I. The Arena Summons
As dusk settled, the northern snowfields grew ever bleaker. Following the battle at Snowfall Valley, Shen Qingyuan once again braved the snowy wilderness, burdened with the Soul-Severing Blade and countless unanswered questions. Word had spread that the ancient Sword Conference had resurfaced, and the Bloodshadow Tower's master, the notorious Blood Crow, had not perished as once believed. In response, the great powers of the martial world — Tianji Tower, Shaolin, Kunlun, Five Venoms Sect, Xuan Yin Hall, Tiandu Sword Sect, Cloud Phantom Sect, the Lone Army Sect, and remnants of the Feihong Escort Bureau — had all gathered atop the snow-capped peak known as the Frostblade Arena.
The arena was located midway up Frostpeak in the far north — a natural platform on a snowy cliff, surrounded by sheer mountains and bottomless chasms. Only a single stone bridge connected it to the outside world. Dozens of weapons were suspended above the arena: blades, swords, hammers, halberds, spears, and axes gleamed coldly against the snowy backdrop, resembling an army poised for war. At the heart of the platform, eight characters were carved into the stone: "Frostblade Asks — Who Shall Rule the World?", evoking the legends of ages past.
Before the platform, tens of thousands had gathered, posted every five paces and arrayed every ten, their cloaks billowing in the wind. The northern gales howled through the snowy valley, threatening to turn the entire arena into a sea of ice. As night fell, torches flared to life, their flames lighting up the falling snow like a shower of stars. This event was not merely a contest of martial prowess — it was a pivotal moment in uncovering the Bloodshadow Tower's looming conspiracy.
The Frostblade Arena was unlike ordinary martial tournaments or philosophical gatherings. It was jointly proposed by the masters of Tianji Tower and Shaolin Temple to serve as a fair battleground to identify the rightful heir of the Soul-Severing Blade — and to expose the true culprit behind the fall of the Shadow Sect. The announcement rocked the martial world. Heroes from all corners came, some eager to witness the bearer of the legendary blade, others hoping to challenge and perhaps claim its power for themselves.
II. Heroes Gather
As the night deepened and the stars thinned, the arena was divided into four camps: on the left stood the allied forces of Shaolin, Tiandu, and Kunlun; on the right were the demonic factions — Five Venoms Sect, Xuan Yin Hall, and the Cloud Phantom Sect; the front was held by Tianji Tower and the remnants of the Feihong Escort Bureau; while the rear was occupied by newly risen clans and gentry from the Jiangnan region. Shen Qingyuan, Night Butterfly, and Bai Zhou sat quietly within the Tianji Tower camp, drawing glances from all sides — for it was rumored that the master of the Soul-Severing Blade would enter the arena tonight.
Suddenly, a mist rose at the center of the platform, accompanied by a thunder of drums. Tianji Tower's drums beat with resolute power, while Shaolin's wooden fish emitted deep, meditative tones. One by one, prominent figures appeared: Shaolin's abbot, Master Chu Xuanyuan; Kunlun's leader, Yue Mingfeng; and the Five Venoms Sect's matriarch, the venomous beauty known as Fairy Red Fang. Thunderous applause erupted from the crowd. All eyes turned to the blade resting on its stand — the Soul-Severing Blade — its cold gleam sharp enough to pierce illusion itself.
"To conquer the martial world, one must stand alone atop the peak!" Yue Mingfeng of Kunlun proclaimed. His piercing gaze and powerful aura marked him as a martial master in full bloom, though even he showed respect before the blade.
"None shall profane the legacy of the Shadow Sect," sneered Fairy Red Fang of the Five Venoms. Her fingers played with a needle glowing with purple venom, her eyes filled with malice.
"You all argue in vain. Let Tianji Tower make the first move," said Bai Jingyi as he strode to the front. With wind and thunder flowing from his sleeves, he declared in a clear voice, "Any who wish to contest for the Soul-Severing Blade must proceed to one of the three arena entrances and await your turn. Step onto the central stage without permission, and you will be expelled immediately!"
