The air in the Imperial Heaven Sect's outer courtyard was thick with the scent of burning incense and polished stone, every step echoing against towering jade pillars carved with dragons, phoenixes, and celestial beasts. Banners fluttered from high arches, each stitched with the sect's golden sigil — an imperial crown framed by nine stars.
Beneath those banners, the trial registration had already begun.
A hooded figure slipped into the line, head bowed, cloak edges tattered from travel. His steps were measured, but his gaze — hidden beneath the shadow of the hood — swept over every face, every stance, every possible threat.
[Main Quest: Imperial Crash]
Objective: Enter the Imperial Heaven Sect trials without invitation.
Time Limit: 13 days.
Reward: +2 Cultivation Stages, Unbound Skill Scroll, ???
Penalty: Severe Growth Restriction.
The panel flared in his vision like a warning bell, before dissolving into motes of crimson light. Jace's jaw tightened beneath the hood. The Rift had spat him out on the outskirts of the capital only two days ago, and already the clock was ticking.
"Next!" The registrar's voice rang out, clear but edged with the kind of discipline that came from years in service to the Sect.
Jace stepped forward.
The man behind the desk — gray-robed, hair bound in a simple knot — glanced up from his ledger. "Name?"
"Jake Snow," Jace said without hesitation, his voice low and gravel-edged. The name rolled from his tongue as though he'd used it all his life.
A thin strip of glowing parchment slid across the desk. "Clan affiliation?"
"None," Jace replied.
That earned him a brief lift of the registrar's brow — not many came to the trials without a clan. The man scratched the answer into the ledger, then passed Jace a jade token engraved with the number 487. "Present this at the north gate tomorrow. Fail to appear, and your place is forfeited."
Jace took the token, slipping it into his cloak before moving aside — just in time for the first wave of truly dangerous arrivals.
---
The Imperial Heaven Sect's outer plaza sprawled like a kingdom of stone and light. Jade pillars towered overhead, carved with dragons, phoenixes, and celestial beasts in frozen motion. Between the pillars, banners snapped in the wind, each emblazoned with the insignia of a clan or sect: crimson, azure, gold, black, and silver.
Amid the shifting tide of hopefuls, a single hooded figure moved with deliberate calm. Jace Blade — Jace in disguise — blended perfectly with the milling crowd, his green eyes scanning every face, every stance, every hint of danger. He had already registered, slipping his token into the folds of his cloak, and now the real challenge began: observing, analyzing, and surviving among dozens of potential rivals.
[Main Quest: Imperial Crash]
Objective: Enter the Imperial Heaven Sect trials without invitation.
Time Limit: 13 days.
Reward: +2 Cultivation Stages, Unbound Skill Scroll, ???
Penalty: Severe Growth Restriction.
The reminder had flashed in his mind earlier that morning, a cold pulse of gold light reminding him that time was slipping away. He didn't flinch; he simply let the crowd flow around him, positioning himself where he could see every approaching clan.
The first fanfare sounded — a deep gong that vibrated in the chest. A herald in crimson robes stepped onto the platform, unfurling a massive banner.
"Dragons of the Redscale Clan!"
Three figures strode forward with measured precision:
San Redscale, the eldest, his crimson-scaled armor catching the morning light, eyes sharp as flames.
Lily Redscale, nimble and precise, her aura radiating barely-contained Qi that shimmered like heated metal.
Tariq Snow, broader and muscular, the silent muscle whose presence alone made onlookers shift uneasily.
The crowd whispered among themselves — Redscale was strong, proud, but the second Prince's absence was noted by the few who remembered Jace's reputation. Jake allowed a faint smirk under his hood. Let them worry; it was far more entertaining to watch them scramble.
Next came the Bluescale Clan, water and ice in motion even in stillness:
Serath Veylen, tall and imposing, eyes like deep oceans, a faint chill radiating off his aura.
Korrin Veylen, younger, more agile, but no less dangerous, the flicker of fro nost in his movements a silent promise of skill.
Myra Lathis, graceful, her staff tracing arcs in the air that left lingering ice patterns.
