Chapter 711 – "The Day of the Competition"
The morning sky over the Central Continent was a brilliant, cloudless blue, the kind of clarity that seemed almost staged for the tournament's opening day. The vast arena complex stood at the heart of the capital, its towering gates inlaid with golden runes that pulsed faintly with protective arrays.
From every street leading to it, streams of people flowed — sect disciples in their distinctive robes, merchants hawking food and talismans, curious travelers eager to witness history in the making. The air thrummed with excitement and tension, the mingling scents of incense and fresh steel drifting over the crowd.
Inside the arena, the atmosphere was no less charged. Tiered seating encircled the massive central stage, where an intricate formation circle had been carved into the polished stone floor. Above it, protective barriers shimmered faintly, ready to shield the audience from stray attacks.
Yu Mei stood beside Alex at the Heavenly Sect's assigned section, her posture straight, her eyes sharp as she scanned the gathered competitors. Beside and behind them, Fei Xue, Ling Hua, Mei Lian, Ru Yan, Shui Yun, Yan Zhi, and Jin Rou all waited in calm silence, their presence radiating quiet power.
Across the arena, the banners of the rival sects swayed — the frost-blue of Frost Moon Palace, the crimson and gold of Immortal Flame Pavilion, the deep black of Blood Moon Sect, the emerald-green of Emerald Jade Sect, and the proud gold-and-white of Celestial Dragon Sect.
High above, the tournament officials and sect masters took their seats in the elevated viewing platforms. Even from a distance, Alex could feel their eyes sweeping over the competitors. He knew some of those gazes lingered on the Heavenly Sect longer than others.
The central announcer, a tall man in silver ceremonial robes, stepped forward into the formation circle. His voice, amplified by the arena's arrays, rang out clear and commanding:
"Welcome, disciples and masters from the five continents, to the Central Continent Tournament! Today, the greatest talents of this era will clash — for glory, for honor, for the treasures that will shape their futures!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, the sound echoing against the stone walls like rolling thunder.
Alex's masked face tilted slightly, his voice calm as he spoke to Yu Mei. "It begins."
She nodded once, her eyes never leaving the stage. "Let's see who dares to stand in our way."
The announcer raised his hand, and the roar of the arena slowly quieted until only the faint hum of the protective arrays remained.
"Before we begin, let me remind everyone of the tournament structure," the director said, his voice echoing across the stands. "Each sect begins with one hundred points. There are two forms of competition: the 1v1 duels and the 9v9 group battles."
He gestured to the massive formation circle etched into the arena floor. "In the 1v1 duels, each victory earns your sect ten points. A defeat will still grant your sect ten points — the purpose of these duels is to determine ranking by accumulated points and win ratios. No disciple will face the same opponent twice in these rounds."
A ripple of understanding moved through the stands. Even those new to the tournament could see how this system favored consistent strength over one lucky win.
The director's expression grew sharper. "The 9v9 battles are worth far more — fifty points to the victor, fifty points to the defeated. These matches are where a single victory can change the standings dramatically. But they are also where teamwork and coordination are tested to the limit."
He turned slowly, sweeping his gaze over the gathered competitors from all five continents. "Every year, rivalries are forged here. Every year, legends are born here. And every year, some sects fall into obscurity… never to return."
The crowd stirred, some cheering, some already shouting the names of their favorites.
"Now," the director declared, raising his hand toward the sky. A crystal sphere floated into view, glowing with rotating lights. "The random draw for the first day's 1v1 matches… begins."
The lights inside the sphere began to swirl faster, each flare of color representing one of the twenty-five sects. The air filled with anticipation — and for some, dread.
Yu Mei's lips curved faintly under her calm exterior. "Shall we see who's first?" she murmured to Alex.
Alex's masked gaze never left the sphere. "It doesn't matter who it is."
Chapter 712 – "The First Blood of the Tournament"
The crystal sphere's glow slowed, the swirling lights locking into place one by one until the announcer's voice rang out over the arena.
"First 1v1 Round: Azure Spirit Sect… versus… Celestial Dragon Sect!"
From the Western Continent's seating area, the Azure Spirit Sect disciples froze for a moment — then erupted into groans and muttered curses.
"Why us?!" one hissed.
"This is the worst draw possible!" another spat.
