Morning arrived with an unusual silence.
The academy, which was normally filled with noise and chatter, felt tense—like a beast holding its breath.
I stepped out of my residence calmly.
Core student robes.
The weight of status rested on my shoulders now, and I could feel it in the way people reacted.
Some bowed instinctively.
Others pretended not to see me.
A few stared with barely concealed fear.
Whispers followed me like shadows.
"That's him…"
"Zhang Wei."
"The one who broke the ranking stone."
"He crushed Han Luo."
I ignored them and continued walking.
Today was important.
Very important.
Because today was the Inner Academy Sparring Assembly.
A public event.
And public events were perfect for domination.
The central arena was already packed when I arrived.
Rows of stone seats surrounded the massive circular platform, and banners bearing the academy insignia fluttered in the wind.
Elders sat on the high platform.
Students filled every available space.
Core students stood together, their gazes sharp and proud.
Among them—
I saw Li Jun.
Our eyes met.
For a fraction of a second, his expression froze.
Then he smiled.
Polite.
Calm.
Controlled.
But I could see it.
Fear hiding beneath the surface.
Good.
The system panel flickered into existence.
[DING!]
Large-scale public setting detected.
Audience count: High.
Domination rewards increased.
Optional Quest Available.
Second Public Crushing (Hard)
Objective:
Defeat a Core Student of higher standing in a public match.
Conditions:
– Clear victory
– No external assistance
Reward:
+1 Rank Advancement
+1 Title
New Skill Chance
Accept?
"Yes."
The moment I accepted, a subtle pressure settled over my body.
Not heavy.
Exciting.
Elder Qin stood and raised his hand.
"Today's sparring assembly will follow standard rules," he announced.
"No killing. Surrender is allowed."
His gaze swept across the students before pausing briefly on me.
"Begin."
Matches were announced one by one.
Cheers erupted.
Cries of victory and defeat echoed across the arena.
Then—
"Next match," the announcer said loudly.
"Zhang Wei versus… Zhao Feng."
The name caused a stir.
Zhao Feng.
Ranked among the top ten core students.
Late-stage Enhanced.
Known for his brutality.
Li Jun's smile widened slightly.
He thought he had planned this well.
I stepped onto the arena.
Zhao Feng was already there.
Tall. Broad-shouldered. Scar across his face.
He looked at me with open disdain.
"So you're the rising star," he said, cracking his neck.
"Don't worry. I won't cripple you too badly."
The crowd murmured.
Some shook their heads.
Others looked excited.
They wanted to see if I would finally fall.
I met Zhao Feng's gaze calmly.
"Try," I said.
His eyes darkened.
The match began.
Zhao Feng moved first.
Fast.
His fist tore through the air like a cannonball.
The ground cracked where I had stood—
But I wasn't there.
Shadow Step.
I reappeared to his left.
Gasps echoed.
Before I could strike, Zhao Feng spun and kicked.
I blocked.
The impact sent a shockwave rippling across the arena.
My feet slid back several meters.
Power surged through my arms.
Strong.
Stronger than Han Luo.
The system chimed.
[DING!]
Opponent strength confirmed: High.
Growth acceleration activated.
Zhao Feng grinned.
"That's more like it!"
He attacked again, unleashing a barrage of blows.
Each strike carried killing intent.
I dodged, blocked, countered.
The crowd leaned forward.
This wasn't a one-sided fight.
This was a clash.
Then—
I stepped in.
My palm struck his chest.
Body Reinforcement activated.
A dull boom echoed.
Zhao Feng staggered back, coughing blood.
His eyes widened.
"You—!"
I didn't let him finish.
Shadow Step.
I appeared above him.
My knee smashed down onto his shoulder.
Bone cracked.
Zhao Feng screamed.
I landed smoothly and grabbed his arm, twisting violently.
He fell to his knees.
The arena went silent.
I leaned close.
"Still think I'm lucky?" I asked quietly.
Rage filled his eyes.
He tried to stand.
I kicked his knee.
Hard.
He collapsed face-first into the stone.
I placed my foot on his back.
The same position.
The same humiliation.
"Say it," I said calmly.
"S-surrender," Zhao Feng growled, teeth clenched.
The referee hesitated, then shouted, "Match over!"
The silence shattered.
The arena exploded into chaos.
"He won!"
"Zhao Feng lost!"
"Zhang Wei crushed him!"
Elders stood abruptly.
Core students stared in disbelief.
Li Jun's face went pale.
The system pulsed violently.
[DING!]
Quest Completed: Second Public Crushing.
Calculating rewards…
A torrent of heat surged through my body.
Power exploded outward.
My aura flared.
Rank Advancement in progress…
Name: Zhang Wei
Rank: Elite
Power: 134
Status: Rising Core Elite
Gasps turned into shouts.
"He broke through again!"
"Elite Rank?!"
"In the arena?!"
Another message appeared.
[DING!]
Title Acquired.
Title:
Fear Incarnate
Effect:
Intimidation increases growth rate.
Enemies suffer mental pressure in your presence.
My presence felt… heavier.
Zhao Feng trembled beneath my foot.
Not from pain.
From fear.
I stepped away and turned to face the crowd.
My gaze swept across them slowly.
No laughter.
No mockery.
Only silence.
And awe.
My eyes met Li Jun's again.
This time, he didn't smile.
He looked away.
I smiled faintly.
Elder Qin stood slowly, his expression unreadable.
"Zhang Wei," he said, voice heavy,
"from today onward… you are ranked among the academy's elites."
The words echoed like thunder.
I bowed slightly.
Inside, my blood burned.
This wasn't the peak.
This was just the foundation.
The system chimed one last time.
[DING!]
Warning.
Rapid growth detected.
External forces may intervene soon.
Recommended action:
Leave the academy temporarily to expand dominance.
I turned and walked off the arena.
Behind me, the academy buzzed like a disturbed nest.
Ahead of me—
A larger world waited.