Twenty years later...
In a dense, fog-shrouded forest, a wide, open field surrounded by mature, mature trees awaited. A crowd gathered all around, whispering faces everywhere. And at the head of that crowd stood Master Fung Shu Ri, a mature man with long, sharp eyes and a long, white beard. Master Fung Shu Ri was one of the remaining royal advisors who had fought their fate in a catastrophe.
Right in front of the crowd stood the kingdom's most promising young men, lined up in perfect harmony and dignity.
It was fate or misfortune that only two great clans remained. But the kingdom needed an emperor. These two clans often clashed over one thing or another. Consequently, Master Fung Shu Ri, in his duties as royal advisor, organized a competition. Today, they all gathered to begin that competition, one that would shape the future.
Master Fung Shu Ri flashed his sword in the air, and the crowd naturally split in two at the sword's gesture.
Then Master Fung Shu Ri's voice rang through the air like the wind echoing through the mountains. He made his voice loud and resonant for all to hear.
"As you all know, our King Dao Shu Ling
was assassinated twenty years ago in a dastardly conspiracy. And for this reason, as the highest-ranking official remaining, I hereby declare the beginning of this grand contest between the heirs of the last two tribes."
He took a moment to breathe, then raised his hand.
"Whoever wins this contest first will be declared the next ruler of this kingdom."
As these words were uttered, the flags of the two tribes, divided into two, fluttered in the air. On one side fluttered a red flag bearing the mark of a blazing fire, and on the other, a cool, pale blue flag bearing the mark of an ancient sword. Whispers and whispers spread through the crowd. Everyone's face lit up.
Just then, an elderly man dressed in light blue robes appeared, his face beaming with calm and dignity. He looked at Master Fung Shu Ri, paid him deep respect, and spoke in a firm voice, yet even that firmness was dignified.
"I am Chui Yong, head of the Linyan clan. My hopes rest on our most promising young prince, Mo Yan. May he rise and take the throne."
A tall, slender, and handsome young man stepped forward, followed by his four disciples. It was Mo Yan. His face was calm, his eyes sharp, staring straight ahead. His presence was calm yet commanding. Mo Yan bowed before Master Fung Shu Ri and stood there in front of everyone, respectfully. His gaze was filled with curiosity, but without arrogance.
Master Fung Shu Ri looked at him with great respect.
Then suddenly, another elderly man came from the other side, facing the crowd. With his face radiant with pride, his red robes radiating, he bowed before Master Fung Shu Ri with his eyes filled with respect and spoke, his voice blazing with pride.
"I am kin Lishuan, the head of the Fuzi Xion clan. I have complete confidence in our Prince Yu Sui."
He gestured with his hand for Yu Sui to come forward.
"All our best wishes go to our beloved Prince Yu Sui, that he may win this competition with dignity and become the heir to the throne."
Just then, from behind him, among the disciples, Yu Sui, dressed in dark red robes, stepped forward with a composed, calm gait. His eyes were calm and confident. A slight smile graced his lips. Without hesitation, he stepped forward and bowed to Master Fung Shu Ri in his own mischievous manner.
"Greetings, Master. It's so nice to see you alive."
Master Fung Shu Ri's eyes widened, but he took a deep breath, responded to Yu Sui's bow, and stood quietly.
Yu Sui, his fellow disciples, stood with their faces down, hiding their laughter. Yu Sui, shouldering his sword, charged straight toward Mo Yan. When he looked at Mo Yan, he paused for a moment, as Mo Yan's eyes, filled with blazing sparks, stared at him. But Yu Sui gave Mo Yan a wry smile and went straight to stand next to him.
The sight of the two princes standing shoulder to shoulder sent a wave of excitement through the crowd. The forest resounded with applause, whispers, and the clear sound of rising tension. Each clan was supporting its heir. All eyes were fixed on the two young heirs.
Standing quietly, Mo Yan looked at Yu Sui, gave him a burning look, and spoke with a slight mockery.
"So, you're here. Do you even know what kind of competition this is?"
Yu Sui tilted his head slightly, looked at Mo Yan with wide eyes and faked a smile. When he replied, mischief was evident in his voice.
"I know more than you. I was trained for this day, not like you, dry leaf."
Hearing this, Mo Yan's eyes sharpened like swords. He slashed out through gritted teeth.
"What? How dare you!"
As soon as he said this, Mo Yan's hand went to his sword. Master Fung Shu Ri immediately stepped forward to try and calm the boiling atmosphere. Before the tension between the two princes could escalate further, a thunderous voice echoed through the forest, silencing the crowd. Both princes stood upright.
"Stop it!"
Master Fung Shu Ri advanced with quiet steps, his presence imposing and imposing. The entire field fell silent with his single roar.
"This is no ordinary contest,"
He said, his voice like an approaching storm. "This isn't just a matter of pride or clan loyalty. The winner of this test won't become king immediately. The winner must first spend eight years at the main Tao Hua Chuan school, where they will be taught cultivation, the path of cultivation, and discipline. Only then will they be worthy of ruling this land!"
These words struck every heart like lightning. Everyone fell silent. Even the clan heads bowed their heads in respect. They respected his words.
After a moment of silence, Master Fung Shu Ri, with a sharp gesture, raised his hand toward the misty hills.