Veil of the Shattered Heavens

The cold wind swept across the mountain peak as Xuan Li suddenly opened his eyes. His chest heaved, his breaths uneven as sweat dripped down his temples.

"Damn it…" he muttered, his voice hoarse. "Last night was hell. It felt like thousands of ants biting me all over my body." He shuddered at the memory of the excruciating pain.

Pushing himself up, he staggered to his feet, and a sudden sense of surprise dawned upon him. He felt different. Taller. His gaze shifted downward; his arms were more muscular, and his hands, once delicate, had hardened. In disbelief, he took out a small bronze mirror from his belongings. His reflection stared back at him, almost unrecognizable.

"Is this really me?" Xuan Li muttered, tilting his head to inspect himself further. His once soft and boyish features had sharpened, becoming more refined and striking. His skin glowed faintly, exuding vitality, and his black hair shimmered with a subtle luster. "I've… become handsome."

Before he could marvel further, a familiar voice interrupted his thoughts. "Disciple, stop admiring yourself," Veldris said, appearing behind him in a swirl of dark mist. His tone was firm, though laced with a hint of amusement. "This transformation is merely the result of your foundation being laid."

Xuan Li turned to face his master, bowing slightly out of respect. "Master… I felt something new within me—a connection to another realm."

Veldris' expression softened, his lips curving into a rare smile. "That, my dear disciple, is your Primordial Core. The essence of your foundation. Think of it as a world within you—a realm that houses the core of your power. But beware." His tone grew serious. "If that essence is damaged or shattered, not only will your cultivation journey end, but your very soul will be obliterated. Tread carefully."

Xuan Li's eyes widened at the revelation. "I understand, Master. I'll guard it with my life."

Veldris nodded approvingly. "Good. Now, get ready. Your journey continues. Time is not on your side."

With that, the enigmatic figure vanished, leaving Xuan Li standing alone amidst the swirling mountain mist. He quickly dressed, adjusting his simple robes, and prepared to set off. As he descended the peak, his thoughts churned.

"Next stop… Bloodsteel City," he muttered to himself. "Famous for its Death Battle Arena."

Suddenly, Veldris' voice resonated in his mind. "Disciple, this arena presents a golden opportunity to hone your skills. Battling beasts strengthens the body, but fighting warriors sharpens the mind. Strategy, awareness, skill—these are what separate a true cultivator from a brute. Participate."

Xuan Li nodded silently. "Master is right. Bloodsteel City, here I come."

Arrival at Bloodsteel City

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Xuan Li approached the imposing gates of Bloodsteel City. The massive iron gates loomed overhead, guarded by two men clad in mismatched armor, their weapons resting lazily at their sides. Their eyes scanned Xuan Li with disdain.

"Hold it right there, kid," one of them barked. "You think you can just waltz into Bloodsteel City without paying the entry fee?"

Xuan Li frowned, reaching into his pouch. Tossing a single gold coin at the guard's feet, he said coldly, "Take it."

The guard smirked as he picked up the coin. "Heh. Welcome to Bloodsteel City, little rich boy." His companion chuckled, adding, "Enjoy your stay—if you survive."

Xuan Li ignored their jabs, stepping through the gates into the bustling streets beyond. The city was a strange mix of vibrancy and corruption. Colorful lanterns hung above the streets, and merchants peddled their wares with enthusiastic shouts. Yet beneath the cheerful facade lay a sinister undercurrent. Shifty-eyed figures lingered in alleyways, and the occasional clash of weapons echoed faintly in the distance.

"A perfect mask for a rotten city," Xuan Li muttered, his gaze sweeping over the lively scene. "Behind all this is the true face of Bloodsteel."

Navigating the crowded streets, he soon found himself standing before a massive building. Its towering facade was illuminated by glowing runes, and the roar of a crowd echoed from within. Above the entrance hung a sign: Death Battle Arena.

Registering for the Arena

The entrance was packed with people, warriors boasting of their victories, spectators eagerly placing bets, and the occasional medic patching up an injured fighter. Xuan Li approached the registration counter, manned by a young woman with bright eyes and a pleasant smile.

"How can I help you, sir?" she asked, her gaze lingering on Xuan Li's face despite his simple attire.

"I'm here to participate," Xuan Li said flatly.

The woman blinked in surprise. Before she could respond, a burly man with a scarred face stepped forward, his mocking laughter cutting through the noise.

"Ha! You? Participate?" the man jeered. "Look at you, boy. You're nothing but skin and bones. Do you even know what this arena is? It's not a playground for pretty boys like you."

Xuan Li's gaze remained cold and steady. "I can participate, right?" he asked the woman, ignoring the man entirely.

The woman shivered under his intense stare but managed to stammer, "O-of course, sir. Here, fill out this form."

The scarred man's face darkened as his taunts were dismissed. "You punk! Who do you think you are, ignoring me like that?"

Xuan Li's voice was icy as he replied, "If you want to fight, come to the ring. Don't bark like a dog here."

A vein bulged on the man's forehead, his fists clenching. But then, a smirk spread across his face. "Good suggestion, kid. I'll tear you apart in front of everyone. Be ready."

With that, he stormed off, leaving Xuan Li to complete his registration. When asked for a name, he wrote two words: Blood Fang.

A Mastermind's Plan

Meanwhile, the scarred man entered a lavish chamber deep within the arena, bowing before a well-dressed young man lounging on a plush chair. The air was thick with the scent of expensive wine, and the young man twirled a glass lazily in his hand.

"Young Master," the scarred man began, "there's a boy here who signed up under the name Blood Fang. No heavenly aura around him—he's a nobody."

The young master raised an eyebrow. "No heavenly aura? Interesting. And he dared to challenge you?"

"Yes, but I'll crush him easily," the scarred man said confidently.

The young master chuckled, setting his glass down. "Let's make tonight's highlight match: you versus him. It'll be a spectacle."

The scarred man grinned, bowing deeply. "Thank you, Young Master. That kid won't know what hit him."

The Match is Set

Word spread quickly through the arena. The evening's highlight match was announced: Blood Fang vs. a Level 1 Warrior.

The crowd buzzed with excitement, their voices rising in anticipation. "Is Blood Fang crazy?" one man exclaimed. "He's going up against a trained warrior with no cultivation aura at all!"

"Who cares?" another replied. "It'll be fun to watch him get torn apart."

Amidst the chaos, Xuan Li stood silently in the preparation room, his expression calm. As he adjusted his robes, his thoughts echoed one truth:

"This is just the beginning."