The next morning, I made my way toward the sect's Arena to register for the competition. The courtyard was already bustling with disciples—some training, some watching duels, and many crowding around the sign-up area.
I joined the line, quietly listening to the buzzing conversations around me.
> "This year's competition will be fierce."
> "Yeah, especially since Jiang Mu is participating."
The name caught my attention.
> "I heard he's already in the ninth layer of Body Tempering. They say no one his age can rival him in raw strength."
> "It's pretty much decided. Unless some hidden monster shows up, Jiang Mu's going to win."
As I stepped closer to the registration table, their words echoed in my head.
Jiang Mu.
I remembered him now—vividly.
Months ago, when I was competing for that Body Tempering Pill in the market, it was Jiang Mu who had driven the bidding war. His cold gaze when I outbid him… the quiet threat in his smile as he left… I hadn't thought much of it at the time.
But it seemed Jiang Mu hadn't forgotten.
A faint grin tugged at my lips. So, he's the favorite to win? I suppose I'll have to disappoint some people.
I reached the front of the line and signed my name confidently.
The disciple handling the registrations gave me a cursory glance. "Chen Yu, right? You're now officially entered. The competition starts in four days. Be prepared."
I nodded and turned to leave, my mind already spinning.
On my way back to my courtyard, I caught snatches of more gossip.
> "They say Jiang Mu's strength is enough to pressure even early Qi Condensation disciples."
> "Yeah, and he's ruthless. No one who's crossed him has come out unscathed."
So what? I thought.
I clenched my fists as I walked, the pulse of the Heaven Reversion Law resonating through my bones, the faint flow of Qi stirred by the Void Qi Sutra, and the burning promise of the Soul Burning Nine Hells sleeping deep within me.
If fate wanted to pit me against Jiang Mu, I would welcome it.
I wasn't afraid.
> Let's see who stands at the top when the dust settles.