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Chapter 216: Disgrace

Lucavion stepped fully into the arena, the wave of noise crashing over him, a mixture of cheers, gasps, and the low murmurs of those eagerly anticipating the clash. He was well aware that his fight had drawn attention—perhaps one of the most awaited matchups of this round. The crowd's anticipation was a living thing, buzzing and crackling in the air around him, but his focus remained unwavering.

His gaze sharpened as his opponent emerged from the opposite gate. A young woman, draped in the unmistakable blue robes of the Cloud Heavens Sect, stepped into the arena with a poised, deliberate grace. Her hair was pulled back tightly, accentuating her sharp, focused expression.

A faint aura of chilled blue light surrounded her, hinting at her skill with water or ice-based mana, the preferred elements of her sect.

'Indeed, for someone to be the one that can advance into the top 32, her strength is indeed not a joke.'

He mused inwardly, his eyes taking in her disciplined stance and the slight tension in her shoulders. Her face remained impassive, yet her gaze held a glint of determination as she locked eyes with him across the arena, clearly intent on proving herself.

The crowd hushed slightly, their whispers tapering off as they recognized the emblems of the Cloud Heavens Sect on her robes. Lucavion knew this was no ordinary fight. The sect had likely chosen her specifically, hoping she would be able to neutralize the threat he posed to their reputation.

He gave her a faint, knowing smile, one that held both amusement and a hint of challenge. 'Let's see if she's as capable as they claim.'

The announcer's voice rang out, calling attention to the match and detailing the competitors.

"On one side, we have the tournament's rising star, a fighter who has taken Andelheim by storm with his skill and speed—the Phantom Blade, Lucavion!"

A wave of cheers erupted, the crowd chanting his title, the name already cemented in their minds. Lucavion barely acknowledged the noise, his eyes never leaving his opponent, a faint smirk playing on his lips as he awaited the introduction of his adversary.

"And on the other side," the announcer continued, his voice swelling with dramatic flair, "a prodigy from the renowned Cloud Heavens Sect! Known for her precision and mastery over the water arts, the Glacial Bloom, Kara Avren!"

The audience gasped and murmured in recognition of her title. Kara Avren was well-known among the sect's disciples, a young fighter who wielded her elemental prowess with elegance and deadly grace that had earned her respect and notoriety. Kara held herself with composed dignity, her eyes meeting Lucavion's with unwavering focus, her hand steady on the hilt of her curved blade.

Lucavion's smirk widened as he inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment.

So, the Glacial Bloom, is it?

The title seemed fitting.

The announcer stepped back, his voice echoing, "Let the match begin!"

The crowd's cheers intensified, but Lucavion heard none of it, his mind laser-focused on his opponent. This was the moment—one that would test both skill and intent.

Kara Avren's gaze remained steady as she drew her curved blade, her posture poised and collected. A hint of disdain flickered in her eyes as she looked Lucavion over, sizing him up.

"When you had the chance," she said calmly, her voice laced with an edge of contempt, "you should have taken it."

Lucavion met her gaze, his smirk widening as he held her stare with unwavering confidence. "If you were so confident in your abilities, why did your sect even bother making such an offer?"

Kara's lips tightened, her expression cool and unyielding. "To show courtesy, of course. But perhaps we should've expected a vulgar man like you to reject something so honorable." Her words dripped with disdain as if his very presence offended her.

Lucavion shook his head slowly, a look of amused disbelief crossing his face as he rested his hand on the hilt of his estoc. With a practiced calm, he drew the blade, its length gleaming under the sunlight, and pointed it toward her.

"For someone like you to call me vulgar…" he murmured, his voice soft but carrying a sharp edge. "You and your sect reek of male influence. Just yesterday, you were more focused on…... Whatever, never mind…." He let his words hang in the air, his smirk never faltering. "Are you even taking this seriously?"

A flicker of anger flashed in her eyes, but Kara kept her expression controlled, her stance tightening as she readied herself. Her grip on the hilt of her sword grew firmer, and a faint aura of chilled blue energy began to gather around her.

"Shut your mouth."

