The training hall had grown unusually quiet.
Dozens of Inner Sect disciples stood around the stone arena, their attention fixed on the two figures facing each other at its center. What had started as a simple morning gathering had suddenly turned into something far more interesting.
A challenge.
And the newcomer at the center of it all was Lin Ye.
Han Luo stood several steps away from him, still recovering from the unexpected strike to his ribs. The impact hadn't seriously injured him, but the shock was clear in his expression.
Lin Ye had barely moved.
Yet the attack had landed cleanly.
The surrounding disciples whispered quietly among themselves.
"He's faster than I expected…"
"That movement technique…"
"Blood Shadow Step."
Lin Ye scratched his cheek casually while the whispers spread.
"…I feel like a circus attraction."
Han Luo straightened slowly, rolling his shoulder as he exhaled. His eyes sharpened as he looked back at Lin Ye.
"…You're quick."
Lin Ye nodded.
"Thanks."
"But speed alone won't win," Han Luo added calmly.
Lin Ye shrugged.
"Good thing I've got more than speed."
Han Luo's aura flared as he began circulating his spiritual energy fully. The pressure around him grew heavier, enough that several nearby disciples stepped back slightly.
Unlike the chaotic fights during the trial, this duel had structure.
A controlled arena.
Witnesses everywhere.
Which meant something important.
Reputation.
Han Luo stepped forward again.
"Let's see if you deserve third place."
This time his attack was different.
Instead of rushing forward recklessly, he moved with controlled steps, his spiritual energy reinforcing his muscles as he closed the distance. His fist shot forward again, but now it carried far more force than before.
Lin Ye reacted instantly.
Blood Shadow Step.
His body flickered sideways as the punch passed inches from his chest. At the same time, Lin Ye countered with a quick palm strike aimed at Han Luo's shoulder.
But Han Luo expected it.
He twisted his body mid-motion, blocking the attack with his forearm.
The two exchanged several rapid strikes, their fists and arms colliding with sharp impacts that echoed across the arena.
This time Han Luo didn't stagger.
Instead, he smiled.
"…Better."
Lin Ye smirked.
"You're improving."
Several disciples watching from the sidelines nodded quietly.
Han Luo wasn't weak.
Among the inner disciples, his strength was respectable. The fact that Lin Ye couldn't instantly overwhelm him made the duel far more interesting.
Gu Chen stood near the edge of the arena, watching carefully with crossed arms.
His gaze remained calm.
But he was paying attention to something very specific.
Lin Ye's aura.
The faint demonic energy lingering beneath it.
High above the arena, Su Qingyue observed the fight from the balcony.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"…It's stronger."
The demonic bloodline within Lin Ye had grown more active since the trial.
Even if Lin Ye himself wasn't releasing it, she could sense the power lurking beneath his calm exterior.
Back in the arena, Han Luo suddenly changed tactics.
Instead of exchanging blows, he stepped back and raised his hand.
Spiritual energy gathered around his palm, forming a faint golden glow.
"Try this."
He thrust his palm forward.
A wave of compressed energy shot toward Lin Ye.
Lin Ye's eyes sharpened instantly.
A ranged technique.
He sidestepped quickly with Blood Shadow Step as the attack struck the arena floor behind him, leaving a shallow crack in the stone.
Lin Ye whistled softly.
"…Nice."
Han Luo smirked.
"Not finished."
He launched forward immediately after the attack, closing the distance again while Lin Ye was still moving.
His fist crashed toward Lin Ye's chest with explosive force.
This time Lin Ye didn't dodge.
Instead, he stepped forward.
Their fists collided directly.
The impact echoed across the hall.
For a brief moment neither of them moved.
Then—
Han Luo slid backward two steps.
Lin Ye stayed where he was.
The surrounding disciples fell silent.
Han Luo stared at Lin Ye with growing surprise.
"…Your strength…"
Lin Ye shrugged.
"I eat well."
Several disciples laughed quietly.
But the message was clear.
Lin Ye wasn't just fast.
He was strong too.
Han Luo wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"…Looks like the rumors were right."
Lin Ye stretched his shoulders lightly.
"Which rumor?"
"That you're dangerous."
Lin Ye smiled faintly.
"People keep saying that."
Han Luo looked at him for a long moment.
Then suddenly laughed.
"…Alright."
He lowered his guard.
"I've seen enough."
Lin Ye blinked.
"That's it?"
Han Luo nodded.
"I just wanted to see if the new guy deserved the attention."
He glanced around at the watching disciples.
"Looks like he does."
The tension in the arena dissolved immediately.
Several disciples relaxed, some nodding with approval while others whispered among themselves.
Lin Ye rubbed the back of his neck.
"…That was easier than expected."
Gu Chen stepped closer.
"You made your point."
Lin Ye sighed.
"I didn't want to make one."
But it was already too late.
His reputation had just grown even larger.
Above them, Su Qingyue watched silently for another moment before turning away from the balcony.
"…His control improved again."
But the faint demonic energy surrounding Lin Ye still worried her.
Because sooner or later—
That power would reach its limit.
Back in the arena, Han Luo patted Lin Ye on the shoulder.
"Welcome to the Inner Sect."
Lin Ye smiled faintly.
"Thanks."
Han Luo smirked.
"But next time we fight…"
Lin Ye raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah?"
Han Luo grinned.
"I won't stop early."
Lin Ye chuckled.
"…Looking forward to it."
Around them, the morning training session finally resumed as disciples returned to their exercises.
But one thing had already changed.
Everyone in the Inner Sect now knew one name.
Lin Ye.
And the newcomer who carried the dangerous title of Blood Shadow had officially made his mark.