The Inner Sect plaza was more crowded than usual that morning.
Disciples gathered around the massive black Ranking Board, their voices buzzing with excitement and anticipation. The monthly challenge day always attracted attention, but today there was an extra layer of tension.
Because a newcomer had issued a challenge.
And not just any newcomer.
Lin Ye.
The whispers rippled through the crowd.
"Blood Shadow is challenging Liu Feng again…"
"He already defeated him yesterday…"
"This time it's official ranking…"
At the center of the arena, Liu Feng stood with a dark expression. His fists clenched tightly as he stared across the stone platform at the man who had humiliated him the previous day.
Lin Ye stood opposite him, stretching his shoulders lazily as if preparing for light exercise.
"…You look angry," Lin Ye said casually.
Liu Feng's voice was cold.
"You think you're funny."
Lin Ye shrugged.
"Sometimes."
The elder overseeing the challenge stepped forward, his powerful voice cutting through the noise.
"Ranking challenge. Lin Ye versus Liu Feng."
His gaze moved between them.
"Begin."
The moment the word fell—
Liu Feng exploded forward.
Unlike the previous duel, there was no hesitation this time. His aura erupted violently as he launched into a full-power attack, his fist tearing through the air toward Lin Ye with crushing force.
Lin Ye moved instantly.
Blood Shadow Step.
His figure blurred sideways as Liu Feng's punch smashed into the stone floor, leaving a deep crack.
The crowd gasped softly.
"He's even faster than yesterday…"
Liu Feng spun around, his eyes blazing with anger.
"Stop running!"
Lin Ye sighed.
"…You started it."
Then he stepped forward.
The two clashed again in the center of the arena.
Their fists collided with explosive force, shockwaves spreading outward as the battle intensified. Liu Feng attacked relentlessly, his strikes heavy and aggressive.
But something was different now.
Lin Ye wasn't just dodging anymore.
He was controlling the pace.
Every movement was precise.
Every counter perfectly timed.
Gu Chen, watching from the edge of the crowd, narrowed his eyes.
"…He improved again."
Zhao Tian nodded quietly.
"He always does."
Back in the arena, Liu Feng unleashed a furious barrage of punches, trying to overwhelm Lin Ye with sheer force.
But Lin Ye slipped through the attacks like a shadow.
Then—
He struck.
A quick jab to Liu Feng's ribs.
A palm strike to his shoulder.
A final punch—
BOOM.
The impact slammed into Liu Feng's chest, sending him stumbling backward across the arena.
The crowd fell silent.
Liu Feng tried to recover, his breathing heavy as he glared at Lin Ye.
"…You…"
Lin Ye tilted his head.
"…Yes?"
Rage flared in Liu Feng's eyes as he gathered all his spiritual energy for one final attack.
His aura surged violently.
"I won't lose again!"
He charged.
Lin Ye sighed quietly.
"…You probably will."
The moment Liu Feng's attack came—
Lin Ye vanished.
Blood Shadow Step.
He reappeared directly behind Liu Feng.
Too close.
Too fast.
Before Liu Feng could react—
Lin Ye's fist struck.
BOOM.
The impact sent Liu Feng crashing to the ground.
Dust exploded across the arena as the stone floor cracked beneath him.
Silence.
Complete silence.
Liu Feng struggled to rise.
But his body refused.
The elder stepped forward.
"…Enough."
His voice echoed across the plaza.
"Winner — Lin Ye."
The crowd erupted instantly.
"He defeated Liu Feng again!"
"That was even easier this time!"
"He's really entering the Ranking Board!"
Lin Ye rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.
"…That was quick."
The elder turned toward the towering Ranking Board.
With a wave of his hand, the glowing characters shifted.
Rank 20 — Lin Ye
The name appeared clearly beneath Zhao Tian's position.
A ripple of excitement spread through the watching disciples.
A newcomer had just entered the top twenty.
Above the plaza balcony, Su Qingyue watched the scene quietly.
Her gaze rested on Lin Ye.
"…Fast."
But her attention lingered on something else.
The faint demonic aura surrounding him had grown stronger again.
Back in the arena, Liu Feng was helped to his feet by several disciples, his face pale with humiliation.
Across the crowd, Wu Shan watched silently.
His expression didn't change.
But his eyes grew colder.
Lin Ye stepped down from the arena, stretching his arms casually.
"Well," he muttered.
"That went better than expected."
Gu Chen approached him.
"You made it onto the board."
Lin Ye nodded.
"Yeah."
Zhao Tian joined them shortly after.
"You're moving faster than most disciples."
Lin Ye smirked.
"I'm motivated."
Zhao Tian studied him for a moment.
"…Be careful."
Lin Ye raised an eyebrow.
"About?"
Zhao Tian nodded slightly toward the crowd.
"About who you challenge next."
Lin Ye glanced back toward the ranking pillar.
His eyes moved across the names again.
Rank 19.
Rank 18.
Rank 17.
Then he smiled faintly.
"…We'll see."
Because now that he had stepped onto the board—
Stopping wasn't an option.
Inside his mind, the system flickered again.
[Victory Achieved]
[Bloodline Awakening: 90%]
Lin Ye's smile slowly faded.
"…Already?"
The number hung in his vision like a warning.
Because he knew.
Once it reached one hundred percent—
Everything would change.