Soon, several more matches took place.
Though each had its own flair, but none quite matched the thrilling energy of the very first duel between Lin Fan and Mo Lin.
Despite the participants all falling within the age range of eight to thirteen, it quickly became clear that age was a significant advantage.
No one had begun proper cultivation yet — the Elders insisted on waiting for a special time — but that didn't mean these children had been slacking.
Many had spent years honing their physical strength and martial prowess, diligently practicing mortal techniques.
One notable match featured a girl named Yu Xueqing, a quiet genius from a branch family known for her deadly precision in blade arts.
Her opponent barely had time to blink.
With a calm draw of her twin blades, Yu Xueqing stepped forward, her feet barely making a sound. Her strikes were fast, shallow, and efficient — never lethal, but always perfectly aimed.
Within thirty seconds, the match was over.
She bowed politely and stepped down, expression as serene as a still pond.
Later, a subtle shift in energy passed through the arena.
It was time for Ming Tianmei's match.
Whispers surged like wind among the spectators, not just because of her growing reputation… but because of her striking beauty.
When she stepped onto the platform, it was as though a immortal fairy had descended.
Her long black hair flowed like ink under moonlight. Her expression remained composed, almost otherworldly. She didn't draw a weapon.
She didn't need to.
Her opponent — a tall boy from the Outer Hall — hesitated for just a moment.
And that was all it took.
Tianmei moved with the elegance of a drifting lotus.
Every step, every turn of her wrist, flowed like practiced choreography.
Her palm strikes landed cleanly, softly… but with undeniable control.
The boy found himself disarmed and lying on the ground before he fully understood what had happened.
The crowd erupted in quiet awe.
And as Ming Tianmei descended from the platform, her gaze flicked just briefly — toward Yu Xuan.
Their eyes met.
She said nothing.
She simply walked back to her seat and sat down with an elegance.
Yu Xuan blinked.
"…Was that a challenge?" he muttered.
He chose to ignore it. For now.
Soon, the remaining matches flew by.
And then—
It was time for the final match of the first round.
On the glowing board, two names flashed brightly:
Yu Xuan vs Yu Renli
A ripple of energy passed through the crowd.
Yu Renli was no ordinary child.
He was known across the Inner Hall for his extraordinary footwork and movement technique.
Now, he was set to face the Clan Head's son.
Yu Xuan stood from his seat, prepared to step onto the platform… only to freeze halfway through his stride.
His opponent was already there — standing tall, armed with a pair of short daggers.
Yu Xuan blinked.
Then blinked again.
"…Crap. I forgot to bring a weapon."
In his defense, he had arrived with the noble intention of spectating — not participating.
And now here he was, walking into a duel… unarmed.
The embarrassment hit him like a slap.
'I'm going to lose face… in front of the entire clan… over a sword.'
With all the grace he could muster, Yu Xuan began subtly gesturing toward the Elder's seats — performing a series of awkward hand signs that looked suspicious.
From his seat, Yu Changming narrowed his eyes.
Then realization dawned.
With a barely perceptible motion of his fingers, the Patriarch flicked a weapon forward. A gleaming sword shimmered into existence beside Yu Xuan, slipping into his hand with such fluid timing that most onlookers assumed it had been there all along.
Crisis averted.
Yu Xuan exhaled quietly, stepping fully onto the platform with his head held high and his weapon now in hand — as if he hadn't nearly debuted as a weaponless fool.
He glanced at Yu Renli.
The boy was older — eleven or maybe twelve — and already known as a prodigy in movement arts.
But Yu Xuan didn't flinch.
He had spent two years training in secret, pushing his young body to its limits.
And more importantly… today, he intended to test something.
A sword technique he'd acquired through his system.
He tightened his grip on the hilt.
'Let's see how this plays out…'
The arena stilled.
Floating talismans zoomed in.
Disciples across the clan leaned toward their projection screens.
Everyone was watching.
[A/N: Thank you all so much for your incredible support! I'm excited to share that I've signed a contract and will be going premium in the near future. However, as a token of appreciation, the first month of updates will remain completely free for everyone. After that, chapters will be locked. This opportunity means a lot to me, thank you again, and I hope you continue to enjoy the story!]