As the first rays of sunlight pierced through the misty dawn, the Li Clan's martial practice grounds buzzed with anticipation. Today was the day of the selection, a fierce competition that will determine who would accompany Li Tianyan on the expedition to the ancient ruins. The stakes were monumental and incomparably important to those who were gathered here, and also to the Li Clan as ruins were rumored to hold secrets capable of propelling one's cultivation to unimaginable heights.
Li Tianyan stood at the edge of the practice grounds, his emerald-green robe catching the early breeze. His expression was calm, but his sharp eyes scanned the bustling crowd. He had returned late the previous night after Huo Lianhua's extended absence, yet here he was, unruffled, as though the tension in the air was beneath his notice.
The practice grounds were packed. Disciples jostled for a good view, their chatter blending into a chaotic hum. At the center of the grounds stood a stone battle platform, its surface was marked with the scars of countless duels. Below it, ten Foundation Establishment disciples, the best of their generation were gathered with solemn expressions.
An aged elder commonly referred to as Elder Chen, stood on the platform, his long robes flowing as he observed the participants with an air of impartial authority. His hands were clasped behind his back, and his eyes remained closed as if meditating on the events about to unfold.
From the crowd came a hushed murmur.
"The selection is finally happening. I wonder who'll win today."
"Li Tianyan's position is already secure," someone whispered bitterly. "He didn't even need to compete. Talk about unfair."
"Unfair?" A disciple scoffed. "He's earned that spot a hundred times over. No one else at the eighth stage can defeat ninth-stage cultivators like he can."
"Li Feng can," another voice countered. "He's just as strong as Tianyan, but no one gives him the same respect. And let's not forget, he's the First Elder's son. Losing to Tianyan would... well, you know how he gets."
The murmurs ceased abruptly as Li Feng strode into view. His imposing figure and icy demeanor cut through the crowd like a blade. His sharp features were etched with disdain, and his gaze was like a predator surveying its prey. The disciples instinctively parted to let him pass.
Moments later, Li Tianyan strolled into the area, his movements relaxed, his green robe fluttering with an almost regal air. The two locked eyes.
"Li Tianyan," Li Feng said, his voice as cold as the morning air. "I see you're as smug as ever. Must be nice to have everything handed to you."
Li Tianyan smiled faintly, his hands tucked behind his back. "Handed to me? I didn't realize knocking you flat the last three times we sparred was charity work. But it's good you're still trying. Perseverance builds character."
A ripple of laughter spread through the crowd. Li Feng's jaw tightened and his fists clenched at his sides.
"You're nothing without the patriarch's favoritism," Li Feng hissed, stepping closer. "Without him, you'd be just another mediocre disciple."
Li Tianyan tilted his head, his eyes narrowing. "Ah, and here I thought you were tired of being compared to me. Yet you're still clinging to your father's shadow. Interesting strategy. Let's see how far that takes you today."
The tension between the two was suffocating, like a storm building on the horizon. Which was why Elder Chen chose that moment to intervene.
"Enough!" His voice boomed across the grounds, silencing the crowd. "Disciples, prepare yourselves. The selection begins now."
Li Feng shot one last glare at Tianyan before turning sharply and stepping onto the platform. Tianyan watched him go, his lips curving into a subtle smirk.
"This will be interesting," he murmured, his tone laced with amusement. "Let's see how far you'll go, Li Feng."
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Elder Chen raised his hand, signaling the start of the event.
"The rules are simple," he announced with a firm voice. "Ten of you will compete in three rounds. The first is a group melee. Six of you will advance. After that, the matches will be one-on-one until only one remains. Let the tournament commence!"
The disciples leaped onto the platform as the crowd roared. The air shimmered with raw qi as each competitor prepared for battle.
"Begin!" Elder Chen's command rang out.
The platform erupted into chaos.
Li Bo, a hulking figure with arms like tree trunks, roared as he charged straight into the fray. His fists glowed faintly with infused qi, each strike sending tremors through the stone beneath him. He barreled toward Li Qiang, a wiry, light-footed disciple who darted to the platform's edge and dodged the attack with ease.
"Stand and fight, coward!" Li Bo bellowed, slamming his fist into the ground. The impact sent cracks spidering through the stone, but Li Qiang had already darted out of range, his movements akin to shadow.
In another corner, Li Mei and Li Wei, twin siblings known for their seamless teamwork, were locked in a clash against Li Yun, who wielded a heavy iron staff with precision. Li Mei's chain weapon danced through the air, seeking openings in Li Yun's defense, while Li Wei's gauntlets struck with thunderous force.
"Your defenses are solid, Li Yun," Li Mei said, her voice calm despite the chaos. "But let's see how you handle this."
Her chain coiled around the staff, yanking it from Li Yun's grip. Before he could react, Li Wei's fist landed a heavy blow to his ribs, forcing him back.
Meanwhile, Li Feng was the center of attention. Two disciples, Li Hong and Li Jian, rushed him simultaneously, but their coordination fell apart under his relentless assault. With precise movements, he disarmed Li Hong and sent him tumbling off the platform. Li Jian hesitated for a moment too long, and Li Feng capitalized, a devastating palm strike sending him flying.
By the end of the melee, six remained: Li Feng, Li Mei, Li Wei, Li Bo, Li Shun, and Li Yun.
As the combatants caught their breath, Elder Chen stepped forward.
"The second round will determine the final four. Prepare yourselves. You have one minute."
Li Feng stood at the edge of the platform, his gaze began sweeping over the remaining contestants. His lips curled into a smirk as his eyes settled on Li Bo.
"Let's see who's next," he muttered, his voice dripping with confidence.
But just as the crowd had settled, a shadow moved to the edge of the platform. Elder Chen turned sharply, his expression uncharacteristically grim.
The crowd erupted in whispers as a figure stepped forward, their identity obscured by a hooded cloak. Li Tianyan's expression turned cold, his relaxed demeanor vanishing in an instant. "Wait, I want to participate!"
"Who dares interrupt this selection?" Elder Chen demanded.
The figure lowered their hood, revealing a face no one expected.