His opponent was no ordinary contestant.
A man in a student uniform with a flawless smile — and dead eyes.
> "Name's Zhuo Heng. Just here for the reward. Nothing personal."
But Lu Fan felt it — the aura of suppression, slightly off. Controlled. Too perfect.
Zhuo Heng attacked first, launching a technique known only to sect elites: Heaven-Swallowing Claw.
Lu Fan dodged barely, launching Celestial Palm in response, weaving in Crimson Lotus Flame to disrupt Qi channels.
The fight raged — heaven-grade techniques clashing under neon lights.
But in a critical moment, Zhuo Heng's eyes flickered violet.
The Temple's mark.
> He's possessed, the Library warned. His body is a vessel.
Lu Fan channeled all his energy into a forbidden strike — Mirror Flow: Nine Shadows Break — and shattered the temple puppet's mask.
The crowd erupted.
Zhuo Heng lay unconscious. His body twitched — and from his shadow, a wisp of dark Qi escaped and vanished into the sky.
Lu Fan won. But he knew the Temple had seen him now — truly seen him.