The words had barely left Kara's lips before she moved, her body a blur of motion.

SWOOSH!

With practiced footwork, she closed the distance between them in an instant, her speed undeniable. Blue mana gathered around her curved blade, a frosty aura that sent a chill through the air. Her sword flashed as she slashed downward, aiming straight for Lucavion.

CLANK!

Lucavion reacted instantly, his estoc rising to meet her attack with a sharp

clank

. The impact reverberated through his arm, and he noted the intensity of her strike. She was strong, faster than most opponents he had faced in this tournament.

The air around them crackled with her icy mana, its chilling energy attempting to seep through his guard.

Their gazes met as their blades locked, his smirk meeting her cold, narrowed eyes.

"Is that it?" he taunted his tone light, almost mocking.

Kara's expression didn't falter, her grip tightening as her blue aura intensified, ice beginning to creep along her blade, threatening to encase his estoc. She pushed against him, her eyes flashing with determination.

"You talk too much for someone who's about to lose," she replied coolly.

Lucavion felt the chill seeping toward him, her mana pressing in as she attempted to freeze his weapon.

'Lower the grip.'

He shifted his stance, sliding his blade along hers to break her hold.

CLANK!

With a quick twist of his wrist, he deflected her sword to the side, using her momentum to unbalance her for a brief second.

Kara was quick, regaining her footing almost instantly, but Lucavion took advantage of the opening he had created.

'Quite sloppy…..Overly reliant on mana.'

SWOOSH!

He spun, his estoc slicing through the air in a calculated, precise arc aimed at her shoulder.

Kara twisted her body, narrowly dodging the strike as she pivoted away, her icy aura flaring around her in response.

CREAK!

She wasn't about to let him gain the upper hand so easily. With a fierce determination, she dashed back toward him, her footwork fluid and refined as she brought her sword down in another powerful slash.

CLANK!

Lucavion met her attack head-on, their swords clashing once more in a shower of sparks and mana.

The force of her mana-infused strike was impressive, but Lucavion's technique remained steady and unyielding, his movements controlled and precise as he parried her every attempt.

'Just, why? Why can't I pass through him? He is not even using any mana?'

The clash continued, with Kara's frustration growing by the second. No matter how much power she poured into her strikes, no matter how refined her footwork, she couldn't seem to break through Lucavion's defenses. The fact that he hadn't even used his mana once gnawed at her pride, filling her with a simmering anger.

'How is he stopping me without even using mana?'

she fumed, her mind racing as she fought to understand his impenetrable defense.

Refusing to accept this imbalance, she gritted her teeth and resolved to end it with her most powerful technique. She channeled her mana into her sword, the icy aura intensifying as she recalled the teachings of her sect's manual,

–The Frost Lotus Doctrine

.

This wasn't just an ordinary technique; it was one of the core moves taught only to the most promising disciples of the Cloud Heavens Sect.

Her eyes flashed with determination as she prepared the move her master had personally taught her.

—

Lotus Petal Severance

.

Lucavion's gaze sharpened as he sensed the shift in her stance, noting the surge of mana now enveloping her blade. The temperature around them plummeted, frost creeping across the arena floor as Kara raised her sword, the blade encased in a crystalline blue light that shimmered like ice.

"HAAA!"

With a cry, she brought down her sword in a powerful, arcing strike, the energy of the

Lotus Petal Severance

slicing through the air toward Lucavion, the very force of it cutting through the ground as it approached.

"Hufff….."

Lucavion released a small breath as he readied himself, as well.

'Such a weak essence.'

The technique was powerful indeed. Something that, not every Awakened could use.

But in the end, if the one wielding it didn't train the technique enough. How could it be enough?

Lucavion watched the incoming strike, his eyes narrowing with a mixture of disdain and disappointment.

"They really are a disgrace…" he muttered under his breath.

Chapter 217: Kara (2)

—

Lotus Petal Severance

.

"They really are a disgrace…"

For all the grand reputation of the Cloud Heavens Sect, Kara's execution of such a high-level technique lacked the refinement and precision he'd expected. Power alone wasn't enough; without control, it was a hollow display.

