Beauty and Might: Heavenly Flames

The annual competition arrived once again.

As the first light of dawn spread across Shadow Haven Sect, streams of disciples began moving toward the assembly grounds before the central platform. The usually peaceful pathways had become lively and crowded, filled with conversations about rankings, rewards, and predictions for the days ahead.

White-Rank disciples spoke excitedly about their first opportunity to prove themselves. Yellow-Rank disciples discussed their chances of advancing through the Pagoda Trials.

Azure-Rank disciples quietly observed one another, gauging strengths and weaknesses before the competition even began. Brown-Rank disciples carried themselves with the calm confidence of experienced cultivators who had already endured several annual competitions.

Meanwhile, Purple-Rank and Black-Rank disciples served as spectators. Many had arrived early, eager to watch the younger generations compete.

Inside his residence, Li Yan slowly opened his eyes.

The room remained quiet.

For a few moments, he sat calmly on the bed before rising to prepare for the day ahead.

After bathing and putting on his robes, he left his residence and headed toward the assembly grounds.

The moment he appeared on the main pathway, numerous disciples immediately noticed him.

"Senior Brother Li Yan."

"Good morning, Senior Brother."

"Senior Brother Li Yan."

Greetings sounded one after another.

Li Yan responded with polite nods as he continued walking.

Many of the disciples greeting him were familiar faces. Some had encountered him within the Hunting Grounds. Others had received advice after suffering repeated defeats at the hands of Magical Beasts. Over the past year, his reputation had gradually spread throughout the sect.

A young White-Rank disciple suddenly hurried forward before bowing respectfully. "Senior Brother Li, thank you for your advice last month. I finally passed the hunting assessment."

A faint smile appeared on Li Yan's face. "Congratulations."

The disciple's eyes brightened. "Thank you, Senior Brother."

After speaking, he quickly returned to his companions.

Several nearby disciples looked toward Li Yan with obvious admiration.

One year ago, very few people within the sect knew his name.

Today, almost everyone does.

Winning last year's competition had certainly drawn attention, but it was his actions afterward that earned genuine respect.

His performance within the Hunting Grounds had become widely known. His calm attitude and willingness to offer guidance whenever younger disciples sought his help had earned him considerable respect as well.

Even many of the disciples he had defeated during the previous competition held no resentment toward him.

Li Yan had never humiliated a defeated opponent. Instead, he pointed out mistakes, explained weaknesses, and encouraged improvement.

Many remembered that.

As he approached the area reserved for Azure-Rank disciples, a familiar voice suddenly called out. "Li Yan."

Turning slightly, he saw several Yellow-Rank disciples approaching. Among them were familiar faces from the previous year's competition.

Mu Fan. Wen Hai. Zhang Wei.

The group quickly arrived before him.

Zhang Wei laughed as he looked at Li Yan. "Looks like we're no longer competing in the same rank."

Li Yan immediately recognized him. "It seems so."

Zhang Wei shook his head helplessly. "If I somehow end up facing you again in the future, I'll probably surrender immediately."

Several nearby disciples burst into laughter.

Li Yan merely smiled. "You'll never improve if you do that."

Zhang Wei's expression froze briefly before he laughed even harder. "Somehow, I knew you'd say exactly that."

The group exchanged a few more words before eventually separating and returning to their respective ranks.

Not long afterward, the assembly grounds gradually fell quiet.

Ji Hong stepped onto the central platform. His calm gaze swept across the gathered disciples. The discussions slowly ceased.

When complete silence settled over the crowd, Ji Hong delivered the opening speech for the annual competition.

His words were neither lengthy nor complicated.

They spoke of effort.

Growth. Competition. And the future of the sect.

When he finished, he raised a hand and gestured for them to perform complex movements. The enormous gray array upon the platform activated, opening a teleportation portal.

Space rippled.

A vast archway of gray light appeared before the assembled disciples.

Without delay, Ji Hong led everyone through.

Moments later, the familiar competition stadium appeared before them. The enormous arena started to fill with spectators and participants.

Hundreds of Purple-Rank and Black-Rank disciples occupied the surrounding seats. The elevated platform overlooking the arena housed the elders of the sect.