The crowd obeyed, forming lines before three massive stone gates. Each bore a name: "Azure Edge Gate," "Golden Lock Gate," and "Bloodshadow Gate" — representing martial skill, righteous spirit, and the demonic path, respectively. The first appearance of the Soul-Severing Blade's master would be marked by a grand opening ceremony, presided over by Tianji Tower at the arena's center.
III. Testing the Edge
To the east stood the Azure Edge Gate, wreathed in bluish blade energy — a venue for testing martial prowess. The first contender emerged: Empty River Crossing, a tall and sharp-eyed youth, favored disciple of Abbot Chu Xuanyuan. At only eighteen, he had already ascended the highest echelon of Shaolin's Da Luo Heaven Stage. His opponent was Cold Cloud Goose, a seventh-generation disciple of Kunlun who had mastered the "Snow-Drinking Sword Technique," renowned for its swift, graceful attacks — like geese in flight amid a snowstorm.
As they crossed blades, the arena filled with flashes of light and a flurry of snow. Shaolin's blade technique was heavy yet elegant, while Kunlun's swordplay was ethereal and fierce. After dozens of exchanges, neither yielded a single move. The crowd watched in awe. Though Shen Qingyuan had yet to enter the stage, the blade at his side seemed to resonate with the fighting spirit in the air — its killing intent drifting like mist, as if foretelling destiny's movements.
Their duel ended without a clear victor, forcing both to step down. The judges marked the bout as a draw based on equal votes at the Azure Edge Gate. The crowd praised the match as "a duel for the ages, where youth knew no bounds and heroism knew no victor."
Next, the Golden Lock Gate lit up with golden light — the gate of righteous trials. First up was Jade Master Zheng Yuheng, leader of the Tiandu Sword Sect, facing off against the enigmatic You Tiance of Xuan Yin Hall. Their clash was one of staff versus palm. With each blow, the wind roared and thundered, deafening the crowd. In the end, Zheng Yuheng unleashed his famed technique, "Tiandu's Return to Origin," dissolving his opponent's ultimate strike and claiming victory.
At this, Night Butterfly frowned slightly. "With so many masters gathered here, the bearer of the Soul-Severing Blade will inevitably become the center of attention — and a prime target."
Bai Zhou nodded. "That's exactly why Tianji Tower initiated this arena. We must assert dominance from the beginning if we are to maintain control."
IV. The Bloodshadow Assault
Deep into the night, though the lights around the Frostblade Arena remained bright, an eerie chill silently crept in. Remnants of the Bloodshadow Tower infiltrated the arena. While the spectators and judges remained unsuspecting, the Blood Crow led a surprise attack with several members of the Thirteen Ghost Children, including "Bloodheart Boy" and the "Bloodshadow Sisters," storming in through the rear gates with the intent to assassinate the Soulsever Blade Master and throw the tournament into chaos.
Bai Zhou and Night Butterfly immediately sensed the disturbance and fought their way through the siege. Several dark figures rapidly subdued the arena's outer guards, plunging the crowd into disorder. Shaolin monks, Kunlun disciples, and the followers of the Five Venoms all stepped forward to defend, but the attackers were met with deadly resistance by newly risen figures from the Bloodshadow Tower—such as the "Underworld Blood General" and the "Nightshade Madman"—who unleashed toxic mists and blood arts in defense.
The brutal nature of the Bloodshadow Tower's tactics was laid bare, revealing their ambition to seize the Soulsever Blade through bloodshed.
Just then, thunderous sounds erupted from all directions within the arena as massive stone doors slammed shut, leaving only the central "Master's Gate" open. Bai Jingyi of the Celestial Secrets Tower raised his folding fan. Countless talismanic symbols shot forth like scattered stars, blasting back the invaders.
Then he shouted, "Soulsever Blade Master, show yourself!"
V. The Final Arena
All four gates of the Frostblade Arena were sealed; only the central gate remained. Thousands of warriors gathered, awaiting the reveal of the Blade Master's true identity. The stone gate slid open, revealing Shen Qingyuan, holding the Soulsever Blade. Snow mist swirled around him, his expression calm but piercingly cold.