With a fluid movement, he raised his estoc slightly to his right side, assuming a wing stance, his blade poised to intercept. As the ice-infused energy of the

Lotus Petal Severance

descended, tearing through the ground, he met it head-on.

CREAK! CREAK!

With a sharp twist of his wrist, he cross-slashed the incoming ice strikes, breaking them apart in midair, the shards of cold mana scattering harmlessly around him. His blade moved like an extension of his intent, slicing through the icy assault with ease.

Without hesitation, his arm continued the arc, bringing his estoc to his left side as he stepped forward. In one smooth motion, he brought his blade down diagonally, the strike aimed directly at Kara's sword as she descended.

CLANG!

Their swords clashed with a force that echoed through the arena, but it was Kara who bore the brunt of the impact. Her eyes widened in shock as her carefully cultivated technique was shattered so easily. The sheer strength behind Lucavion's counter forced her back, her body twisting as she lost her balance, thrown off by the unexpected force and the angle of his strike.

Before she could recover, Lucavion moved with ruthless efficiency. He didn't even waste a single moment at all.

THUD!

His left arm which had been free all the time snapped forward, his elbow catching her squarely in the face. The impact was brutal, sending her reeling, her momentum completely reversed as she stumbled back, her grip on her sword weakening.

"Urghk!"

The crowd gasped, stunned by the sudden shift in the fight's tempo. Lucavion remained unfazed, his expression as calm as ever, his gaze fixed on Kara as she struggled to regain her footing.

Kara staggered back, her vision swimming as the pain in her face blossomed into a brutal ache. She could feel the sharp, burning sensation from her shattered nose, and instinctively brought a hand up to her face. Her fingers came away wet with blood, her once-composed expression twisted in a mixture of agony and fury. The once proud, beautiful image she held had been shattered along with her nose, her face now smeared with blood and a hint of snot from the brutal impact.

Her glare was murderous as she fixed her eyes on Lucavion, the humiliation only fueling her anger. "You… you'll pay for this!" she spat, her voice muffled and nasally from the injury. Rage boiled within her, her mana swirling in response as she clenched her sword tightly. Despite the pain, she held her stance, but her focus was wavering, her control slipping as she was consumed by her wounded pride.

Lucavion simply raised his blade, his expression unreadable, but a faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. With a slight tilt of his head, he made a small, taunting gesture with his sword, beckoning her forward.

"Come on, then," he said, his tone calm, almost bored. "Let's hope that strike just now wasn't your most powerful move….If so, then I believe your sect will always remain a second hand all the time."

Kara's face contorted with rage as Lucavion's words sank in, each syllable like salt in an open wound. "You… bastard!" she snarled, her voice seething with fury. "You're just a man—nothing more!" With a shout, she lunged forward, propelling herself with a burst of mana, her sword arcing toward him with deadly intent.

But Lucavion remained utterly calm, his smirk widening as he adjusted his stance. This time….—he'd already seen through her fighting style, and he was more than prepared.

As Kara's blade came crashing down, Lucavion stepped back just enough for her strike to miss, the edge of her sword grazing the air between them.

His estoc, with its extended reach, flicked forward, meeting her sword mid-swing and diverting it harmlessly to the side.

Each movement was precise, each step calculated, his footwork flawless as he maintained the perfect distance between them.

Kara gritted her teeth, frustration gnawing at her as she realized she couldn't even close the gap between them. She slashed again, this time infusing her strike with a surge of mana, hoping to catch him off guard.

But Lucavion adjusted with a swift shift of his stance, his estoc flicking out to deflect her blow, the extra reach of his weapon keeping her at bay effortlessly.

Their clash continued, but it was no contest. Lucavion's mastery over spacing was impeccable, his movements fluid as he kept just beyond her reach, his estoc darting in and out like a serpent.

Every time she tried to close the distance, his blade would intercept hers, either diverting her attack or forcing her back with a small, calculated counter.

