After the Inneer Court battles, the focus shifted to the highest echelon of the Inner Court—the Core Disciples (Holy Sons and Holy Daughters), all of whom were powerful cultivators in the Soul Transformation Realm. These were not the Foundation Establishment or Golden Core fighters Vahn had faced; these practitioners were capable of erasing entire cities with casual ease.

​The battles, though fewer in number, became vastly longer, each exchange a cataclysmic collision of Spiritual Energy, Spirit Weapons, and Tamed Beasts.

​

​The White Lotus Sanctuary sent its top Core Disciples, and two emerged to claim spots in the coveted Top Six:

​Holy Son Veerion: A warrior known for his steady, unyielding defense and a frightening mastery over his Light Sword.

​

Holy Daughter Lumina: A genius who wielded many powerful offensive Light Arts, known for her sharp, decisive strikes that were difficult to predict.

​

​From his position among the recently victorious Inner Court disciples, Vahn (Damien Infernos) watched the terrifying power on display.

​He saw a Holy Son from the Zenith Spires unleash an attack that briefly cracked the energy barrier protecting the arena. He witnessed a seductive Holy Daughter from Gorgonia move so fast she appeared to be in three places at once, her spear strikes ripping holes in the fabric of space. The raw power and the profound comprehension of the Dao displayed by these Soul Transformation Realm cultivators was a sobering spectacle.

​Vahn's cunning smile faded, replaced by a look of sharp, focused intensity. He realized that while his Nuclear Dragon Greatsword and the terrifying Infernal Spirit Summoning Art allowed him to easily defeat Golden Core experts, they were merely clever tricks against true power.

​'My Foundation Establishment base is too low compared to them. My power is wide, but not deep,' Vahn thought solemnly. 'The amount of Spirit Energy these Holy Sons and Daughters can output is magnitudes beyond anything I can sustain, even with my Void Refining Physique's excellent energy recovery trait. The gap between a Foundation Establishment and the Soul Transformation Realm is a chasm. I still have a lot to go before I could truly compete with them.'

​His Top 6 goal was necessary for his reputation, but this observation was a clear reminder that true power required higher Cultivation base and Top-notch mastery over Arts, Weapon and Artifacts.

The sun finally dipped below the horizon, casting the massive Colosseum into the deep, cooling shadow of night. A profound silence descended over the sprawling structure, a dramatic contrast to the thunderous roars of the last two days. The Core Disciples' battles had been so intense that even the ground felt bruised.

The competition was now paused.

Tomorrow would be the grand finale. The Six Saintesses would compete for ultimate supremacy.

All spectators, from the common folk in the stands to the Holy Land leaders in their viewing boxes, were left breathless, the anticipation hanging thick and heavy in the cool night air.

The question on everyone's mind—Who will be the Final Victor?—was a potent elixir, ensuring the colosseum would be packed tighter than ever come morning.

Inside the Drunken Master's Sky Box:

The Drunken Master was in high spirits by the sudden elevation of his status and reputation.

"Brat, I didn't know you were hiding so much from me, regardless!" the Drunken Master said heartily, his hand slamming onto Vahn's back with a force that would have flung a lesser Foundation Establishment cultivator.

"Still, you have made this old drunk proud! You have become an idol for the whole White Lotus Sanctuary, a shining example of how loyal and devoted a disciple should be to their sect!"

He took a long, theatrical swig from his gourd. "Tomorrow, the Patriarch will be asking me about your cultivation techniques and how to replicate your 'talent' in the next generation. Hahaha! My talent!"

Vahn maintained his expertly crafted demeanor with a blend of humility, righteousness, and quiet confidence.

"It's nothing, Elder," Vahn replied with in a voice of profound respect. "I just did what I thought necessary for the White Lotus. Though, I overstepped my boundaries a little by joining in without any official documentation. I must apologize to all the elders for that."

Vahn's apology was delivered with calculated precision, not out of actual remorse, but to solidify his position. It gave the elders an excuse to overlook the irregularity of his entrance while highlighting his "devotion," trapping them into praising him rather than questioning his sudden participation.

The Drunken Master, predictably, took the bait.

At Vahn words, he waved a hand dismissively,

"Nonsense, apologize for what?! For saving the sect's ass?" I have already dealt with the Patriarch. It was my decision. I told them you were simply too devoted to stand by! You, Damien Infernos, are now the face of righteous zeal for the White Lotus. Now drink up, my prized disciple! Tomorrow, the Saintess claims her victory, and our names will be etched forever in the tablets of glory!"

Not long after the Drunken Master's booming declaration, two more figures entered the Sky Viewing Box: Holy Daughter Lumina and Holy Son Veerion, the Core Disciples who had secured their own spots in the Top Six.

​Lumina, usually reserved, now looked at Vahn with undisguised respect.

​"Damien Infernos, I heard you're Veerion's junior brother. So I cam to visit. But I must say, your display was truly magnificent. It's been years since a Foundation Establishment cultivator, let alone a junior, has brought such honor to our sect. You should be extremely pleased."

​She spoke with a certainty that Vahn's new status was permanent. "You would surely be chosen by one of the Saintesses as their personal follower, and with that comes the esteemed opportunity to enter the Secret Realm. Not to forget, the rewards of hundreds of thousands of spirit stones for those who make the Top Six! Your future is secure."

​Lumina's enthusiasm was a reflection of the entire sect's sentiment. Vahn had achieved instant celebrity and undeniable value.

​

Veerion was calm, however. He nodded curtly at Vahn, his gaze coolly analytical.

​

Vahn, maintaining his role as the humble junior brother, offered his praise. "Senior Brother and Sister, your victories were truly inspiring as well. Senior brother's defense is truly impenetrable. I look forward to being chosen alongside you to serve the Saintess in the Secret Realm."

​Veerion shrugged it off in flat tone. "It was nothing but a necessary exercise. My power is far beyond mere Core Disciples; I could go against a Saintess even, so there's not much to celebrate in securing a Top Six spot." He paused, giving Vahn a slow, condescending look. "You, however, have done well for a freshman. You are already a figure of admiration and pride for the White Lotus. Just remember your place in the overall hierarchy."

​Veerion's dismissiveness did not ruffle Vahn.

He simply nodded with deep respect, a subtle, dark light flashing in his eyes.

'Arrogant fool. Your complacency will be the chasm I cross,' Vahn mused internally.

He had achieved the desired effect. He got recognition from his enemies and a confirmed path to his primary goal.

Now, all he needed was to wait

​The night passed swiftly, filled with dark undercurrents of the unknown and the quiet movements of Holy Land representatives making last-minute deals and arrangements.

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