This was the first challenge that piqued Han Xiao's interest. He gazed at the two youths facing each other with Elder Wang standing between them. 'Hmm, both of them are really strong. Let's see how cultivators of the Nine layers of the Pulse Condensation Realm spar against their opponents.'
Elder Wang raised his hand, signaling for silence, and the murmurs of the crowd faded. "Prepare yourselves," he said his voice commanding attention. The two challengers nodded, their expressions focused and determined.
Yiqu Lin adjusted his stance, his muscles coiling like a spring ready to unleash its stored energy. The youth opposite him, named Wei Liu, mirrored his movements, his posture equally poised and ready for combat.
Elder Wang's hand dropped. "Begin!"
With a flash of movement, Yiqu Lin surged forward, his fists enveloped in a swirling aura of essence qi. He struck out with a powerful punch aimed directly at Wei Liu's chest. Wei Liu, quick on his feet, sidestepped the blow and retaliated with a swift slash of his sword, the blade humming with energy.
The two clashed repeatedly, their attacks a blur of motion. Yiqu Lin's strikes were relentless, each punch carrying the weight of his formidable cultivation. Wei Liu countered with precise, measured movements, his sword slicing through the air with deadly accuracy. The hall reverberated with the sound of their battle, the audience watching in rapt attention.
Han Xiao observed intently, noting the differences in their fighting styles. Yiqu Lin relied on brute strength and overwhelming force, while Wei Liu employed agility and precision. Each had its own strengths, and it was clear that this fight would be decided by who could best exploit the other's weaknesses.
As the battle raged on, it became evident that neither was willing to give an inch. Yiqu Lin launched a series of rapid punches, his fists a blur, but Wei Liu parried each one with expert skill. In a surprising move, Wei Liu then unleashed a wave of energy from his sword, forcing Yiqu Lin to leap back and reassess his strategy.
Elder Wang watched with a discerning eye, ready to intervene if the fight grew too dangerous. Both fighters were pushing their limits, and it was clear they were testing not just their skills, but their resolve.
The incense stick marking the time for their bout burned steadily, and as it neared its end, Yiqu Lin summoned his remaining strength for one final, decisive blow. He lunged forward, his fist crackling with energy, aiming to end the fight in a single strike. Wei Liu, seeing the opening, stepped inside Yiqu Lin's guard and brought his sword down in a controlled, precise arc.
The two collided with a resounding impact, essence qi flaring brightly before dissipating. Both fighters stood still, breathing heavily, as Elder Wang stepped forward.
"Enough!" he declared, raising his hand to signal the end of the match. The crowd, which had been holding its breath, erupted into applause.
Yiqu Lin and Wei Liu stepped back, each acknowledging the other's skill with a respectful nod. Elder Wang turned to address the crowd. "This concludes today's challenges. Remember, true strength lies not just in victory, but in how we conduct ourselves in the face of adversity."
Han Xiao leaned back in his seat, a small smile playing on his lips. The display had been impressive, and he knew that the next stages of the trials would only grow more intense. The real battles were just beginning.
Yiqu Lin walked back to his friends, grinning awkwardly.
"Hmpf, this fool!" Zhou Ming snorted in annoyance, avoiding another glance at him.
"Yiqu, if you're serious, you can beat him in a single bout. Why are you holding back?" asked Teng Liang.
Scratching his head like a child who made a mistake, Yiqu Lin responded, "Fighting that brat is really interesting, and I don't like to end it quickly. Plus, I lost track of the time to use that technique."
"Anyway, there is still the Preliminary trial. Don't disappoint us in that trial, okay?" Teng Liang said calmly.
Cupping his palms, Yiqu Lin responded, "I won't disappoint the Wolf Gang!"
At that moment, Elder Wang shouted, "Get out. Your time is up!" Yiqu Lin scuttled back to his seat. Elder Wang then turned to Zhou Ming, "Now, pick your opponent!"
Swaying her slightly exposed waist, Zhou Ming stepped forward, scanning the crowd of disciples. "Oh, there she is." Pointing with her dainty finger, she declared, "I choose her!"
Everyone followed her finger to a group of ladies, focusing on one with silvery hair and eyes who stood up.
"Whoa, she picked the leader of the Heretic Hag Gang, Han Xue!" the class burst into loud clamor.
"Ming Er, why did you choose her? You know you're currently a bit behind her," Teng Liang asked from behind.
Turning, Zhou Ming responded, "Brother Teng, Yiqu Lin already lost his match. I think he's right to save his strength for the preliminary trial." Then, looking at the lady elegantly walking toward the stage, she added, "I know she's stronger than me right now. But from the first time I saw her, I've felt the urge to challenge her. I'll fight to my heart's content. Who knows, maybe I'll come out winning against this Silver Witch!"
"Hmm, I understand. Do as you like," Teng Liang said, stepping back from the stage.
Looking at the cold lady, Zhou Ming smiled and said, "Silver Witch, it's an honor." She cupped her palms in the traditional martial greeting.
Han Xue, without showing any emotion, responded in a cold tone, "Princess Zhou Ming, you shouldn't have chosen me. You're weak."
"Don't underestimate the power of the weak. Even your trash brother proved that point not long ago. Anyway, I've been dreaming of this moment. Don't hold back and come at me with all you've got," Zhou Ming replied.
Han Xue glanced at Han Xiao, who was lounging like a spoiled prince and muttered with disappointment, "That fool keeps pissing me off. I'll teach him another lesson next time." Then she clasped her hands at her opponent, and Elder Wang shouted, "Begin!"