Kara's frustration only grew, her strikes becoming more erratic as she realized she couldn't touch him. Even with her mana-infused attacks, he remained untouchable, his blade finding its mark with perfect timing and precision. He controlled the space between them with an ease that bordered on insulting as if he were toying with her.

"You call that an attack?" he asked, his voice laced with mocking amusement. "If this is all the Cloud Heavens Sect has to offer, maybe you should start spending more time on the training grounds, rather than with men at night, don't you think….."

"Shut up!"

"Why? Does the truth hurt?"

"Shut up!"

"Or, will you just cry for attention again? Tears won't save you here, though be careful."

"Shut up!"

The crowd watched in stunned silence as Kara's attempts became increasingly erratic, her focus fractured by the continuous, stinging insults. And finally, as she gathered her mana for one final strike, Lucavion sighed, shifting his gaze to the audience with a look of utter boredom.

"This is utterly pathetic, isn't it?"

With a quick, effortless motion, he sidestepped her final strike, and before she could realize her mistake, his estoc shot forward. The blade pierced her right shoulder—the arm she'd been using to attack—stopping her assault in its tracks. Kara's eyes widened in pain and shock as she felt the cold steel drive into her flesh, her blade falling short yet again, out of reach.

Lucavion withdrew his estoc with a swift motion, leaving her reeling, clutching her wounded shoulder. He then raised his blade and placed the tip against her neck, his eyes unyielding and his expression calm.

"Yield," he said softly, his voice carrying a finality that left no room for argument.

Kara stood frozen, her breathing ragged, her pride shattered. Her hand trembled as she looked up at him, the reality of her defeat settling in with brutal clarity.

"I said, yield."

Kara's gaze faltered as she looked up at him, the weight of her defeat pressing down on her like a physical force. Her breathing was shallow, her pride in tatters, and as the tip of Lucavion's estoc remained poised at her neck, her resolve finally crumbled.

"I… yield," she whispered, her voice barely audible, but enough for him and the referee to hear.

Her hand clutched her wounded shoulder, while her other hand cupped her head in disbelief, the pain mingling with the shock of just how thoroughly she'd been bested.

As she looked at him, the icy calm in his pitch-black gaze and the unwavering precision of his movements, a shiver ran through her.

'Who said this guy was a Phantom Blade?'

she thought bitterly, her mind reeling.

'This guy… he's a demon.'

The crowd erupted in a mixture of shock and applause, but Lucavion remained composed, lowering his estoc and giving her a slight nod as he stepped back, allowing her a moment of dignity even in defeat. Kara's face flushed with a mix of shame and awe as she staggered back, unable to shake the realization that she'd faced something far more formidable than she'd expected.

Lucavion turned, his gaze sweeping over the audience, his expression calm yet unreadable, leaving the spectators in awe of his unflinching prowess and mastery. He had proven himself without a trace of hesitation, a fighter who commanded respect through his actions alone.

*******

In the private lounge, where Marquis Ventor and the two sect elders watched the battles unfold, an uncomfortable silence filled the air following the conclusion of Lucavion and Kara's fight. The tension was palpable as the echoes of the crowd's shock and applause resonated through the arena. Marquis Ventor's face remained neutral, though his eyes gleamed with an undeniable intrigue at the display of skill he had just witnessed.

Then, a sudden, sharp sound broke the silence.

–CRACK!

A crack.

Both the Marquis and Elder Kael turned their attention toward the source of the sound. Elder Xue's hand was clenched around the armrest of her chair, her fingers digging in with enough force that the finely crafted wood had splintered beneath her grip. Her face was a mask of controlled fury, her eyes narrowed as she watched the arena, her gaze locked onto Lucavion's figure.

Chapter 218: Kara (3)

–CRACK!

A crack.

Both the Marquis and Elder Kael turned their attention toward the source of the sound. Elder Xue's hand was clenched around the armrest of her chair, her fingers digging in with enough force that the finely crafted wood had splintered beneath her grip. Her face was a mask of controlled fury, her eyes narrowed as she watched the arena, her gaze locked onto Lucavion's figure.

