The Zhou family's clan competition takes place once every two years and gathers the younger generation of the main family, serving as an important event to assess the strength and talent of the family's younger members.
This time, there are eight arenas in total, each with eight participants. They compete in pairs, and the ultimate winner advances to the finals. The champion of this year's competition will have the privilege to access the family's treasures, making it the most anticipated event in recent years.
...
Martial Arts Arena
Zhou Tong swiftly moved through the crowd and soon arrived at the martial arts arena. At this moment, the arena was the liveliest, with a bustling crowd. The spacious square was filled with people gathered in groups, discussing eagerly with excitement and anticipation written all over their faces.
"I heard that this year's clan competition is the most exciting. They say that Zhou Xuanfei, from the main line, is the strongest. Do you think he will be the champion this year?"
"Zhou Xuanfei? You mean him? He doesn't follow the family's fist techniques but chose to learn swordsmanship outside. I don't understand what he's thinking. Don't forget about Zhou Xi from the collateral line. He broke through to the Sky Element Realm a year ago. The champion this time is undoubtedly his."
"What about Zhou Tong?"
"Him? He just broke through to the Sky Element Realm a few days ago. Maybe he has potential for the future, but I think he's just here to go through the motions this time."
As Zhou Tong overheard the discussions, he squeezed into the crowd.
Suddenly, someone patted Zhou Tong on the back. Turning around, he saw Zhou Xuanfei looking at him with a smile.
"How's it going? How confident are you in winning?" Zhou Xuanfei asked.
"Not much." Zhou Tong replied indifferently.
Zhou Xuanfei's expression changed slightly, and he said, "You're not deceiving me, right? I heard that besides Zhou Xi, you have the highest strength. Even you don't have confidence?"
Zhou Tong furrowed his brows and said, "Since breaking through to the Sky Element Realm, I haven't sparred with Zhou Xi even once. The last time we fought, he had just broken through, and I couldn't withstand even ten moves. That was half a year ago, and I don't know how much his strength has improved now."
"Really? I bet on you before I came here," Zhou Xuanfei twitched his mouth. He thought Zhou Tong had a good chance of winning and placed a heavy bet on him.
"Why didn't you bet on yourself?" Zhou Tong retorted.
"Do you think I can win against Zhou Xi?" Zhou Xuanfei smiled bitterly.
"By the way, let me tell you something." Zhou Xuanfei's expression suddenly became serious. He lowered his voice and said, "The clan competition is crucial for the younger generation as it involves the honor and status of each branch. So, each branch sends its young members to participate. In the past, the champion was mostly from the main line. The last time someone from the collateral line won, he is now our current Grand Elder."
"Grand Elder?" Zhou Tong was puzzled.
"Yes, judging from Zhou Xi's current situation, he probably wants to replicate the situation from back then. If that's the case, the face of the main line will be completely lost."
"I'll do my best." Zhou Tong replied calmly.
"Hmm? Here comes Zhou Xi." Suddenly, the crowd stirred, and all eyes focused on a figure walking towards the arena. Leading the group was none other than Zhou Xi.
Today, Zhou Xi was dressed in a white robe, giving off a cold and proud aura. His face displayed a touch of arrogance, accompanied by an intimidating presence.
"Zhou Xi has gained a lot of strength. I can't completely understand him now." Zhou Xuanfei frowned. Zhou Xi's progress was too rapid, causing some concern.
Zhou Xi was the outstanding figure among the younger generation of the family, and his strength was unfathomable. Zhou Xuanfei felt that he might not be Zhou Xi's match, let alone winning the championship.
"Zhou Tong, can I see you on the final stage of the arena later?" Zhou Xi saw Zhou Tong and glanced at him with a mocking expression.
"Hehe, save the talk. Let's settle it on the stage!" Zhou Tong coldly replied.
...
"Dong, dong, dong..."
The melodious bell rang through the sky, resonating in the martial arts arena. The previously noisy arena gradually quieted down as everyone looked up.
The Grand Elder hovered in the center of the arena and declared loudly, "The clan competition begins. Everyone, enter the arena area!" After speaking, he flew back to the observation platform.
In an instant, the square erupted with excitement as everyone rushed towards the central arena. Zhou Tong and Zhou Xuanfei also headed forward.
After a quarter of an hour, everyone was in position, facing the Grand Elder on the high platform.
The Grand Elder scanned the crowd and continued, "This year's competition will adopt a draw for the matchups. Participants, draw your numbers from one to eight." He pointed to a stone platform next to the arena, where eight bamboo tubes were placed, each containing a wooden stick with a number on it.
"Go and draw your lots." The Grand Elder's gaze swept over the arena, and the competition was about to begin.
Quickly, each participant got their designated number.
"Number five." Zhou Tong drew his wooden stick, revealing the number.
"Brother Zhou, go easy on me." A sarcastic voice sounded from behind. Zhou Tong turned and saw Zhou Haoyu, a cousin from the collateral line, holding the number six stick.
"Long time no see." Zhou Haoyu's face wore a smile, filled with sarcasm.
While Zhou Haoyu was talking, he suddenly realized Zhou Xi was approaching, holding the number six stick.
"Hehe, pretending to be garlic, huh? You just broke through to the Sky Element Realm not long ago; you might not be stronger than me!" Zhou Haoyu said with a sinister smile as he followed Zhou Xi to the arena.
Zhou Haoyu stepped onto the arena, glanced around for a moment, and then fixed his eyes on Zhou Tong.
"I hope you won't be as arrogant after the match," Zhou Haoyu said coldly.
"I'll show mercy." Zhou Tong replied in a calm tone, paying little attention to Zhou Haoyu. He walked directly towards the arena.
Zhou Haoyu's face froze for a moment, then he sneered, "Humph, pretending to be merciful. This time, even if you're from the main line, you won't be able to win against me. Zhou Xi's strength is something you can't compare to!"
Zhou Haoyu followed Zhou Xi onto the arena, his eyes filled with disdain.
"Heh, pretending to be garlic, thinking you're so great just because you broke through to the Sky Element Realm. You're probably not even as strong as me!" Zhou Haoyu's voice, full of sinister intent, reached Zhou Tong's ears.
"Heh, we'll see about that," Zhou Haoyu continued, and then followed Zhou Xi onto the arena.
The atmosphere on the arena
became tense as everyone anticipated the first match.
"Dong, dong, dong..."
The bell rang again, and the noise in the square died down. All eyes were now focused on the arena.
"The competition begins!" The referee announced, and the martial arts competition commenced.