Location: Azure Flame Sect – Inner Court Garden Pavilion
The duel with Xuan Mo hadn't ended the storm—it had barely started it.
Now, whispers spread like wildfire across the sect:
> "Xuan Yulian's younger brother was defeated…"
"Will she challenge him?"
"She's the Ice Flower of the Inner Court! The Sect Leader's unofficial disciple!"
And today—she arrived.
---
The Ice Flower Appears
Jinhyuk sat calmly in the meditation garden, refining his qi after the fight.
Then, the temperature dropped.
Frost gathered on the stone tiles as a woman in pale blue robes approached, her long hair flowing like moonlight, eyes colder than death itself.
Xuan Yulian.
"I heard you crippled my brother," she said, her voice soft… but deadly.
Jinhyuk didn't look up. "He challenged me. He lost."
"I see."
She raised a single finger. "Then you'll face me next. On the Frozen Lotus Platform. At dusk."
---
The Duel
The Frozen Lotus Platform hovered above a tranquil, icy lake—only used for matches between prodigies or disciples of true promise.
As the sun dipped low, hundreds gathered to witness the clash.
Xuan Yulian stood like a goddess of frost.
"I'll give you one chance," she said. "Kneel and apologize. I might only take one arm."
Jinhyuk stepped forward.
"I don't kneel to the weak."
Her eyes narrowed.
Then the air exploded in cold wind.
---
The Clash
> [Enemy Skill: Absolute Frost Qi – Stage 5 Refined Form]
[Weapon Art: Winter Blossom Sword Dance]
Petals of ice shot forward, spinning and shredding the air.
Jinhyuk activated [Shadow Flow Qi], slipping between them, barely avoiding the blades—then countered with—
> [System Technique: Void Displacement – Mirror Counter]
[Combo: Demon Fang Strike + Shadow Bind]
He vanished—then reappeared behind her with a palm aimed at her back.
But—
A faint glimmer.
> [Hidden Art: Ice Lotus Reversal]
She spun, her blade grazing his cheek.
Blood trickled. His first injury in the sect.
Their eyes locked.
She smiled.
---
A Different Kind of Spark
"You're fast," she whispered.
"You're dangerous," he replied.
Her blade hovered inches from his chest, his palm inches from hers.
The duel was called.
Draw.
---
Aftermath
Yulian stared at him for a long moment.
"You intrigue me… shadow snake."
She turned away, leaving a stunned crowd behind.
And Jinhyuk?
He finally smiled, just a little.
> [Inner Court Reputation +500]
[Rival Affection Triggered: Xuan Yulian – Curious (+10)]
[System Alert: Dual Affection Path Possible – "Rivalry or Romance?"]
[Future Sect Leader Path – 35%]
---