Duō Yī's gaze shifted to Platform Four, his eyes widening in awe. Before him stood Duō Wěi, a vision of masculine perfection. Wěi's raven-black hair cascaded in sleek, silken strands from his high ponytail, framing a face chiseled by the gods. His piercing blue eyes sparkled like sapphires, radiating confidence and an inner intensity that left spectators breathless.
Wěi's athletic physique, honed from rigorous training, exuded fluid power. His broad shoulders, chiseled chest, and rippling abdominals seemed sculpted from marble, yet radiated dynamic strength. His sleek, ebony leather armor molded to his every contour, accentuating his formidable physique.
At his side hung the fabled "Moonwhisper," a sword of shimmering silver and darkened steel, its blade etched with ancient runes that danced with an ethereal glow. The hilt, crafted from polished obsidian, seemed to absorb and reflect the light around it, casting an aura of mystery.
Across from Wěi stood Duō Fāng, his rugged features and chiseled build a testament to his warrior's spirit. Fāng's short, dark blond hair framed his sharp face, and his piercing blue eyes burned with determination.
The battle commenced, and Wěi's elegance merged with deadly precision. Moonwhisper sliced through the air, striking true with swift, targeted blows. Fāng's spear flashed in response, but Wěi's speed and agility left him struggling to keep pace.
The crowd watched, mesmerized, as Wěi's movements became a blur of steel and leather. His footwork was impeccable, each step calculated to maximize his advantage. Fāng's defenses began to falter, his breathing growing ragged.
In a final, desperate bid to turn the tide, Fāng unleashed a powerful strike. Wěi sidestepped effortlessly, his eyes locked onto Fāng's exposed flank. Moonwhisper flashed in the sunlight, its blade biting deep into the platform's stone mere inches from Fāng's neck.
The crowd gasped, their collective breath caught in their throats. Fāng's eyes widened in shock, his defeat absolute. Wěi's cold grin spread, his eyes gleaming with triumph.
The crowd erupted into cheers, with several women screaming in adoration.
"Ahh, Wěi-jīe is so captivating!" one exclaimed.
"His swordsmanship is unmatched!" another cried.
A nearby group of young women gazed at Wěi with dreamy eyes, their faces flushed with excitement.
"Wei-jīe's eyes are so piercing!" one cooed.
"I've never seen anyone move like that!" another added.
Duō Yī watched, his mind reeling. "How can anyone beat him? Wěi's like a different class altogether... I need to find a weakness, but where?" Yī's thoughts swirled, searching for a glimmer of hope.
As Wěi stood victorious, the crowd's applause washed over him. From the elder's seating area, Elder Zhīyūn beamed with pride, his face alight with a warm smile. Wěi's gaze met his father's, and for an instant, their eyes locked in a silent understanding.
Wěi's triumph was merely the beginning.
The judges' table announced Wěi's victory, their voices echoing through the arena. Wěi bowed graciously, his movements fluid and controlled.
As he rose, his gaze swept the crowd, his eyes lingering on the sea of admiring faces. For an instant, his cold demeanor softened, replaced by a hint of satisfaction.
The Duō Clan's reputation rested on Wěi's shoulders, and he would stop at nothing to ensure their dominance.
With each victory, Wěi's legend grew. His name became synonymous with excellence, striking fear into the hearts of his opponents.
As Wěi exited the platform, his fellow clan members greeted him with nods of respect. His reputation had earned him a place among the clan's elite.
Yet, amidst the admiration, a subtle undercurrent of envy flowed. Some clan members resented Wěi's rapid ascent, feeling overshadowed by his brilliance.
Wěi's gaze swept the gathering, his eyes narrowing as he sensed the undertones of jealousy.
Platforms Five and Six hosted less intense battles, lacking the electrifying atmosphere of the other platforms.
On Platform Five, Duō Jiān and Duō Lín clashed in a flurry of kicks and punches. Duō Jiān's agility allowed her to dodge Lín's initial attacks, but Lín's persistence eventually wore her down. Jiān's usually precise movements faltered, and Lín seized the opportunity to land a decisive blow.
Duō Yī watched, analyzing their techniques. "Jiān's footwork is impressive, but she lacks the raw power to overwhelm Lín... Lín's defense is solid, but his offense is predictable."
On Platform Six, Duō Shēn and Duō Li engaged in a battle of endurance. Their movements were slower, more deliberate, as they conserved energy for a prolonged fight. Shēn's superior strength eventually told, as Li stumbled under a barrage of heavy blows.
"Shēn's brute force is overwhelming, but Li's strategy was flawed from the start... He should have focused on agility and quick strikes," Duō Yī thought.
Compared to Duō Wěi's breathtaking display on Platform Four, these battles seemed almost anti-climactic. Wěi's elegance and precision had left the crowd awestruck, whereas these fights lacked the same spark.
Yet, Duō Yī remained engrossed, searching for weaknesses and areas of improvement. His gaze darted between the platforms, absorbing every detail.
As the battles concluded, Elder Lǐ's voice echoed through the grounds once more. "The first round has ended. The winners will proceed to the next round. Losers will be eliminated."
The assembly erupted into cheers and murmurs, descendants congratulating or consoling one another.
Duō Yī's eyes narrowed, his thoughts racing. "The real challenge begins now. Who will be my opponent in the next round?" He whispered to himself.
Suddenly, a voice whispered in his ear, "You'll find out soon enough, Duō Yī. And when you do, you'll wish you'd never stepped onto that platform."
Duō Yī's gaze snapped toward the speaker, but the crowd seemed to swallow the voice again. His eyes scanned the sea of faces, searching for the mysterious speaker.
"This is getting annoying" Duō Yī thought to himself
"Just pray you don't end up as my opponent, I've been meaning to try something and it seems someone wants to offer themselves on a silver platter"