Elder Kael's mouth curled into a smug smile, relishing the sight of his rival's frustration. "Troubling, isn't it?" he drawled, his voice laced with barely concealed satisfaction. "It appears that your so-called 'Glacial Bloom' wilted in the face of a true flame."

Elder Xue's gaze remained fixed on the arena, though the chill in her eyes spoke volumes. "One fight means nothing," she replied icily, her voice low and controlled, though a tremor of anger simmered beneath her words. "Skill cannot be measured by a single bout."

Kael's smile widened, his tone dripping with mock sympathy. "Ah, but this was more than just a single bout, wouldn't you agree? To lose so thoroughly, to be outmatched so easily… one might even question the quality of her training."

Marquis Ventor raised a hand, his gaze thoughtful as he intervened smoothly, "Indeed, the young man displayed remarkable control and precision, yet every fight is but one stepping stone on a much larger path." His tone was neutral, aimed at diffusing the mounting tension, though the faint gleam in his eyes betrayed his amusement.

Elder Xue's grip on the armrest loosened slightly, though her posture remained rigid, her pride still stinging from the public defeat of her sect's disciple. "This is far from over," she murmured, her tone carrying a hint of threat. "The Cloud Heavens Sect does not yield so easily."

Kael leaned back, folding his arms with a smug air of satisfaction. "We'll see if there's anything left to yield once the tournament progresses. Fire, after all, only grows stronger when fed with false pride."

As the elders exchanged their veiled barbs, Marquis Ventor turned his gaze back to the arena, where Lucavion stood tall amidst the crowd's awe and whispers. This fight had only deepened the intrigue surrounding him, and the Marquis knew well that this young fighter's path would no longer be easy.

But the question was…

'Is he worth offending the Cloud Heavens Sect?'

His mind's gears were working….

********

Valeria had quietly settled into her spot within the fighters' lounge, a designated space away from the raucous crowds, reserved only for the remaining competitors.

With the tournament dwindling down to its final rounds, this area provided an intimate and direct view of the arena, allowing the fighters to observe each other's abilities firsthand.

From her seat, Valeria could see Lucavion step confidently into the arena, a slight, familiar smirk playing on his face as he faced Kara Avren.

'This guy…..Now, I am starting to understand him, I feel like?'

She noted the way he held himself, that relaxed arrogance tempered with unwavering control. His demeanor contrasted sharply with Kara's disciplined intensity, her every motion honed and purposeful as she prepared her stance.

'But, regardless, this girl is strong.'

The faint blue aura surrounding her blade—a signature of the Cloud Heavens Sect's techniques—caught Valeria's eye, reminding her of the raw but refined mana Kara possessed.

Valeria observed closely, her expression unreadable, though internally she was dissecting each movement, each clash of blades.

She had witnessed Lucavion's ruthless efficiency before, but seeing it from this distance and angle, the fluidity of his strikes and the absolute precision with which he maneuvered began to sink in anew.

It was clear he wasn't here merely to compete; he was here to dominate, perhaps to make a statement that extended far beyond a mere tournament victory.

As Kara's attacks intensified, Valeria could see her frustration mounting. No matter how elegantly Kara wielded her mana or the techniques from her sect, Lucavion's unyielding defense met each strike with unbothered ease, almost mocking in its efficiency.

This scene stirred something in Valeria; she felt a mix of admiration and intrigue, mingling with a quiet sense of unease. Lucavion's control over spacing and distance, paired with his taunting remarks, had completely unraveled Kara, who had now forsaken her earlier grace for desperate attacks.

When Lucavion countered Kara's strongest technique, breaking apart her icy Lotus Petal Severance with nothing more than a practiced flick of his estoc, Valeria's eyes narrowed, studying the finesse in his technique.

'This is…..This is why, I lost at that time….'

She mused, her jaw tightening slightly. Lucavion hadn't even needed to rely on mana, relying instead on pure technique, a mastery so complete that it left little room for his opponents to respond. It was like he was on another plane of swordsmanship, wielding his blade with a refined skill she had yet to fully grasp.

"Wow…" she whispered under her breath, still processing the scene that had just unfolded.