A third buried his face in his hands. "It's over before it even starts."
Their Sect Master's expression was like a rain cloud ready to burst, his hands clasped tightly behind his back. He knew what his disciples knew — against the Central Continent's reigning champions, the outcome was all but decided.
Across the arena, the Celestial Dragon Sect's disciples stood with the calm ease of predators who had already scented victory.
The matches began in rapid succession.
The first Azure Spirit Sect disciple stepped forward, his water and wind techniques flowing smoothly — but was instantly shattered by the raw, overwhelming force of dragon-blooded qi. One strike, and he was down.
Second match — the same. Third. Fourth. Fifth. The rain that had been falling lightly since the match announcement now poured in earnest, soaking the Azure Spirit Sect's section as though the heavens themselves pitied them.
By the ninth duel, the Azure Spirit Sect's morale had sunk to the lowest point in living memory. Their final disciple, teeth clenched, managed to survive more than a single exchange — but in the end, the result was no different.
Nine matches. Nine losses.
The announcer's voice was mercilessly clear. "Azure Spirit Sect — 10 points remaining."
Their starting 100 points had been gutted, 90 lost in the space of a single round.
In the Celestial Dragon Sect's section, the golden-eyed prodigy simply turned away, not even glancing at the disciples they had just crushed.
In the Azure Spirit Sect's corner, not a word was spoken. Only the steady sound of rain.
The announcer's voice boomed once more, his tone carrying the excitement of the crowd.
"And with that crushing display from the Celestial Dragon Sect, we have our first updated scoreboard!"
A massive shimmering projection appeared high above the arena, the characters clear enough for even those in the furthest seats to read.
Western Continent
Heavenly Sect – 100Azure Spirit Sect – 10Iron Fist Sect – 100Golden Root Sect – 100White Lotus Sect – 100
Northern Continent
Blood Moon Sect – 100Savage Fang Hall – 100Ghostfire Abyss Sect – 100Thousand Fangs Pavilion – 100Shadow Claw Sect – 100
Southern Continent
Frost Moon Palace – 100Radiant Sun Palace – 100Serpent Song Sect – 100Sky Feather Hall – 100Ocean Soul Sect – 100
Eastern Continent
Emerald Jade Sect – 100Scarlet Halberd Sect – 100Nine Waves Sect – 100Fallen Star Sect – 100Heaven's Edge Sect – 100
Central Continent
Celestial Dragon Sect – 190Immortal Flame Pavilion – 100Heavenly Phoenix Hall – 100True Void Sect – 100Mountain Sea Sect – 100
Gasps and murmurs rolled through the crowd. The score gap was already massive after just the first match.
The commentator's voice dropped into an almost pitying tone. "For the Azure Spirit Sect to start with such misfortune… facing the defending champions in round one… their path forward will be steep indeed."
In the Heavenly Sect's corner, Fei Xue glanced at Alex. "If they're this weak, the rest will fall even faster."
Alex's masked face didn't move. "It's not about speed. It's about making sure they understand."
Chapter 713 – "The Fire Consumes the Lotus"
The crystal sphere slowed again, its glow locking into place as the announcer's voice echoed over the arena.
"Third 1v1 Round: White Lotus Sect… versus… Immortal Flame Pavilion!"
A murmur rippled through the crowd. Everyone knew the Immortal Flame Pavilion had placed second in the last tournament — second only to the Celestial Dragon Sect — and their offensive power was infamous across all five continents.
In the Western Continent's seating, the White Lotus Sect disciples sat pale-faced, their usual gentle composure replaced by tight jaws and lowered eyes. They were healers, defensive specialists, and formation experts — not built for open duels against an offensive powerhouse.
"This is… unfair," one whispered, voice trembling.
Another muttered bitterly, "It might as well be an execution."
Yu Mei's gaze was cool as she watched from the Heavenly Sect's section. "They won't stand a chance. Immortal Flame fights to dominate, not to test skill."
Alex said nothing, though his eyes followed the Pavilion's crimson-and-gold fighters as they stepped onto the stage with effortless confidence.
The first duel began — and ended almost instantly. A single sweeping arc of searing flame forced the White Lotus disciple to activate every defensive talisman she had, but the fire shattered them one by one before knocking her out of the ring.
The second fight lasted no longer. The third was even faster.
