.
.
The arrival of Knox Void shook the entire Heavenly Dao Academy.
The name alone carried weight.
The heir of the strongest clan.
The owner of a mysterious ancient inheritance.
The genius who defeated Prince Leon.
To some, he was an opportunity.
To others...
A threat.
Inside the Heavenly Dao Academy's main hall.
Thousands of new disciples gathered.
At the center stood a massive stone monument.
The Heaven Ranking Tablet.
Every student's name was recorded on it.
The higher the rank...
The more resources they received.
Better cultivation rooms.
Ancient techniques.
Rare treasures.
The strongest students always occupied the top positions.
An academy elder stepped forward.
"Every new disciple must participate in the ranking battle."
"The purpose is simple."
"Show your strength."
"The top ten will receive special privileges."
The crowd became excited.
Everyone wanted a chance to prove themselves.
Then the elder looked toward Knox.
"Young Master Knox."
"Would you like to participate?"
The entire hall became silent.
Everyone waited for his answer.
Knox glanced at the ranking tablet.
Then smiled.
"Sure."
The crowd immediately became restless.
"The Void Young Master is participating!"
"Who will challenge him?"
"I want to see how strong he really is."
The first battle began.
A young genius stepped onto the arena.
His name was Marcus Flame.
A disciple from an ancient fire clan.
His cultivation:
Core Formation Realm — Seventh Stage.
He looked at Knox confidently.
"Young Master Knox."
"I have heard many rumors about you."
"But rumors are not strength."
Knox nodded.
"Correct."
Marcus smiled.
"Then allow me to test you."
Flames exploded around him.
Flame Emperor Spear Art!
A giant spear made of fire appeared.
The temperature of the arena rose instantly.
Many disciples stepped back.
"Powerful!"
"He is already close to the peak of Core Formation."
Marcus charged.
The spear pierced toward Knox.
Knox didn't move.
The audience held their breath.
At the last moment...
Knox raised one finger.
Void Barrier.
A thin layer of black energy appeared.
The spear stopped.
No explosion.
No shockwave.
It simply couldn't move.
Marcus' expression changed.
"What?!"
Knox looked at him.
"Your foundation is unstable."
"Your fire energy is too aggressive."
"You focus on power but ignore control."
Marcus froze.
Because Knox was right.
Knox casually pushed his finger forward.
BOOM!
Marcus flew out of the arena.
One move.
Silence.
Then...
The entire hall exploded.
"One move again?"
"Is he even fighting seriously?"
"Monster."
[Ding!]
Opponent defeated.
Villain Points +300
Reputation Increased.
The next challenger arrived.
Then another.
And another.
One by one...
They fell.
Sword geniuses.
Body cultivators.
Formation masters.
None could force Knox to use his true strength.
At the top of the ranking board...
Knox's name continued climbing.
Rank 50.
Rank 30.
Rank 15.
Rank 5.
Finally...
Only one name remained above him.
The hall became silent.
A young man sitting in the corner slowly opened his eyes.
Long silver hair.
Cold expression.
A terrifying aura.
The strongest student of Heavenly Dao Academy.
Alexander Draven.
Title:
The Sword Prince.
Cultivation:
Half-Step Nascent Soul Realm.
Alexander walked into the arena.
The atmosphere changed immediately.
Even the elders became serious.
He looked at Knox.
"I was wondering when you would arrive."
Knox smiled.
"You knew about me?"
"Everyone knows about you."
Alexander drew his sword.
"I don't care about your background."
"I don't care about your clan."
"I only care about one thing."
His sword intent covered the arena.
"Are you actually strong?"
The crowd became excited.
Finally.
Someone powerful enough to challenge Knox.
Seraphina watched carefully.
Adrian also focused.
This was the first time Knox faced someone from the same level of genius.
Knox looked at Alexander's sword.
Then at his eyes.
"You are different."
Alexander raised an eyebrow.
"Different?"
"Yes."
"You don't have protagonist-level arrogance."
The crowd became confused.
Alexander frowned.
"What does that mean?"
Knox smiled.
"Nothing."
The battle started.
Alexander moved first.
His sword disappeared.
Not fast.
Perfect.
Heavenly Sword Domain!
The entire arena transformed into a world of swords.
Thousands of sword attacks appeared around Knox.
No escape.
No blind spots.
Everyone thought Knox would finally move seriously.
But...
Knox closed his eyes.
The Eyes of Ruin activated.
Suddenly...
Every sword trajectory became clear.
Every weakness.
Every opening.
Every flaw.
He saw everything.
"Found it."
Knox stepped forward.
One step.
One movement.
He passed through the entire sword domain.
Alexander's eyes widened.
Impossible.
Knox appeared directly in front of him.
Their swords crossed.
CLANG!
The impact shook the arena.
Both moved backward.
For the first time...
Knox had been pushed back.
The crowd gasped.
"Someone stopped him!"
Alexander smiled.
"Interesting."
Knox looked at his sword.
A small crack appeared.
Then...
He laughed.
"It's been a while."
Alexander looked surprised.
"You enjoy this?"
"Of course."
"Winning without challenge becomes boring."
[Ding!]
High-level opponent detected.
Target: Alexander Draven
Destiny Level: S
Potential: Emperor Realm
Recommendation: Defeat or recruit.
Knox smiled.
A genius with Emperor potential.
Interesting.
The battle continued.
Sword against Void.
Light against darkness.
The entire academy watched as two monsters fought.
But none of them noticed...
Deep beneath the Heavenly Dao Academy...
An ancient seal began to crack.
A forgotten existence opened its eyes.
"Void bloodline..."
"The successor has arrived."
Meanwhile, inside the arena...
Alexander and Knox prepared their strongest attacks.
The result of this battle would decide the new number one student.
Knox held his sword.
Alexander raised his.
Both smiled.
Then—
They attacked.
End of Chapter 12