A sharp, guttural noise broke through her thoughts. The tense sound of clenched fists, the quiet rage simmering in the air, pulled her back to the present.

She turned her head slightly and noticed a small group of disciples from the Cloud Heavens Sect, their eyes narrowed with barely concealed hatred as they stared at Lucavion's distant figure. Murmurs of anger and quiet, venom-laden threats slipped from between their gritted teeth.

"Arrogant bastard," one of them spat, her voice low and trembling with barely suppressed rage. "He'll pay for this. Mark my words."

"He doesn't know who he's messing with. The Cloud Heavens Sect won't stand for this," muttered another, her gaze dark with resentment.

Valeria watched them quietly, recognizing the frustration and wounded pride in their eyes. Lucavion had humiliated Kara—not just defeated her, but broken through her strongest moves with such ease that it almost seemed disrespectful.

And Kara, the once-composed Glacial Bloom, had been forced to yield in front of the entire crowd, her pride and reputation in tatters.

But even as she absorbed the disciples' anger, Valeria felt a cold clarity settle over her own thoughts.

'At the end of the day,'

she reasoned

, 'this only happened because Kara was too weak to withstand him.'

The raw truth of that thought surprised even herself, but it felt solid, undeniable.

'If she couldn't hold her ground, if she let herself fall into his traps and lose control, that's on her.'

In this tournament, weakness had no place. Watching Lucavion's display had only reinforced that for her. If Kara had truly been prepared, she wouldn't have succumbed so easily to her anger, nor would she have made mistakes that exposed her vulnerabilities.

'No….regardless of what she did, her level was simply not enough….'

Valeria's thoughts drifted back to Kara's movements, replaying each of her swings, the flow of her mana, and the stance she'd held at the beginning of the fight.

The power of Kara's mana had been undeniable, a potent force that filled the arena with a bone-chilling aura. It was the kind of raw strength that only high-level cultivation could provide.

But beneath that icy energy, something was missing—a cohesion, a true foundation to support the power she wielded.

'Her cultivation level must be advanced,'

Valeria mused, recalling the concentrated aura that had encased Kara's blade, a chilling blue light dense enough to almost freeze the air.

'But what good is that power if her technique can't back it up?'

Kara's strikes had been filled with force, but her stance and movements had been slightly misaligned, lacking the stability and focus needed to wield that kind of strength effectively.

Valeria had noticed it right from the start: Kara's form wavered when she channeled too much mana, her movements becoming erratic and less precise. It was a flaw Lucavion had picked up on immediately, and he'd exploited it, letting her own strength become a liability.

'If she had the foundation, if her stance was even a fraction steadier…' Valeria

trailed off, her gaze sharpening. As a knight, she had trained rigorously in the basics—stances drilled until her feet ached, blade angles adjusted until every move was instinct.

Her own family had insisted on perfection, telling her time and again that without solid basics, strength meant nothing. Kara's performance had shown her just how true that was.

'But, is this really the extent of Cloud Heavens Sect? Why is there such a disparity?'

That was the question that was on everyone's mind right now.

One of the strongest disciples of the entire sect, lost in such a pathetic manner? Could this really happen for a sect that was rumored to be filled with talents and could rival the Silver Flame Sect?

For those in the path of Awakening, the process wasn't just about power; it required balance. Strength alone wasn't enough. Awakened fighters often had to first stabilize their cultivation after each breakthrough, refining their cores and learning to wield their enhanced mana without becoming reckless.

This stabilization phase—where they became accustomed to the advanced intricacies of their techniques—was just as crucial as reaching a new level.

'So why didn't she show any sign of that stability?'

Valeria mused, the question settling heavily in her mind. It wasn't uncommon for sect disciples to divide their training between combat technique and cultivation.

This practice provided not only stability but also a deep understanding of their power's limits and applications, preventing their strength from becoming a liability.

Among the stronger sects, this integration of combat and cultivation was finely tuned, each phase meticulously optimized.

She glanced toward the seating area of the Silver Flame Sect, noting their composed expressions and steady demeanors as they observed the scene without a trace of surprise or frustration.