Nine matches. Nine defeats.
The scoreboard shimmered and shifted:
White Lotus Sect – 10
Immortal Flame Pavilion – 190
The White Lotus Sect returned to their section in silence, heads bowed.
The commentator's voice carried a tone of grim amusement. "Three rounds, three devastating sweeps. The early standings are already beginning to split between the predators and the prey."
Fei Xue's eyes flickered toward the swirling crystal above the arena. "If they keep matching weak sects against the top contenders, the bloodshed will only grow."
Alex's masked face tilted slightly. "Then perhaps it's time for us to be called."
The sphere began to spin again.
The swirling crystal slowed again, locking onto its next pair.
"Fifth 1v1 Round: Frost Moon Palace… versus… Scarlet Halberd Sect!"
From the Southern Continent's section, the women of Frost Moon Palace rose in perfect unison, their pale-blue robes swaying like drifting snow. Their expressions were icy, not a flicker of warmth in their eyes. When their gazes swept across the Scarlet Halberd Sect's fighters — all men, broad-shouldered and armed with massive weapons — the disdain was almost tangible.
The commentator's tone shifted knowingly. "Frost Moon Palace — an all-women sect famed for their ice cultivation and their utter rejection of men. Against the militaristic Scarlet Halberd Sect, this clash will be as much about pride as skill."
From the opening duel, Frost Moon Palace dominated. Their cold, precise strikes froze weapons mid-swing, locked armor plates in place, and slowed the men's movements until every exchange ended the same way — a ring-out or a clean disarm.
Only in the fourth match did Scarlet Halberd Sect manage a victory, when one of their halberd masters broke through the ice barriers with a sheer surge of brute force. But it was their only success.
When the last match ended, the scoreboard lit up:
Frost Moon Palace – 180
Scarlet Halberd Sect – 20
Gasps and murmurs ran through the stands at the sheer gap. The Frost Moon Palace fighters returned to their seats without a single smile, their eyes as cold as when they had arrived.
"They didn't even celebrate," Shui Yun noted with a smirk from the Heavenly Sect's section. "Guess they really don't care about anything but proving themselves better."
Alex's tone was calm, almost bored. "For them, that was the celebration."
The crystal sphere began to turn again, drawing the next set of names.
Chapter 714 – "Before Our Turn"
The afternoon sun spilled over the arena, glinting off the shimmering scoreboard projection that now floated above the stage. The numbers were fresh from the last round of matches, and the crowd buzzed as they studied the shifting rankings.
Western Continent – Stable, united under Heavenly Sect
Heavenly Sect – 100Azure Spirit Sect – 10Iron Fist Sect – 60Golden Root Sect – 10White Lotus Sect – 10
Northern Continent – Path of demons and beast taming
Blood Moon Sect – 190Savage Fang Hall – 80Ghostfire Abyss Sect – 90Thousand Fangs Pavilion – 120Shadow Claw Sect – 140
Southern Continent – Most culturally diverse
Frost Moon Palace – 180Radiant Sun Palace – 110Serpent Song Sect – 30Sky Feather Hall – 20Ocean Soul Sect – 60
Eastern Continent – Politically unstable, many rises and falls
Emerald Jade Sect – 170Scarlet Halberd Sect – 20Nine Waves Sect – 40Fallen Star Sect – 140Heaven's Edge Sect – 50
Central Continent – Strongest overall, most consistent winners
Celestial Dragon Sect – 190Immortal Flame Pavilion – 190Heavenly Phoenix Hall – 180True Void Sect – 160Mountain Sea Sect – 150
Alex's masked gaze lingered on the board for a moment. "If there are twenty-five sects," he said, "then one must always be left out in each round. Does that mean we're skipping our turn this time?"
Yu Mei shook her head. "It doesn't work like that."
Her tone stayed calm, but there was a faint glint of anticipation in her eyes as she explained. "Our names — the nine of us — will be drawn individually. One of us will be matched to face one randomly selected fighter from a different sect. It's not the sect that fights — it's the individual matchups that decide the points."
Alex tilted his head slightly. "So it's possible that our group could face fighters from nine different sects in one round."
Yu Mei gave a small nod. "Exactly. Which means no matter how the draw goes, we'll be stepping in very soon."
