One week after his return from the Flame Ridge, Fang Xi sat beneath the ironwood tree, sipping bitter tea.
He was calm.
But he was being watched.
The Announcement
That morning, the sect bell tolled seven times.
A rare number.
Jiang Ping had rushed into Fang Xi's courtyard, half-panicked.
"They're doing it again," he whispered. "The Three Summit Challenge."
Fang Xi's eyes narrowed.
It was a tradition older than most elders — a contest among the three inner factions of Ironwood:
Wild Flame Pavilion
Silent Root Hall
River Shadow Court
Each would select five disciples to represent them in a series of trials over three months.
Combat. Alchemy. Spirit beast control. Strategy.
Only one would rise.
And the winner? They'd be granted personal audience with Sect Master Shen himself — and a token of favor used in choosing future Core Disciples.
A stage to climb. A risk to be measured.
Fang Xi said nothing.
But that night, he received two offers.
The First Faction
Wei Lian stood at his door just before moonrise.
Her presence was quiet, sword hidden beneath dark robes.
"You fight like a shadow. The River Shadow Court likes shadows."
She handed him a ribbon — black, smooth, engraved with water flow script.
"If you want in, wear this to the selection grounds tomorrow."
Then she left.
The Second Faction
The next morning, just before sunrise, Bai Mo approached with a different offer.
"Silent Root Hall wants thinkers. And they want you."
He gave Fang Xi a sealed scroll with a subtle spirit imprint.
"No pressure," Bai Mo said, smiling. "But if you join them… we'll make sure no one ever hears about what happened on the ridge."
Ah. The first blackmail masked as kindness.
Decision Time
Fang Xi sat in meditation until midday.
He reviewed every piece of data.
Wei Lian had influence, but River Shadow was secretive and full of spies.
Silent Root Hall was strong politically, but watched closely by the elders.
Wild Flame Pavilion never invited him. Too loud. Too chaotic.
He made his decision.
And at sundown, when the disciples gathered at the Summit Courtyard, he appeared—
—wearing the black ribbon of River Shadow Court.
Faces in the Crowd
As the gathered Inner Disciples formed their groups, Fang Xi scanned the courtyard.
There were new players.
Shui Fang, a girl whose fingers constantly drew invisible patterns — rumored to control water and light illusions.
Lan Geng, a battle freak from Wild Flame with no clan name, but ten confirmed victories.
Huo Minjie, a Silent Root tactician who once trapped three Foundation disciples with a single formation array.
And finally—
A boy in gray stepped forward. Cold eyes. Elegant posture.
"Han Yuren," he said, bowing slightly. "Brother to Han Mu and Han Shun."
Ah… so now the third one appears.
"I'll enjoy testing you," he added, not unkindly. "Even if you don't make it to the finals."
Fang Xi returned the smile.
"I plan to survive every round. Some of you, I imagine, won't."
And in the Shadows…
Far above the courtyard, an elder stood watching from the mountain edge.
Not Sect Master Shen — but someone older.
Their eyes did not blink. Their robes did not move in the wind.
And on their wrist, just hidden beneath silk—
—a rune with three rings pulsed once in response to Fang Xi's presence.