The announcement spread like wildfire.
The Imperial Trials—a contest held once every five years—was not just a measure of talent. It was a battlefield of hidden agendas, where noble families, ancient sects, and even demonic forces vied for influence behind a smiling curtain of honor.
Kael stood alone atop the Azure Feather Sect's southern peak, the morning wind tugging at his robes. Below, disciples trained, oblivious to the tide shifting beneath their feet.
The letter bearing the Pavilion Grand Elder's seal lay folded in his hand. He'd read it thrice, each time feeling a deeper sense of unease.
"You've made them curious," came a voice behind him.
Kael turned slowly. It was Lin.
Her hair was tied back, face calmer than it had been in weeks. But her eyes—those storm-gray eyes—held a mixture of caution and something else. Concern?
"About the Trials?" Kael asked.
She nodded. "The invitation wasn't a compliment. It was a warning. They want to see you in the open. No more hiding."
Kael's lips curled into a faint smile. "They'll regret it."
"I'm sure they will." Lin hesitated. "But you're not invincible, Kael. You've grown, changed—but this is different. They're going to come after you. And me. And anyone near you."
He looked at her fully then, eyes softening. "I'll keep you safe."
Lin's cheeks colored faintly, but she looked away. "You're impossible sometimes."
Kael didn't answer. The wind carried petals from a blossoming plum tree between them. A brief, fragile peace in the growing storm.
Later – Hidden Courtyard of the Rulan Estate
Mei Rulan sat with her uncle, Lord Rulan, sipping spirit tea. Her expression was unreadable as the old man reviewed a scroll listing Trial participants.
"She's attending?" he asked, frowning.
"Yes."
"And Kael?"
Mei nodded. "The Pavilion chose him directly."
Lord Rulan leaned back. "Dangerous. He has potential, yes—but there are eyes on him, old ones."
Mei's gaze darkened. "Let them look. They'll see nothing until it's too late."
The old man chuckled. "You've taken an interest."
"I've taken a side."
Elsewhere – A Shadowed Temple in the Northern Capital
A hooded figure knelt before a burning black flame.
"The boy has entered the Trials," a voice boomed from the fire. "The heir of the Void stirs."
"He's still unawakened," the kneeling figure replied.
"But the seal weakens. We must ensure he does not reach the Second Gate."
"I will see to it."
The flame flickered violently.
"Do not fail again."
Kael's Room – Azure Feather Sect
Kael sat cross-legged, the Void Fragment within his soul glowing faintly. His hand rested on an ancient scroll—one that Lang Zhu had left behind after their last meeting.
The Three Paths of Shadow Cultivation.
It spoke of techniques not rooted in power, but in presence—or the lack of it. Techniques that allowed one to vanish even under divine perception. Perfect for a ghost among dragons.
Kael had already mastered the first path: Veil of Silence, which let him mask his aura.
The second, Echo Reversal, required him to distort his spiritual footprint, making his enemies feel his presence in one place while he struck from another.
And the third…
Kael's eyes narrowed.
Soul Absence. A technique that would let him exist momentarily outside the flow of time—untraceable, undetectable.
The scroll warned it came at a price.
But Kael had long since stopped fearing cost.
One Week Later – The Pavilion Plaza
The capital erupted in celebration. Banners flew, bells chimed, and thousands gathered as the Imperial Trials were formally declared open.
Kael, cloaked in the Azure Feather's ceremonial blue, stepped into the central square where all participants would gather. Lin was beside him, stunning in her black and silver robes. Around them, young elites from every noble house whispered and stared.
Some looked at Lin.
Most looked at Kael.
A few recognized him from earlier conflicts.
One sneered. A young man in golden-red robes, with a blade forged from phoenix bone across his back. "So the rat from the outer provinces thinks he belongs among dragons."
Kael didn't respond. But Lin did.
"You'll learn soon enough what real dragons look like," she said coldly.
The young man laughed and walked away.
Kael's attention shifted to the distant dais, where the Emperor's representative stepped forward.
"We welcome all disciples, nobles, and challengers. You stand not just for yourselves, but your factions, your clans, and your secrets. The Trials begin… now."
A tremor ran through the plaza.
All at once, reality shifted.
The ground beneath their feet glowed with ancient sigils, and the world folded inward.
Each challenger vanished in a flash of light.
Kael's Vision Blurred. Then—
He stood alone in a dark forest of stone trees and hanging spirits.
An ethereal voice echoed in the void:
"First Trial: Survive."
Something moved between the trees—fast, hungry.
Kael reached into his robes slowly.
And smiled.
They thought they were hunting prey.
They had no idea what hunted them.