The arena fell into dead silence. Every gaze was fixed on him.
"Soulsever Blade Master, tonight you must answer the challenge of this arena!" Bai Jingyi's voice rang across the sky.
Shen Qingyuan inhaled the frigid air deeply and slowly stepped into the center of the arena. He thrust the Soulsever Blade into the snow, its hilt pointing to the heavens, its tip biting into the icy ground, reflecting moonlight with a lethal glint. He then turned, bowing deeply to the assembled leaders of Celestial Secrets, Shaolin, Kunlun, the Five Venoms, and Xuanyin.
"This junior, Shen Qingyuan, broke through the Snow Valley with blade in hand days ago. Tonight, I offer this blade to challenge the martial world. Who will be the first?"
As his voice faded, dozens of figures leapt onto the stage. Swords, spears, and sabers all pointed at him. Golden, icy, and bloody light mingled as heaven and earth blurred in a storm of power.
Shen Qingyuan turned to the wind and said in a low, resonant voice, "Come, then. The might of the Soulsever Blade shall now be tested."
Drawing the blade, its full might was unleashed—five deadly techniques radiated from the weapon. The blade's aura seemed to consume souls, flashing between crimson brilliance and a cold, watery gleam.
The first move, Soulsever Strike, slashed through the storm in five directions.
The second, Soul-snaring Whirlwind, spun with such force it drew weapons away from their owners.
The third, Soullock Chain, coiled around multiple opponents, trapping them in a deadly formation.
The fourth, Shatter the Soul, condensed invisible blade energy into shockwaves that struck thousands.
The fifth, Phoenix Rebirth, transformed blade energy into countless blood shadows, engulfing the arena.
As the battle reached its climax, Shen Qingyuan faced three top masters simultaneously: Zheng Yuheng of Tiandu, Yue Mingfeng of Kunlun, and Redfang Fairy of the Five Venoms. Blades and fists collided in a whirlwind of strikes. Bai Zhou and Night Butterfly coordinated from below, forming defensive formations to guard his flanks. The fourfold clashes thundered with each impact, shaking the entire arena.
At last, Shen Qingyuan let out a long, piercing cry. The power of soul rupture surged again—the blade's light arced like a rainbow, sweeping a ten-zhang radius. Masters were blasted back, blood sprayed upon the snow. Only the Shaolin abbot, Chu Xuanyuan, and Kunlun's Yue Mingfeng respectfully withdrew, unwilling to confront such force directly. All others retreated in disarray.
A commotion arose from the crowd: "The Soulsever Blade Master is unmatched! Truly the number one under heaven!"
VI. No Clear Victor
The battle at Frostblade Arena ended in silence, snow falling soundlessly. The remnants of Bloodshadow Tower faded into darkness, with neither Nightshrieker Soul nor the Blood Crow reappearing. All heroes turned their gaze to Shen Qingyuan and withdrew their weapons.
Bai Jingyi slowly stepped onto the stage. He pulled the Soulsever Blade from the snow and handed it back to Shen Qingyuan.
"The number one in the martial world—none but this blade's master deserves it."
Shen Qingyuan grasped the hilt with his right hand and lowered the blade with his left, speaking solemnly:
"Though tonight's battle earned respect, the old hatred of the Shadow Sect, the schemes of Bloodshadow Tower, and the threat of the Underworld Blood General remain. Now that the Soulsever Blade has claimed its place, the turmoil ahead must be faced together by all sects. I am willing to join hands with each of you to root out the Bloodshadow remnants, uncover the truth of the Shadow Sect, and restore peace to the martial world."
Applause thundered beneath the stage. The masters of Shaolin, Kunlun, and other major sects nodded in unison, pledging their support. Though no definitive victor emerged from Frostblade Arena, Shen Qingyuan's lone stand had won the hearts of all.
The night deepened. Moonlight flowed like water. Blade light shimmered in the cold.
End of Chapter Ten