After enjoying a few days with his family, the time had come for Asura to compete in the tournament. He was ready.
Xie Ling said "Brother, best of luck! I will be watching and cheering for you to win. After all, this is your first time participating in the tournament."
Asura replied "Oh I will definitely do my best for my sister! I also know that next year you will participate in the tournament too."
Xie Ling said "If I was in the late stage of the Temper Realm I would have joined this tournament. But I am only in the middle stage of the Temper Realm so I have a low chance of making the top 10 in the Temper Realm. That's why I decided to participate in next year's tournament instead."
Xie Ling added "Brother, be careful. Although all your opponents are in the early stage of the Spiritual Realm, they are not weak. This tournament is good because nobody above age 18 can participate, otherwise, it would be troublesome if cultivators in the middle or high stages of the Spiritual Realm joined.
All the tournament participants were below 18 years old. So the "Top 10 Genius of the Spiritual Realm" title would be won by cultivators in the early stages of the Spiritual Realm.
Interestingly, the Top 10 candidates were also the Top 10 Geniuses of the Tempered Realm from the previous year. Now they had all advanced into the early stages of the Spiritual Realm - some in the second stage, some in the third stage, or maybe above.
Asura knew that Su Lin, who had been ranked 10th the previous year, had already advanced to the second stage of the Spiritual Realm. This meant that others in the competition were likely in the second stage or higher as well.
Some who had been ranked above Su Lin might have progressed even further through more rapid cultivation. Any opponent in the third or fourth Spiritual Realm stage would pose a formidable challenge, despite being below age 18.
Asura did not know if any of them had broken through to the fourth stage, or if any hidden talent had advanced that far.
Asura was aware that in recent years, it had become relatively common for younger cultivators to advance into the Spiritual Realm before age 18. This was due to breakthroughs in cultivation techniques and resources that accelerated progress.
Asura's own advancement to the first stage of the Spiritual Realm at age 17 was considered fairly mediocre compared to others. Some people had likely broken through at age 16 or even younger.
It made the competition unpredictable - anyone could have gained a significant advantage through a dramatic breakthrough over the past year. But some of the core talents from the previous Tempered Realm tournament were sure to still be in contention.
Asura replied "You're right, I will be on my guard. But don't worry, I have been training hard for this. I will make you proud, little sister!"
Xie Ling beamed. "I know you will! Just remember to fight with compassion and wisdom, like you always do. Go get 'em, big brother!"
Asura hugged his sister. "I will. Thank you for believing in me and cheering me on. It means everything to me."
Asura looked to his mother who said "Do your best and don't aim to kill. Just return home safely." Her tone carried a trace of concern.
Asura nodded. "I will fight with wisdom and compassion, Mother. Don't worry."
His mother smiled. "I know you will, my son. You have a good heart. But a mother will always worry."
"I will make you proud," Asura reassured her. "And I will come back to you and Ling'er."
His mother hugged him tightly. "You already make me proud," she said. "Just come back to us safely. That's all I ask."
Asura hugged her back. "I will," he said. "I promise."
His mother released him, though reluctantly. "Good luck, my son. We will be cheering for you."
Asura bowed to his mother respectfully. "Thank you for raising me to walk the warrior's path with wisdom and mercy."
His mother cupped his face in her hands. "No, thank you for being the light that guides me. Now go and shine your light on the world, but always remember to whom you owe your first lessons in compassion."
Asura nodded. "I will remember, Mother." With renewed resolve and his mother's wisdom to guide him, Asura headed off to the tournament, ready to face any challenge that came his way with insight and a humble heart.
When Asura reached the Xiao Sect, he met Fatty who was waiting for him.
Fatty said, "The tournament is about to open. Are you ready?"
Asura replied confidently, "More than ready."
Fatty smiled mischievously and said, "Let's go, brother Asura, I'll cheer for you."
The tournament started with a dazzling fireworks show to open the proceedings. It was now Asura's time to shine.
The arena was packed with spectators buzzing with excitement. Asura and Fatty made their way to the competitors' area where the contestants were gathered.
Fatty playfully punched Asura's arm and said, "Good luck out there. Show them what you're made of!"
Asura smiled at his friend. "With you cheering me on, how can I lose?"
Fatty laughed. "You better not lose or I'll never hear the end of it!"
Asura chuckled. "Don't worry, I have no plans to lose today." His confidence stemmed not from arrogance but from the wisdom and advice of his mother and sister that guided his approach.
Fatty clapped him on the back. "Good brother. Now go and do your best!"
Asura took a deep breath and entered the meditative stage. The roar of the crowd faded as he focused his mind. He had trained long for this moment.