Start of the Competition
The competition grounds buzzed with anticipation as a senior Gu Master stepped onto the elevated stage at the center of the arena. The master's presence alone commanded silence, and the murmurs of the crowd quickly died down.
"Welcome to the Year-End Competition," the Gu Master began, his voice resonating across the grounds. "The rules are simple: you may use any Gu worms at your disposal, but under no circumstances are you to kill your opponents. Injuries are to be expected, but intentional maiming will result in immediate disqualification."
He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "The purpose of this competition is to assess your skills, ingenuity, and adaptability. Remember, your performance today will determine not only your rank but also your future opportunities within the clan."
The master gestured toward the elders seated on the raised platform. "The first prize for this competition is thirty primeval essence stones and the right to choose two Gu worm from the clan's treasury. The second prize includes twenty primeval essence stones and the right to choose one Gu worm from the clan's treasury, while the third prize offers ten primeval essence stones."
Excited whispers rippled through the crowd as the stakes were revealed. The students exchanged determined glances, each resolved to secure a prize. The master's gaze swept over the participants, his stern expression returning. "The matches will begin shortly. Prepare yourselves, and may the best among you prevail."
The senior Gu Master stepped aside, and another clan member brought forth a large wooden box containing numbered lots. "Each participant will draw a lot to determine their match sequence," the master announced. "Step forward when your name is called."
The students lined up, their excitement and nerves palpable. One by one, they approached the stage and drew their lots, revealing their match numbers. Li Tianhuan and Yan Yueqing stood together, exchanging quiet words as they waited their turn.
"I wonder who I'll face," Yueqing murmured, glancing at the students ahead.
Li Tianhuan gave her a reassuring smile. "No matter who it is, you'll do fine."
When Yueqing's name was called, she stepped up confidently and drew her lot. She returned, showing her number to Li Tianhuan. "Number eleven ," she said with a small smile.
Finally, it was Li Tianhuan's turn. He approached the box, his expression calm but focused. Reaching inside, he pulled out a slip of paper and unfolded it. "Number twelve," he noted aloud, earning a few murmurs from the crowd. It was the last match of the first round, scheduled against one of the A-grade talents.
As he returned to Yueqing's side, she raised an eyebrow. "An A-grade opponent?"
He nodded. "I think I will lose today, he is already Rank 2 Initial Stage and I am still Rank 1 Peak Stage, and you are also on par with him in Rank 2 Initial Stage."
"Don't worry, I beleive you will win" Yueqing said with a smile on her face.
After the lots were drawn, the students returned to their seats. The crowd quieted as the Gu Master stepped forward again to announce the beginning of the matches. One by one, the participants were called to the stage, their names echoing across the grounds.
The first match began with two Rank 1 Initial Stage students. The clash was swift but intense, with each competitor utilizing their Gu worms to the best of their ability. A sharp-winged Falcon Gu swooped through the air, dodging attacks from a Firefly Gu that released bursts of light to blind its opponent. The crowd roared with excitement as the match ended in a narrow victory for the falcon's master.
The following matches showcased the diversity of Gu worms and strategies among the participants. In one particularly captivating bout, a student wielding a Mirage Gu created a series of illusory doubles to confuse their opponent.
The doubles darted across the stage, drawing attacks and forcing their adversary to waste valuable time and resources. The real body struck from the shadows with a Shadow Strike Gu, dealing a decisive blow and securing victory.
A student wielding a Vine Lash Gu entangled their opponent, only to be countered by a Burst Ant Gu, whose explosive charges tore through the vines. Another student demonstrated remarkable skill with a Mist Cloud Gu, creating a veil of dense fog to confuse their adversary before launching a sneak attack with a Thorn Spike Gu.
The arena brimmed with energy as the matches progressed, each fight revealing the ingenuity and determination of the competitors. The elders watched with keen interest, occasionally whispering among themselves as they evaluated the young talents.
It was now time for Yan Yueqing's match. Her opponent, a boy named Feizhou, stood confidently on the stage. He was at the Rank 1 Peak Stage, his aura steady and composed. Both combatants were Illusion Path Gu Masters, and their confrontation promised to be a spectacle.
The match began with Feizhou activating his Illusion Discern Gu. A subtle glow emanated from his eyes, allowing him to distinguish between real and false illusions. He smirked, knowing his advantage would make it difficult for Yueqing to deceive him.
Yueqing started with her Mirage Gu, creating a swirl of illusory duplicates that danced around the arena. Feizhou, however, remained unfazed. "Do you think such tricks will work on me?" he taunted, using his Discern Gu to pinpoint the real Yueqing amidst the illusions. He launched an attack with his Shadow Claw Gu, a dark, ethereal claw striking toward her true form.
Yueqing narrowly dodged, her movements swift and precise. She countered by activating her Mist Veil Gu, enshrouding the stage in a dense fog. The audience watched intently, the battlefield obscured in swirling mist. For a moment, it seemed she had the upper hand.
But Feizhou's Discern Gu cut through the fog, allowing him to spot Yueqing's outline. He lunged forward, breaking through her defenses with a combination of his Shadow Claw and Wind Slice Gu, sending a sharp gust toward her. Yueqing staggered but recovered quickly, her eyes narrowing in determination.
Realizing her illusions wouldn't hold, she changed her strategy. Using her remaining primeval essence, Yueqing charged forward, abandoning subtlety. Feizhou smirked, confident in his victory, but his overconfidence became his downfall. As he focused entirely on her illusions, Yueqing's fist connected with his chest in a sudden, forceful strike. The impact sent Feizhou sprawling to the ground, his breath knocked out.
The crowd erupted in cheers as Yueqing stood victorious. She helped Feizhou to his feet, her expression calm and composed despite the intense battle. The Gu Master overseeing the match declared her the winner, and she returned to her seat beside Li Tianhuan, earning his approving nod.
"How on earth did he think he could win against a Rank 2 Gu Master? Such an idiot," Li Tianhuan thought, as he stood up and started walking towards the stage.