Chapter 37: The Challenge

Xuan Dao Sect, Main Peak Martial Arena—crowds surged like waves, filling the vast expanse around a stage erected in the center. Though the grand tournament had yet to begin, excitement already coursed through the throng.

This was the sect’s annual competition, more than a trial for the outer disciples—it was a contest for the inner disciples as well. These were battles between cultivators, far beyond the reach of ordinary mortals.

Renowned across Clearwater Kingdom, Xuan Dao Sect counted among its members many scions from the noble families. As a result, a host of distinguished guests had come to witness the tournament. Some sought to forge connections; others came to cheer for their kin.

After all, should a family’s disciple achieve notable results in the competition, the entire clan would bask in reflected glory. For any family, talented new blood was vital. To triumph amid the sect’s ranks, to outshine all rivals—such a one, given time to grow, would surely become the cornerstone of their house.

Before the stage, a viewing platform had been constructed, furnished with rows of seats. Several figures arrived, cutting through the air to land atop the platform—elders of Xuan Dao Sect. They did not immediately take their seats, but seemed to await someone.

Amid this anticipation, the servants and laborers watching grew restless, their nerves stretched taut. The disciples poised to compete were already flexing their muscles, eager for the elders’ signal that would send them leaping onto the stage, ready to display the fruits of their arduous cultivation before their elders and peers.

“Ha ha! My apologies for arriving late—may my friends of Xuan Dao Sect forgive me!” A hearty laugh echoed from afar as a streak of light sped through the sky, landing on the platform. It was a middle-aged man, perhaps forty or so.

“Master Liu, you are too polite. Please, take your seat.” An elder smiled, and Master Liu, after a few courteous words, sat down.

“Thank you for waiting. The old man is here now!” Another figure swept down to the platform—a sprightly elder with snowy hair, his eyes bright and sharp.

“I’m late—please forgive me!” laughed Lin.

“We thank you all for coming to our sect’s tournament. Please, have a seat!” One by one, the heads of noble families arrived, exchanged pleasantries with the elders, and took their places, gazing toward the arena.

Each clan present had disciples within Xuan Dao Sect. Their main purpose today was to observe how their kin fared in the sect’s cultivation.

“The grand tournament begins now!” A sect elder stood, his gaze sweeping over the crowd as he announced the start in a resonant voice. Instantly, the audience’s fervor erupted, all eyes fixed on the stage as two figures leapt onto it. After exchanging respectful bows, they engaged in combat.

The first two contestants were at the first layer of the Qi-condensing realm, practicing similar techniques and possessing comparable experience—the outcome would hinge on whose cultivation was more profound. In moments, one was defeated and left the stage in dejection.

The second bout commenced. The sect boasted a thousand outer disciples, most at the first or second layer of Qi condensation; those at the third layer were rare, and none had yet appeared.

After an hour and a half of matches, finally a third-layer disciple ascended the stage. His opponent was only at the second layer. Upon seeing the disparity, the latter decisively conceded and left the stage.

“Elder Lei, the Xuan Dao Sect is truly brimming with talent,” a noble family head remarked to one of the elders. Though Elder Lei appeared youthful, his true age far exceeded his looks, thanks to his deep cultivation.

Receiving the praise, Elder Lei smiled and nodded. “Master Xun flatters us. But indeed, these disciples are more gifted than in previous years. We have several outstanding talents this time.”

“Inferior Liu Feng, at your service!” As they spoke, a figure leapt onto the stage, cupping his fists in greeting. Having been injured by Yin Tianfang in the last tournament, Liu Feng had retreated for intense cultivation, and his progress was evident. Facing a third-layer opponent, Liu Feng was calm, a hint of disdain in his brows.

He raised his hand in a sudden grasp—the other disciple felt as if an invisible force seized him. It was the simplest technique: the Art of Attraction.

“Hmph, is that all you’ve got?” the youth snorted, spiritual energy surging as he shook off the invisible restraint.

But as soon as he broke free, a longsword hovered at his brow, its tip glinting coldly, the sword’s aura sharp enough to stab pain into his forehead.

“I admit defeat,” he said, and left the stage.

“Let me test you!” came a spirited shout as another figure arrived, riding his sword to the stage. Forming sword-seals with his hands, his blade trembled, releasing a powerful surge of spiritual energy as it shot toward Liu Feng like a streak of light.

“Hmph, mere tricks,” Liu Feng’s eyes flashed with contempt. He pointed, sending his own sword flying to intercept. At the same time, he formed a seal, conjuring a fireball in his palm.

Controlling the flying sword and casting the fireball simultaneously, he willed the flame straight at his opponent.

Bang!

A dull thud rang out—the disciple was sent flying, landing hard beyond the stage. Liu Feng stood proudly upon the platform, sword in hand, the center of all attention.

“Indeed, Liu Feng’s strength is remarkable, and his talent impressive. Master Liu has raised a fine son,” some family members commented with smiles.

“I hear Master Liu’s eldest son is also in Xuan Dao Sect. Is he present today?” someone asked.

“Liu Yang recently entered seclusion, preparing to break through to the sixth layer of Qi condensation. He has not yet emerged,” Elder Lei replied, smiling. Liu Yang was his disciple; such talent—already at the fifth layer, soon to reach the sixth—was rare across the entire sect. As his master, Elder Lei felt immense pride.

The family heads were astonished, their expressions shifting subtly. Inwardly, they envied Master Liu his gifted sons. As leaders, they naturally wished their own kin to outshine others. Seeing the younger Liu’s prowess and hearing that the elder son was on the verge of a breakthrough was hardly welcome news.

“Sister Nuo Lan, would you care to spar?” Amid the family heads’ conversation, Liu Feng turned, his gaze sweeping toward the female disciples, a cold smile on his lips as he issued the challenge.

His words provoked a commotion, as none had expected Liu Feng to challenge Nuo Lan.