The insult cut across the stones as the training yard was emptying.
"Outer-ring trash has the guts to walk with his head held high?"
Chen Ho turned around. A group of older students sat around under the colonnade, their robes marked with the embroidered insignia of the inner rank. Their animals lay next to them, well-fed, trained, and sleek.
Li Jian stood in the middle, tall and smirking, with a long spear strapped to his back. A black-furred panther lay next to him, stretching out and looking at him with cold hunger.
"You think that winning a few times in court makes you worthy?" Li Jian smirked. "City H gutter rat." You don't have a place here.
People who were watching started to murmur. Students in the inner ranks almost never bothered to notice new people. Li Jian's actions meant only one thing: Chen Ho's name was getting too big too quickly.
The Problem
Chen Ho's eyes were steady. "If you have something to say, say it plainly."
Li Jian's grin got bigger. "I dare you. A formal duel. My panther against your... weird bird.
The Phoenix's feathers crackled with flames.
Xue Ling, the teacher, stepped forward with her arms crossed. "Rules are clear." It is okay to challenge people of the same rank. The match is over when one beast gives up or the other beast wins. No killing blows."
Li Jian bowed in a mocking way. "I'll make it quick."
The Arena
The courtyard filled up quickly as students rushed back and word spread like wildfire. Even Zhao Yunxian came, arms crossed and lips curled in anticipation of Chen Ho's fall.
Phoenix sat quietly on Chen Ho's shoulder, with golden flames licking its feathers.
Li Jian and his panther were crouched at the other end, their muscles tense and their eyes fixed.
The flag fell.
Fire and speed clash
The panther was gone. One heartbeat it was crouched down, and the next it was a blur, with claws slashing at Chen Ho's chest.
"Down," Chen Ho said softly.
Phoenix dove and caught Flame Peck in midair, which flew like a spear of fire. When the claw hit the flame, sparks flew. The panther hissed and retreated, its fur burning.
There were gasps.
Li Jian's smile faded. "Again!"
The panther moved quickly to the left and then to the right, its claws flashing in fake attacks. Phoenix spun in the air, and the flames made arcs that blocked every way.
Chen Ho walked softly, with a knife ready but still in its sheath. He didn't need to strike yet—Phoenix was reading the fight as keenly as he did.
Flame That Is Too Much
"Now," Chen Ho said quietly.
Phoenix opened its wings wide. Fire Feather Burst lit up, sending golden fire raining down on the arena. It looked like dawn had come in one breath in the courtyard.
The panther yowled, fur aflame, darting desperately.
"Stand your ground!" Li Jian yelled.
But Phoenix cried—Phoenix Cry, sharper and angrier than ever. The panther staggered, ears bleeding, its body trembling under the pressure of ancestral flame.
The crowd gasped. "That's not a change..."
"No animal cries like that..."
"Could it be—?"
Win
The panther fell to its belly, whimpering and tucking its tail.
The duel was over.
The courtyard was quiet, except for the steady beats of Phoenix's wings as it flew down to Chen Ho's arm, feathers glowing and victorious.
Xue Ling's voice was cold. "Match over." Winner: Chen Ho."
Li Jian's face turned red and his fists shook. "This isn't done yet."
Chen Ho looked him in the eye calmly. "Of course not." You still don't know.
Suspense
The students exploded into whispers.
"He beat a beast from within the ranks..."
"Ten best?" He might climb higher…"
"Even the teachers can't ignore him now."
Dean Yue Lian watched from the upper balcony, her gaze sharp, unreadable.
Chen Ho stroked the Phoenix's head, and the flames felt warm against his hand.
The Academy had heard of him.
And they would never forget.