The crystal sphere above the arena began to spin again, its colors shifting in a dizzying swirl as the crowd quieted.
The Heavenly Sect's turn was coming.
The commentator's voice cut through the murmurs of the crowd.
"And now… the moment the Western Continent's strongest sect has been waiting for. The first Heavenly Sect fighter to be drawn for this round…"
The crystal sphere slowed, one of its glowing fragments locking into a name.
"Ling Hua!"
From the Heavenly Sect's section, the second sister rose gracefully to her feet, the faintest curve of a smile on her lips. Her fan rested lightly in her hand, its lacquered surface catching the light as she descended toward the arena floor.
The announcer's voice rose again. "Ling Hua will face… a disciple of the Celestial Dragon Sect!"
The crowd stirred immediately — some with excitement, others with murmurs of surprise.
The rules allowed the Celestial Dragon Sect to select any one of their nine current competitors for the duel. In their section, the golden-eyed Sect Master gave a small nod toward his fighters. One of them — a tall young man with short silver hair and the coiled power of dragon qi rippling under his skin — stepped forward without hesitation.
The commentator leaned forward over the railing of his platform. "The Celestial Dragon Sect has chosen one of their dragon-blooded elites! This is no warm-up match — Ling Hua is facing the best right from the start."
From the Heavenly Sect's seating, Yu Mei crossed her arms. "They're trying to test us immediately."
Alex's voice was calm, almost amused. "Then let them see what they asked for."
Ling Hua reached the center of the formation circle, her poise unshaken. Across from her, the Celestial Dragon disciple's golden eyes narrowed, the faint heat of draconic aura spilling into the air.
The barrier shimmered to life around them.
"First duel of the Heavenly Sect," the announcer declared. "Begin!"
The barrier flared as the match began, both fighters moving instantly — but Ling Hua's grace was deceptive. She unfolded her fan with a crisp snap, the polished ribs flashing briefly before the air itself seemed to ripple.
The Celestial Dragon Sect disciple lunged, his dragon qi flaring in molten gold. The ground cracked beneath his first step, the force behind it enough to shatter a weaker fighter's guard outright.
Ling Hua didn't retreat. Her fan cut through the air in a sweeping arc, and a razor-thin wall of wind roared forward with the sound of tearing silk.
It hit him square in the chest.
The impact wasn't a push — it was an explosion of compressed air and slicing wind blades, the kind that could strip bark from a tree or skin from bone. The sound was like a thunderclap in the confined arena space.
The audience barely had time to gasp before the Celestial Dragon disciple's body smashed backward into the barrier. The transparent wall shuddered violently, hairline cracks of light racing across its surface before it shattered.
The fighter's limp body shot through the opening, flying in a brutal arc over the edge of the stage and into the front rows of the audience.
Screams erupted as spectators threw themselves sideways, the gust from his landing scattering cloaks and knocking a few people off their feet. His body hit the stone seating with a sickening thud, bouncing once before coming to rest in a crumpled heap.
Silence followed — broken only by the groan of stone settling from the impact.
The arena healers were already moving, rushing to check his condition. But as they leaned over him, it was clear from his slack expression and shallow breathing — he was unconscious, completely removed from the fight in less than a heartbeat.
Up in the Heavenly Sect's seating, Shui Yun let out a low whistle. "Level eight, huh? Didn't even get to see the second move."
Alex's masked face remained unreadable. "They'll think twice before choosing carelessly again."
The scoreboard shimmered, updating the points as the crowd erupted into shocked whispers.
Gasps and murmurs rippled through the stands like a sudden wind.
"They're both level eight… how—?"
"That wasn't even a fight, it was an execution!"
"Did you see the barrier? It shattered! That's supposed to withstand full-power blows!"
People leaned over railings, craning their necks to look at the unconscious Celestial Dragon disciple being carried away by the healers. More than a few spectators exchanged uneasy glances — the Heavenly Sect was already known as the strongest in the West, but no one expected such a violent gap when facing one of the Central Continent's elites.
The commentator's voice carried a rare note of disbelief. "An overwhelming victory for Ling Hua of the Heavenly Sect! Both combatants were ranked at the Eternal Throne Realm, yet the sheer difference in technique and control was undeniable. If this is the standard of the Heavenly Sect's fighters… the rest of the tournament just got much more dangerous."
