The entire Grand Venue erupted into chaos.Thousands of spectators had risen to their feet.Voices overlapped one another.Questions flew through the air.Nobody could see clearly through the dust cloud that still lingered above the battlefield.The collision between Sound and Void had been far stronger than anyone expected from initiates.Even some of the officials standing around the arena appeared surprised.Cracks stretched across portions of the stone floor.Fragments of shattered rock lay scattered everywhere.The defensive formations surrounding the arena glowed faintly, evidence that they had absorbed part of the impact.Slowly.Very slowly.The dust began to settle.One silhouette emerged first.The crowd collectively held its breath.A figure stood near the center of the battlefield.Then another silhouette appeared.Then another.The anticipation became unbearable.Andrew was the first person the spectators recognized.His figure stood amidst the fading dust while his chest

The following morning, the atmosphere inside the Grand Venue was every bit as lively as it had been during the previous day, perhaps even more so.News traveled quickly among cultivators.Astral Vanguard's victory over Hollow Crest had become one of the most discussed topics throughout the capital overnight.Many people who had initially paid little attention to the middle-tier guild now found themselves speaking about Andrew's Void Affinity, Kellan's leadership, and the teamwork displayed by six former orphans who had entered the competition as complete underdogs.Unfortunately for the six themselves, they were in no condition to enjoy the attention.The injuries from yesterday's battle had not been light.Even after receiving treatment from Astral Vanguard's healers, every step reminded them of the punishment they had suffered.Eli looked particularly miserable.The large boy was currently limping beside Andrew while muttering complaints under his breath."I still think they should

For several seconds after the introduction, nobody said anything.The four simply stood there beneath the warm glow of the evening lanterns while people moved along the street around them.Andrew found the situation slightly amusing.Eli looked as though somebody had suddenly thrown him into an arena without warning.The usually talkative earth-affinity user had completely frozen.Across from them, Selene Vale remained calm as ever, while the girl beside her observed the situation with obvious curiosity.The silence stretched.Then Mira sighed dramatically."Wonderful."Everyone looked at her.She pointed at Eli."Has he always been like this?"Eli blinked."Like what?""Like someone whose brain stops working whenever he meets new people."Andrew immediately answered."Yes."Selene's lips twitched slightly.Eli looked betrayed."You answered too quickly.""Because it's true.""I am perfectly capable of speaking."Mira folded her arms."Then speak."Eli opened his mouth.Nothing came o

The atmosphere inside Eclipse Dominion felt different that morning.The difference was subtle at first.The pathways remained crowded.Guild members still moved through the enormous grounds carrying weapons, equipment, and supplies.Merchants continued doing business near the outer districts while officials hurried between different sections of the guild in preparation for another day of competition.Yet beneath all of that activity existed something new.Expectation.Round One had ended.The weak had already begun disappearing from the tournament.Those who remained had earned the right to continue.As a result, every conversation seemed more serious than before.Every competitor appeared more focused.Every guild looked more determined.Andrew noticed it almost immediately as Astral Vanguard entered the grounds alongside Kael, Selene, and Seran.The spectators they passed no longer looked at them with curiosity.Recognition had replaced curiosity.Several people pointed discreetly.

The moment Cael smiled, Kellan knew exactly what it meant.Something was coming.Across the battlefield, the captain of Silver Thorn slowly raised his hand.At the same time, Luther slammed both palms against the arena floor.The entire battlefield trembled.A ripple spread through the stone arena.The roots covering nearly half the battlefield suddenly came alive.Gasps erupted throughout the Grand Venue.The vines that had previously acted as obstacles began moving together.Thousands of thorn-covered tendrils twisted and merged into one enormous mass.The sight alone was enough to make several spectators stand."What is that?""How much Aether does he have left?""That's insane for an Initiate!"Green light surged across the battlefield.The roots thickened.Expanded.Interlocked.Within moments, a massive wall of living thorns rose from the arena floor.Then another.And another.The battlefield transformed into a maze.Astral Vanguard immediately found themselves separated.Andre