While seated atop a high platform that overlooked a large arena, Wen Xiulan had a contemplative look on her face as she watched another exciting battle play out before her. Due to the number of aspirants trying to join the Devouring Moon Sect right now, she was the one who came up with the idea of hosting a tournament. Though it went against her principle of establishing oneself through hard work, it couldn't be denied that anyone who was able to rise up through the tournament had, at the very least, a decent foundation.
Since the number of official Disciples had dipped considerably during the previous 'purge', Wen Xiulan had made an exception in order to introduce some fresh blood into the Sect. When she learned that some of the contestants were around the Third and Fourth Stages of the Qi Refining Realm, Wen Xiulan had been pleasantly surprised. Her own Direct Disciple, Jia Cai, was only at the Fifth Stage of Qi Refining so, even though the aspirants were a little older than she was, it was still very promising to have such talent wanting to join the Sect.
With her icy blue eyes glimmering indiscernibly, appearing as nothing more than a cold gaze to any observers, Wen Xiulan watched as a young man with uncharacteristically short black hair and burly muscles made short work of his opponent. He used a peculiar spear with a level of grace that his large figure would have belied, nimbly dancing around his opponent with a surprising amount of caution as he used the flat side of his spear to slowly whittle the other young man down.
Seeing that the spear-wielding man showed due caution, even against an opponent two full Stages lower than him, showed that he was a very level headed and calm individual. Though he could have won the fight in just a few exchanges, he instead closely observed his opponent so as not to be caught by surprise. In this world, such a trait was relatively rare and, if he managed to rise to higher degrees of Cultivation, he would become a true powerhouse. After all, while some may misconstrue his actions as cowardice, Wen Xiulan could see a blazing fervor in the man's intelligent eyes.
After failing to hit his opponent after tens of exchanges, the sword-wielding youth had a deeply set frown on his face as he mustered up all of his strength into a single thrust. Powerful winds began to dance around his body and, as if becoming a phantom, he launched himself forward with incredible momentum, using a speed that he had yet to master. In response to this, the spear-user, Zhu Qiu, twisted his body in a nimble circle, drawing a crescent with his graceful footwork as he swiped down at a low angle with his spear.
Unable to arrest his own speed, the sword-wielding youth's eyes turned round as saucers as the spear swept his feet rather unceremoniously. Then, with his balance disrupted, he tumbled hard into the ground, crashing into the stage shoulder-first with a loud fracturing sound spreading throughout the small arena. Some of the awaiting contestants drew in sharp breaths when they heard this while, after tripping his opponent, Zhu Qiu brought his hands together, bowing respectfully as he said, "You can become even stronger in the future. When you master that technique, I will once again be your opponent..."
Though the sword-wielding youth didn't appreciate the courtesy, many of the Senior members of the Devouring Moon Sect gave approving nods. Wen Xiulan had already decided to allow Zhu Qiu to join the Sect, regardless of his placement, so it was encouraging to see him show respect and try to encourage his opponents to improve. It had been apparent from the start that he wanted the sword-wielding youth to use all of his techniques, not in an effort to embarrass him but to polish his own skills, even against a weaker opponent.
When Zhu Qiu left the stage, the next to come up was an uncharacteristically tall woman who, at a glance, had an uncommon disposition. Like Zhu Qiu, she was at the Fourth Stage of Qi Refining and, with her sharp gaze and uncommon purple eyes, it was clear to everyone witnessing the tournament that she was a contender for first place. Her aura alone would have allowed her to stand out but, when she pulled out a whip that began to dance with flames, there was genuine surprise in the eyes of onlookers, Wen Xiulan included...
After looking at the brackets, the judge raised his hand, shouting, "The thirteenth match between Gong Xinyue and Quan Zhen will now begin...!" Immediately following this outburst, the young man who had been caught off guard by the flaming whip felt his scalp tingle as, like a living creature, the whip snaked toward him like lightning as the referee's words still lingered in his ears...
(Fenrir's Commentary: 'Pretty flowers...')