As the echoes of Chapter 16 settled, the grand announcer's voice rose across the coliseum-like stadium. "The hosting city for this grand tournament is none other than... Blue Stone City!" His voice boomed through the magical amplifiers, drawing a massive wave of cheer from the crowd. "Let us welcome the proud City Lord of Blue Stone!"
Amidst the resounding applause, a dignified figure adorned in majestic blue and silver robes stepped into view, his aura calm yet commanding. The City Lord walked to the central podium and greeted the audience with a gentle smile. "It is my great honor to host such a monumental event. May the flames of youth burn brightly, and may the strongest sect rise in glory."
The announcer raised his voice again. "Representing Blue Stone City, we present the Sanatan Flame Sect!"
Suddenly, a figure descended from the sky with explosive momentum. Dust scattered, and a loud thud echoed through the arena as Shaurya landed in the center, knee down, fist on the ground—executing the perfect superhero landing. The crowd gasped in awe.
Moments later, his disciples entered—completely casual, strolling in as if they were entering a tea shop. Shaurya turned toward them, his eyebrow twitching. "HEY! Why are you ruining my heroic entry?! Why didn't you do the same thing?!"
Luo Chen, the calm and slightly cheeky senior disciple, replied with a straight face, "Master, you didn't tell us to do something like this."
Shaurya cracked his knuckles. "Tch, I guess yesterday's beating wasn't enough for you."
Luo Chen immediately covered his mouth while Wang Tian burst into laughter.
The announcer, recovering from the chaotic entrance, adjusted his collar. "Ahem! This is the Sanatan Flame Sect, a Level 12 Sect, and they will proudly represent Blue Stone City."
Shaurya, without warning, snatched the microphone from his hand. "Yo yo, public! The strongest sect leader is here!"
Silence gripped the arena. Everyone stared at him, stunned. Other sect leaders scowled, their faces twitching in disbelief.
The crowd whispered among themselves. "How dare he call himself the strongest? Isn't he just the leader of a Level 12 sect?"
Shaurya grinned. "I know you're shocked. But mark my words—when this competition ends, you all who are mocking and doubting my sect will be the ones clapping and cheering for us. And listen well... If my sect loses this competition—I'll disband it."
Gasps erupted. Even the City Lord's jaw dropped. In the background, Su Quan and Xu Ran, Shaurya's disciples, stared at their master in disbelief.
Back at the Sanatan Flame Sect's stands, Elder Wu looked equally stunned. "What is our master saying?" whispered Xiao Lian.
Xiao Rui placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry. If Master said this, then he definitely has a plan."
Elder Wu sighed, eyes narrowed in concern. "I hope you're right."
Back in the Stadium, Shaurya's grin deepened. "Don't think too much... because that scenario will never happen. We will definitely win. And once we win, I'll be recruiting new disciples—so those who wish to join, better come quickly!"
He tossed the mic back at the stunned announcer and turned to his disciples, flashing a terrifying yet playful smile. "Hey, disciples... I hope you'll win. No—you have to win."
They nodded in unison. "Yes, Master!"
The announcer, trying to compose himself, continued. "Now introducing the next sect—White Jade City's Crimson Beast Sect!"
Shaurya's eyes narrowed and shot toward the opposite end of the arena. A towering figure, 7 feet tall with striking red and black hair, stood proudly. It was Wie Lu, the Sect Master of Crimson Beast Sect, radiating strength and dominance. Beside him, his daughter Wie Lia glared at Shaurya's disciples with venom in her eyes. She whispered something into her father's ears.
Wie Lu turned, his gaze locking onto Shaurya with intensity. Shaurya casually whistled, ignoring him completely.
More sects were introduced: Serpent Green Sect, Blazing Thunder Sect, Roaring Sky Sect, and many others. Shaurya scanned them all, then turned to take his seat with Xu Ran and Muo Qian. Sitting beside them was an elderly man with a composed aura.
"I am Zia Han, Sect Leader of Howling Abyss Sect," the old man said with a polite nod.
Shaurya returned the gesture. "Shaurya. Sanatan Flame Sect."
The announcer's voice once again filled the stadium. "Let the long-awaited 50-City Disciples' Tournament... officially begin!"
Cheers erupted.
"The first battle: Crimson Beast Sect vs Serpent Green Sect!"
Wie Lia stepped into the arena with a deadly calm. The Serpent Green Sect disciples approached, brimming with confidence. What followed was a one-sided massacre—Wie Lia tore through them with merciless precision.
Back at the Sanatan Flame Sect seats, Su Quan clenched her fists. Luo Chen leaned over. "Don't worry. We'll take your revenge."
Wang Tian added, "Look there..." They watched as Wie Lia finished her opponent in brutal fashion. Both disciples flinched.
More battles followed. Finally—
"Next match: Sanatan Flame Sect vs Kong Rock Sect!"
