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"Looks like we did it," she said, her voice filled with pride.

Azmodeus nodded, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Couldn\'t have done it without you."

As they made their way back to the participant section, they were greeted by Zara and Nova, who pulled them into a triumphant embrace, their laughter ringing out amidst the crowd\'s applause. For a moment, it felt like nothing else mattered—just the thrill of victory and the camaraderie they shared.

In the VIP stands, Lady Ming watched the scene unfold, her expression as unreadable as ever. But there was a faint gleam of intrigue in her eyes as she observed Azmodeus, her mind already racing with possibilities. Beside her, the elders exchanged glances, murmuring in quiet admiration.

"Quite a performance," Elder Shun commented, his voice tinged with approval. "Perhaps there\'s more to that young man than we initially thought."

Lady Ming\'s gaze remained fixed on Azmodeus, her thoughts hidden behind a mask of cool detachment. "Yes," she murmured, almost to herself. "Perhaps there is."

As Azmodeus and Anna basked in the afterglow of their victory, he couldn\'t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. The tournament had been a test, a stage on which he\'d proven his strength, his control, his potential. But he knew that eyes more discerning than the crowd\'s were watching him, evaluating him, waiting to see if he\'d live up to the expectations they were beginning to place on him.

And deep down, he welcomed the challenge. For in his heart, he knew that this was merely a step on the path to something far greater. The academy, the rivals, Lady Ming\'s attention, even the Eternal Jade Heaven Immortal Realm itself—all of it was just the beginning.

Because he was Azmodeus, and his true journey had only just begun.

—--------------

The adrenaline from the match still hummed in Azmodeus\'s veins as the roars of the crowd began to subside, fading into the distant hum of conversations and murmurs. He could feel the weight of dozens of eyes following his every move—some admiring, some envious, and some laden with quiet, simmering disdain. This was what he had expected. Triumph always drew attention, but it also made one a target.

Anna, however, basked in the moment. "I told you we\'d win," she said, practically bouncing on her feet as they walked back to their preparation area. "Assfol didn\'t stand a chance. Did you see the look on his face when he realized you were holding back the whole time?"

Azmodeus allowed himself a faint smirk. "It was... satisfying," he admitted. "But don\'t let your guard down. This victory paints a target on both of us. There will be consequences."

"Consequences?" Anna echoed, arching an eyebrow. "Let them come. After what we\'ve been through, I\'d say we\'re more than capable of handling a little fallout."

Zara was waiting for them, lounging against one of the stone walls with her usual air of casual amusement. Nova stood beside her, her arms crossed, a spark of pride in her eyes as she regarded Azmodeus and Anna.

"Well, you didn\'t screw it up," Zara said, her tone teasing but laced with genuine warmth. "I was almost worried there for a second."

"Almost?" Azmodeus quipped, raising an eyebrow.

"Okay, fine, not at all," Zara admitted with a grin. "You\'re predictable, Az. Always coming out on top, even when you\'re only giving half your effort. It\'s both infuriating and kind of inspiring."

Nova nudged her. "Inspiring, huh? Don\'t let him get a bigger head than he already has."

Azmodeus shook his head, bemused. "I don\'t need your flattery," he said, though there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "Save it for someone who needs the ego boost."

Their banter was interrupted by the sudden appearance of a messenger—a young acolyte clad in the tournament\'s ceremonial robes. He bowed deeply before speaking.

"Azmodeus. Anna. The Elders request your presence in the Hall of Reflection."

Anna frowned, exchanging a glance with Azmodeus. "The Hall of Reflection? What for?"

The acolyte kept his head bowed, his tone polite but firm. "The Elders wish to speak with you regarding your performance and your... potential."

Azmodeus\'s expression didn\'t change, but a flicker of intrigue passed through his eyes. He inclined his head slightly. "Very well. Lead the way."

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The Hall of Reflection was a vast, opulent chamber carved from smooth jade and adorned with intricate golden engravings. The light from countless floating lanterns bathed the room in a warm, ethereal glow, casting long, shifting shadows across the polished floor. At the far end of the hall sat the Elders, a council of venerable figures whose authority extended far beyond the tournament grounds.

Lady Ming was among them, seated in the center with an air of quiet command. Her piercing gaze found Azmodeus the moment he stepped into the room, and he felt the weight of her scrutiny like a tangible force. The other Elders murmured amongst themselves, their voices low but carrying an unmistakable undertone of interest—and perhaps caution.

Azmodeus and Anna approached the dais, their footsteps echoing in the otherwise silent hall. They stopped a respectful distance away and bowed, their movements precise and deliberate.

"Azmodeus. Anna," Lady Ming began, her voice calm but firm. "Your performance in the tournament has been... noteworthy."

"Thank you, Lady Ming," Azmodeus replied, his tone measured. "It has been an honor to compete."

Her sharp eyes narrowed slightly, as if probing his words for hidden meaning. "You have demonstrated exceptional skill, both in combat and in strategy. But what interests me most is not your strength, impressive though it may be. It is your potential."

Anna shifted slightly beside him, clearly curious but wary. "Potential for what, exactly?"

One of the other Elders, a man with a long silver beard and a stern expression, leaned forward. "For greatness," he said simply. "The kind that shapes the course of nations. The kind that redefines power."

...