Chapter 19: The Gathering Storm

Xiao Lan stared at the letter in his hands, its weight far heavier than the simple parchment suggested.

The Blood Trials Tournament.

A battleground where only the strongest survived.

A chance to prove himself.

A chance to rise.

Xiao Qing sat across from him, arms crossed.

"You're seriously considering this?"

Xiao Lan smirked. "Didn't you say I need to learn my limits?"

She sighed. "Yes, but this isn't just some casual fight. This tournament is going to be filled with killers. Mercenaries, assassins, rogue cultivators—you name it. And unlike the arena, there won't be a referee stopping them from killing you."

Xiao Lan leaned back in his chair, deep in thought.

She was right. This wasn't a simple challenge—it was a deathmatch.

But what choice did he have?

If he wanted to grow stronger, he needed to face danger head-on.

"This is exactly what I need," he said finally. "I won't run from it."

Xiao Qing groaned. "Of course you won't."

But even as she spoke, Xiao Lan could see something in her eyes—a glimmer of excitement.

She wouldn't admit it, but she wanted to see just how far he could go.

With the tournament only three days away, Xiao Lan and Xiao Qing set out into Black Hollow City to gather information.

The streets were busier than before. Rumors of the tournament had spread, and cultivators from all over the Outer Mist Region were pouring into the city.

"Look at them," Xiao Qing murmured. "Some of these people are monsters."

She wasn't wrong.

Towering warriors with battle scars, assassins clad in dark robes, even cultivators with beast-like features, hinting at mixed bloodlines.

Every single one of them carried a dangerous aura.

Xiao Lan grinned. "Good. I was worried this would be too easy."

Xiao Qing shot him a look. "You're insane."

They entered a small tavern, one of the best places to hear rumors.

The moment they stepped inside, dozens of sharp eyes turned toward them.

Silence filled the room for a moment—then the noise resumed.

Xiao Lan and Xiao Qing took a seat near the corner, listening to the conversations around them.

"…I heard the Crimson Fang Clan is sending one of their elites."

"That's nothing. The Night Stalkers have entered two assassins into the tournament."

"I even saw a Demonkin in the registration line. You know how rare that is?"

Xiao Qing tensed. "This is worse than I thought."

Xiao Lan, however, only looked more excited.

"So many strong opponents…" He smirked. "This is perfect."

Xiao Qing sighed. "I don't know if I should admire your confidence or slap some sense into you."

"Why not both?" Xiao Lan teased.

Before she could respond, a large figure stepped up to their table.

A mountain of a man, covered in tattoos, with a massive axe strapped to his back. His eyes glowed with mockery.

"You're Xiao Lan, aren't you?"

Xiao Lan met his gaze without fear. "And who's asking?"

The man grinned. "Name's Draug. I watched your fight in the arena."

He cracked his knuckles. "And I'm here to tell you—you won't survive the first round of the tournament."

Xiao Lan smirked. "Is that so?"

Draug leaned down, his breath reeking of alcohol.

"The Blood Trials aren't for lucky brats like you. They're for warriors who have bathed in blood. You don't belong here."

Xiao Lan tilted his head.

"Then why don't you test me?"

Draug chuckled. "Oh, I will. See you in the tournament, brat. Hope you don't die too quickly."

With that, he turned and walked away.

Xiao Qing exhaled. "You're making enemies already."

Xiao Lan just smiled.

"Good."

Xiao Lan couldn't waste time.

He had three days to sharpen himself before the tournament.

So he trained harder than ever before.

Day One: Strength and Endurance

Xiao Lan pushed his body to its limits.

He ran for hours, through forests and rocky terrain, increasing his stamina.

He lifted massive boulders, pushing his raw strength to new heights.

By the end of the day, his muscles ached, his body felt like fire, but he didn't stop.

He had to be stronger.

Day Two: Dao Mastery

Xiao Lan focused entirely on his Dao energy.

He practiced controlling his internal flow, refining his ability to channel power at will.

He experimented with new techniques, pushing his body beyond its previous limits.

And slowly—he felt his understanding deepen.

His Dao energy became sharper, faster, deadlier.

Day Three: Combat Sparring

Xiao Qing helped him train in real combat.

She came at him with full force, using everything she had.

And Xiao Lan?

He learned how to adapt.

How to fight against someone faster, stronger, and more experienced.

By the time the third day ended—

Xiao Lan stood stronger than ever before.

The night was quiet.

Xiao Lan sat alone on the rooftop of their inn, staring at the full moon.

His heart pounded, not from fear—but from excitement.

Tomorrow, he would step into the Blood Trials.

Tomorrow, he would face the strongest warriors in the Outer Mist Region.

Tomorrow, he would carve his name into history.

Xiao Qing's voice broke his thoughts.

"You ready?" she asked, sitting beside him.

Xiao Lan smirked. "I was born ready."

She rolled her eyes. "Cocky bastard."

But then, she grew serious.

"Just… don't die, okay?"

Xiao Lan chuckled. "I don't plan on it."

With that, he closed his eyes, resting for what would be the most important battle of his life.

The storm was coming.

And Xiao Lan was ready to face it.