Chapter 27: The Gods' Gathering Begins

Morning came draped in banners of crimson and gold. The sect's grand procession spilled through the mountain gates, disciples marching two by two behind the elders, their faces tense with anticipation and awe. At the front rode Sect Master Xuan Yu, robes gleaming, expression unreadable. The journey to the arena city had begun.

The city itself, when they arrived, was breathtaking: tiered temples stretched skyward, surrounded by walls alive with runes. Immortal beasts circled the clouds above the arena like watchful spirits. Flags of every sect snapped in the breeze. The energy in the air was almost electric—excitement, fear, ambition, and pride all twined together.

Kai Jin moved quietly with the Dawning Blades disciples, eyes half-lidded, taking it all in. His presence drew little notice; all attention was on the sect's chosen champions—Yue among them. She walked ahead, shining beneath the morning sun, but every so often her gaze would flick back to meet his, a silent promise between them.

Inside the city, the Dawning Blades joined the parade of arriving sects. The streets teemed with cultivators from across the continent—towering men and women in armor, graceful sword dancers, monks draped in robes of midnight blue. Murmurs followed the arrival of each new group. Some faces were famous, others notorious, and many eyed the Dawning Blades with undisguised curiosity or disdain.

They were led to their lodgings: a high-walled courtyard near the arena, lush with spirit grass and jade fountains. Instructions came swift and sharp—curfews, meeting times, rules of the arena. The tournament's preliminary rounds would begin in two days. Until then, disciples were free to explore the city.

That afternoon, Yue found Kai leaning against a balcony rail, watching the city's spirit beasts soar over the rooftops.

"Does it feel real yet?" she asked, voice low.

"It feels like walking into the mouth of a dragon," Kai replied, lips barely curving.

Yue smiled, nervous but bold. "Just don't get swallowed."

They shared a long, quiet look. Yue reached for his hand—just for a second, shielded by the shadow of a stone pillar—then let go as footsteps approached.

A new voice intruded, crisp and amused. "Careful, Dawning Blades. Some eyes see more than others."

Kai turned. A woman stood in the corridor, robes marked with the golden sigil of the Radiant Moon Sect. She was tall, striking, her hair silver and eyes sharp as a hawk's. "I'm Lin Su, Core Disciple. I hear your sect has a ghost among its ranks."

Yue bristled, but Kai only nodded. "Some stories are exaggerated."

"I hope not," Lin Su replied, gaze lingering on him. "It's the unpredictable ones that make tournaments interesting."

She swept away, her laughter echoing down the hall.

Kai watched her go, feeling the first true ripple of competition. The World Eye murmured, dry and eager:

*"Collecting attention again, boy. This won't end quietly."*

---

That night, as the city lit up with festival fires and the hum of a thousand cultivators preparing for war, Kai stood alone on the highest terrace. Below, his sect celebrated, whispered, plotted. He closed his eyes, letting the wind tangle his hair and the scent of lanterns fill his lungs. For the first time, he truly felt the eyes of the world upon him—and smiled.