Chapter 76
The arena slowly emptied as the announcement of the recess spread. Spectators poured out in restless waves, voices loud with disbelief, excitement, and unease. Some left exhilarated, others shaken. What was meant to be a spectacle had turned into something dangerous–something no one could fully control anymore.
Adrian remained within the inner ring, standing amid fractured stone and lingering pressure. His body ached deeply now that the adrenaline was fading, every breath reminding him of the punishment he had endured. Kai stayed close, alert, eyes scanning the surroundings as if expecting another ambush at any moment.
Smith was wiping blood from the corner of his mouth when Adrian finally walked toward him.
For a brief moment, they simply looked at each other.
Smith looked nothing like the legends whispered about him earlier. His clothing was simple, his expression calm, almost casual, as though he hadn’t just been nearly torn apart by cultivators who lived on the edge of immortality.
Adrian broke the silence first. “Who are you?” he asked plainly. “And why did you step in back there?”
Smith chuckled softly. “Straight to the point. I like that.”
He straightened, stretching his shoulders slightly. “Truth is, I didn’t plan to interfere. I came to observe. But you caught my attention long before the first strike landed.”
Adrian narrowed his eyes but said nothing.
Smith continued, unbothered. “When word spread about a man accepting a duel against twenty–one cultivators on the brink of immortality, I thought it was either a death wish or madness. No one sane does that. So naturally, I wanted to see him with my own eyes.”
“And now?” Adrian asked.
“Now I’m impressed,” Smith replied honestly. “You didn’t just survive. You adapted. You dismantled them in ways that shouldn’t be possible for someone of this era. I figured joining in wouldn’t hurt–especially since there were no rules.”
Adrian frowned slightly. “You shouldn’t have. If they’d seriously injured you-”
Smith waved a hand dismissively. “But they didn’t. And if I’m being frank, if you’d continued fighting alone, your internal system would’ve started collapsing. You were already pushing the limit.”
Adrian didn’t deny it. He could still feel the strain inside his body, the subtle instability beneath the surface.
“I appreciate the help,” Adrian said after a moment. “But next time, I can handle it.”
Smith smiled faintly. “Confidence suits you. Still, even legends benefit from allies.”
Kai stepped forward then, studying Smith more closely. “Your aura,” he said slowly, “it feels… different. Refined. Restrained. You’re not like the others. Are you connected to the Elders‘ Pavilion?”
Smith’s expression didn’t change, but something subtle flickered in his eyes. “The Elders‘ Pavilion?” he repeated lightly. “I’ve heard of it. That’s all.”
Adrian’s brows knit together.
The name stirred something in his memory. Elder Vaughn had mentioned it once–briefly, cautiously—as if even speaking of it carried consequences. Before Adrian could press further, a group of men approached quickly from behind Smith.
They were clearly his disciples.
chapter 76
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One of them leaned in close, speaking in a hushed but urgent tone. “Master, the chain has responded.”
Smith’s posture shifted instantly, his casual demeanor sharpening. “Which sector?”
“The east ring,” the disciple said. “There’s movement. Possibly the bearer.”
Smith’s gaze flicked briefly toward the arena’s eastern side, his eyes narrowing in calculation. “Then we’re in the wrong place.”
Adrian and Kai didn’t hear the exchange clearly. They only noticed the sudden change in Smith’s focus, the way his attention drifted elsewhere.
Smith turned back to them, his expression once again composed. “Looks like I’ll have to excuse myself for now.”
Kai raised an eyebrow. “Already?”
“Work calls,” Smith replied simply. “I told you–I’m here on business. I’m a doctor by trade. Acupuncture, internal alignment, structural flow. Still learning, of course.”
Adrian looked at him sharply. “A doctor who casually steps into a life–and–death duel?”
Smith laughed. “Experience is the best teacher.”
There was a pause, then Smith’s gaze met Adrian’s squarely. “Be careful in the next round. Now that fear has replaced arrogance, they’ll try subtler methods. Manipulation. Traps. Poisoning the field instead of confronting you head–on.”
Adrian nodded slowly. “I expected as much.”
Kai inclined his head slightly. “If fate allows, we may meet again.”
Smith smiled at that. “I have a feeling we will.”
With that, he turned and left with his disciples, disappearing into the dispersing crowd as smoothly as he had arrived.
Adrian watched him go, unease and curiosity tangling in his chest.
“The Elders‘ Pavilion…” Adrian murmured under his breath.
Kai glanced at him. “You’ve heard of it.”
“Once,” Adrian replied. “From someone who didn’t like talking about it.”
Kai’s expression darkened. “Then that man is far more dangerous than he lets on.”
Adrian exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders as another wave of pain surged through him. “Dangerous or not, he didn’t act like an enemy.”
“Not yet,” Kai said quietly.
They stood there for a moment longer, surrounded by the aftermath of the battle–cracked stone, scorched marks, lingering fear in the air.
Adrian clenched his fist, feeling the ring pulse faintly in response.
The next round wouldn’t be straightforward. He could feel it.
And somewhere, unseen, unseen forces were already shifting pieces on the board.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
