The next morning, I made my way to the Arena grounds.
It was a vast, circular space carved into the sect's mountainside, surrounded by stone terraces where disciples gathered to watch battles. At the center stood multiple dueling platforms, each buzzing with clashing fists and flashing blades.
So this is the Arena…
Disciples filled the surrounding stands, some shouting wagers, others discussing techniques. It was far livelier than I had expected.
I approached a disciple stationed at a registration desk. He wore a simple sect robe but had an air of seniority. His name badge read Wei Kang.
"Excuse me," I said. "I want to know how the Arena works. What's the process to fight here?"
Wei Kang raised an eyebrow but answered without hesitation. "There are two ways to participate. First, you can issue open challenges—duels for coin or agreed-upon stakes. You and your opponent both wager something, and the winner takes all."
He gestured to a set of stone tablets beside him. "These are the challenge boards. You can post or accept challenges freely. Most people fight to earn spirit stones."
"And the other way?" I asked.
"The rankings," he said, his tone gaining weight. "The Outer Sect Ranking List holds the names of the top 150 disciples in the outer sect. The top twenty are monsters—you'll find most of them in the Foundation Establishment Realm. The rest are primarily in the Qi Refining Realm, though some prodigies advanced quickly through the lower stages."
His eyes scanned me briefly. "If you want to climb the rankings, you can issue a formal challenge to anyone above you. Win, and you take their spot. Lose, and you might drop positions if you're already ranked—or worse, lose your wager and your reputation."
"Are there any restrictions on who I can challenge?"
Wei Kang shook his head. "No, but it's unwise to challenge someone too far above your level. It's common to bet spirit stones, pills, or weapons in ranked duels. Some sect elders even reward those who manage to climb rapidly."
I absorbed his words carefully.
So, the top twenty are already in the Foundation Establishment Realm… I'm nowhere near ready for that.
But the lower part of the rankings? They were mostly Qi Refining disciples.
I wasn't even in the Qi Refining Realm yet.
Still, I wasn't here just to watch.
I could start with open duels for spirit stones—test my skills, build experience—and one day, I would step onto that ranking list.
Wei Kang's voice brought me back from my thoughts. "If you're serious about fighting here, keep this in mind: don't just chase victory. Every battle here can shape your path."
I bowed slightly. "Thank you for your guidance."
As I turned away, my blood pulsed with excitement.
Soon… I'll stand in this arena not as an observer, but as a warrior fighting for my place in the sect.
Tomorrow, I would find my first opponent.