Ascension Log

The Azure Sky Sect's entrance grounds were filled with noise — hopefuls shouting, spiritual energy crackling, elders watching from atop floating jade platforms.

Kai Lin stood still at the edge, silent amidst the chaos.

He was dressed in a plain black robe, face clean but expression unreadable. There was no trace of awe in his eyes, no excitement. Only cold indifference.

He had seen empires rise and collapse. He had died once. All this was noise.

A voice rang out from the center of the square.

"The final round will be combat-based. Defeat your opponent — or surrender. Killing is not permitted," said an outer sect elder, his tone sharp.

Laughter echoed near Kai.

"Look at that one. Looks like he wandered in from the mortal slums."

"Bet he doesn't even have a cultivation base."

Kai did not glance at them. But in his mind, he made a note: two voices. One from the left. One from behind.

[Sign-In Opportunity Detected: Azure Sky Sect Combat Arena.]

Sign-In?

Yes.

Sign-In Successful. Reward: Cruel Bone- Twisting Palm (Heaven-Grade).

He lowered his hand slowly.

Cruel. Efficient. Silent.

Perfect.

When it was his turn to step into the dueling platform, a skinny youth was already waiting — Sun Zhi, mid Qi Gathering, face cocky.

"You?" Sun Zhi snorted. "Step down. Save yourself the shame."

Kai Lin said nothing. He stepped onto the platform and placed his hands behind his back.

"Suit yourself."

Sun Zhi charged forward, sword flashing, flame technique igniting around the blade.

Kai moved like flowing shadow.

One step.

His hand struck out — not fast, not flashy — but precise.

CRACK.

A scream tore through the air as Sun Zhi's arm bent backward at an unnatural angle.

Before he could collapse, Kai's second strike landed on his chest. Not a palm, but fingers — sharp and unyielding.

THUMP.

Sun Zhi hit the platform, mouth foaming, unconscious. Alive. Barely.

Silence followed.

No one could see the full technique. No one even saw the second strike.

The elder narrowed his eyes. "…Pass."

Kai turned, walked down the stairs.

He heard whispers again.

"That wasn't Qi Gathering speed… was it?"

"What did he use? I didn't see the technique."

Back at the edge of the crowd, the two mocking voices from earlier now stood pale-faced, eyes darting toward him.

Kai looked at them for the first time.

He didn't smile. He didn't speak.

He simply stared.

And that was enough.