Early the next morning, sunlight spilled into the courtyard. Marco rose early and saw Lu Zhou already standing quietly in the yard, facing east with long, steady breaths as if performing some breathing exercise. Though wrapped in gray cloth, the cross long blade on his back faintly emitted a sharp aura.
"Brother Lu, you're up early," Marco greeted with a smile.
Lu Zhou stopped his movements upon hearing this, turned around, and nodded. "Habit."
"Since we have nothing to do today, how about I show you around Heaven Dou City? It's the imperial capital, quite prosperous," Marco suggested.
A flicker of interest passed through Lu Zhou's eyes. Being new here, he indeed needed to familiarize himself with the environment, so he agreed, "Alright."
After a simple breakfast, the two left Li Mansion and strolled along the broad streets of Heaven Dou City. The capital's bustle far surpassed that of Notting City, with constant streams of traffic, rows of shops, bustling crowds, and endless novel sights. As their host, Marco patiently introduced the city's landmark buildings, major faction distributions, and some interesting rumors to Lu Zhou.
Lu Zhou spoke little, mostly listening quietly, but his hawk-like eyes occasionally scanned both sides of the street, observing various people and events, committing useful information to memory. His cold, stern demeanor seemed somewhat out of place amidst the surrounding liveliness, yet it formed its own distinct presence.
As they approached the central square, they could see from a distance the majestic, heavily guarded structure—the Heavenly Fight Grand Arena. The massive arched dome glittered under the sunlight, with Soul Masters and commoners continuously entering and exiting, creating an exceptionally lively atmosphere.
Marco stopped and pointed at the grand arena. "Brother Lu, that's the Heavenly Fight Grand Arena—a place for Soul Masters to spar, settle grudges, and make a name for themselves. However, for Soul Masters at our level, it's more of a training ground to accumulate combat experience."
Lu Zhou gazed sharply at the grand arena, sensing the faint Soul Power fluctuations and clamorous energy emanating from it, and nodded. "It's indeed more spectacular than the fight arenas in other cities."
Marco's tone then shifted, becoming more solemn. "Brother Lu, actually, there's something more important than sparring in the grand arena, something that gathers the continent's young geniuses even more."
"Oh?" Lu Zhou looked at Marco with a questioning expression.
"The Pan-continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament," Marco slowly uttered the name. "It's a grand event hosted by the Spirit Hall, co-organized by the two great empires, and open to all advanced Soul Master academies across the continent. Participants must be under twenty-five years old—it essentially gathers the most top-tier, outstanding young Soul Masters of the entire continent! It's a true arena of geniuses!"
"Under twenty-five... arena of geniuses..." Lu Zhou repeated softly. For the first time, a noticeable ripple stirred in his calm eyes—the excitement and anticipation that only emerged when facing powerful opponents and challenges.
"Correct," Marco affirmed. "The next tournament will be held in one year. By then, various forces will gather, and talented Soul Masters from major academies will take the stage to fight for honor, rewards, and to prove themselves. It will be the best platform to test the results of our years of cultivation and a perfect opportunity to compete with the top talents of our generation!"
He looked at Lu Zhou with burning eyes and extended a formal invitation: "Brother Lu, I plan to form a team for this tournament. I am well aware of your strength. Would you be willing to join my team and fight alongside us on this continental stage?"
Lu Zhou fell silent for a moment, seemingly weighing his options. By nature, he disliked constraints and preferred to cultivate alone. However, the title of "the most outstanding genius among the younger generation across the continent" and the opportunity to face numerous powerful opponents held a fatal allure for someone as dedicated to improving himself and honing The Way of the Blade as he was.
"Who's on the team?" he asked—this was crucial.
"So far, it's confirmed to be me, Osler, and my younger sister Ye Lingling, who is a top-tier healing-type Soul Master," Marco replied honestly. "We still need strong assault-type and defense-control-type members and are currently searching. But with your addition, Brother Lu, our core offensive power will be greatly enhanced!"
Lu Zhou pondered a while longer. Ultimately, his desire for peak-level battles outweighed his preference for unbound freedom. He lifted his head, his gaze sharp as a blade: "Fine. I'll join."
Upon hearing this, Marco's face broke into a radiant smile. "Excellent! With Brother Lu joining us, our team's strength will surely soar! Over the next year, we can train together, build synergy, and prepare for the tournament!"
With this major matter settled, the relationship between the two seemed to grow closer. During the remainder of their tour, their conversations revolved more around Soul Master cultivation, The Way of the Blade, sword techniques, and potential opponents they might face in the future. Though Lu Zhou spoke sparingly, every word he uttered hit the mark, revealing his extraordinary insight and profound thinking.
Two days passed in the blink of an eye.
During this time, Lu Zhou rested and adjusted his condition at Li Mansion, occasionally exchanging insights and sparring experiences with Marco and Osler (mostly listening). He gradually grew familiar with the mansion's environment and its residents. Though his aloof demeanor remained, everyone slowly grew accustomed to it. Osler, in particular, was deeply impressed by the precise insights into blade techniques that Lu Zhou occasionally revealed.
On the morning of the third day...
The spacious training ground in the rear courtyard of Li Mansion had been cleared. At the edge of the field, Ye Lingling, Qiu Yao, and Osler waited early, their faces filled with excitement and anticipation. Even Mother Ye made a rare appearance at the sidelines—she wanted to see for herself what kind of remarkable youth her husband and son had spoken so highly of.
In the center of the field, Li Zhaoyan stood with his hands behind his back, his aura as deep as an abyss and as imposing as a mountain. Today, he would personally serve as the referee for this sparring match, ensuring that the two talented youths could unleash their full potential while preventing any mishaps.
Marco and Lu Zhou walked slowly into the field from opposite ends.
Marco wore a practical black martial outfit, his expression calm but his eyes burning with fervent fighting spirit. The Soul Power of his Flame Undying Bird circulated steadily within him, his entire presence both calm and blazing.
Lu Zhou remained dressed in blue robes, the Cross long blade behind him now freed from its gray cloth wrapping, revealing its true form—a slender, ruler-straight blade with a cross-shaped hilt. Though simple and unadorned in design, it exuded a heart-palpitating sharpness! Gripping the hilt, his eyes cold and focused, he seemed to merge with the blade itself. An overwhelming Blade Intent surged skyward, as if capable of severing everything!
The two stood facing each other across a distance of ten zhang, their gazes colliding mid-air like invisible sparks.
Li Zhaoyan swept his eyes over them and spoke in a deep voice that carried clearly across the arena: "Today's spar is for exchange, stop at the appropriate point. I will supervise from the side and intervene if danger arises. Are you both ready?"
Marco and Lu Zhou nodded simultaneously, their Soul Power beginning to surge around them.
A highly anticipated clash of titans was about to begin.