Inside a large courtyard shaded by flowing curtains, Sun Xiyan was seated cross-legged, his expression calm as a servant whispered something into his ear. As the words reached him, his eyebrows twitched.
"What did you just say? That brat... Su Yang, actually defeated Sun Mo in public?" he asked coldly, his voice sharp like a blade.
The servant, head bowed low, nodded nervously. "Y-Yes, Young Master.
Crack!
The teacup in Sun Xiyan's hand shattered.
"Hmph! Useless fool. And that beast… ." His tone was filled with greed and frustration.
He stood up, pacing the length of the courtyard.
"It seems I have to go myself and crush that brat. A rare space-type spirit beast doesn't belong to someone like him."
Just as he stepped toward the exit, a firm voice echoed behind him.
"Xiyan. Sit down."
It was Sun Ji, one of the elders of the Sun Family. His sharp eyes narrowed as he studied Xiyan.
"You want to make things worse? Don't forget, many eyes are watching. The City Lord's faction, the elder council, and even our enemies would love to use this against us. If you push too far, this rare beast might slip from our hands forever."
Sun Xiyan clenched his fists, but he did as told. "Then what do we do? Let him keep that beast and embarrass our family?"
Sun Ji waved his hand. "No. I have a better plan. Issue a challenge. Duel him during the Sect Exchange Trial. It's public, it's fair, and it's legal."
"But… what if he refuses?"
"He won't. He's just arrived in Lu City and registered for the trial. If he backs down, his reputation will be destroyed. And besides... he's only at the Bone Tempering realm."
Sun Ji smirked. "You, Xiyan, are already at Vein Tempering. With your background and skill, defeating him should be easy. Crush him in front of the crowd. Take away the praise he's getting, and then... the beast."
Sun Xiyan's eyes lit up. "Elder Ji, that's brilliant. I'll let everyone see that Su Yang is nothing but a lucky countryside bumpkin."
—
The next day, the city's outer sect registration grounds were bustling with excitement. Many cultivators had gathered for the Exchange Trial registration.
Su Yang and Jin Hao arrived early. Su Yang wore a plain black robe, while Max followed him closely, tail swaying happily.
They had just completed the paperwork when a loud voice interrupted them.
"Su Yang! I challenge you to a duel during the Sect Exchange Trial!"
Everyone turned to see Sun Xiyan striding forward, his clothes adorned with the Sun Family emblem. Behind him stood several Sun Family youths.
Jin Hao leaned over and whispered, "Be careful. That's Sun Xiyan—he's from one of the top powers in Lu City. He's already reached Vein Tempering Realm."
Su Yang looked calm. His sharp eyes stared at Xiyan.
"A duel? Why? Did I offend you?"
Sun Xiyan smirked. "You didn't offend me. But your arrogance offends everyone. Beating Sun Mo, flaunting your beast… You need to be taught your place."
Su Yang didn't respond immediately. Instead, he looked at Max, who blinked innocently, then looked back at Sun Xiyan.
"You want to fight me in front of everyone?"
Sun Xiyan nodded. "At the start of the trial. I'll make sure your participation ends before it begins."
A moment of silence passed.
Then Su Yang smirked.
"Very well. I accept. I just hope you're ready."
Gasps filled the air. Many people whispered.
"He accepted?! He must be crazy. Sun Xiyan is on a completely different level."
Jin Hao looked worried, but Su Yang patted his shoulder.
"Don't worry. I've seen his cultivation. I may be at Bone Tempering, but my power isn't what it seems."
Jin Hao looked into Su Yang's calm eyes and nodded slowly. "Alright. Just be careful. This could get serious."
As the sun rose over Lu City, the square in front of the central sect arena buzzed with excitement. Flags of various colors fluttered in the wind, and groups of cultivators in distinct robes arrived one after another. Today marked the start of the long-awaited Sect Exchange Trial, an annual event where sects from across the region sent their disciples to compete for glory, resources, and recognition.
Su Yang stood quietly in a corner, beside Jin Hao. Dressed in simple robes and carrying no insignia, he was nearly invisible among the flashy robes of disciples from renowned sects. But Max sat on his shoulder, drawing curious glances.
A booming voice echoed across the square. A white-robed elder floated in mid-air and announced, "Welcome to the annual Sect Exchange Trial hosted by the Seven Star Alliance. The trial consists of three stages. All participants must pass each stage to be ranked."
He gestured to the arena gates, which slowly opened.
"Stage One: Spiritual Pressure Trial. Step into the array, and withstand the spiritual pressure released by ancient sect relics. Those who fail to hold their ground within five minutes will be eliminated."
"Stage Two: Dueling Grounds. You will be paired for battle. Defeating your opponent earns you points. Injuring severely or killing your opponent results in disqualification."
"Stage Three: Talent Ascension Stairs. Those who pass the first two stages will walk the stairs of the heavens. Each step tests your spirit, soul, and willpower. The higher you ascend, the more rewards you gain."
Gasps echoed around the crowd. The Talent Ascension Stairs hadn't appeared in many years. It was said that only one with heaven-defying potential could reach the top.
Jin Hao whispered, "Brother Su Yang, this trial is no joke. Even the top three sects are sending elite disciples."
Su Yang calmly observed as sect after sect arrived.
1. Azure Flame Sect – Known for its aggressive fire techniques. Their disciples wore crimson robes. 2. Iron Root Sect – Famous for defense and body cultivation. Their disciples looked like warriors, each with thick spiritual armor. 3. Cloud Mist Pavilion – An elegant sect with graceful swordsmanship and wind techniques. 4. Heavenly Orchid Sect – A female-dominated sect with powerful healing and poison arts. 5. Dark Moon Hall – A shadowy sect with assassins and soul arts. Few dared speak with them.