Chapter 50: The Crimson Invitation

Dawn broke, golden rays spilling across Twilight Academy's rooftops. Class D began their morning drills, guided by Han Li's unorthodox methods—sweeping, balancing water on their heads, and meditating upside-down.

"Master, this training makes no sense!" Jian Mo groaned, wobbling on one leg.

Han Li didn't answer. He stared into the distance, brows faintly furrowed.

A blood-colored bird screeched overhead, dropping a black scroll sealed with crimson wax. It landed before Ling Yue, pulsing with heat.

Everyone froze.

"What is that?" Xun Fei asked.

Han Li stepped forward, unsealing the scroll. A strange pressure filled the courtyard.

To Class D and its mysterious instructor,

By order of the Internal Sect Council and the Shadow Pavilion, you are hereby invited to the Crimson Appraisal—a prelude to the Celestial Tournament. Only those with 'unexpected potential' are chosen.

Decline, and your class returns to obscurity. Accept, and face trials beyond mortal expectations.

—Signed,

The Crimson Judge

Jian Mo blinked. "Crimson... what?"

Ling Yue's fingers tightened. "The Shadow Pavilion never shows interest unless there's power involved."

Han Li folded the scroll slowly, voice calm. "We'll attend."

"Master?" Xun Fei asked, surprised.

"This isn't a test. It's bait," Han Li said, gaze sharp. "But sometimes, we follow bait to reach the real prey."

He looked toward the distant northern peaks, where a scarlet mist twisted unnaturally in the sky.

"It's too soon for the Sky-Eater to move… but something is waking up."

Far away, deep within a chained mountain, red eyes opened slowly.

It remembered Han Li.

And it hungered.