The sky above the Sky Vine Court glowed blood-red as the second trial was announced.
This one was simpler—but more brutal.
Elder Hua's voice echoed like thunder:
> "Second Trial—The Crimson Bell Duel. One-on-one combat, elimination rules. No killing allowed. Victory is declared when one combatant concedes or is unable to continue."
On cue, a massive crimson bell rose from the center of the arena. It rang once.
DONG.
The names of the first fighters flared across a floating talisman scroll.
Ren Tian vs Zhao Han.
The two stepped forward, blades already drawn.
Li Fan watched from the waiting platform, arms crossed.
Mu Qiu leaned in. "You'll be called soon. Don't hold back too much. They're all watching."
Li Fan's eyes narrowed. "Let them watch."
---
Ren Tian was swift, vicious. Within thirty seconds, Zhao Han's sword arm was dislocated and he was thrown from the ring.
Cheers erupted. Ren Tian bowed casually, as if already expecting to win the tournament.
Next came Huo Lian, who fought like a burning tide, flooding her opponent with wave after wave of flame-imbued punches.
One by one, sect geniuses displayed their brilliance. Until—
DONG.
Li Fan vs Yan Zixu — a saber-wielding disciple from the Azure Whale Sect, known for heavy, sweeping attacks.
As Li Fan stepped forward, the spectators murmured.
"That's the cauldron freak."
"He has no Qi techniques, right?"
"Maybe he'll get flattened early and save everyone the trouble."
Li Fan entered the ring with calm steps, fists relaxed at his side. Yan Zixu grinned, cracking his neck.
"Hope your bones are tougher than your pride."
He charged.
The first swing of his saber carried a crushing aura—Qi-enhanced, designed to sever through spirit shields.
Li Fan dodged, narrowly, then pivoted low and drove his elbow into Yan's ribs.
Crack.
The sound echoed.
Yan grunted and spun, bringing the saber around in a tight arc—only for Li Fan to catch it with bare fingers, grip tightening until the blade shattered with a sharp ping.
The arena went dead silent.
Li Fan delivered a palm to the chest. Yan flew backward, skidding across the stone platform and landing in a dazed heap.
Elder Hua raised his hand. "Victory—Li Fan."
The silence turned into gasps. Then shouting. Then awe.
"Did he… break a spirit-tier saber?"
"With his bare hand?"
"That's… monster-level physique!"
Yue Xin watched from above, eyes narrowed with interest. A slow smile touched her lips.
"Still only four cauldrons. What are you hiding, Li Fan?"
---
Back on the platform, Mu Qiu handed him a clean robe.
"You crushed him," he said. "Not even close."
"I didn't come here to win second place," Li Fan replied.
Mu Qiu frowned. "But you also didn't use your full strength."
Li Fan's expression turned grim.
"I can't."
Mu Qiu blinked. "Because of the tribulation?"
Li Fan nodded. "The Fifth Cauldron stirs. If I break through now, I won't survive the lightning in front of so many eyes."
Mu Qiu fell silent.
And far above, in the clouds, faint silver arcs had already begun to stir—Heaven watching, waiting.
---