The morning sun broke over the horizon, casting long rays across the Seventh Peak. Mist still clung to the jagged stones, but Li Xuan was already awake. He stood shirtless beneath a freezing waterfall, fists clenched, breathing slowly.

  Each breath drew in the cold. Each exhale released fire.

  [Daily Sign-in Available: Bloodwood Arena]

  He stepped from the falls, dressed quickly in his gray robe, and began the trek down the mountain.

  The Bloodwood Arena sat carved into the side of the Fourth Peak. Crimson trees surrounded the massive stone pit, their bark veined with streaks like dried blood. The scent of iron lingered in the air.

  It was a place of challenge. Of humiliation. Of violence.

  Outer disciples gathered here to settle disputes. Winners earned contribution points. Losers? Scars—physical and spiritual.

  Li Xuan approached the arena gates, and dozens of eyes turned.

  “That’s the one who passed the trial.”

  “The rootless freak?”

  “Heard he’s from Forgotten Peak. Isn’t that where sect trash go to rot?”

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  Li Xuan ignored them.

  [Sign-in Successful: Reward – Crimson Qi Pellet (x3), Reputation +10, Trait Awakened: 'Unshaken Heart']

  He swallowed a pellet without hesitation. Heat surged through his limbs.

  Then a voice echoed from the stands. Arrogant. Cold.

  “Well, well. The little stray made it out of his kennel.”

  A young man stepped into the ring. Broad-shouldered. Gold trim on his outer disciple robes. His eyes gleamed with contempt.

  “Lu Jian of the Fourth Peak,” someone whispered. “Top ten outer disciple. Mid-stage Qi Refining.”

  “Let’s make this quick,” Lu Jian said. “One move. Then you crawl back to your shack.”

  Li Xuan smiled faintly. “One move? Sounds fair. You should go first.”

  Gasps from the crowd.

  Lu Jian’s face darkened. “You asked for it.”

  He blurred forward. Sword flashing.

  Li Xuan didn’t move.

  Until the blade was inches from his chest.

  Then—he sidestepped.

  And struck.

  His palm landed square on Lu Jian’s wrist. A crack. A scream.

  Lu Jian dropped his sword.

  Before he could react, Li Xuan spun and slammed a kick into his chest. The impact echoed like thunder.

  Lu Jian flew backward, slammed into the arena wall, and collapsed in a heap.

  Silence.

  [Trait Activated: 'Unshaken Heart' – Mental Resistance Increased, Emotional Interference Nullified]

  Li Xuan dusted off his sleeve. “That was your one move.”

  Roars erupted from the stands.

  “Impossible!”

  “He crushed Lu Jian!?”

  From the elder’s pavilion, several inner disciples leaned forward.

  “He’s... dangerous.”

  Elder Mo appeared beside them, arms crossed. “I told you. He wasn’t a fluke.”

  Meanwhile, in the crowd, a girl in white robes watched silently. Her eyes were cold, analytical—but lingered.

  Her name? Lin Qingxue. Inner disciple. Sword prodigy.

  And from this day on—she remembered him.

  Back on Forgotten Peak, Li Xuan sat under the stars.

  [New Task Unlocked: Beat Three Ranked Outer Disciples – Reward: Heaven-Grade Sword Manual]

  He smiled.

  “Good. Let’s raise the stakes.”