In Linhai, even invitations could bleed.
When Rael opened the scroll, the first thing he noticed was the blood ink.
It hadn't dried.
The script was written in ancient calligraphy — elegant, measured, ruthless.
> To the one who walks without a Sect,
To the shadow of the outer ring,
To the orphan flame who survived the pyre,
The Silver Spire invites you.
> — Gao Shen, Core Disciple of Severed Lotus Sect.
The seal was shaped like a lotus. Twisted. Severed in half.
Rael read the message in silence, standing at the edge of the inn's rooftop. Behind him, the city flickered like a serpent made of lanterns and secrets.
Yue Qingshi approached with soft steps. She'd already read the copy someone delivered to her clan.
"It's a trap," she said.
Rael's voice was quiet. "Of course it is."
"He'll have guards. Witnesses. Maybe even array masters hidden behind screens."
He rolled the scroll closed. "Then I'll have to be interesting enough they won't kill me yet."
Yue's brows tightened. "You're not ready to face him. You're still refining your first Qi path. And his cultivation is already at Peak Core Stage, almost stepping into Nascent Soul."
"I don't need to beat him."
Yue narrowed her eyes. "Then what?"
Rael looked at her.
"I just want him to remember me."
---
Three Days Later – Silver Spire's Lotus Court
The court was built like a theater. Circular. Open-air. Carved from spirit-stone veined with lightning and ash. Around the outer ring sat over a hundred guests — nobles, sect elders, clan emissaries, rogue cultivators hoping for patronage.
In the center stood Rael.
Alone.
He wore simple gray robes, tattered at the sleeves. His bow was strapped to his back, a quiver of spirit arrows hanging loosely at his waist. No emblem. No allies.
Just him.
And across from him… Gao Shen.
Clad in ceremonial white. His mask — silver, curved, featureless — hung at his side.
His expression was calm, eyes half-lidded like a predator after feeding.
"I expected a bit more elegance," Gao Shen said with a smile. "But I suppose fire doesn't wear silk."
Rael didn't reply.
A judge stood between them — a neutral representative from the City Lord's Office. His spirit was strong, cultivation unfathomable.
"This is not a death duel," the judge said. "Any strike beyond incapacitation will be punished. Any forbidden arts used will result in sealing."
Gao Shen smiled. "Of course."
Rael remained silent.
The judge's hand dropped.
"Begin."
---
The Duel Begins
Gao Shen moved with elegance.
His first step conjured six lotus petals of burning white flame — each a condensed spiritual technique laced with poison qi. They spun around him like a shield, orbiting his core, pulsing with steady rhythm.
His next movement was subtle — a flick of two fingers.
A needle of condensed killing intent shot from his left sleeve — nearly invisible.
Rael ducked.
Slid.
And leapt forward, closing distance in three strides.
He hadn't drawn his bow.
He didn't need to.
His elbow met Gao Shen's wrist mid-air, redirecting the second needle. His palm followed in a brutal upward arc — aiming for Gao's chin.
But Gao's footwork danced.
> Silver Step Form – Seventh Variation: Falling Silence.
He disappeared for a breath — reappearing behind Rael, lotus petals converging like blades.
Rael turned just in time to raise a hand.
> [Qi Surge: 54 Units Absorbed]
[Partial Flow Activated – Body Enhancement: 7 Seconds]
His forearm cracked against the petal strike — one shattered, two bent, but the other four grazed his skin and seared blood from the flesh.
He hissed.
But didn't step back.
Instead, he spun and drove a knee into Gao's abdomen.
The Core Disciple's breath caught.
For the first time, his smile faltered.
Rael whispered, "That's for Lia."
---
The Break in the Mask
Gao Shen backstepped, drawing a talisman from his sleeve.
He crushed it. A barrier erupted.
The judge frowned. "Barrier techniques in non-lethal duels are restricted—"
But Gao waved him off. "Forgive me. He's more beast than boy."
Rael stared through the barrier.
He saw not a powerful cultivator… but a man who had laughed as his wife died.
He reached for his bow.
The moment his fingers touched the string, the system responded.
> [Weapon: Voidstring Ironbow (Tier-0, Handmade)]
[Status: Compatible | Qi Threaded]
[Trait: Willpiercer – Arrows infused with soul intent can penetrate false barriers and illusions]
Rael notched one arrow.
Pulled it back.
Breathed.
> One life. One aim. One sin.
And released.
---
Soulpiercer
The arrow screamed.
It tore through the barrier like rice paper — a shockwave following behind as cultivators in the audience leaned forward in surprise.
Gao Shen's eyes widened.
He twisted.
The arrow didn't hit his chest.
It clipped the side of his mask.
The silver cracked.
A thin line of red appeared down his cheek.
Blood.
A single drop.
Enough.
Gao Shen froze.
The arena fell into stunned silence.
Rael lowered his bow.
And turned his back.
The judge, wide-eyed, stepped forward. "Victory to—"
"No!" Gao Shen snapped, stepping forward. "He attacked outside formation rules! That bow's technique wasn't registered!"
Rael didn't look back.
He simply said:
"You remember me now."
---
Aftermath – Linhai, City Rooftops
Yue Qingshi found him watching the stars, his cloak wrapped around one arm.
"You're mad."
"I know."
"You humiliated a core disciple of a major sect."
He nodded. "I did."
"You broke his mask in front of nobles."
Another nod.
Yue studied his face.
"You're enjoying this."
Rael's expression was quiet.
"I'm not."
She blinked.
"I'm just getting started."