The name at the bottom of the revised matchup notice made Wang's expression change immediately."You're fighting Garrick Thorn?"Chi took the paper from him and read it again, as if the words might somehow change. They didn't.Garrick Thorn was ranked third among the remaining Outer Disciples.His cultivation was significantly higher than Sawyer's, and his reputation was built on overwhelming opponents rather than outmaneuvering them. During the Elite Trial, he had eliminated several highly regarded disciples with little effort.Wang looked toward Sawyer."This isn't right."Sawyer folded the notice."Why?""You were supposed to face someone much closer to your position.""I know."Chi frowned."The original bracket had Garrick on the opposite side."Sawyer nodded."Now he's here."Wang's expression hardened."Cassian changed it."Sawyer didn't answer immediately.He looked toward the ranking monument.Garrick's name stood in third place.Sawyer's remained fifth.Under ordinary circum

Sawyer remained on one knee, his palm pressed against the cracked stone as blood slipped from his fingers. The arena had fallen strangely quiet, and even the thousands of spectators seemed unwilling to breathe too loudly while they waited to see whether he would finally surrender.Garrick stood several paces away with his iron blade lowered. His expression was calm, but there was a trace of impatience in his eyes, as though he couldn't understand why someone who had been beaten so badly still refused to accept the obvious outcome.Sawyer lifted his head slowly. Pain traveled through his ribs and shoulder whenever he moved, yet his mind had become clearer than it had been since the battle began.He had spent the entire fight reacting to Garrick. Every time the iron blade moved, Sawyer searched for a way to survive the attack, and every time he found a possible opening, Garrick's superior speed closed it before he could take advantage.That approach had brought him this far, but it woul

The arena had barely settled after Sawyer's victory when the enormous ranking monument changed again. Garrick Thorn's name remained beneath him, while Sawyer's position rose to fourth, leaving only three disciples standing between him and the highest position in the Outer Sect.The announcement that followed silenced the celebration almost immediately. The examiner stepped onto the platform and declared that the Elite Trial had entered its final stage, with only four disciples remaining in contention.Sawyer looked toward the other side of the arena. Three figures stood beneath the monument, each carrying a reputation that had been built long before Sawyer entered Moon Brim Sect.The first was Ronan Hale, a renowned spear genius whose mastery of the weapon had earned him recognition across the Outer Sect. His spear rested casually against his shoulder, yet nobody watching him mistook that relaxed posture for weakness.The second was Elias Veyne, a sword genius known for his precise sw

Darius's words remained hanging over the arena."Your rise ends today."Sawyer stood across from him, breathing heavily while blood continued to stain his torn uniform. His body was already carrying the injuries from Garrick's battle, and Darius had exploited that weakness from the moment the match began.Wang gripped the edge of the arena barrier."This isn't fair."Chi remained beside him."Fairness isn't going to decide this."Wang looked at her."Then what can we do?""We can make sure he remembers why he's fighting."Wang understood immediately.They couldn't enter the arena.They couldn't interfere.But they could still support Sawyer.Wang raised his voice."Sawyer!"Sawyer looked toward him."Don't forget what you taught us!"Chi followed calmly."You don't have to beat him with strength."Sawyer gave them a small nod.Darius watched the exchange with mild amusement."Are they trying to encourage you?"Sawyer turned back toward him."They're reminding me who I am."Darius's sm

Darius remained on one knee, his weapon lying several feet away.The examiner had already asked whether he could continue, and every sensible answer pointed toward surrender. His injured right leg trembled beneath him, while blood ran from the corner of his mouth after Sawyer's last combination.Yet Darius couldn't bring himself to accept defeat.His eyes shifted toward the upper stands.Cassian was there.The Inner Disciple stood behind the stone railing with his arms folded, his expression unreadable. He offered no encouragement and showed no concern for the disciple who had entered the arena carrying his expectations.Darius clenched his jaw."I can continue."The examiner frowned. "Are you certain?"Darius forced himself upright."Yes."A murmur swept through the arena.Sawyer watched him carefully. He could see the anger beneath Darius's determination, and that made the decision dangerous.Darius wasn't continuing because he believed he had discovered a way to win.He was afraid