Wang Tian entered the arena, smirking. A Kong Rock disciple faced him.
"Just you?" Wang Tian asked.
The disciple frowned. "What do you mean—"
Wang Tian interrupted with a cocky grin. "You weaklings can all come at once. I don't want to waste time."
Furious, the disciple charged. Wang Tian side-stepped, grabbed him mid-air, and hurled him across the arena—he landed face-first near his Sect Leader.
Shaurya palmed his forehead. "This guy... When I wanted a dramatic entry, he refused. Now he's acting like a damn movie star."
Two more disciples charged. Wang Tian greeted one with a punch and the other with a spinning kick. Both were knocked out.
The announcer stuttered. "S-Sanatan Flame Sect wins!"
Wang Tian returned to his team. They grinned. "You really did well."
He flashed a proud smile.
More matches ensued until the next Sanatan battle.
"Sanatan Flame Sect vs Cloud Mist Sect!"
Luo Chen stepped into the ring.
"Come on, all three of you," he said with deadly calm.
They jump in sky and did a deadly tri attack on him. Luo Chen soared with aerial steps, striking three punches mid-air with shocking precision. One by one, they were launched from the stage.
"Wow! The three are knocked out before they could even enter the ring properly!" the announcer shouted.
Su Quan cheers, "Wow, Senior Luo, you're amazing!"
Luo Chen puffs his chest and laughs proudly.
Then some battle happens more and after them. The final match of the preliminary round arrives: "Misty Peak Sect vs. Sanatan Flame Sect!"
Su Quan enters with confidence.
The announcer asks, "Do you want to challenge all three?"
Su Quan replies, "Is that even a question? Of course, yes!"
Three disciples approach, sneering. "Little girl, don't be scared. We'll beat you softly."
One attacks. She dodges and kicks him into a wall.
The other two strike together, but she counters with her Vacuum Palm, blasting them out of the ring.
She walks out proudly. Luo Chen praises her. She blushes.
Back at the sect:
"Looks like she's strong," a disciple says.
"Also beautiful!" says another.
Xiao Rui smirks. "There's something going on between Luo Chen and Su Quan."
"Nooo, if something is really going on between them then what about me.
Another, she was my goddess!" another laments. "Now my heart is broken. Only another goddess can fix it!"
Everyone laughs.
Back in the arena, the announcer speaks. "Preliminary rounds are over! The semi-finalists are: Crimson Beast Sect, Howling Abyss Sect, Sanatan Flame Sect, and Blood Hound Sect!"
Shaurya congratulates Zia Han, who returns the sentiment.
Announcer: "First Semi-final: Sanatan Flame Sect vs. Howling Abyss Sect! Second Semi-final: Crimson Beast Sect vs. Blood Hound Sect!"
Shaurya smirks. "Looks like we're facing each other."
Zia Han smiles. "Let us become better friends through battle."
Luo Chen enters the ring. The crowd buzzes:
"Sanatan Flame Sect is too strong."
"Now I understand why their Sect Master was so confident!"
Shaurya overhears, smiling.
Three disciples attack Luo Chen. He knocks out two easily, but the third resists.
Luo Chen asks, "What's your name?"
The trembling boy replies, "Zie Bailey. Grandson of Sect Master Zia Han."
Shaurya looks over. "Your grandson has potential."
Zia Han bows his head. "Thank you, Leader Shaurya."
Luo Chen grins. "But this ends now."
He unleashes his Bizarre Fist. Zie Bailey counters with Howling Palm. Their fists collide—but Luo Chen overpowers him, sending Bailey crashing into a wall.
"Sanatan Flame Sect advances to the finals!" the announcer shouts.
Luo Chen helps Bailey up. "You're good. I want to fight you again."
Bailey smiles. "Next time, I'll win." They fist bump.
Back with the group, Wang Tian jokes, "Next time, don't waste time playing around."
Shaurya nods with pride. "Good job."
Zia Han chuckles. "You train not just cultivators, but fine people."
Shaurya bows. "Don't flatter me, Leader Han."
Laughter echoes between the two leaders.
Then, the next semi-final begins.
From the Crimson Beast Sect, a massive fat man named Hu La enters the arena. In one punch, he defeats his first opponent.
Another tries to bind him with blood chains, but he breaks free.
He opens his mouth and roars. "HYPER ECHO!"
A sonic wave blasts the enemy out.
The final challenger comes, striking hard, but Hu La's Crimson Barrier protects him.
"No one here can break this barrier," he taunts, then ends the match with a devastating punch.
The announcer bellows: "And now, the final battle will be..…
SANATAN FLAME SECT Vs CRIMSON BEAST SECT!"
Shaurya and Wie Lu locked eyes—intense and unyielding.
Su Quan's gaze met Wie Lia's—fury evident in both.
TO BE CONTINUED