The Blacscale Clan followed, shadows moving as if alive:
Draeven Morlith, spear at the ready, dark energy crawling across his armor.
Selra Morlith, lithe, deadly, her daggers glinting in the sunlight.
Kaine Varok, silent, surveying, a predator in human skin.
Then came the Godson Clan, radiant as the first sun:
Auren Vael, leader, his golden light so bright it made even the dragon banners nearby seem dim. The Golden dragon's Heir
Selindra Vael, graceful, elegant, a wave of golden flame coiling along her arms.
Darius Vorn, broad-shouldered, exuding quiet confidence and authority.
The Phoenix Clan arrived next, banners ablaze with fire and heat:
Sylara Emberis, spear in hand, aura bright with ember Qi.
Ryn Ashvale, quick, precise, flames licking along his fists with every motion.
Kaelen Pyrrhos, tall and broad, fire coiling around him in subtle spirals.
The crowd hushed as the Vampires approached:
Veyra Nightveil, silent, graceful, crimson eyes scanning the plaza like moonlight on still water.
Lucien Duskbane, lurking at her side, aura dark yet refined.
Selene Mourndusk, moving with fluid elegance, her very presence hinting at danger.
The Werewolves were next, heavy footfalls reverberating across stone:
Ravik Thorne, silver hair catching the light, wild and untamed, eyes sharp.
Nyla Blackfang, lithe, precise, ready to pounce at the first sign of weakness.
Garron Bloodhowl, massive, power coiled in every muscle.
Finally, the Human Clans, banners fluttering with their distinct colors and sigils:
Azure Clan:
Cedric Vale, long blue robes hiding a duelist's stance, calm and calculating.
Elara Wyncrest, eyes sharp, movements precise, every gesture poised to strike.
Damon Greystone, broad and solid, aura of stability and latent power.
Blossom Clan:
Rosaline Dawn, elegance in every step, talismans fluttering like petals.
Seraphina Lorn, quiet, deadly, her movements like wind through cherry blossoms.
Alaric Bloomfield, youthful, enthusiastic, yet deadly when provoked.
Heart Clan:
Gideon Hearthborn, strong, heart-centered cultivation, ready to support or attack.
Isabella Redwyne, graceful, fierce, with a subtle glow of healing Qi.
Roland Crestfall, tall, imposing, and steady as a rock in battle.
Saint Hall Clan:
Victor Aurelius, robed in white and gold, calm yet intimidating.
Helena Brightmoor, eyes sharp, calculating, reputation for removing obstacles quietly.
Cassian Stormward, disciplined, precise, and politically dangerous.
Jace let his gaze sweep over them all, analyzing subtle movements, testing the aura of each competitor. Each detail would matter tomorrow when the trials officially began.
From a distance, a soft murmur rippled through the crowd. A name, almost lost in the bustle: "Eternal Night…"
Jace froze for a heartbeat, though no one noticed. A shadow in the plaza's corner had glanced briefly toward him, eyes glimmering faintly red before vanishing. The Eternal Night Clan was already moving their pieces, though their full design remained hidden.
He exhaled softly, letting the thought go. There was no point in worrying too early.
He leaned against a stone pillar, letting the sea of potential rivals swirl around him, and silently acknowledged the challenge ahead. Soon, his Devouring Dragon System would become his greatest advantage. But for now, he observed, analyzed, and waited.
[Quest Progress: 0% — Time Remaining: 12 days, 23 hours, 41 minutes]
---
From atop the distant cliffs, the Redscale Clan watched with unease. The inner family tournament continued as usual, but every eye kept flicking to the empty seat reserved for Jace. The clan elders whispered of the missing Prince, but no one dared break the rhythm of the selection — a show of strength for their people and allies alike.
Tension, pride, and anticipation hung thick in the air.
Jace Blade (Now Jake Snow) — hooded, hidden, calm — knew that once the gates opened tomorrow, the Imperial Heaven Sect trials would no longer be an observation. Survival would be a test of wit, speed, and power.
And only then would the [Devouring Dragon System] reveal the tools he needed to carve a path through this battlefield of geniuses.