## Chapter 24: The Festival Before the Flame
The courtyard transformed as twilight descended.
Lanterns floated between the ancient pillars, bathing the sect grounds in flickering orange and gold. The air crackled with anticipation—tonight was the Lantern Festival, a celebration before departure, but beneath the laughter and music, rivalry burned brighter than any light.
Elders and instructors watched from the shadows as disciples sparred in friendly—and not-so-friendly—exhibition matches.
Kai Jin lingered at the edge of the crowd, silent and observant. He watched as Yue, dressed in crisp ceremonial robes, stepped onto the main dueling platform. Her opponent was Meng Li, an inner sect prodigy with a long reputation for speed and swordplay.
A hush fell over the audience as the match began.
Meng Li attacked first, her sword moving in an arc of silver. Yue dodged with impossible grace, her steps light as falling petals. The crowd gasped as Yue spun inside the next slash and knocked the blade from Meng Li's grip with a single, perfectly timed palm strike.
Stunned, Meng Li lunged bare-handed. Yue ducked, caught her arm, and spun—throwing her flat on her back.
The match ended in less than ten breaths.
The crowd erupted. Elders exchanged whispers, nodding in approval.
Yue's gaze found Kai in the crowd. She walked over, eyes bright, breath quick with victory.
"Did you see?" she asked, voice soft for his ears alone.
He nodded. "You were flawless."
She smiled—a genuine, proud smile he hadn't seen since childhood. For a moment, their hands brushed. The touch lingered, warm and electric, before they separated.
---
Elsewhere, a rival sect contingent from the **Heaven-Splitting Faction** watched with narrowed eyes. Their leader, Jinhai, leaned on the railing, smirking.
"Not bad, Dawning Blades. But what about your shadow over there?" Jinhai's gaze landed on Kai. "Does he only show up for the after-party?"
The crowd stilled. Some eyes turned to Kai, expectant.
He stepped forward, expression calm. "You want a match?"
Jinhai grinned. "If you can call what you do a fight."
The elders nodded, granting the impromptu duel.
Jinhai launched at Kai with a barrage of powerful strikes—fists glowing faintly with spiritual energy, footwork relentless. The force sent dust swirling, lanterns trembling.
Kai dodged, blocked, and absorbed, giving ground but never looking pressed. The World Eye's voice drifted through his mind, laced with dry amusement:
*"He's strong. For a child. Don't let him get cocky."*
Kai caught Jinhai's wrist in a flash, twisted, and swept him onto his back before anyone could react. The motion was smooth—almost gentle—but final. Jinhai hit the stone hard, breath knocked from his lungs.
A hush fell.
Kai released him, then turned and walked away, blending back into the lantern-lit crowd.
Yue joined him, her arm grazing his for just a moment.
"You didn't need to humiliate him," she murmured, voice low so only he could hear.
"I didn't. He did that to himself."
Their eyes met in the soft light. Yue smiled—small, secret, just for him.
High above, lanterns drifted into the night, carrying the first whispers of what was coming.