Bai Yu joined the throng of outer disciples, anticipation buzzing in the air as they awaited the competition's commencement. In the center of the venue, four distinct fighting arenas stood ready.
Suddenly, an elder materialized out of thin air on one of the platforms. It was Elder Xuan, the one who had overseen the outer disciple test. Beside him, however, stood a middle-aged woman – Elder Xi, another Xiantian expert of immense power, just like Elder Xuan.
As Elder Xuan began outlining the tournament rules, Bai Yu caught sight of the arrogant man who had previously tried to recruit him for the Skysword Faction. Beside him stood Wei Yu, the daughter of the Water Rites City Lord.
A cold sneer escaped Bai Yu's lips as he muttered, "Heh."
Elder Xi then addressed the assembled disciples, "Let the competition commence! We shall begin by drawing lots to determine your opponents."
Bai Yu drew lot number sixteen and returned to his seat, observing the initial matches unfold. As the twelfth fight commenced, his gaze settled on an arena where Liu Ning faced off against another female competitor. Liu Ning displayed impressive agility, effortlessly dodging her opponent's attacks before concluding the fight with a swift, low kick.
"Not bad," Bai Yu muttered with a satisfied smirk, his eyes glued to the ongoing fight. His turn arrived sooner than expected. His opponent, a scrawny man with short black hair, stood proudly in the arena, having reached the peak of the Blood Condensation Realm."You'll be wasting your time," the man sneered. "Just surrender and save yourself the humiliation."Bai Yu's response was a cold smile as he began his approach with a measured pace. The man lunged, his sword flashing towards Bai Yu. However, the attack passed harmlessly through him – it was an illusion!"Damn it, a clone!" the man cursed, a flicker of panic replacing his arrogance. As if on cue, the real Bai Yu materialized behind him, the tip of his sword resting against the man's throat."The victor," Bai Yu declared coolly, "is me."