Dome 17 was far larger than expected—part laboratory, part amphitheater. Translucent crystal walls pulsed with embedded formations, likely designed to dampen explosions and redirect spiritual shockwaves. Which, Rayen noted, was both comforting and ominous.
A sect attendant waited inside, bowing crisply. "You'll be preparing your exhibit here. A viewing panel will open during the Symposium's second day. Pillmaster Huang's challenge has been scheduled for the public arena at dusk."
"Public?" Rayen asked.
"Very," the attendant said, expression flat. "Also broadcast."
Rayen groaned. "Of course it is."
They unpacked their crates and arranged their work—Harmonizing Catalysts, the Etherweave samples, and detailed notes on recursive alchemical modeling. Lin Xue mounted a schematic of the Philosopher's Core above their station, its glowing threads twisting through simulated meridian flows.
:: Environmental scan complete. Air purity: high. Audience density: increasing. Surveillance talismans: 6 detected. Trap formations: zero. For now. ::
By afternoon, foot traffic picked up. Visitors circled their display, whispering and scribbling. A few even tried to decipher the embedded formulas, only to walk away blinking.
"That's two spontaneous nosebleeds," Lin Xue noted.
Rayen nodded. "Perfect. We're mysterious and intimidating."
The public dueling arena was a wide, open ring floating above a lake of stardust. Arcs of Qi traced constellations through the air, and a gallery of cultivators surrounded the ring like a cosmic coliseum.
Pillmaster Huang waited at the far end, tall and hawk-eyed, his robes stitched with solar flares. He exuded confidence and a faint odor of sandalwood mixed with something distinctly unstable.
Rayen entered with a steady gait. Lin Xue stood near the judge's platform, arms crossed, talismans hidden in her sleeve.
The judge, a silver-robed cultivator with a stele sigil, raised a hand. "Duel parameters: three techniques each. Alchemical only. No lethal intent. Begin."
Rayen cracked his neck. "Let's make chemistry theatrical."
Pillmaster Huang moved first, tossing a golden incense pellet that erupted into a sphere of gas. The air shimmered.
:: Psychoactive compounds detected. Deploying mental clarity seal. ::
Rayen flicked a charm and held his breath, then activated a thermal anchor on his boots. The gas tried to swirl but was repelled.
He countered with a steam burst laced with resonance powder. The cloud vibrated, condensing into a sound barrier.
Huang raised a brow. "Tuned vapor?"
"Quantum fog," Rayen replied.
Round two began. Huang tossed a glowing red pill that exploded mid-air into a rain of flaming petals.
Rayen twisted and released a capsule that unfurled midair—its Etherweave threads latching onto the petals and converting the flames into harmless mist.
The crowd gasped. A few began clapping.
Final round.
Huang drew a black stick of incense and lit it.
Rayen narrowed his eyes.
:: Alert. Signature matches class-4 dissonance field. Recommend high-yield countermeasure. ::
He pulled a small jade vial—the prototype Philosopher's Mist—and tossed it high. It burst into a silver rain that harmonized the arena's ambient Qi.
The incense backfired, imploding with a musical chime.
The judge stepped forward. "Victory: Wu Rayen."
The crowd erupted.
Pillmaster Huang gave a small nod. "Clever. Very clever."
Rayen grinned. "You should see my lecture notes."
As Lin Xue joined him, she whispered, "That was overkill."
Rayen shrugged. "Or just enough kill."