soul, his very will to exist.
---
Li Fan fell to one knee.
His vision blurred.
But he reached inward.
He felt it now—his path, his purpose.
The Nine Cauldrons were not just tools of power. They were burdens, trials, and proofs.
He stood.
Arms wide.
And screamed into the sky:
> "COME, THEN! I WILL CARRY THEM ALL!"
---
The lightning struck.
The arena exploded in light.
For a moment, the world went still.
When it faded—
Li Fan still stood.
Hair white at the temples. Blood on his lips. But alive.
And stronger.
The Fifth Cauldron burned brightly in his core.
---
Elder Hua stepped forward, stunned.
"He... passed it."
Ren Tian lowered his sword.
And smiled. "Now it's a real fight."
---