The next morning, the Iron Flame Sect was far more crowded than usual.
Disciples from every corner of the sect gathered around the enormous Inner Arena, a battlefield used only for the strongest fighters of the sect.
Unlike the outer disciple arena, this one was built with reinforced stone infused with Aether formations. Even powerful techniques from high-level cultivators could be contained within its barriers.
Kael walked through the entrance tunnel calmly.
Despite yesterday's victory, he didn't allow the praise to distract him.
He knew something important.
The opponents ahead were much stronger.
The moment he stepped into the arena, countless eyes turned toward him.
"That's Kael."
"The outer disciple champion."
"The Aetherless fighter."
The whispers followed him everywhere.
Some disciples looked curious.
Others looked skeptical.
And a few looked openly hostile.
From the upper platforms where the Inner Disciples waited, several powerful cultivators watched him carefully.
One of them stepped forward.
Tall.
Broad-shouldered.
Wearing dark crimson robes.
His aura was noticeably stronger than anyone Kael had faced before.
"Kael Veyron," the man said.
Kael looked up.
"Darius Valen."
The surrounding disciples immediately went silent.
Everyone knew that name.
Ranked 3rd among the Inner Disciples.
Darius smiled slightly, though there was little friendliness in his expression.
"So you're the outsider who caused such a disturbance yesterday."
Kael shrugged.
"I just fought the match."
Darius chuckled.
"Confident."
He leaned closer slightly.
"But don't misunderstand something."
"You may have beaten Lorian."
"But the Inner Disciple arena is a different world."
Kael met his gaze calmly.
"I'm counting on it."
For a brief moment, Darius' smile faded.
Then he laughed again and walked away.
"Good."
"I hope you survive long enough for our match."
Above them, the referee stepped onto the arena platform.
His voice echoed across the entire stadium.
"The Inner Disciple Tournament will now begin!"
Excitement surged through the audience.
"This is going to be incredible!"
"The strongest disciples are finally fighting!"
The referee raised his hand.
"The first match will begin immediately."
His eyes scanned the contestant list.
"First battle!"
"Kael Veyron… versus Han Miren!"
A tall woman stepped forward from the inner disciple platform.
Her long silver hair flowed behind her, and icy energy surrounded her body like a cold mist.
Whispers spread through the crowd.
"That's Han Miren."
"Ranked 12th among the inner disciples."
"She specializes in ice techniques."
Kael stepped into the arena.
The battle had begun.