The elder overseeing the tournament stood at the edge of the grand viewing platform, his robes billowing gently in the breeze. Elder Yang, a veteran cultivator of the late Golden Core stage, emanated a quiet authority that commanded respect. His sharp eyes scanned the crowd, then moved to the list of participants for the day's matches.
"The annual tournament," he murmured, voice tinged with solemnity. "A stage where ambition is tempered and brilliance either burns brighter or fades into obscurity."
His gaze lingered on the prominent names and the beasts accompanying them. Many were bonded with companions possessing high soul grades and ranks—hallmarks of a future destined for greatness. Among these were talents from the island's ancient clans, renowned families from the mainland, and even the new disciples who had recently joined the sect.
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The Yu Clan, one of the three ancient clans of the island, had sent two shining representatives. Yu Tiancheng, a senior disciple at the Golden Core stage, was a prodigy whose High Spirit ranked Thunderclap Eagle boasted an advanced soul grade. Their bond was near perfect, allowing them to unleash devastating thunderstorm techniques with terrifying precision. He was also the favourite choice for the champion of this year and participated now to become an Inner Disciple. His cousin, Yu Linghua, a newly advanced Foundation Establishment cultivator, wielded the Intermediate Spirit ranked Glacial Phoenix. The phoenix, with its high soul grade, harmonized seamlessly with Linghua's ice techniques, creating a chilling force that few dared to face.
From the Fang Clan, Fang Zhen stood out as a late Foundation Establishment cultivator, paired with the indomitable High Spirit ranked Stoneheart Bear of advanced soul grade. The bear's legendary defenses and overwhelming physical might were complemented by a bond so refined that Zhen could execute earth-shattering techniques without hesitation. His younger sister, Fang Qingmei, wielded the Low Spirit ranked Radiant Sparrow of high soul grade. Though her cultivation level was lower, her speed and precision promised a dazzling future.
The mainland's Luo Clan brought their fiery might with Luo Feng, a Golden Core stage disciple. His Peak Spirit ranked Fiery Kirin, an advanced soul grade beast, was the centerpiece of his blazing techniques. Their synchronization was renowned, their flames capable of overwhelming even water-based defenses. Luo Min, his younger sibling at the Foundation Establishment realm, had bonded with the High Spirit ranked Crimson Serpent, a high soul grade beast whose venom and cunning made it a formidable partner.
The Xu Clan, masters of void and illusion techniques, also sent their best. Xu Zhiyuan's Intermediate Spirit ranked Shadow Wyrm, with an advanced soul grade, thrived in battle through its mastery of void energy, blending into shadows and attacking from unseen angles. Xu Meiling, his junior, brought the High Spirit ranked Myst Veil Crane, a high soul grade beast specializing in stealth and precision. Together, they exemplified the Xu Clan's fearsome reputation.
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Independent talents had also risen to prominence. Wei Jun, a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator, had bonded with an Intermediate Spirit ranked Swift Gale Tiger of high soul grade. The tiger's speed and wind affinity merged seamlessly with Wei Jun's dual-element techniques, marking him as a rising star. Zhang Rui, once dismissed as unremarkable, had tamed a High Spirit ranked Ghostflame Coyote of middle soul grade. Despite its volatile nature, the exceptional bond between Rui and the coyote allowed them to unleash fiery attacks far beyond others.
Among the newly inducted disciples, several carried the legacies of famous clans and families. Meng Fan, from the revered Bai Clan, wielded a High Spirit ranked Silverwater Crane of middle soul grade. His fluid water techniques mirrored the crane's elegance, creating a cohesive and adaptive fighting style. Li Hao, scion of Mountainbreaker clan, was bonded to a Mountainback Turtle of Intermediate Spirit rank, middle soul grade. Its unmatched defense paired perfectly with Hao's earthy resilience. Qin Yue, rumored to be a hidden talent from the Nightshade Pavilion, had bonded with a Peak Spirit ranked Shadowmane Fox, a high soul grade beast whose mastery over shadow Qi amplified Yue's mysterious fighting techniques.
Even those outside renowned families showed promise. Lin Xian, a quiet talent among the new disciples, had formed a bond with a Skybound Falcon of Intermediate Spirit rank, middle soul grade. Its soaring speed and precise strikes made her a competitor to watch.
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Elder Yang's hand traced the edges of the participant list as he exhaled slowly. "High soul grades and spirit ranks of distinction, strong bonds, illustrious legacies... "
He turned his gaze back to the arena, where the first match was about to begin. The roaring crowd and the shimmering beasts below painted a vivid tableau of potential and ambition. Each name carried a story, but only a few would leave a mark on the sect's history.
Straightening his posture, Elder Yang steeled himself for the event.