At its center sat Ji Hong.

His gaze calmly swept across the gathering disciples. When his eyes briefly landed on Li Yan, a faint smile appeared on his face.

One year.

Only one year had passed since Li Yan had stood within this same arena as a White-Rank disciple. Now he had already skipped the Yellow Rank entirely and entered the Azure-Rank Competition.

Even by the standards of the Shadow Haven Sect, such progress was remarkable.

Li Yan calmly took his place among the Azure-Rank participants. More than two hundred Azure-Rank disciples stood assembled.

Many possessed stronger cultivation than his own. Several had already reached the Qi Channeling Realm (Stage-9). Others had reached the Peak Stage.

Their gazes occasionally drifted toward him. Some carried curiosity. Others carried confidence. A few carried unmistakable competitive intent.

Li Yan ignored them all. His expression remained calm. He waited.

Moments later, a powerful pressure descended upon the arena. The countless conversations instantly disappeared.

From the elders' area, Chen Zhi slowly rose to his feet. His gaze swept across the stadium. The atmosphere immediately became solemn.

Silence spread throughout the competition grounds.

Chen Zhi stepped into the air.

His robes fluttered lightly around him as he flew toward the center of the stadium, suspended in the air, supported entirely by his cultivation. The sight immediately drew the attention of countless disciples.

Many White-Rank disciples looked up with unconcealed admiration.

To them, flight remained a distant dream.

"I am Chen Zhi." His calm voice spread throughout the stadium, amplified by Qi. "I will serve as the Head Referee of this year's Grand Competition."

As the final words echoed across the arena, he flicked his wrist. A golden jade slip appeared before him. Its surface shimmered with faint runic patterns, radiating an ancient aura.

Chen Zhi extended his hand. Dark Qi flowed from his fingertips and entered the jade slip.

The moment the two connected, the entire artifact illuminated. Four beams of brilliant light shot downward from the jade slip.

The arena trembled.

A deep rumble spread beneath everyone's feet. The center of the stadium shook as four massive platforms began rising from below.

Stone groaned.

Ancient mechanisms awakened. The enormous structures ascended slowly, revealing themselves before the gathered disciples.

Pagodas.

Four colossal pagodas emerged from beneath the arena floor. Each tower stretched more than a thousand feet into the sky.

Ancient runes covered their surfaces. Images of celestial beasts, elemental symbols, and mysterious inscriptions glowed faintly beneath the morning sunlight.

At the summit of each Pagoda fluttered a large banner.

White. Yellow. Azure. Brown.

The colors corresponded to the four disciple ranks participating in the competition. As the pagodas settled into place, another structure appeared above them.

A massive leaderboard formed from pure runic light. Rows of golden characters hovered in midair.

Currently empty. Waiting.

"For those participating for the first time," Chen Zhi said, his gaze sweeping across the crowd, "I will explain the first phase of the competition."

He gestured toward the four pagodas. "Each Pagoda corresponds to a disciple rank. Participants will enter the Pagoda assigned to their rank. Upon entering, you will be transported into a personalized pocket dimension."

Many of the newer disciples became attentive immediately. Even among the older participants, some listened carefully.

"Your objective is simple. Advance as far as possible within the allotted time. The Pagoda Trial consists of nine levels."

His voice remained calm and steady. "Each level becomes progressively more difficult. You may encounter forests, frozen caverns, volcanic wastelands, ruined cities, underground labyrinths, lightless ruins, and various other environments."

A faint stir spread throughout the crowd.

Chen Zhi allowed the reaction to settle before continuing. "Points determine your ranking. Defeating a Magical Beast grants five points. Collecting a Bonus Flag grants ten points. Advancing to each level grants one hundred points."

The golden leaderboard above the arena pulsed faintly.

"Only the top sixty-four disciples of each rank will advance to the second phase."

With another wave of his hand, hundreds of translucent bracelets appeared around him. They floated in the sky like scattered stars.

The bracelets immediately shot outward in countless streams of light. Each one accurately found its target. Moments later, every participant held a bracelet.

Disciples examined the bracelet, which appeared simple. Yet faint runes continuously circulated beneath its translucent surface.

