48- The Grand Arena Opens: Prelude to War

Next Day...

The day of the All-Sect Competition had finally arrived.

At the heart of the Central Area, a colossal stone arena towered like a mountain of martial legacy. Banners of countless sects fluttered from its edges, each representing a proud lineage and generations of cultivators. Excitement buzzed through the air like electric current—dense, charged, and explosive.

I stood beside Yang Kai, Feng Xuan, and Mu Lingyao among a sea of competitors. The stands were filled with spectators, elders, and disciples alike, all gathered to witness the greatest event of the year.

Around us, the elite of the cultivation world had gathered.

The Heaven Core Sect arrived in golden robes, their disciples emanating a proud, domineering aura.

The Frost Moon Pavilion disciples wore silver-blue robes, their eyes as cold as ice, their presence as quiet as falling snow—but deadly.

The Crimson Thunder Hall stomped in, their aura fierce and battle-hardened, most of their disciples carrying massive weapons strapped to their backs.

The Starfall Temple, garbed in cosmic patterns, were mysterious and enigmatic, with their cultivators whispering to the stars during meditation.

The Beast Spirit Mountain Sect brought along tamed spirit beasts and disciples who had merged with animal souls—half-human, half-beast.

Even the reclusive Dark Abyss Sect was present, their black robes lined with blood-red thread. Their presence made many uneasy; their cultivation methods were… less than honorable.

A loud voice echoed through the arena, pulling all attention forward.

From the highest stage, the Central Area's Ruling Sect Leader, a dignified man with immortal-like bearing, stepped forth. His voice, infused with spirit energy, resonated throughout the arena.

"Welcome, disciples of the Great Sects! The All-Sect Competition begins now!"

Cheers exploded like thunder, banners waving and flags rippling in the wind.

"This competition will test your strength, unity, discipline, and wisdom. Each round will challenge a different aspect of cultivation: dueling, strategy, team battles, and survival. The sects that endure to the end will earn eternal glory."

"The sect that places first shall receive the Jade Seal of Authority, along with exclusive cultivation resources, rare spirit herbs, and divine weapon crafting rights for a full year!"

Gasps and murmurs echoed through the arena—no one could ignore the power granted by such rewards.

As I watched the crowds cheer, my gaze swept across the sects.

"Look over there," Mu Lingyao whispered. "That's the Twin Serpent Sect—rumor has it they poison their blades with a toxin that even Nascent Souls can't cleanse."

"And the one in grey?" Feng Xuan added. "That's the Silent Echo Sect—they specialize in sound techniques. Even if you guard your body, they can shatter your soul with a whisper."

The pressure in the air thickened. Every sect brought their best. There would be no mercy.

The Ruling Sect Leader continued, "The first round is The Trial of Might! Each sect will send forward three disciples. Battles will be one-on-one. Winners advance, losers are eliminated. Prepare yourselves!"

I looked to Yang Kai. "Be alert. This is only the beginning."

"Yes, Master," he said, his fists clenched.

Mu Lingyao exhaled slowly, cracking her knuckles. "Let's give them something to remember."

The arena shimmered as a giant formation activated, splitting the center into dozens of dueling platforms. Names of sects lit up above each stage, indicating who would fight first.

A disciple from Crimson Thunder Hall stepped up with a massive axe. His opponent from Frost Moon Pavilion unsheathed twin icicles that floated above her palms.

The duel began, and chaos erupted.

Spells clashed, weapons sparked, and the crowd roared.

I watched with narrowed eyes, analyzing every move, every technique. This was not merely a competition—it was war cloaked in ritual.

And I would ensure that our High Heaven Sect not only survived but stood above them all.