The arena felt different today.
Lin Tian noticed it the moment he stepped onto the polished glacial stone. The usual outer disciple murmur was absent, replaced by a lower, more focused hum. The tiered seating held more figures in the pale blue and silver robes of inner disciples. Their presence draped a new layer of pressure over the fighting circle, cold and assessing as a surgeon's blade.
Chen Rui stood at the opposite edge, already waiting. He was taller than Lin Tian expected, with a stillness that suggested deep roots. His posture held no aggression, only readiness. When their eyes met, Chen Rui gave a slight, formal nod.
The adjudicating elder's voice cut the quiet. "Ranked duel. Outer Disciple Lin Tian, Rank Nineteen, challenges Outer Disciple Chen Rui, Rank Eighteen. Standard rules apply. Begin."
The words fell like stones into a frozen pond.
Chen Rui moved first.