In the Celestial Dragon Sect's section, expressions were tight, the golden-eyed Sect Master watching Ling Hua return to her team with a cool, unreadable gaze. The air around their seats was heavy — pride wounded, but not broken.
From the Heavenly Sect's seats, Yu Mei's eyes followed the reactions across the arena. "They didn't expect that."
Alex's reply was quiet, but it carried through to her. "They'll expect worse next time."
The scoreboard above shimmered again, the Heavenly Sect's total climbing by ten points.
Chapter 715 – "Flowing Spear, Crushing Tide"
The crystal sphere slowed its rotation once more, and the announcer's voice rang out over the arena.
"Next match: Ru Yan of the Heavenly Sect… versus… a disciple of the Blood Moon Sect!"
From the Northern Continent's section, a tall, broad-shouldered man in crimson stepped forward, his expression fixed in a cold smirk. The demonic aura radiating from him was sharp and suffocating, his eyes glowing faintly red as he leapt into the arena.
The commentator's tone carried excitement. "Another clash between Eternal Throne Realm cultivators — both at the eighth level! This promises to be a test of skill and speed."
Ru Yan descended the steps with her usual calm, spear in hand. Her movements were neither rushed nor hesitant; the cool precision in her eyes never wavered.
The barrier closed around them.
"Begin!"
The Blood Moon Sect disciple lunged first, his demonic qi flaring like a blood-red flame. His strikes were heavy, each one aimed to overwhelm her defenses and end the match quickly.
Ru Yan's reply was a single smooth motion — her spear lowered, its tip glinting with condensed water. She stepped forward, and the point drove toward his chest.
He parried, but the water qi clung to him like a second skin. Her spear swept in a half-circle, the liquid edge trailing behind in a glittering arc before snapping forward again.
One strike. Two. Three.
The sound of impact was sharp, echoing through the arena. The Blood Moon Sect disciple staggered back with each blow, the water qi eating away at his balance and slowing his movements.
Four strikes. Five. Six.
By the seventh, his guard had completely collapsed. The eighth hit drove him to one knee, and the ninth sent him sprawling flat on his back, his weapon clattering across the floor.
The barrier flickered and dropped.
"Victory — Ru Yan of the Heavenly Sect!"
The crowd roared, some in awe, others in disbelief at how quickly the duel had ended.
From the Heavenly Sect's section, Ling Hua smirked faintly. "Quick and clean."
Alex simply nodded, eyes still on the arena. "As expected."
The scoreboard shimmered again — Heavenly Sect: 120. Blood Moon Sect: 180.
The crystal sphere spun again, slowing until the announcer's voice carried over the arena.
"Next match: Mei Lian of the Heavenly Sect… versus… a disciple of the Radiant Sun Palace!"
A young man in gold-and-crimson robes strode out from the Southern Continent's section, sunlight glinting off his blade. His expression was confident, almost smug — the pride of his sect clear in the way he carried himself.
Across from him, Mei Lian stepped lightly onto the stage, her serene face unreadable. In her hand, her sword gleamed faintly, tendrils of green light already coiling along the blade — the signature glow of her wood-element mana.
The barrier sealed, and the announcer's hand came down. "Begin!"
The Radiant Sun Palace disciple wasted no time, surging forward with a blaze of golden light. His sword cut a burning arc through the air — but Mei Lian didn't move from her spot.
With a single step, her sword swept out, vines bursting forth from the air itself, twisting around his legs and arms in a blink.
Before he could react, her blade followed — a precise horizontal slash that knocked his weapon aside, followed by a vertical strike that slammed into his chestplate. The impact sent him skidding backward, the green glow of her mana still eating away at his defenses.
By the time he hit the ground, the vines had fully locked his limbs. He could only stare up in shock as her sword tip hovered at his throat.
The barrier dissolved.
"Victory — Mei Lian of the Heavenly Sect!"
The crowd erupted again, the astonishment mounting. Three fights, three decisive wins — all against level eight opponents. And this time, it had taken less than ten seconds.
Fei Xue's calm voice carried from the Heavenly Sect seats. "They're starting to realize."
Alex's eyes tracked the shifting expressions in the rival sect sections. "Good. Let them."
The scoreboard shimmered: Heavenly Sect – 130. Radiant Sun Palace – 100.