Deep in the forest, where sunlight struggled to touch the ground, Kairo sat alone beneath a massive ancient tree.
The world around him was silent except for the faint whisper of wind through leaves.
He sat cross-legged, eyes closed, breathing slow and steady.
Then it began.
A faint red aura leaked from his body…
followed by a darker, heavier energy, almost black.
The two energies circled around him slowly, like predators stalking each other, until they began to spiral together. The air grew heavy.
Leaves trembled. Small stones near him began to vibrate.
The red and dark energy twisted together and slowly took shape.
A dragon.
Not a complete dragon, but a phantom outline made of energy — long body, sharp claws, and glowing eyes.
The energy dragon coiled around Kairo's body as he meditated, as if guarding him.
Kairo's mind sank deeper into meditation.
And then—
His consciousness appeared in a white world. Endless white lands, endless white sky. No sound. No wind. Nothing.
In front of him stood nine massive doors.
Ancient. Tall. Covered in strange symbols.
The first door was open.
The second door was closed.
The remaining seven doors stood silently in the distance, like sleeping monsters.
Kairo walked toward the second door and placed his hand on it.
The moment he pushed—
The door opened.
But the instant he stepped forward, a terrifying pressure slammed onto his body.
His knees hit the ground instantly.
It felt like an entire mountain had been placed on his shoulders. His bones creaked.
His breathing became heavy. He tried to stand, but the pressure only increased.
…So heavy… he muttered, gritting his teeth.
He tried to step inside the room, but the pressure doubled. His vision blurred. Blood dripped from the corner of his mouth.
Not yet… he whispered.
He forced himself to move back, step by step, until he exited the room.
The pressure disappeared instantly.
A moment later, his consciousness returned to the real world.
He opened his eyes slowly, the red glow fading slightly.
Damn… My cultivation level is still too low,he said quietly.
To fully enter that second room, I need to reach Void Refinement. That's two major realms above my current level…
He leaned back against the tree, looking up at the sky through the branches.
In this world, there are nine grades of pills… and I can only make third-grade pills.
There are nine grades of formations… and I can only make third-grade formations.
He closed his eyes again, thinking.
The tournament is coming… and I will participate.
But I can't use my Evil Cultivation technique in front of everyone.
If they find out I'm an evil cultivator, they'll hunt me down.
He picked up a small stone and crushed it in his hand without much effort.
I could use formations… trap people… kill them that way.
But this tournament will have many geniuses.
Third-grade formations are strong, but if several cultivators attack together, they can break it.
He fell silent for a moment, then a small smile appeared on his face.
Looks like… in the end, I'll have to rely on my physical power and the Black Dragon Body.
He stood up slowly and stretched his arms.
Let's test my physical strength.
Just as he was about to move—
He sensed someone.
He quickly jumped onto a tree branch and hid among the leaves, his presence completely concealed.
Two boys were walking through the forest.
Kairo narrowed his eyes.
The first one had expensive clothes, a confident walk, and a proud face.
Korvik family…
Kairo whispered to himself.
That's their youngest young master…
Zephiron.
Beside him was another boy, slightly taller, carrying a spear.
That must be his best friend… Diyanma.
The two of them seemed to be searching for something, talking casually, completely unaware that someone was watching them from above.
Kairo watched them quietly.
Then… a slow, dangerous smile appeared on his face.
Perfect, he thought. A perfect test subject.
He looked at Diyanma.
I'll test my physical power first… on him.
Kairo crouched slightly on the branch, his muscles tightening like a coiled spring. His red eyes flickered once.
Then—
He disappeared from the branch.
A surprise attack from above, aimed straight at Diyanma.