Chapter 14: The Academy Tournament AnnouncementThe Azure Kingdom Royal Academy was buzzing with excitement.

    The air was thick with anticipation and ambition, and disciples gathered in large groups, whispering among themselves.

    Today was not an ordinary day.

    Today, something big was about to be announced.

    And at the center of it all, standing at the Grand Assembly Hall, was the Academy Headmaster.

    His deep blue robes shimmered under the sunlight, and his presence alone was enough to make the entire courtyard fall silent.

    Then—

    "The Azure Kingdom Royal Academy Tournament… begins in one month!"

    The crowd erupted.

    The Academy Tournament was the biggest event of the year.

    It determined ranking, prestige, and future opportunities.

    More importantly—it was the only way to earn the right to challenge the Core Court.

    For disciples, this was more than just a competition.

    It was a battle for power.

    And now, everyone wanted one thing—

    "To win at any cost."

    ???? The Outer Court Disciples

    "This is our chance to rise!"

    "If we win, we can enter the Inner Court!"

    ???? The Inner Court Disciples

    "Tch, the weaklings don’t stand a chance."

    "This is where the real battles happen."

    ???? The Hidden Factions

    "This will be the perfect time to eliminate Xiao Li."

    "He won’t make it past the first round."

    ???? Xiao Li

    "...Interesting." Sёar?h the N??eFire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    As Xiao Li turned to leave, a figure suddenly blocked his path.

    It was a young man dressed in luxurious golden robes, his eyes filled with arrogance.

    "Xiao Li, correct?"

    Xiao Li’s gaze remained calm.

    "And you are?"

    The youth smirked.

    "Liu Tian. Number one disciple of the Inner Court."

    Murmurs spread through the crowd.

    "That’s Liu Tian! He’s an elite genius!"

    "He’s already at Qi Refining Stage 9!"

    "Why is he talking to Xiao Li?"

    Liu Tian crossed his arms.

    "I’ve heard a lot about you."

    "Breaking the Spirit Measuring Tablet. Defeating the Black Fang Bandits. Quite impressive."

    His lips curled into a smirk.

    "But I don’t believe the rumors."

    Xiao Li’s expression didn’t change.

    "So?"

    Liu Tian took a step closer.

    "So, I’m giving you a warning."

    "Don’t bother entering the tournament."

    Xiao Li finally laughed.

    "Oh? And why is that?"

    Liu Tian’s smirk widened.

    "Because if you do…"

    His eyes gleamed with cold killing intent.

    "You won’t leave the stage alive."

    The crowd fell silent.

    Xiao Li simply grinned.

    "I appreciate the concern."

    Then, his smile turned colder.

    "But what makes you think I’m the one who will die?"

    Liu Tian’s expression twitched slightly, but he quickly covered it with a smirk.

    "We’ll see."

    With that, he turned and walked away.

    The crowd whispered in shock.

    "Xiao Li just stood up to Liu Tian!"

    "This tournament is going to be insane!"

    Xiao Li watched Liu Tian leave, then turned away.

    "Let them come."

    "The more enemies, the more stepping stones I have."

    And with that, he vanished into the mist.