Chapter 24: Name On the Board
Morning sunlight streamed through the inn's wooden shutters, casting soft golden beams across the floor. Flux stirred first. Ryo, somehow still half-asleep and mumbling about beasts made of tofu, eventually followed.
After dressing, they made their way downstairs for a simple breakfast—steamed buns, rice porridge, and dried plum tea. Ryo complained about the lack of meat, but still cleaned his plate.
"Today's going to be good," Ryo said, wiping his mouth. "I can feel it. Someone's going to get launched out of the ring!"
Flux raised a brow. "That's oddly specific."
"Instinct," Ryo replied confidently, tapping his temple.
They arrived at the arena just as the morning crowd began to gather. Instead of heading to the waiting area like before, they joined the audience—choosing a high vantage point that offered a clear view of the battle platform. The air buzzed with excitement and gossip from cultivators of all levels.
The 1th match was already beginning as they settled in. Two disciples from minor sects stood across from each other, tension hanging between them.
The clash was fast-paced but short-lived, one of them yielding after a crushing palm strike to the chest.
More matches followed—one after another like an endless river of violence and skill. The second match had a nimble rogue cultivator narrowly outmaneuvering his sect-trained opponent. The third, fourth, and fifth matches flashed by, punctuated by bursts of spiritual light, weapon clashes, and shocked gasps from the crowd.
In the 6th match, the crowd came alive. Two Foundation Establishment cultivators, both at the 6th level, unleashed a dazzling duel of flame and wind techniques. The platform cracked beneath their strikes, and spiritual energy stirred the very air around them. Flux nodded, impressed by their discipline and control.
"Now that's a proper fight," Ryo said, eyes wide. "You see that flame wave combo? If it weren't for that wind screen—boom, roasted."
Flux let him chatter.
By the 10th match, a brutal duel between two rogue cultivators had everyone leaning forward. Their wild, unorthodox styles made for a vicious, unpredictable contest that ended only when one lay unconscious at the edge of the ring.
After the 25th match of the day, the overseers called it to a close. The sun had begun to dip behind the city walls, casting long shadows across the arena.
Back at the inn, Ryo replayed every match—blow by blow—until Flux excused himself and retreated to his room.
The third day arrived with gray clouds overhead and a light drizzle coating the streets. They ate in silence that morning, the weight of anticipation hanging over the dining area as several other tournament participants did the same.
They didn't rush to the arena this time. Most of the interesting matches were expected later in the day.
Still, they arrived in time to catch several notable duels. In the 12th match, the top inner disciple of the Water Jade Rain Temple finally made his appearance—a calm youth with flowing robes and a glaive that shimmered with jade light. His opponent, a Blue Mist Mountain Sect disciple, put up a valiant fight but was thoroughly dismantled in a calculated series of fluid, graceful strikes.
Ryo winced. "Oof. Poor guy. I think that glaive even cut through his pride."
The 16th match showcased the Night Lotus Pavilion's strongest inner disciple—a cold-looking woman with obsidian hair and frost techniques that chilled the air. She fought a proud minor sect cultivator. He barely lasted a minute.
Evening fell again. Rain had stopped, but mist lingered in the streets. Flux and Ryo returned to the inn, where they reviewed their own techniques in quiet discussion.
By the fourth day, the tension had shifted. There were fewer matches now, and more powerful names were stepping onto the platform. Word had already spread—Xavier Reu would fight today.
And when he did, it was as expected. His presence alone silenced the crowd. His opponent, a strong rogue cultivator at the 7th level of Foundation Establishment, tried to fight smart—using traps, illusions, and hit-and-run tactics.
But none of it mattered.
Xavier moved like a storm—precise, unrelenting, and overwhelming. A single strike with his silver sword shattered the illusion array and broke his opponent's guard. The match ended in short fight.
Ryo exhaled slowly. "Yeah. We're not dealing with a normal genius here."
Flux said nothing, but his eyes lingered on Xavier for a moment longer than usual.
When the final match concluded, the overseeing elders gathered the remaining participants near the center of the stage. The crowd quieted.
A Nascent Soul elder in violet robes stepped forward.
"You've all given it your best. The first round is now complete. Only one hundred participants remain."
He gestured, and a glowing board emerged behind him—lines of names appearing one by one in golden script.
"This time, you'll know your opponent in advance."
Excited murmurs swept through the crowd as cultivators craned their necks to see.
Flux calmly scanned the list—his eyes finding his own name within seconds.
His next opponent… wasn't a nobody.
It was a famous rogue cultivator in the 7th level of foundation establishment.
Ryo leaned over, whispering with a grin, "Looks like your second match won't be boring."
Then Ryo continue " but i was really unlucky, my opponent the that girl from the crimson Vail sect top disciples"
Flux then reply" Wow lucky you"
Ryo then sigh and said" right i really jinx it, I siad previously that i won't want to fight her but shes my opponent anyway".
Afterward, they returned to the inn. The lively streets of Mologan City, still glowing with paper lanterns and drifting mist, faded behind them as they entered the quiet corridor of their lodging. Other cultivators passed them in silence—some weary, others still energized by the day's matches.
Flux returned to his room and shut the door with a quiet click. He lit a single incense stick, placed it by the window, then sat cross-legged on his bed. The faint aroma of lotus and sandalwood filled the air.
The quiet hum of spiritual energy coiled around him as he slipped into meditation. His breathing slowed, steady as the tide, and the clamor of the world dulled to a distant hush.
His thoughts sharpened like a blade beneath a whetstone.
This tournament is more intense and difficult than I expected. So many strong people have gathered here… cultivators from elite sects, rogue geniuses.
But it's okay. I'm experiencing more than just hunting in the forest.
His eyes opened for a brief moment, glowing faintly under the low lamplight.
But I know the Nascent Soul elders have already noticed my disguises. maybe even the spiritual concealment techniques I used… and yet, they didn't say anything.
He allowed himself a slight smile.
Well… it's convenient this way anyway.
He closed his eyes once more, and the spiritual energy in the room slowly settled around him like falling mist.