Naked Sword Art

"…What is that?"

Suddenly, Yin Fei fainted.

Xiao Fang didn't know what was going on, more importantly, he wanted to know what she saw to make her react like that. For the time being, it seemed she was still breathing and well, so he prepared for them to leave.

Placing her on top of Xiao Hei, they returned to the road back to the Black Paradise sect, but even after travelling all day and night, Yin Fei still didn't seem like she would wake up anytime soon.

.

.

.

Black Paradise Sect – Tournament Grounds

The morning sun hung high in the sky, casting long golden rays over the towering black spires of the Black Paradise Sect. Temple bells rang across the mountain range, their deep, resonant tones echoing like the drums of war.

This was no ordinary tournament.

It was the final trial to determine which sect would represent the QiGon Province—a title of immense prestige.

The Flowing Blade Sect had already triumphed over the other sects in the region. Now, as the final challenger, they stood before the Black Paradise Sect, the reigning power of the province.

Victory would mean more than glory. It would elevate their sect to Major Sect status, granting them direct recognition by the Royal Court, and with it, a vast influx of cultivation resources, spiritual land rights, and monthly tributes of wealth and power.

For the Flowing Blade Sect, this battle was everything.

For the Black Paradise Sect, it was a declaration—that their dominance was not to be questioned.

…

The arena had been expanded for the occasion, transformed into a colossal coliseum carved from Qi-infused stone. Rows upon rows of spectators packed the stands—disciples, elders, and cultivators from both sects, as well as representatives from distant sects who had traveled days to witness the event.

Spiritual banners fluttered in the wind, carrying sect symbols that shimmered with enchantments.

At the center of it all stood a massive platform—fortified with defensive arrays and talismans, capable of withstanding even Profound Realm destruction. It was here that the rising stars of this generation would clash.

Suddenly, without announcement or flare, a man in flowing golden robes stepped onto the stage. All eyes turned toward him. He didn't speak—he didn't have to. His mere presence commanded silence.

The younger disciples leaned in, whispering amongst themselves. "Who is he?" "Is he from the Flowing Blade Sect?" "Or maybe a reclusive master?" But the elders in attendance exchanged knowing glances. They understood the gravity of his presence.

The man in golden robes wasn't from the Black Paradise Sect, nor the Flowing Blade Sect. He wasn't from any sect.

He was a Royal Court Representative.

Then, as if to confirm their suspicions, the golden-robed man levitated gently off the ground. Gasps rang out from the crowd. Even the seasoned elders couldn't help but straighten their posture in respect.

His aura unfurled like a golden tide, sweeping across the arena with Overwhelming pressure.

He was a Heavenly Realm cultivator.

A deep, resonant voice echoed through the stadium—amplified by spiritual sound techniques that made every syllable tremble through bone and soul.

"Welcome, everyone. This is a momentous day. Today, the two strongest sects of QiGon Province shall clash in battle. Tell me… are you ready?"

The silenced crowd suddenly erupted into thunderous cheers.

High above the platform, the man in gold smiled.

"Let us first welcome the ten champions of the Black Paradise Sect!"

One by one, names were called—each name echoing across the vast arena like a drumbeat of war.

The first to be announced was Xun Wei, the youngest and least experienced among the ten, yet still a force worthy of standing at the forefront of her generation.

Each name was met with a roar of approval, the excitement building with every call. But when the announcer reached the ninth name, the energy in the air shifted—growing denser, charged with expectation.

"And now… standing at the very top… the pride of the Black Paradise Sect… personal disciple of Matriarch Shi Lan…"

A hush swept over the stadium like a passing storm, silencing even the rowdiest cheers. Then, a breathtaking figure stepped forward—clad in flowing crimson robes embroidered with golden phoenixes that shimmered under the sun.

Her long, obsidian hair cascaded behind her like a silken waterfall, and her eyes—sharp, resolute, and unshakable—swept across the crowd with quiet command. She walked with poise and unbending strength, radiating not arrogance, but the kind of confidence forged in the fires of relentless training.

"Li Lian!"

The crowd erupted, the roar deafening—chanting her name like a queen returning to claim her throne.

She didn't smile. She didn't wave.

She simply stood at the front of her group, back straight, as if daring the world to challenge her place.

Disciples leapt to their feet, shouting her name with fervor, while visiting Elders exchanged quiet nods of recognition.

But in that very instant, Li Lian did something no one expected.

A sudden burst of golden-red light erupted around her. [ Heavenly Flames ] roared to life, wrapping her body in blazing armor that shimmered like molten steel. Crimson phoenix wings burst from her back in a blaze of fire, lifting her gently into the air.

She didn't look like a cultivator anymore—she looked like something ancient and divine, a myth reborn in flesh and flame.

Each beat of her wings sent a wave of searing heat across the stadium—not unbearable, but heavy with warning. She hovered above the stage like a goddess of judgment, every eye locked on her.

And just when it seemed like her entrance had reached its peak—

ROOOAAAR—

The deep, soul-rattling cry of a dragon erupted across the arena. A tremor ran through the coliseum as the stage beneath her feet vibrated.

A pressure descended like a mountain, causing cultivators below the Profound Realm to instinctively take a step back.

"What the hell is that…?" the young disciples whispered.

But the Elders knew—

[ 1st Stage Dragon Perception ]

Stunned silence gripped the Flowing Blade Sect's side. Color drained from their faces. Meanwhile, the Black Paradise Sect erupted into renewed cheers, louder and more frenzied than before.

On the high platform, Matriarch Shi Lan chuckled softly, unable to contain her pride.

"…That's my girl."