The bright sun illuminated the Yan Clan's grand arena, casting long shadows over the massive stone platform at its center. The air was thick with anticipation as clan members and guests gathered, their excitement palpable. This was the day of the long-awaited battle, where the five geniuses would showcase their skills against the returning senior disciples.
The arena itself was an architectural marvel, surrounded by towering stands filled to capacity with spectators. Every corner buzzed with chatter—discussions about the participants, their strengths, and the intense rivalries about to unfold.
As the crowd settled, the returning senior disciples made their entrance. Sheng Wei, along with the other four senior disciples, strode confidently onto the stage. Their presence was commanding, each of them radiating a powerful aura that left no doubt about their mastery over the Core Formation Realm. Sheng Wei, a 5-star Core Formation cultivator, walked at the forefront, his piercing gaze scanning the arena as if already claiming victory.
Shortly after, the five geniuses arrived together. Yan Ling, Yan Xingtian, Yan Yu, Yan Feng, and Yan Ru walked side by side, their expressions calm but resolute. They had recently returned from the secret grounds, and their time there had clearly tempered them. The crowd erupted in cheers and gasps at their confident strides, their disciplined demeanor contrasting with the seniors' arrogance.
Among them, Yan Ru's eyes darted through the crowd, searching. When her gaze finally landed on Yan Zi, sitting in a reserved area, her expression softened. A faint blush crept across her cheeks, and a small, almost shy smile appeared. Yan Zi, oblivious to the attention, observed the scene intently, his sharp eyes analyzing every movement and detail of both groups.
Elder Yan Gaung, Yan Ru's father, stepped forward to announce the rules. His voice boomed across the arena, silencing the murmurs.
"The battles will be one-on-one matches. Victory is determined by knockout, surrender, or stepping out of the ring. No weapons or external tools are allowed. This is a test of pure cultivation and skill. Let the battles commence!"
Yan Shengtian, the clan leader and father of Yan Ling and Yan Xingtian, then took the stage. His imposing figure commanded respect, and his voice carried a mix of authority and inspiration.
"Today, we witness the strength of our Yan Clan. Let this battle serve as a reminder of our unity and our unwavering pursuit of excellence. To the participants—fight with honor and determination. Show the world what it means to bear the name Yan!"
The crowd roared in approval as the first match was announced.
"Yan Feng, Core Formation Realm 2-star, versus Sheng Wei, Core Formation Realm 5-star!"
The spectators buzzed with excitement. Yan Feng, though the youngest of the five geniuses, was known for his explosive energy and unyielding spirit. Sheng Wei, on the other hand, was a seasoned fighter, his experience and cultivation level giving him a clear advantage.
Yan Feng stepped into the ring, his youthful energy radiating confidence. He was shorter than Sheng Wei but carried himself with a fiery determination that made him seem larger than life. Sheng Wei smirked as he entered, his relaxed stance almost mocking his opponent.
The two stood opposite each other, the tension between them palpable. The elder overseeing the match raised his hand and shouted, "Begin!"
The battle was on.
The elder's command to begin resonated through the arena, and the battle erupted into motion.
Yan Feng's fiery eyes locked onto Sheng Wei as he made the first move. His body surged with energy, qi radiating off him in waves as he dashed forward at blinding speed. Flames began to flicker along his arms, a hallmark of his Fireburst Fist technique. With a fierce shout, he aimed a punch straight at Sheng Wei's chest.
Sheng Wei smirked, effortlessly sidestepping the blow. "Too slow," he muttered, his tone dripping with condescension. Using his superior cultivation base, Sheng Wei released a pulse of spiritual energy, sending Yan Feng skidding backward.
The crowd gasped as Yan Feng staggered but quickly regained his footing. Wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead, he smirked. "You talk big for someone who's not even trying to land a hit."
Sheng Wei chuckled. "Why would I waste effort? You're not worth it."
The air around Yan Feng ignited as he channeled his Fire Qi, forming a series of small fireballs that hovered around him. With a wave of his hand, he launched them at Sheng Wei in rapid succession. Each fireball exploded upon impact, creating a wall of smoke and flame that obscured Sheng Wei from view.
"Got you!" Yan Feng exclaimed, a victorious grin spreading across his face.
But as the smoke cleared, Sheng Wei emerged unscathed, a shimmering barrier of blue light surrounding him. His Water Qi had neutralized the flames with ease. "Fire versus water," he said mockingly, shaking his head. "Do you really think you stand a chance?"
Yan Feng clenched his fists, the flames around him intensifying. "The fight isn't over yet!" he shouted, charging forward again. This time, his movements were sharper, more erratic, as he used his Flame Dance Steps, a technique that made his movements unpredictable.
Sheng Wei's eyes narrowed as he struggled to keep up with Yan Feng's swift maneuvers. A sudden burst of flames erupted from Yan Feng's palm as he executed his Blazing Palm Strike, aiming for Sheng Wei's side. Sheng Wei raised his arm, summoning a Water Shield just in time to block the attack. The clash of elements sent a wave of steam billowing across the arena.
The audience leaned forward in their seats, captivated by the back-and-forth exchange.
"Not bad," Sheng Wei admitted as he dispersed the steam with a wave of his hand. "But let me show you the difference between us."
He extended both arms, and the air around him shimmered as he summoned his Water Serpent technique. Two massive serpents made entirely of water coiled around him, their glowing eyes locked onto Yan Feng. With a flick of Sheng Wei's wrist, the serpents lunged forward.
Yan Feng's eyes widened as he leaped backward, narrowly avoiding the serpents' snapping jaws. He landed with a roll, his hands already forming a series of complex seals. "Inferno Wall!" he shouted, slamming his palms onto the ground. A towering wall of fire erupted between him and the serpents, halting their advance.
The serpents hissed as they collided with the wall, steam and smoke filling the air. But Sheng Wei wasn't finished. Channeling more qi, he increased the size of the serpents, their bodies swelling as they surged through the flames, breaking the barrier.
Yan Feng gritted his teeth as he dodged the serpents' relentless attacks, his movements growing slower with each passing moment. Sweat dripped down his face, and his breathing became labored.
"You're running out of energy," Sheng Wei observed with a smug grin. "This is the difference between a 2-star and a 5-star cultivator. No matter how skilled you are, you can't bridge the gap."
Yan Feng didn't respond. Instead, he took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment, centering himself. When he opened them again, they burned with renewed determination. "I'm not giving up," he declared.
Gathering the last of his strength, Yan Feng unleashed his most powerful technique yet—the Phoenix Burst. Flames enveloped his entire body as he transformed into a fiery blur, charging straight at Sheng Wei. The sheer heat of the attack forced Sheng Wei to summon all his qi to defend himself.
The two clashed in a spectacular explosion of fire and water, the impact sending shockwaves rippling through the arena. The crowd erupted in cheers and gasps as the two figures emerged from the chaos, both breathing heavily but still standing.
Sheng Wei's expression darkened as he wiped a trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth. "You've got guts," he admitted. "But guts alone won't win you this fight."
Yan Feng smirked, his flames flickering weakly around him. "Then come and finish it," he taunted, raising his fists.
The battle raged on, neither fighter willing to back down. Though Sheng Wei maintained the upper hand, Yan Feng's relentless spirit and cunning tactics kept him in the fight, earning the admiration of the crowd.
The elder overseeing the match watched intently, his eyes reflecting the fierce determination of both combatants. It was clear that this battle would be one to remember.