Dawn broke over the jagged peaks of Mount Heaven's Reach, washing the white marble terraces in a pale golden light that signaled the arrival of the grand championship finals. Across the central courtyard, thousands of disciples, overseers, and inner court elders filled the tiered stone amphitheater, creating an electric hum of anticipation that vibrated through the morning air.
The air was crisp and carried the scent of pine resin and melting snow down from the central peak. Banners bearing the crimson insignia of the sect fluttered brightly against the stone balustrades, snapping softly in the cold mountain breeze.
Every resident of the upper outer and inner divisions had gathered around the grand arena to witness the culmination of weeks of grueling tournament matches. The final day of
