---
A week after the beast trial, I became the center of every whisper in Wu Tan City.
Before, they pitied me. Now, they feared me.
Even Xiao Yan began observing from a distance—not yet hostile, but no longer dismissive. A future collision was inevitable. But not yet.
For now, a new threat loomed. And it came in the form of silk robes and smiling swords.
---
Arrival of the Misty Cloud Sect
They came not as conquerors, but as courtiers.
White robes, silver embroidery, and gentle smiles. Their leader was a young man named Mu Cheng, a core disciple—refined, soft-spoken, and deadly.
"I've heard Wu Tan City houses a reborn genius," he said, staring at me during the clan banquet. "Would he honor me with a spar?"
His tone was polite. But his eyes said: Prove yourself. Or bow.
---
Xiao Clan's Arena – Morning Duel
The spar wasn't optional.
Dozens gathered, even civilians from Wu Tan City. The Misty Cloud Sect's entourage formed a half-circle near the arena, fans and masks hiding smirks.
"Don't disgrace yourself," Xiao Ning muttered as I passed.
I stepped into the center and bowed to Mu Cheng.
He returned the gesture.
Then the crowd vanished from my senses. Only fire remained.
---
> System Notice
• Opponent: Mu Cheng, Dou Zhe (3-Star)
• Martial Specialization: Wind Sword Techniques
→ Phoenix Step available
→ Flame Fang available
---
Mu Cheng struck first.
He didn't hesitate.
A wind blade burst from his sword, slicing toward my face. I dipped and rolled to the left. His follow-up slash came instantly—silent, clean, efficient.
But he was too smooth.
Too rehearsed.
> Predictable.
I ducked beneath the strike and whispered, "Phoenix Step."
Flame pulsed at my feet—and I vanished.
I reappeared behind him, palm glowing violet.
> Flame Fang – Point Blank
Mu Cheng twisted, eyes widening—too late.
The blast threw him forward. He hit the stone and skidded, singeing his robes.
Gasps echoed.
He stood, brushing dust from his shoulder. "Interesting flame..."
Then he smiled—and vanished.
> Wind Step.
His blade came down from above like a guillotine.
I threw my arms up in defense.
> Ash Cloak Triggered.
The blow landed, but dulled. I gritted my teeth, twisted sideways, and jammed my elbow into his ribs.
He stumbled.
I planted my foot, flame gathering in my gut.
> Ash Phoenix Martial Style – Phase 2: Blaze Pulse
A pulse of fire burst outward from my chest, catching his center mass. His white robe blackened. He gasped.
Then dropped his sword.
He raised a hand. "Enough."
---
Silence.
Then applause.
Even some elders clapped.
Mu Cheng picked up his sword, bowed deeply, and said:
"You are no simple Dou Zhe. Perhaps… something greater."
Then he turned and left, robes scorched, pride slightly dented.
---
Later That Evening – Personal Chambers
My dantian pulsed with rising power.
> System Notification
• Victory Against Cultivator of Equal Tier: +1 Advancement Token
• Optional Use: Break Dou Zhe (2-Star → 3-Star)
• Trait Upgrade Option: Flame Fang II – Spiral Burn
I selected the trait upgrade.
The spear now exploded after contact—lingering damage to armored opponents.
I felt my body shift, slightly tougher, the fire inside more fluid.
Then the system chimed again.
> Ash Flame Network: Foreign Echo Detected
• Minor Phoenix Fragment Activated – Tagan Desert
• Source Location: Snake-People Territory
A single name echoed in the flame's whisper:
> "Queen…"
And for a split second, I saw her.
Long purple hair. Eyes like twin amethysts. Scales beneath her skin. Medusa.
But the image vanished.
Too early.
Too far.
Not yet.
---
Final Scene – Unknown Mountains
In a deep cavern beneath fallen dragon bones, a girl with silver hair and violet eyes awoke with a start.
She looked toward the west, toward Wu Tan.
And smiled.
> "Someone's playing with fire."
---
[End of Chapter 6]