Reincarnated into the DAO World, Season 1

The battlefield was still buzzing with shock.

Xiao Lan had defeated Bai Yun, one of the most feared prodigies of the Crimson Fang Clan.

The spectators, both inside and outside the arena, were speechless.

Some warriors clenched their fists, their eyes burning with newfound rivalry.

Others shuddered, realizing that Xiao Lan was not someone they could afford to provoke.

Even the tournament overseer, who had seen countless battles, took an extra moment before announcing the results.

"Xiao Lan wins!"

The moment those words echoed through the arena, a wave of cheers, whispers, and murmurs spread like wildfire.

Xiao Lan stood at the center of it all, arms crossed, completely unfazed.

Xiao Qing approached him, still in disbelief.

"Do you realize what you just did?" she asked.

Xiao Lan tilted his head. "What, won a fight?"

Xiao Qing sighed. "Not just any fight! Bai Yun wasn't just some ordinary opponent—he was one of the favorites to win this tournament. And you beat him like he was nothing!"

Xiao Lan shrugged. "If he lost that easily, he wasn't really that strong, was he?"

Xiao Qing rubbed her temples, exasperated.

"Arrogant bastard," she muttered.

But she couldn't deny it.

Xiao Lan was a monster.

And now, the entire Continent of the Mist would know it.

Bai Yun lay on the ground, still trying to catch his breath.

Blood dripped from the corner of his mouth. His hands trembled as he tried to push himself up.

He had never felt so humiliated in his life.

His clan—his reputation—his pride—

All of it had just been shattered.

A shadow loomed over him.

A tall, muscular man with dark crimson robes and piercing red eyes.

A Crimson Fang elder.

"Bai Yun," the elder's voice was calm, yet ice-cold. "You have disappointed the clan."

Bai Yun clenched his fists.

"I—I wasn't prepared," he spat. "That bastard—he's not normal!"

The elder's gaze sharpened.

"We do not make excuses," he said. "We take revenge."

Bai Yun's eyes flashed with hatred.

Xiao Lan…

This isn't over.

The tournament overseer stepped forward once more, his piercing gaze scanning the remaining competitors.

"There will be a brief intermission before the final trial begins," he declared. "Use this time to rest… or prepare for what's to come."

Whispers spread among the competitors.

"The final trial… already?"

"What kind of test will it be?"

Xiao Lan simply stretched his arms.

"Good. I could use a nap," he muttered.

Xiao Qing stared at him in disbelief.

"You're ridiculous," she said. "You just fought one of the strongest guys here, and now you want to sleep?"

Xiao Lan yawned. "Strength comes from rest, too."

Xiao Qing facepalmed.

Before she could say anything else, a messenger from the tournament organizers arrived.

"Xiao Lan," the messenger said, bowing respectfully. "The tournament master wishes to meet you. Privately."

Xiao Qing's expression turned serious.

"That's... unusual," she whispered.

Xiao Lan raised an eyebrow.

"Alright. Let's see what he wants."

Inside the grand hall of the arena, Xiao Lan was led into a dimly lit chamber.

At the center sat an old man, his long silver beard reaching his chest. His eyes, however, were anything but weak. They held a sharpness that could pierce through lies and deception.

This was Grandmaster Tian, the ruler of the tournament.

"You are… an interesting one," the old man said, his voice deep and knowing.

Xiao Lan folded his arms, meeting the man's gaze without fear.

"People keep saying that."

Grandmaster Tian chuckled. "They are right to do so. You are not from any of the major sects. Not from any renowned clan. And yet, you fight like someone who has spent decades mastering the Dao."

He leaned forward, his gaze intensifying.

"Tell me, Xiao Lan… who trained you?"

The air in the chamber grew heavier.

Xiao Lan smirked.

"What makes you think anyone trained me?"

Grandmaster Tian studied him for a moment, then let out a low chuckle.

"Very well," he said. "Keep your secrets."

Then, his tone grew serious.

"But be warned—power like yours will attract more than just admiration. It will bring enemies, from places you cannot yet imagine."

Xiao Lan remained silent.

He already knew that.

He welcomed it.

Grandmaster Tian leaned back. "The final trial… will be unlike anything you've faced before. I suggest you prepare yourself."

Xiao Lan grinned.

"I was born ready."

The next morning, the competitors gathered in the arena once more.

The tournament overseer raised his hand for silence.

"The final trial will be… a battle royale."

Gasps filled the air.

"Only one warrior will stand at the end," the overseer continued. "And that warrior will be crowned the champion."

The tension in the air was palpable.

All alliances, all friendships—

Would be cast aside.

Only one fighter would walk away victorious.

Xiao Qing turned to Xiao Lan.

"This just got a lot more dangerous," she said.

Xiao Lan's eyes gleamed with excitement.

"Good," he said.

"I wouldn't have it any other way."