The day of the Xuantian Sect competition had arrived. The training grounds, which doubled as the tournament arena, were filled with disciples, elders, and spectators. Flags bearing the sect's insignia fluttered in the wind, and the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. This event wasn't merely a display of talent; it was a proving ground for those who sought to elevate their status and secure their place in the sect's hierarchy.
Ye Chen stood among the outer disciples, his expression calm despite the fervent energy around him. He wasn't here for fame or recognition; his goal was singular—test his strength against the best and continue his climb toward mastery.
The competition began with the announcement of matchups. Disciples gathered around a large board where their names were listed. Ye Chen scanned the list and found his opponent: Lu Han.
The murmurs began immediately.
"Lu Han? Isn't he a core disciple? How did Ye Chen, an outer disciple, end up facing someone of his level?"
"This must be deliberate. Someone wants Ye Chen out of the competition early."
"Lu Han is brutal in his fights. Ye Chen's luck might have run out."
Ye Chen listened to the whispers but remained unfazed. He had long since learned to ignore the doubts and ridicule of others.
The first few matches were routine. Outer disciples faced off, showcasing their skills and occasionally surprising the crowd with hidden talents. But the energy shifted palpably when the announcer called the next match.
"Outer disciple Ye Chen versus core disciple Lu Han!"
The crowd erupted with mixed reactions. Some were eager to see how Ye Chen would handle the challenge, while others assumed it was a foregone conclusion.
Ye Chen stepped into the arena, his sword strapped to his back. Across from him, Lu Han stood tall and confident, his muscular frame radiating strength. He wielded a massive broadsword, its blade gleaming ominously in the sunlight.
"Ye Chen," Lu Han said, his voice loud enough for the crowd to hear, "I don't know what tricks you used to defeat Li Haotian, but your luck ends here. I'll make sure of it."
Ye Chen unsheathed his sword, the blade singing as it cut through the air. "Words mean nothing. Show me your strength."
The fight began with an explosion of energy. Lu Han wasted no time, charging forward with his broadsword raised high. His movements were powerful but lacked the finesse of a true swordsman.
Ye Chen sidestepped the first strike with ease, his movements fluid and precise. His sword flashed, deflecting Lu Han's follow-up attacks with minimal effort.
The crowd watched in stunned silence. Lu Han's reputation as an unstoppable force seemed to falter against Ye Chen's calm and calculated approach.
"Is this all you've got?" Ye Chen asked, his tone neutral but cutting.
Lu Han roared in frustration, his attacks growing wilder. He poured spiritual energy into his broadsword, sending shockwaves rippling through the arena. Yet, no matter how powerful his strikes, Ye Chen avoided or countered them with uncanny precision.
As the battle continued, Ye Chen began to take control. His sword movements became faster, more aggressive, forcing Lu Han onto the defensive. Each strike of Ye Chen's blade carried a sharp intent, and the air around him seemed to hum with sword energy.
Finally, Ye Chen saw an opening. With a swift movement, he disarmed Lu Han, sending the broadsword flying across the arena. He followed with a thrust that stopped inches from Lu Han's chest.
The arena fell silent.
"I… I yield," Lu Han stammered, his voice shaking.
Ye Chen withdrew his sword and stepped back, his expression unchanged. He turned to leave the arena as the crowd erupted in cheers and disbelief.
From the stands, the elders watched with keen interest.
"Remarkable," Elder Qiu said, stroking his beard. "This Ye Chen is no ordinary disciple."
Sect Leader Zhang Tianfeng nodded. "His talent is undeniable, but there's more to him. He's calm under pressure and precise in his execution. Keep a close eye on him."
Back among the disciples, Ye Chen's victory sparked a wave of discussion.
"Did you see that? He made Lu Han look like an amateur!"
"I can't believe an outer disciple has this level of skill. Ye Chen might actually win the entire competition."
Meanwhile, Li Haotian and Wang Zhi stood in the shadows, their faces dark with anger.
"This wasn't supposed to happen," Li Haotian growled. "That fool Lu Han couldn't even hold his own."
Wang Zhi's expression was cold. "Don't worry. The competition isn't over yet. We still have other ways to deal with Ye Chen."
Ye Chen returned to his corner, ignoring the stares and whispers. His focus remained sharp. This victory was only the first step. He could sense that the path ahead would only grow more treacherous, but he welcomed the challenge.
As the competition continued, Ye Chen's name spread like wildfire. Some praised him as a rising star, while others viewed him as a threat. Yet, amidst the growing storm, Ye Chen stood tall, his gaze fixed firmly on the horizon.
The journey had only just begun.