Rather, they looked pleased, and it was understandable. Their enemy got a swift tent in their reputation after all.

CREAK!

Just then, the door opened.

And…..

Lucavion entered.

Chapter 219: Hehe

As the door swung open, a quiet tension fell over the room. Every head turned as Lucavion strode into the lounge, his presence immediately drawing attention. His expression was as composed as ever, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as if he were perfectly aware of the storm his victory had stirred.

Valeria's gaze sharpened as she watched him, noting the relaxed, almost casual air with which he carried himself.

He had just humiliated a top disciple of the Cloud Heavens Sect, a fact that didn't seem to weigh on him in the slightest. But his entry hadn't gone unnoticed. Across the room, the Cloud Heavens Sect disciples glared at him, their faces dark with hostility.

"You!" "How dare you show your face!"

Two of the disciples stood abruptly, their hands twitching toward their weapons, their expressions murderous. They looked as if they would gladly challenge him here and now, regardless of the consequences.

"Hop, hop, hop…..Stay there….."

But before they could make a move, a ripple of motion swept through the opposite side of the room. The Silver Flame Sect disciples rose to their feet as well, their gazes coolly fixed on the Cloud Heavens Sect members.

Though they had no particular allegiance to Lucavion, the principle was clear enough:

the enemy of my enemy is my ally.

This was an opportunity for the Silver Flame Sect to make their stance known, to ensure that the Cloud Heavens Sect wouldn't act rashly in their pursuit of retribution.

The tension was thick, unspoken threats hanging in the air as the two groups faced each other. Lucavion's smirk only grew as he observed the scene, his dark eyes flickering with amusement as he took in the obvious animosity. He didn't appear remotely threatened, almost as if he found the entire display beneath him.

'This…..They acted immediately.'

Valeria, still seated, felt the ripple of tension and glanced between the two factions. She had expected the Cloud Heavens Sect disciples to be livid, but the immediate response from the Silver Flame Sect caught her off guard.

Their cold confidence underscored the power dynamics between these sects—a readiness to undercut their rivals at the slightest opportunity.

They weren't supporting Lucavion directly, but their message was clear enough: they would not allow the Cloud Heavens Sect to disrupt the arena's order.

The Cloud Heavens Sect disciples, their faces twisted in anger, shot deadly glares toward the Silver Flame Sect disciples, their resentment almost palpable. The tension in the room spiked as one of the girls, her eyes blazing with indignation, hissed through gritted teeth, "This has nothing to do with you… so stay out of it."

But the Silver Flame Sect disciples didn't budge, their expressions calm but their eyes glinting with a competitive edge. One of the boys crossed his arms, a slight smirk tugging at his lips as he met the girl's glare head-on. "Why not?" he asked, his tone cool and laced with amusement. "If you have a problem with the outcome, why don't we handle it here? Or would that be… inconvenient for you?"

The Cloud Heavens Sect girls bristled, their hands tightening on the hilts of their weapons. One of them took a step forward, her voice laced with venom. "You think you're so clever, don't you? Always meddling in matters that don't concern you. Just because you think you're stronger, doesn't mean you have the right to interfere."

Another Silver Flame Sect disciple laughed, a short, mocking sound. "Ah, so you admit it then?" he said, his tone taunting. "You're weaker, so we don't have the right to stand here, is that it?" His gaze turned toward Lucavion, a faint grin of appreciation tugging at his lips. "Seems to me he just gave one of your strongest a lesson in humility. But if you're so confident… we're ready whenever you are."

"Stop."

Eventually, the girls were stopped by their Senior Disciple, Lira. Her calm voice echoed around the room, her eyes locked on the girls.

"Let's nott cause a scene here, and lower ourselves."

"But-"

"I said enough."

Reluctantly, the girls exchanged glances before stepping back, releasing their grips on their weapons and returning to their seats, though each movement was tense with barely contained anger. The room's atmosphere gradually settled, the Silver Flame Sect disciples still watching with thinly veiled amusement as the Cloud Heavens Sect girls glowered in silence.

