The great ancestral tree seemed to hold its breath along with the audience.
The sun was at its zenith, pouring golden light over the Central Plateau. The floating stands were so crowded they looked ready to collapse at any moment. Thousands of eyes were fixed on the living wooden arena, where two youths faced each other.
Kyrian, of the Verdant Sword. Huo Ling, of the Flaming Sword.
The final of the Gathering of Domains.
The Leader of the Ancient Forest Sect positioned himself between the two. His eyes swept over both competitors, evaluating, and measuring. He raised his hand.
"Final of the Gathering of Domains. Kyrian versus Huo Ling. The rules are the same. The winner is the one who throws the opponent out of the arena or incapacitates them."
He paused.
"You may begin!"
The audience held its breath.
Kyrian did not move. His sword eyes shone.
The first cut came, invisible, fast, and deadly. A blade of pure Qi and sword intent sliced through the air toward Huo Ling.
