The Sword Tree Arena was nestled in a valley surrounded by natural spirit wood. Thousands of sword fragments hung in its branches, vibrating when drawn near bloodlust or killing intent.
Only the sect's most anticipated duels were fought here.
And today, the name whispered through the crowd was:
"Liu Shen."
A Challenge Born of Schemes
Two days after returning from the Sealed Pavilion, Liu Shen had been summoned to the Grand Hall.
Waiting there was a group of inner court elders, several guest disciples, and one man seated with sword across his lap—
Gu Tianran, the Radiant Edge of the Southern Peak.
A golden-robed genius known not only for his swordplay, but his political ties—his elder brother was a Palace Commander in the Imperial Capital.
A true chess piece of the Royal Court.
"Liu Shen," Grand Elder Meng had said, "Gu Tianran has issued a formal sect challenge. Public, as per the Elder Council's bylaws."
"Grounds?" Liu Shen asked calmly.
Gu Tianran had smiled.
"You embarrassed my fellow core disciple, Feng Zhaoyun. You refuse invitations. And worst of all… you hide your cultivation behind veils. That's unbecoming of a sect brother."
So they want to test the demon in daylight, Liu Shen thought.
"I accept," he replied, without hesitation.
The Gathering
The arena was packed.
Inner court disciples gathered in droves. Outer court ones stood on cliffs to glimpse the fight. Even Pavilion Master Shen sent a spirit projection to observe.
Zhao Qingmei sat silently near the back, veil drawn, gaze sharp beneath the silk.
Beside her, Rin of the Thousand Eyes leaned against a tree, chewing dried plum.
"Who do you think'll win?" Rin asked.
Zhao Qingmei didn't answer.
But her fingers twitched beneath her robes—
She was nervous.
Clash of Swords and Flame
Gu Tianran stepped forward, dressed in white and gold. His sword, Heaven's Pulse, hummed with radiant light.
"I'll grant you the first move," he said arrogantly. "Let's see what tricks the demon boy has."
Liu Shen didn't move.
He simply raised one hand, fingers forming a threefold mudra.
Crimson light erupted around him, forming a burning circle that hovered in the air.
"First Seal: Crimson Reversal."
A vortex of flame reversed gravity for ten feet around Gu Tianran, dragging his body and sword upward.
Gu Tianran sliced clean through it—
But just as he landed, Liu Shen appeared at his flank, palm blazing.
Boom!
The blow sent Gu Tianran skidding across the platform.
The crowd roared. But Tianran was not finished.
Radiant Sword Art – Sixth Petal
Gu Tianran stood, face solemn now.
"So be it. I'll use something real."
He slashed his sword downward—
A lotus of golden light formed beneath his feet.
"Radiant Sword Art: Sixth Petal – Mirrorfall Descent!"
Twelve mirrored blades shot from his lotus array, each one reflecting Liu Shen's previous flame technique—turning his own Crimson Soul Flame against him.
The crowd gasped.
Liu Shen calmly raised both hands.
"You want reflection? Then I'll show you mine."
"Demon Mirror Technique: Abyss Blooming."
His reflection technique—newly enhanced by the Abyssal Tome—shattered the incoming flame mirrors mid-air, feeding on their energy and condensing them into a single burning lotus.
He launched it back with a flick of his wrist.
It struck Gu Tianran dead-center.
The Outcome
When the dust cleared, Gu Tianran was coughing blood on one knee.
Liu Shen stood tall, expression unreadable.
"I won't kill you," he said. "Your sword's not bad. Just… not sharp enough to reach me."
The elders didn't speak for a while.
Then Pavilion Master Shen's projection nodded once.
"Victory: Liu Shen."
The arena erupted.
After the Duel
As Liu Shen left the arena, Zhao Qingmei followed him at a distance.
Her thoughts were in turmoil.
That technique. That mirror art. It was lost... or sealed. Only one person used it in the records of the Demon War.
Her heart pounded.
Could he really be... him?
Elsewhere – The First Whisper
In the Imperial Capital, a jade slip shattered in the hands of a noble-robed general.
"So… the demon rises again," he murmured.
"Inform the Grand Strategist. The Sovereign may have returned."