"These are Competition Bracelets." Chen Zhi's voice echoed once more. "They will track your current score, remaining time, and completed levels."

He paused briefly. "They also contain an emergency teleportation function."

Many disciples immediately became more attentive.

"If you suffer critical injuries, become trapped, or face imminent death, press the red glyph. You will be extracted immediately."

A few White-Rank disciples visibly relaxed after hearing those words.

Chen Zhi's gaze swept across the crowd. Eventually, it paused briefly on Li Yan.

A faint smile appeared on his face. "For those who seek something beyond victory…"

The arena gradually quieted.

"…there is one final thing you should know."

"Conquer all nine levels within the allotted two hours, and you will gain access to the Hidden Level. It has only been reached once since the creation of the Pagoda Trial."

A brief pause followed.

"One year ago."

Many gazes immediately shifted toward Li Yan. The young man himself remained completely calm as though the topic had nothing to do with him.

Chen Zhi continued. "The disciple who reached it last year remains the only participant in the history of the Shadow Haven Sect to do so."

The crowd erupted into discussion.

Li Yan ignored the attention entirely.

Chen Zhi raised a hand.

The noise gradually subsided.

"Your ranking in the Pagoda Trial will determine your placement in the elimination rounds. Higher rankings receive more favorable matchups."

His gaze shifted toward the towering pagodas. "The trial will begin shortly. Bind your bracelets with Qi. Then gather before your respective pagodas."

The announcement ended.

Conversations immediately erupted throughout the arena.

White-Rank disciples hurriedly activated their bracelets. Yellow-Rank disciples exchanged serious looks. Many Azure-Rank disciples focused their attention on the Azure Pagoda.

For them, the true competition was finally about to begin.

Not far away, Ji Xin folded her arms. Her gaze shifted toward Li Yan. "So, you really spent most of the year inside the Hunting Grounds."

Li Yan looked at her. "And I heard you've reached the Qi Channeling Realm (Stage-6)."

A faint smile appeared on Ji Xin's face. "It seems neither of us wasted our time."

Li Yan nodded. "It seems so."

For a brief moment, neither spoke. Then Ji Xin looked toward the Azure Pagoda. The massive structure towered over the arena like an ancient guardian.

"Do you think you'll take first place again?" Her tone carried amusement rather than challenge.

Li Yan followed her gaze. The Pagoda stood silent beneath the morning sky. "I'll do my best."

Ji Xin laughed softly. "That answer is exactly why nobody believes you're only at the Qi Channeling Realm (Stage-3)."

Li Yan merely smiled. Before he could reply, a surge of energy swept through the arena. The runes covering all four pagodas suddenly brightened.

Ancient light flowed across their surfaces. Moments later, the entrances slowly opened. The atmosphere instantly changed.

Every disciple understood what that meant. The first phase of the annual competition was about to begin.

Chen Zhi's voice echoed throughout the stadium one final time. "Participants. Enter your respective pagodas."

Without hesitation, disciples from all four ranks began moving toward their assigned towers.

The atmosphere around the Pagodas grew increasingly solemn.

For many disciples, the annual competition was the most important event of the year. A strong performance could dramatically improve one's standing within the sect. A poor showing could erase months of effort.

Li Yan walked calmly alongside the Azure-Rank disciples.

The enormous Pagoda towered above them.

Its dark stone walls were covered with countless ancient runes that emitted a faint purple glow. An ancient pressure radiated from the structure, causing many disciples to straighten their posture as they approached unconsciously.

Around him, conversations gradually diminished. Most Azure-Rank disciples had participated before. They understood exactly what awaited them inside.

The Pagoda was not forgiving.

Many participants failed to advance beyond the fifth level. Only the strongest disciples consistently reached the upper floors.

Before long, the participants arrived at the entrance. Without hesitation, several disciples stepped forward. One after another, figures disappeared into the Pagoda.

Some entered immediately. Others paused briefly, adjusting their breathing and calming their minds before crossing the threshold.

Ji Xin glanced toward Li Yan. "Good luck."

Li Yan nodded. "You too."

A moment later, she stepped into the Pagoda and vanished.