CHAPTER 60: SHADOW DRAGON ARENA

Upon hearing Xiao Ning’s approval, the five elders finally let out a collective breath of relief.

"We thank the Sect Master for his understanding," Elder Han Zhen said respectfully. "It is not that we are ungrateful... it is merely that such news, if known, may bring unnecessary rumors."

Elder Mo Chao nodded in agreement. "If word spreads that our lifespans were diminished due to the pill, younger disciples may grow hesitant... outsiders may cast doubt... and envious sects may use it as leverage to stain the sect’s reputation."

Elder Rong Wu added cautiously, "Moreover, if enemies believe our strength to be hollow... they may act rashly."

Xiao Ning’s expression remained unreadable. "I understand."

He turned, hands folded behind his back. "Fear not. So long as I remain Sect Master of Shadowclaw Sect, no one shall use this against you."

A collective sigh of relief passed through the five, their backs loosening as though a great weight had been lifted.

Xiao Ning gave a faint nod. "You may leave. Focus on stabilizing your Nascent Souls. The true path begins now—if you fall behind, you’ll only bring disgrace upon yourselves."

The five elders bowed deeply in unison.

"We thank the Sect Master for his grace and guidance."

Without another word, they turned and left, their steps still a touch unsteady as they disappeared into the long corridor beyond the hall.

The great doors creaked shut behind them with a quiet boom.

Only then did a second figure step into view from the rear of the hall.

"Elder Qian," Xiao Ning said without turning, already sensing his approach.

Elder Qian Xu came forward with a calm expression and bowed. "Sect Master."

Xiao Ning finally shifted, his arms behind his back as he looked toward the elder. "Speak."

Elder Qian’s tone remained respectful. "Mei Lin has arrived at the agreed location. Her meeting with the other sect representatives concluded without incident. The Evil Gathering will be held in two weeks’ time."

Xiao Ning raised an eyebrow. "She will not return to the sect?"

Elder Qian shook his head. "She will remain at the temporary alliance stronghold to coordinate final preparations with the other parties."

Xiao Ning nodded slowly. "That’s fine."

"The Evil Gathering proceeds as scheduled, then?"

"Yes," Elder Qian confirmed. "As per tradition, it will follow the usual three-part format. Trade, alliance pledges... and the competition."

Xiao Ning’s gaze sharpened.

The Evil Gathering is an old tradition between the unorthodox sects and evil forces of the cultivation world. To the righteous sects, it was a den of devils.

Though most saw it as a time of exchange and cultivation advancement, few forgot the third portion: the competition.

Each sect was required to send forth its strongest disciples across every major realm—from Spirit Awakening to Core Formation... and even the Nascent Soul Realm.

Though, by unspoken rule, only early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators could participate in the latter.

Elder Qian clasped his hands. "Sect Master, for the Nascent Soul representative... we have two viable candidates."

"Shi Ling and Wu Li."

He paused deliberately. "Which of them should we put forward?"

Xiao Ning tapped a finger against the side of the jade table before him, lost in thought.

Both were worthy candidates.

Shi Ling, had risen quickly. Her temperament was proud, but her strength was undeniable.

Wu Li, on the other hand, was more reserved—but equally talented. His cultivation foundation was solid, and his battle experience was vast.

After a moment, he spoke.

"Have them both summoned to the martial arena."

"We cannot afford to lose face at this gathering. Our sect must not only appear strong—we must be the strongest."

Elder Qian bowed. "As you command."

With that, he turned and left to carry out the order.

Two days later...

Deep within the Shadowclaw Sect, nestled with the ironclad mountain stood a massive stone arena—Shadow Dragon Arena.

This was no ordinary training ground. Forged from rare fifth-grade metals and reinforced with powerful formations, it was a place reserved only for high-stakes battles between Nascent Soul experts.

Even the sect’s most elite elders only sparred here on rare occasions.

Today, however, two figures faced one another across the silent platform.

On one side was Shi Ling. Her long violet robes shimmered faintly with spiritual light, and her cold gaze swept across the arena with a quiet confidence.

Across from her stood Wu Li. In contrast, his robes were simple. He looked unassuming at first glance.

A few paces away, two men sat watching from elevated seats on the edge of the arena.

Elder Qian Xu sat with eyes half-lidded, seemingly indifferent.

Beside him sat Xiao Ning.

"You both know why you’re here."

"The Evil Gathering is no ordinary event. All the major unorthodox sects will be watching— And since we were the ones who insisted on moving it forward...you know exactly what that means."

He glanced at both of them in turn.

"Only one of you can represent the sect in the Nascent Soul division. Fight seriously. No need to hold back."

With a wave of his sleeve, a pale barrier of light rose around the arena—the Shadow-Silencing Formation—a defensive sixth rank array that would block any damage from leaking outside.

"Begin."

The moment Xiao Ning’s voice fell, a deep silence settled over the Shadow Dragon Arena.

Then—

Boom!

With no words exchanged, Shi Ling made the first move.

With a low hum, the very earth beneath her feet trembled. Dense yellow qi coiled around her body like an awakening slumbering beast. Within breaths, it solidified into thick layers of earthy light—forming a suit of stone armor.

Her violet robe fluttered behind her as she stomped the ground heavily.

Boom!

A shockwave of earth spiritual energy burst outward, sending cracks snaking across the stone platform. The impact propelled her forward like a cannonball, her fist crashing through the air with oppressive force toward Wu Li.

Even watching from afar, Elder Qian’s brow lifted slightly.

If an ordinary early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator were to face this blow, they would hardly be able to respond before their spiritual shield shattered.