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Chapter 15: Geniuses Gather – Rival Flames Ignite
The wind stirred above the Holy Land, carrying word of the Evergreen Secret Realm opening in less than three months. Across the land, ancient sects and peerless geniuses prepared to descend upon the battlefield of opportunity and fate.
On Verdant Cloud Peak, Xiao Tian sat cross-legged inside the Starview Pavilion, a jade scroll open before him. A faint golden glow traced across his pupils—the Life Script System quietly activating.
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[Heavenly Flame Pavilion – Jin Wushuang]
> [Fate: Red-Gold]
[Body: Fire Phoenix Sacred Veins]
[Opportunity: Flame Origin Lotus – Realm Core Center]
[Hidden Entry: Karma Debt – Lifeline Thread tied to Ye Qingyu]
Xiao Tian's eyes narrowed. "Flame Origin Lotus… he's bound to clash with me at the Realm's center."
And that karmic connection to Ye Qingyu—was it a past life? An entanglement yet to surface?
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[Frost Moon Valley – Mu Yuyan]
> [Fate: Red]
[Body: Glacial Divine Body]
[Opportunity: Moonshade Ice Crystal – Secret Realm Outer Ring]
[Interest: Observation Target – Xiao Tian]
"She's been watching me since the second round of the competition," Xiao Tian mused. "Why?"
Mu Yuyan had said little, her eyes always cold, but there was a flicker of curiosity when she looked at him. Perhaps… suspicion? Or something deeper?
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[Azure Dragon Sanctuary – Lu Wenye]
> [Fate: Golden]
[Physique: Azure Dragon Heaven Body]
[Opportunity: Dragon Scale Fragment – Secret Realm Central Rift]
[Threat: High – Possible Combat Encounter]
"A golden fate…" Xiao Tian's voice was calm, but within him, a silent excitement sparked.
Such beings—rival geniuses standing at the pinnacle—were not just enemies.
They were walking treasure troves of cultivation paths and stolen destiny.
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[Thousand Blossom Court – Bai Lianxin]
> [Fate: Red-Purple]
[Body: Spirit Heart Physique]
[Opportunity: Spirit Lotus Mirror (Incomplete)]
[Note: Potential ally or deadly trap]
Xiao Tian chuckled softly. "A rare Spirit Heart… either a cultivator's greatest sword or their final downfall."
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Preparing the Board
He closed the scroll and stepped outside. The sun bathed the valley in golden light.
Behind him, Ye Qingyu and Han Qingyi—both now residing on Verdant Cloud Peak as maids—stood respectfully, silently following him like shadows.
Xiao Tian gazed into the sky.
"Evergreen Secret Realm… a place where fate blooms and withers."
He turned toward the training field.
"Qingyu, Qingyi."
"Yes, Young Master," both responded in unison.
"Begin preparations. From now on, we train as if we walk on blades. The Realm will not be gentle. We will meet enemies with red fates, golden paths, and blood-drenched ambition."
His sword, Verdant Flow, hummed softly in its scabbard, sensing his will.