When Yuna staggers back injured, Celestial Sect confronts an immediate crisis: their top disciple's heart meridians are damaged and she can't join the tournament. The unknown young man who rescued her is accepted as a menial disciple. Debate erupts over whether to open Lord Shaw's sealed Emerald Peak—forbidden but rumored to grant rapid advancement. Tristan Lawson decides the sect can't wait: he gives one month for any disciple to break into Core Stage or Celestial Sect will be removed from the Sects Tournament. He grants access to Emerald Peak, forcing a time‑bound scramble to achieve a Core breakthrough.