The atmosphere within Cloud Mist Sect was charged with excitement.
Today was the day of the sect's great competition, the one chance every disciple waited for to prove their worth.
On the high platform, where the sect leader and elders sat, a young man walked forward with steady steps.
His bearing was calm, but his eyes flickered with pride. He first bowed respectfully.
"Disciple greets the Sect Leader, the honored Elders, and the senior predecessors."
After that, the youth turned to the side where the Great Elder sat. With a warm smile, he called out,
"Grandfather."
The old man's wrinkled face softened instantly. "Tao'er, you're here."
This youth was none other than Yun Tao, the Great Elder's grandson.
He was the very name that had been whispered moments ago among the male disciples below. He had just broken through to the Dou Shi (Fighter) realm .....a level that placed him firmly above most of his peers.
As Yun Tao appeared, many elders nodded approvingly.
"I heard Yun Tao has already broken through to Dou Shi.
It seems the first place in this grand competition will be between him and Ye Chen," one of them remarked with a smile.
"The boy is indeed talented," another added, eyes filled with satisfaction.
The Great Elder basked in the praise, but his pride carried a subtle edge.
"His talent is decent, but compared to Ye Chen… still far behind."
Though spoken casually, the words pierced Yun Tao's heart like a needle.
His jaw tightened. He had always known it .... in the sect, no matter what he achieved, he lived in Ye Chen's shadow.
He could have been chosen as the Sect Leader's direct disciple if not for Ye Chen suddenly appearing with monstrous talent.
That single twist of fate had left him as nothing more than a side character in Ye Chen's story.
Inside, Yun Tao's resentment boiled, though his face showed nothing but a pleasant smile.
"Ye Chen, junior brother," Yun Tao greeted smoothly, "it has been a while."
"Greetings, Senior Brother Yun Tao," Ye Chen answered with equal politeness, returning a nod and a faint smile.
"How has your cultivation progressed recently?" Yun Tao asked, his tone light but carrying a trace of challenge.
Ye Chen chuckled softly. "So-so. I heard Senior Brother has already stepped into the Dou Shi realm. Congratulations."
The words were humble, but his eyes remained calm, almost dismissive.
He could see Yun Tao's intentions clearly. In truth, he found them amusing.
Compared to him now, Yun Tao's breakthrough was hardly worth noticing. Ye Chen's cultivation had long soared beyond.
Even if the sect didn't know yet, he was already standing on an entirely different level.
The title of first place in this competition? In his heart, it was already his.
"Just a lucky breakthrough," Yun Tao replied with false modesty, though pride flickered in his gaze.
"Junior Brother Ye Chen is extraordinarily gifted. I hope when we cross hands later, you will show mercy."
Ye Chen gave him a light glance, his expression unreadable. "Senior Brother Yun Tao is too polite.
We are all disciples of the same sect; naturally, we will go all out but with respect."
Without lingering, Ye Chen turned and walked directly toward the massive arena at the center of the square.
His figure leaped gracefully, landing on one of the tall platforms that had been built for the competition.
The crowd stirred.
"What is Ye Chen doing? The Sect Leader hasn't even announced the start yet!"
"Why did he suddenly step onto the stage? Is the competition beginning?"
Confusion rippled through the disciples. Normally, the sect's grand competition began with a traditional lottery.
Opponents were decided by drawing lots, not by anyone walking onto the stage on their own.
Even the elders seated on the high platform frowned, exchanging puzzled looks.
Ye Chen stood calmly at the center of the stage, his voice ringing out clearly:
"Teacher, honored Elders ....for this year's competition, why don't we do away with the old method of drawing lots? It wastes too much time."
Cloud Mist Sect Leader Yun Yun's brows furrowed. She studied him carefully. "This child… is he becoming too arrogant?"
Several elders muttered in disapproval. Ye Chen was gifted, yes, but he was still just a disciple. To stand on the stage and demand a change to the competition's rules seemed brazen and disrespectful.
"And how exactly would you change it?" Yun Yun asked at last, her voice calm but carrying weight.
Ye Chen met her gaze without flinching. His tone was steady.
"By Defending the Stage."
A murmur swept through the disciples.
There are nine platforms here. Any disciple confident enough can step up and defend one. Every other disciple will have a single chance to challenge.
Those who remain standing until the end will be the strongest nine. From those nine, the champion will be decided."
His sharp eyes swept across the sea of disciples, lingering on none yet pressing on all.
"In this way, we can swiftly eliminate the weaker participants. Only the true elite will remain standing. The strongest will emerge naturally."
He then turned back to the high platform, bowing slightly. "What does Teacher and the Elders think of this method?"
The sect had always run its competition in the same way: long, tedious, and lasting for several days as match after match dragged on.
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