Deep in the secluded rear courtyard of the Duke's Mansion stood a small Practice Ground caressed by runes.
Moonlight spilled gently down, gilding the figures of Ximen Chuixue and Chen Jianjun with a clear radiance as they stood facing each other.
"Begin!" Chen Cong's voice was somewhat restrained, yet its warmth remained unmistakable as it pierced the air and stirred their hearts.
Ximen Chuixue stood tall, gripping the Karmaflame Demon Blade. It seemed to draw power from the depths of the netherworld, its blade wreathed in spectral blue flames. Those flames resembled both sprites dancing within ice and undying fire in an abyss, releasing a heart-shaking might as they flowed.
Before Chen Jianjun, the Seven Kill Sword manifested in full, Violet Thunder coiling around its blade. Every slight tremor seemed capable of stirring the wind and clouds, heralding the storm to come.
Chen Cong's gaze deepened with dawning recognition. "I remember those spectral blue flames now. Rong Cheng, the letter from your family several months ago mentioned that Chuixue's Martial Soul had transformed thanks to the Karmaflame Purple Orchid. Seeing it now, it truly is extraordinary."
At those words, pride and emotion mingled on Ximen Rongcheng's face. "Indeed, Uncle Cong. But Jianjun has also been blessed with great fortune. With the power of Violet Thunder added to his strength, the change in his Martial Soul is equally astounding."
Standing nearby, Chen Xiaojun smiled brightly. "When my cousin and my brother unleash their Martial Souls fully, their majestic pressure blazes forth. Both belong among the king Martial Souls. Their futures are bright-what a blessing for the Three Great Families!"
As the two in the arena approached each other step by step, an inexplicable tremor rose within them. It was the resonance of ancient Martial Souls across time and space, a reunion