With the immediate threat diffused, Lucavion took advantage of the lull and began walking over to where Valeria sat, his easy stride unfazed by the commotion he'd left in his wake.

He reached her table and, without a word, pulled out the chair beside her and sat down, a faint smirk still playing at the corners of his lips.

Valeria glanced at him, arching an eyebrow. His composure was as irritating as it was impressive. "Enjoyed yourself?" she murmured, her voice low enough not to attract attention, though the slight edge in her tone suggested she wasn't entirely pleased with the scene he'd caused.

"Oh, immensely," Lucavion replied smoothly, leaning back in his chair with an air of satisfaction. His gaze flicked toward the Cloud Heavens Sect disciples, who were still throwing daggers in his direction with their eyes before he shrugged with mock innocence. "They seemed eager for a lesson. I was just accommodating them."

Valeria held back a sigh, watching him for a moment before looking away. "You're courting trouble with them. Do you have any idea how much they'll be watching you now?"

Lucavion raised an eyebrow, leaning in just slightly as he fixed Valeria with a curious look. "Why should I worry?" he asked, his tone casual, as if they were discussing the weather rather than the very real threat of an entire sect's wrath.

Valeria stared at him, trying to process the sheer audacity of his question. She opened her mouth, then paused, momentarily thrown off by the calm confidence in his eyes. "Aren't you…" She gestured vaguely as if searching for a way to make him see the obvious. "Aren't you alone here? How can you possibly expect to go up against an entire sect by yourself?"

But Lucavion merely shrugged, the smirk never leaving his face. "Who said I'd be doing anything alone?" he replied smoothly, his voice laced with a quiet, unshakable confidence.

"Hmm?"

He leaned back, folding his arms with an easy nonchalance that bordered on arrogance. "Besides, they're not nearly as dangerous as they think they are."

Valeria couldn't help but feel a flicker of disbelief. His confidence seemed absurd, reckless even. But looking at him now, utterly calm in the face of such odds, she found herself wondering if perhaps there was more to his certainty than sheer bravado. He seemed entirely unfazed, as though he'd already considered every possible outcome and knew he'd come out ahead regardless.

Finally, she shook her head, sighing as she gave him a sidelong glance. "Whatever," she muttered, a hint of resignation in her tone. "If you're so determined to bring a storm down on yourself, don't say I didn't warn you."

Lucavion chuckled softly, his eyes glinting with amusement as he watched her. "Aaah….. Is Lady Valeria worried about me? This may be one of the happiest days of my life."

"You! Who is worried about you?! I just pointed out the obvious."

Valeria's jaw clenched as she looked away, trying to ignore the infuriating grin Lucavion wore like a badge of honor.

This bastard is relentless with his teasing,

she thought, fighting the urge to respond with something sharp.

But Lucavion was far from finished. He leaned in just a little, his voice dropping to an almost conspiratorial whisper. "So quick to deny it," he murmured with a faint, knowing smirk. "You know, for someone who just

pointed out the obvious,

you sounded rather… concerned."

Valeria turned sharply, her eyes narrowing. "I don't waste concern on people who don't know how to stay out of trouble." She crossed her arms, willing her expression to remain cool and indifferent, but the faintest flush betrayed her irritation.

"Heee…," Lucavion hummed, clearly entertained, his eyes dancing with a mischievous glint as he leaned back in his chair, thoroughly pleased with himself.

"Tch!" Valeria scoffed, turning her gaze away from him and pretending to fix her attention on the arena. She could feel him smirking beside her, basking in the satisfaction of her reaction.

He's impossible,

she thought, annoyed at how easily he managed to get under her skin.

Just then, a loud chime rang through the lounge, silencing the murmurs and drawing everyone's attention. The arena doors swung open, and the remaining contestants began making their way to the center stage. The buzz of anticipation filled the room as spectators leaned forward, eager to see who would take the next matches.

"Anyway…."

And then one of the favorite times of her week came.

Talking about swords while watching the fights.

Regardless of what kind of guy Lucavion was, there was one thing that Valeria was forced to acknowledge.

When it came to swords…..his insights and comments were just better.

"What do you think about these guys?"