The morning of the Martial Arts Tournament had arrived. The air around the Azure Sky Sect buzzed with anticipation, the atmosphere almost electric as disciples gathered from all corners of the vast sect. Competitors were preparing mentally and physically, knowing that today's battles could change the course of their futures. For many, this tournament was an opportunity to prove themselves, climb the ranks, and earn favor from the sect elders. But for Li Xuan, it was something more—a calculated test of his abilities and the perfect arena to remain unseen while his power continued to grow.
Since acquiring the Cloak of Shadows technique from the Eternal Codex, Li Xuan had spent every spare moment mastering its subtleties. The technique allowed him to conceal his cultivation level and even hide his presence from cultivators far more advanced than himself. It was a powerful advantage, especially in a sect where rival disciples constantly monitored each other's progress, and any sign of growth or weakness could trigger a confrontation. Now, as he walked among the throngs of competitors, the aura of his Qi remained undetectable, masked behind an invisible shroud.
Zhang Wei, his new acquaintance and soon-to-be ally, appeared at his side, his expression as sharp as ever. "It's about time," Zhang Wei said, glancing over at the growing crowd near the tournament stage. "They're setting the stage for the opening ceremony. Once it starts, there's no turning back."
Zhang Wei was a peculiar character. Though he was only a few years older than Li Xuan, he carried himself with the ease of someone who had seen and experienced far more than his age suggested. A formidable cultivator in his own right, Zhang Wei had a reputation for being quick-witted and unpredictable in combat—traits that had earned him both respect and animosity within the sect. His cultivation level was higher than Li Xuan's, though not by a wide margin, yet he seemed to take an immediate interest in Li Xuan. Whether out of genuine curiosity or something more calculating, Li Xuan had yet to determine.
"You seem unnervingly calm," Li Xuan said, his voice low as they moved through the crowd toward the registration area. "I take it you've fought in this tournament before?"
Zhang Wei smirked. "A couple of times. I wouldn't say I'm calm, though. I just know how to hide it." He cast a sidelong glance at Li Xuan, his eyes narrowing slightly. "What about you? First time?"
Li Xuan nodded. "Yes, though I'm not here for the glory."
"Good," Zhang Wei said, his tone approving. "Glory is fleeting. Power and survival are what truly matter. Keep your head down and stay sharp."
The conversation drifted off as they reached the large stone courtyard where the tournament would take place. In the center, an elevated platform loomed, built from reinforced stone, capable of withstanding the incredible force that would be unleashed in the battles to come. Around it, hundreds of spectators, ranging from outer disciples to elders, gathered, their excitement palpable as they anticipated the clashes ahead.
The disciples registered their participation one by one, each stepping forward to receive their numbers and assignments for the preliminary rounds. Li Xuan received his slip of parchment, marked with the number 47, and quietly took his place among the other competitors. The air around him felt thick with tension—whispers of rivalries, secret plans, and bets being made filled the space as disciples sized each other up.
Zhang Wei, standing beside Li Xuan, gave a low chuckle. "Look at them, all so eager to prove themselves. Half of them won't even make it past the first round."
Li Xuan remained silent, his eyes scanning the crowd. He knew Zhang Wei was right, but he also knew that those who did survive the initial rounds would be no ordinary disciples. If he wanted to remain unnoticed, he would need to act carefully, picking his battles and revealing only the bare minimum of his abilities. His true strength, enhanced by the Ninefold Ascension Technique, was far greater than what any of these disciples suspected, but showing too much would only invite unwanted attention. The goal was simple: make it through the tournament, assess the competition, and continue honing his skills.
As the opening ceremony began, Elder Yun, one of the more respected figures in the sect, stepped forward to address the crowd. His deep, commanding voice echoed across the courtyard as he spoke of the tournament's importance and the honor that awaited those who excelled. But Li Xuan's attention was elsewhere—his mind focused not on the elder's words but on the growing feeling of unease that had settled in his gut. Something about this tournament felt off, though he couldn't quite place why. Was it just nerves, or was there something else at play?
"First round combatants, prepare yourselves!" an official called out, snapping Li Xuan from his thoughts.
Li Xuan glanced down at his parchment again. 47. His first opponent would be a disciple named Wang Yue, an outer disciple known for his brash personality and above-average cultivation level. It was clear that Wang Yue wasn't the strongest of the competitors, but he wasn't weak either—he had a reputation for fighting with brute force, relying on overwhelming his opponents with sheer strength.
Li Xuan made his way to the edge of the platform, his mind already calculating how to handle the upcoming fight. He had watched Wang Yue spar before and knew the man's fighting style well enough to exploit his weaknesses. Brute force, while effective against weaker opponents, was predictable. And predictability was something Li Xuan could use to his advantage.
As the two opponents faced each other on the platform, the crowd quieted, their eyes fixed on the battle about to unfold. Wang Yue stood tall, his fists clenched and his Qi flaring around him like a bonfire. He smirked arrogantly at Li Xuan, clearly underestimating the young disciple who stood calmly before him.
"You're lucky to face me in the first round, kid," Wang Yue sneered, his voice loud enough for the audience to hear. "I'll finish this quickly."
Li Xuan said nothing, his expression unreadable. His hands remained relaxed at his sides, his body perfectly still as he focused on his breathing, allowing his Qi to flow through him smoothly, effortlessly. The Cloak of Shadows technique remained active, concealing the true extent of his power from Wang Yue and the watching crowd.
The signal to begin was given.
Wang Yue wasted no time, launching himself forward with a powerful leap, his fists glowing with Qi as he aimed a crushing blow at Li Xuan's chest. The crowd gasped at the sheer speed and force of his attack, but Li Xuan remained calm. At the last possible moment, he sidestepped, his movements fluid and controlled. Wang Yue's fist slammed into the ground, cracking the stone beneath it.
Before Wang Yue could recover, Li Xuan struck. His attack was swift, precise—a single blow to Wang Yue's side that sent him stumbling backward, gasping for breath. The crowd watched in stunned silence as the seemingly weaker disciple landed the first hit, his movements too fast for many of them to follow.
Wang Yue growled in frustration, his pride wounded. He charged again, this time with even more force, but Li Xuan was ready. He continued to dodge and counter with effortless precision, his movements almost too smooth, too efficient. It was clear that Li Xuan wasn't fighting with brute strength—he was using his mind, calculating every move, every step, and exploiting Wang Yue's weaknesses at every turn.
Within minutes, Wang Yue was on his knees, panting and defeated. The crowd erupted in cheers and gasps, many of them shocked by the outcome. Wang Yue had been considered a favorite to make it past the first round, yet here he was, beaten by a seemingly average disciple with no reputation.
Li Xuan stepped back, his face expressionless as he bowed to the officials and walked off the platform. He had won, but more importantly, he had done so without revealing his true abilities. The Cloak of Shadows had worked perfectly, keeping his cultivation level hidden from both his opponent and the onlookers.
As he rejoined the crowd, Zhang Wei appeared at his side, a smirk on his lips. "Impressive. You barely broke a sweat."
Li Xuan nodded slightly, his mind already focused on the rounds to come. This was just the beginning. The true test was yet to come, and he knew that the real challenges lay ahead—both in the tournament and in the shadows that loomed beyond it.