The experience in Sunset Town had given Cloud Beguile a deeper understanding of the jianghu. He realized that it was not merely about fighting and treachery, but also about genuine friendship, justice, and kindness.
The warmth and sincerity of Wang Tiechu had touched Cloud Beguile, who had long been deprived of such camaraderie. The two traveled together, honing their martial arts and engaging in lively conversations, finding much enjoyment in each other's company.
"Cloud Brother, your swordsmanship is so impressive at your young age - truly admirable!" Wang Tiechu said, swinging his spiked club.
"You're too kind, Tiechu. My sword skills are nothing remarkable in the jianghu," Cloud Beguile replied modestly.
"Don't be so humble, Cloud Brother. I saw with my own eyes how you easily defeated those Black Wind Stronghold bandits. Your sword techniques are truly formidable!" Wang Tiechu insisted. "By the way, Cloud Brother, who did you learn your sword art from? It's so amazing!"
"The sword techniques I use have been passed down in my family," Cloud Beguile said, not revealing his inheritance from the Azure Lotus Immortal.
"I see." Wang Tiechu nodded. "Cloud Brother, with your noble lineage and exceptional talents, you're destined to become a renowned sword master in the future!"
"You flatter me, Tiechu." Cloud Beguile smiled.
As they continued their journey, Wang Tiechu suddenly pointed ahead. "Cloud Brother, look, that's Star City up ahead!"
Cloud Beguile followed his gaze to see a towering city, its imposing walls and gates rising above the plain. The bustling city within was a sight to behold.
"Star City is the largest settlement for miles around, and a gathering place for cultivators. Every three years, it hosts a grand martial arts tournament that attracts practitioners from all over," Wang Tiechu explained. "Cloud Brother, shall we go take a look? We might get to witness some impressive displays of skill."
"Very well, let's go." Cloud Beguile nodded.
The two quickened their pace towards Star City.
...
True to its reputation, Star City was brimming with the presence of cultivators. Robed figures, swords slung on their backs, could be seen everywhere - some in lively discussion, others meditating in solitude, the air thick with the aura of the immortal arts.
As Cloud Beguile and Wang Tiechu entered the city, they were captivated by the vibrant scene. Shops lining the streets offered a wide array of elixirs, talismans, spirit beasts, and rare treasures, catering to the diverse needs of the cultivators.
The bustling crowds were a mix of wealthy scions, ragged beggars, swordsmen, spell-casters, and all manner of extraordinary characters, creating a dynamic, eclectic tapestry.
"Cloud Brother, look, that's the registration area for the martial arts tournament!" Wang Tiechu pointed to a raised platform in the distance.
Cloud Beguile followed his gaze to see a grand stage adorned with a large banner proclaiming the "Martial Arts Tournament".
Throngs of cultivators were lining up, eagerly awaiting their chance to register for the prestigious event.
"Cloud Brother, let's go sign up as well!" Wang Tiechu said excitedly.
"Alright." Cloud Beguile agreed, and the two made their way to the registration booth.
After paying the fee, they each received a numbered token - Cloud Beguile's was "108", while Wang Tiechu's was "109".
"Cloud Brother, how fortuitous, our numbers are consecutive!" Wang Tiechu laughed.
"Indeed, quite a coincidence," Cloud Beguile replied with a smile.
...
The martial arts tournament commenced three days later.
During this time, Cloud Beguile and Wang Tiechu explored the city, encountering many new and fascinating sights, as well as making the acquaintance of various cultivator friends.
Though Cloud Beguile had concealed his true identity and abilities, his exceptional sword skills, honed through the Azure Lotus Sword Techniques, still managed to draw the attention of many.
Among them were some with less than honorable intentions.
...
On the day of the tournament, Star City was abuzz with excitement. Cultivators had arrived from all directions, packing the competition grounds to the brim.
The arena was a vast circular plaza, with a raised stage at the center where the city lord and revered elders from the major sects sat as the esteemed judges.
The tournament rules were simple - participants would take the stage in numerical order, with the winners advancing and the losers eliminated, until the top ten finalists were determined, who would then be rewarded handsomely.
"Number 108, Cloud Beguile, will face Number 256, Li Jianfeng!"
At the announcement, Cloud Beguile stepped onto the stage.
His opponent was a young man in azure robes, wielding a long sword. This was Li Jianfeng, a scion of a prominent Star City family, his cultivation already at the mid-Foundation Establishment realm, with formidable sword skills.
"Cloud Brother, please show me your art." Li Jianfeng bowed politely.
"As you wish." Cloud Beguile returned the bow.
Both drew their swords, the blades gleaming with a chilling aura.
"Swoosh!"
Li Jianfeng made the first move, his form blurring into a bolt of azure, his sword qi surging towards Cloud Beguile's throat.
"Azure Cloud Sword Technique, First Form: Azure Cloud Ascent!"
But Cloud Beguile remained composed, subtly shifting his body to evade the attack, then sweeping his Azure Enigma Sword, unleashing a azure sword qi in retaliation.
"Azure Lotus Sword Technique, First Form: Azure Lotus Blossoms!"
"Boom!"
The two sword qi collided, creating a thunderous explosion that whipped up clouds of dust.
"Incredible sword qi!"
"This young man's sword techniques are truly formidable!"
"He's no ordinary cultivator, it seems."
The surrounding spectators murmured in awe and admiration.
Li Jianfeng was also taken aback by Cloud Beguile's prowess. He had not expected such strength from his opponent.
"Boy, you've been concealing your true abilities!" Li Jianfeng roared.
"As have you." Cloud Beguile's reply was calm.
The two clashed again, sword lights flashing, sword qi lashing out in a fierce battle.
Though Li Jianfeng's cultivation was higher, Cloud Beguile's sword techniques were more refined, and with the Azure Enigma Sword as his ally, the two were evenly matched, neither able to gain the upper hand.
"Azure Cloud Sword Technique, Second Form: Azure Cloud Blot Out the Sun!"
Li Jianfeng unleashed a torrent of azure sword qi, but Cloud Beguile's agile movements allowed him to weave through the assault, unharmed.
"Azure Lotus Sword Technique, Second Form: Azure Lotus Sword Dance!"
Cloud Beguile's sword transformed into an azure lotus that enveloped him, deflecting Li Jianfeng's attacks.
"This... how is this possible?!" Li Jianfeng's face drained of color, his eyes wide with fear.
He never imagined Cloud Beguile would be able to withstand his onslaught.
"Who are you really?" Li Jianfeng demanded.
"Isn't it obvious?" Cloud Beguile replied calmly. "I am Cloud Beguile."
"Cloud Beguile? You're from the Cloud Clan?!" Li Jianfeng's expression turned to one of shock and dread.
The Cloud Clan was an elite cultivator family, and though they had been wiped out, their legacy still inspired awe and caution.
"Now, will you continue this fight?" Cloud Beguile asked.
Realizing he was no match, Li Jianfeng had no choice but to concede.
"I forfeit."
He jumped down from the stage, defeated.
"Number 108, Cloud Beguile, wins!"
The announcement was met with thunderous cheers from the audience.
"Cloud Beguile! Cloud Beguile! Cloud Beguile!"
Cloud Beguile's name had now spread throughout Star City, his skills drawing the attention of many, including those with less than noble intentions.