The days ticked by, tension simmering within the Duō Clan's younger generation. The descendant battle's arrival signaled a turning point in their lives.
The Duō Clan, a second-rate clan, boasted a membership of approximately four hundred and fifty cultivators. Within the Great Yán Province, martial clans were categorized into three tiers. A third-rate clan required at least two members with a cultivation level at the Fifth Stage of the Qi Gathering Realm, supplemented by various elders. This modest requirement allowed smaller clans to maintain their standing.
Second-rate clans, like the Duō Clan, needed at least one member at the Seventh Stage of the Qi Gathering Realm or twenty cultivators at the Fifth Stage. The Duō Clan's standing was secured by Duō Yī's father, who had reached the Seventh Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm. Rumors whispered that Elder Lǐ, residing in the pagoda, possessed an equivalent or surpassing cultivation level.
First-rate clans demanded a member at the Qi Gathering Realm's peak – the Ninth Stage – or ten cultivators at the Eighth Stage. These elite clans wielded significant influence within the province.
Within the Great Yán Province, two prestigious first-rate clans held sway. Five second-rate clans, including the Duō Clan, vied for power alongside fifteen third-rate clans. Unrated clans lingered in obscurity, struggling to make a name for themselves.
As the descendant battle commenced, the Duō Clan's younger generation converged on the clan grounds' battle theater. Duō Yī, staff in hand, joined the gathering. His heart pounded with anticipation. The battle's outcome would reshape the clan's future.
As Duō Yī entered the battle theater, the murmurs of his clansmen surrounded him. The Duō Clan's younger generation had gathered, their eyes fixed on him with varying degrees of curiosity and disdain.
The theater's grandeur was awe-inspiring, its architecture a testament to the clan's history and prestige. Intricately carved wooden pillars supported the high ceiling, while the floor was covered in smooth, polished stone.
The clan's complex hierarchy was evident in the seating arrangements. Elder Lǐ and Duō Yī's father sat at the highest platform, flanked by senior elders whose wisdom and cultivation had earned them respect. The remaining seats were allocated based on cultivation level and family standing.
Duō Yī spotted his cousins, Duō Zhēn and Duō Líng, near the front. Their father, Duō Yī's uncle, was a respected elder whose counsel was sought by many. The trio exchanged cold glances, their rivalry palpable.
As the participants took their places, the air thickened with tension. Clansmen and elders whispered among themselves, speculating about the battle's outcome. The Duō Clan's reputation hung in the balance.
Duō Yī's thoughts turned inward, his resolve strengthening. He must succeed in this battle to secure a spot in the White Crane Sect. Only then could he unlock the secrets of cultivation, extending his lifespan and surpassing the limitations of his mortal body.
As he scanned the gathering, Duō Yī noticed his fellow descendants, each harboring their own thoughts.
Near the front, Duō Zhēn exuded confidence. His eyes gleamed with ambition, fueled by the desire to propel the Duō Clan to unprecedented heights. "This battle will be our springboard," he thought. "We will soar, leaving our ancestors' legacy in the dust."
Behind him, Duō Líng wore a determined expression. Her mind raced with strategies, weighing the strengths and weaknesses of her opponents. "I will not falter," she vowed. "The clan's future rests on our shoulders."
To the side, a young descendant, Duō Chóng, trembled with anxiety. His eyes darted between the elders and his fellow competitors. "What if I fail?" he worried. "Father will never notice me, never acknowledge my worth."
Near the back, Duō Hào, a proud descendant, sneered at the others. "Inferior cultivators," he thought. "They're no match for my refined techniques." His gaze swept the gathering, disdain etched on his face.
Duō Róng, a quiet and reserved descendant, meditated calmly. Her eyes shone with an inner light, her thoughts focused on the upcoming battle. "May the strongest prevail," she whispered.
Duō Kūn, a burly descendant, cracked his knuckles. "Time to show them my strength," he thought. "No one will surpass me."
Elder Lǐ's voice cut through the silence, his words echoing through the theater. "The descendant battle will commence shortly. Let the clansmen demonstrate their strength."
The assembly fell silent, anticipation building as the battle's commencement drew near. Duō Yī took a deep breath, focusing on his goal. This was his only chance.
Elder Lǐ's gaze swept across the gathering, his eyes lingering on the young descendants.
After a moment, Elder Lǐ stood, his presence commanding attention. "The time for speculation has passed," he declared. "Let the rules of the descendant battle be announced."
"The battle will be conducted in a knockout format," Elder Lǐ began. "A participant will be considered defeated if they are knocked off the platform or rendered unconscious. Killing blows are strictly forbidden. If a participant fails to yield, the battle will continue until they are incapacitated."
"Each match will be observed by designated elders: Elder Duō Wén, Elder Duō Jiān, Elder Rén, and Elder Lǐang. They will intervene if necessary. The winner of each match will advance to the next round, until only one remains."
"The battle will not be halted unless a participant announces their surrender or is deemed unable to continue. Let this serve as a reminder: the strongest will claim the right to join the White Crane Sect."
With the rules declared, Elder Lǐ paused, surveying the gathering. "The descendant battle will now commence. Let the clansmen demonstrate their strength!"
The assembly erupted into a mixture of cheers and anxious murmurs as the descendants prepared to face their fate.