Xuanming was a land cut from ice and iron.
The capital city, Baixue, rested atop jagged cliffs overlooking a frozen lake. Mist rose from the waters like breathing spirits, and snow fell even under the spring sun. Yet despite the cold, the city buzzed with life.
Chen Yu arrived at the city gates as thousands of cultivators poured in from every direction—young warriors bearing clan emblems, lone wanderers with silent gazes, mercenaries wrapped in steel. Banners flapped in the wind, each representing a sect vying for new blood.
The Gathering of Shadows wasn't just a tournament. It was an ancient rite held every four years. Those who impressed the watching sect elders would be offered a place—perhaps even a legacy seat.
At the checkpoint, Chen Yu showed the jade pass given by Master Ruo.
The guard narrowed his eyes, then stepped aside.
"Enter. The selection fields are east of the Jade Pavilion."
Baixue's streets were wide and clean, lined with glowing crystals embedded in the stone. Tall buildings shaped like spears reached toward the clouds. People gathered in clusters, whispering about the event.
"He's from the Fire Fang Clan—heard he already reached Core Forming!"
"Look, that's the Iron Bone Twins! They took down a spirit beast on their way here."
But Chen Yu ignored the noise.
His steps were light, precise. His black and white robe fluttered behind him. The headband holding his hair gleamed with a silver lining, matching the quiet determination in his eyes.
As he reached the fields, the scale of the tournament hit him.
A massive stone arena had been carved directly into the side of a mountain, big enough to hold ten thousand. Floating platforms hovered above it—reserved for the sect elders, nobles, and emissaries from faraway states.
A booming voice echoed through the valley.
"Welcome to the Gathering of Shadows!" cried a robed official standing at the center of the arena. "Over the next three days, your strength will be tested. Survive the first trial, and you may earn the right to face the real contenders!"
Around Chen Yu, hundreds of cultivators clenched their fists, unsheathed weapons, or whispered incantations under their breath.
Suddenly, a tremor shook the ground.
The earth cracked open, and monstrous shapes rose from below—stone puppets, each twice the size of a man, their bodies engraved with glowing runes.
"The first trial is upon you!" the voice declared. "Defeat a puppet in combat and claim your place among the chosen. Fail—and leave. Or perish."
Chen Yu stepped forward, eyes narrowing at the nearest puppet. His fingers wrapped around his sword's hilt.
"Let's see how far this shadow reaches," he muttered.
Azurefang gleamed blue in the cold air.
With a single breath, he charged.