As the sun drifted westward, the crowd settled, buzzing with anticipation for the next round of matches. On the main platform, Elder Lǐ raised his hand, and the murmurs faded as he announced the advancing competitors.
"Descendants, the victors from the previous rounds who will advance are:
Platform One: Duō Chóng
Platform Two: Duō Líng
Platform Three: Duō Méi
Platform Four: Duō Wěi
Platform Five: Duō Lín
Platform Six: Duō Shēn
These honored descendants, alongside those who emerged victorious in the second round—Duō Jiāo, Duō Xuān,Duō Zen, Duō Hóng, Duō Míng and Duō Yī—will face each other in the next round."
The translucent screen shimmered to life, displaying the new match-ups:
Platform One: Duō Chóng vs. Duō Jiāo
Platform Two: Duō Líng vs. Duō Xuān
Platform Three: Duō Méi vs. Duō Yī
Platform Four: Duō Wěi vs. Duō Lín
Platform Five: Duō Shēn vs. Duō Hóng
Platform Six : Duō Zen vs Duō Míng
The crowd's attention quickly turned to Platform Three, where Duō Méi, known for her mastery in martial techniques, would face Duō Yī, the underdog who had just defeated Duō Zhì. This victory had unsettled many in the clan, for it was widely known that the stakes of this competition went beyond personal pride—each descendant was fighting for a coveted referral to the White Crane Sect.
In the shaded area reserved for the clan's elders, senior members of the Duō Clan watched the proceedings intently. Each had once walked this path, though few could remember a competitor as unlikely as Duō Yī capturing their attention so swiftly.
Duō Jì, father to Duō Zhì and a respected clan strategist, gripped his cane tightly. "Duō Yī… Who would have thought the Clan Head's son, barely trained in physical arts, would outmaneuver my son?"
"Perhaps it's less of a surprise than you think," Elder Duō Lán replied. She had observed the match carefully, her discerning eyes never missing a detail. "We know Duō Yī for his patience and unusual restraint. Maybe his father instilled some finer insights into him, but we were all too focused on his physique to notice."
Duō Jì frowned. "Restraint and patience alone won't secure a place in the White Crane Sect. My son's loss was unexpected, and yet… it makes me wonder. Could his father have given him some specialized teachings after all?"
"Strength is indeed critical," countered Elder Duō Qīng. "But watching Duō Yī, it seemed he used more than patience. Each move felt intentional, almost like he knew when to advance and when to fall back. That kind of discipline is rare, especially in one without the physical prowess we typically expect."
Elder Duō Hàn, a veteran with a deep voice and knowing eyes, leaned forward. "You speak as though he possesses the subtlety of the shadow arts, which our clan has not openly taught in years. It would be surprising if he had somehow mastered them without anyone knowing."
The elders exchanged glances, each considering the possibility. The shadow arts required precision and control, traits that the clan's most powerful warriors often overlooked in favor of brute strength.
"It wouldn't be completely out of the question," Elder Duō Lán mused. "His father is known for his unorthodox methods. Perhaps he has shared some of this knowledge with Duō Yī, even if it was done quietly. His mother was also a skilled martial artist; maybe he inherited a greater potential than we recognized."
Duō Jì shook his head, still skeptical. "Inheritance is one thing, but skill must be honed through rigorous training. He may have succeeded today, but Duō Méi is a different kind of challenge. She is not only strong but also highly tactical. If Duō Yī can withstand her techniques, then perhaps we must reconsider our judgments of him."
Elder Duō Fǎ, respected for his wisdom, added thoughtfully, "Duō Méi is indeed a formidable opponent. Yet, what we witnessed from Duō Yī today showed that he possesses a unique ability to adapt. The way he disarmed Zhì was not a result of recklessness but rather of calculated precision. He made no unnecessary movements, each action designed to conserve energy and unsettle his opponent."
The elders fell into a contemplative silence, each grappling with the implications of Duō Yī's unexpected success. Many had dismissed him as an unlikely contender for the White Crane Sect, but today's match raised questions about their preconceptions.
Duō Jì finally broke the silence, his tone a mixture of frustration and reluctant acknowledgment. "If Duō Yī continues to win, it could change how we view the path to leadership within our clan. It may remind the younger generation that strength isn't the sole measure of a fighter's worth."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the elders. Elder Duō Lán nodded, a faint smile on her lips. "Indeed, perhaps this is what the Duō Clan needs—a reminder that wisdom and strategy can be just as valuable as raw power. I am eager to see how far Duō Yī's resilience and ingenuity will carry him."
As the sun began to dip lower, casting elongated shadows across the arena, the elders leaned back, their attention focused on the young warriors below. The next round was about to begin, and Duō Yī had captured not just the crowd's interest but also the cautious regard of the clan's most revered members. They would be watching closely, eager to see if he could hold his own against the strongest contenders vying for a place in the esteemed White Crane Sect.