The morning sunbathed Blood Air Village in a golden light as villagers gathered for the most anticipated event of the year—the Annual Clan Arena Competition.
The arena, a large, circular field surrounded by towering oak trees, was buzzing with excitement.
Children ran around laughing, elderly villagers exchanged stories, and the younger generation braced themselves for the fierce battles ahead.
Among the crowd, Bohang stood with his usual smug expression, flanked by his friends, Zhe Bu and Tang.
His loud laughter carried over the chatter as he mocked anyone who crossed his path. Nearby, the respected elders Chang and Feige, both Quiang de practitioners at second-level 3-star, watched the scene with composed expressions.
I stood quietly with my family. My father, Kai, had a firm but encouraging hand on my shoulder, while my mother, Belye, adjusted my sister Miu'er's hair.
My friends Chen and Bo were nearby, their nervous energy betraying their excitement for the competition.
More than 200 people filled the stands, their faces a mix of anticipation and curiosity.
Today, they would witness the village's strongest young warriors battle for honor, skill, and opportunity.
The Opening Ceremony
The First Elder, a tall man with a commanding presence, stepped forward onto a raised platform at the edge of the arena.
His voice boomed across the field, silencing the murmuring crowd.
"Welcome, clansmen, to the Annual Clan Arena Competition!"
he declared.
"This day is not just about strength. It is a celebration of our unity, our spirit, and the talents that lie within the Blood Air Village."
The crowd erupted in cheers, but I could feel the skeptical glances directed at me.
"Let me remind you of the rules,"
the elder continued.
"Twenty participants will enter the arena, but only one will emerge victorious. The competition consists of five rounds.
Killing is strictly prohibited. You may use any skill or technique in your arsenal, but all fights will end when one participant is unable to continue or surrenders."
He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing.
"The winner of this competition will earn the right to study at the prestigious Quinzhe Academy of the Southeast, where they will hone their skills further.
Additionally, the winner's family will lead the Blood Air Village for one year.
This is your chance to bring honor to your name and your loved ones."
His words electrified the crowd.
"Let the competition begin!"
he concluded, stepping aside to let the participants take the stage.
As participants began stepping forward, I felt the weight of judgment from the villagers.
"Yin? Is he seriously competing?" someone whispered loudly.
He's too young. He doesn't stand a chance," another added, shaking their head.
"He'll embarrass himself," a third scoffed.
Nearby, Bohang smirked and muttered to his friends,
"Huh, that stupid puppet thinks he can compete in this match." His voice dripped with derision, and the people around him laughed.
I ignored them and stepped forward onto the arena grounds.
My resolve was firm. Words would not shake me—only my actions would speak for me today.
The First Round
The first round began with random pairings.
The atmosphere was charged as the participants faced off in quick matches to secure their place in the next round.
First Round Matches:
1. Lin Feng vs. Wu Dao
2. Mei Hua vs. Lei Shan
3. Zhen Yu vs. Cheng Wei
4. Bohang vs. Qin Rui
5. Yin vs. Feng Xiu
"We request Lin Feng vs. Wu Dao to come on the stage"
The crowd cheered.
Lin Feng vs. Wu Dao
The crowd buzzed with excitement as Lin Feng and Wu Dao stepped onto the arena.
"Wu Dao's strength is terrifying," whispered an onlooker.
"I heard he once crushed a boulder with a single punch!"
"But Lin Feng's speed is unparalleled. This will be interesting," another murmured.
In the stands, an older man with a stern face leaned forward.
It was Lin Feng's father, Lin Jian. His voice carried a mix of pride and concern.
"Feng'er, remember your training. Use your agility to its fullest."
Wu Dao's elder brother, Wu Heng, smirked nearby.
"Strength will always triumph over speed. Lin Feng is like a fly buzzing around. Let's see how long he lasts."
The Battle Begins
Wu Dao wasted no time, slamming his fist into the ground and sending jagged stone spikes racing toward Lin Feng.
Gasps erupted from the audience.
"He's already using Earth Rumble?" someone exclaimed.
Lin Feng dodged with his Phantom Step, leaving shimmering afterimages that confused Wu Dao.
"That boy's footwork is brilliant,"
Lin Jian muttered, though his hands clenched tightly.
"Brilliance won't stop Wu Dao's fists," Wu Heng replied smugly.
The Turning Point
Wu Dao charged, his Iron Fist glowing with Qi, aiming for a devastating blow.
Lin Feng sidestepped with uncanny precision and countered with Cyclone Dash, the slicing whirlwind forcing Wu Dao back.
"Stay focused, Wu Dao!" Wu Heng shouted.
Lin Feng's younger sister, Lin Mei, jumped up, cheering.
"That's my brother! Show them how the Lin family fights!"
As Lin Feng unleashed his Wind Chain Combo, a flurry of precise hits, the crowd roared.
Wu Dao staggered, unable to keep up with Lin Feng's relentless speed.
The final Tempest Palm sent Wu Dao tumbling out of the arena.
"Speed defeats brute force," Lin Jian said, his expression softening with pride.
Wu Heng scowled. "This isn't over."
"We announced the winner, Lin Feng"
The crowd cheered.
"We have next match between Mei Hua and Lei Shan"
The crowd quieted slightly as Mei Hua and Lei Shan entered the arena.
A sense of elegance and power radiated from the two fighters.
"She's a flower in the wind," someone whispered about Mei Hua.
"But Lei Shan's lightning is unstoppable. Let's see if the flower can weather the storm," another replied.
In the audience, Mei Hua's older brother, Mei Han, spoke softly.
"Sister don't let him corner you. Stay light, stay clever."
Meanwhile, Lei Shan's father, Lei Guang, crossed his arms.
"Don't underestimate her. Strike fast and strike hard."
Opening Strikes
Lei Shan opened with Thunder Crash, a bolt of lightning streaking toward Mei Hua.
She countered with Dancing Leaves, her mirage-like movements leaving the crowd in awe.
"She's mesmerizing," a spectator murmured.
"Focus, Lei Shan!" Lei Guang barked.
Mei Hua retaliated with Whispering Breeze, disorienting Lei Shan as the wind currents disrupted his footing.
"She's toying with him!" Mei Han chuckled.
A Shocking Counter
Frustrated, Lei Shan roared and activated Storm Charge, his body crackling with electricity as he dashed toward Mei Hua.
She narrowly evaded, using Feather Glide to soar gracefully out of reach.
Her Gust Arrows peppered Lei Shan, drawing cheers from the audience.
"Don't let her control the pace!" Lei Guang shouted, his voice cutting through the noise.
As Lei Shan prepared his ultimate Lightning Nova, Mei Hua anticipated the move.
She activated her Windswept Domain, enveloping the arena in a cyclone that redirected the lightning harmlessly.
"That's it, Mei Hua!" Mei Han cheered, clapping loudly.
With a final Zephyr Slash, Mei Hua's precision cut through Lei Shan's defenses, and he fell to the ground, defeated.
The crowd erupted in applause.
"We have the winner, Mei Hua"