Kai led his group through the bustling streets of Hesperis, the grand city hosting the Great Celestial Tournament. The city's grandeur was undeniable, but Kai's focus remained sharp. The stone portal at the center of the city loomed ahead, the gateway to the secret realm where the real challenges awaited.
As they approached the central square, the scene was vibrant and chaotic. Competitors and spectators filled the area, all drawn by the spectacle of the tournament. The stone portal stood as a focal point, its surface shimmering with an otherworldly glow.
Kai glanced around, absorbing the energy of the surroundings. 'This city is massive, and this is our first tournament. We need to be ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.'
An official stepped forward and began distributing jade talismans to each participating disciple. The ritual was clear and methodical. Kai watched intently, his mind racing with questions about the upcoming ordeal. The system's voice echoed in his mind, providing a detailed update:
"Greetings, dear host. Here is a summary of the top participating sects:
**1. Radiant Sun Sect**
- **Elder:** Li Feng, Nascent Soul Realm
- **Disciples:** Sun Hao (Qi Refinement), Tian Zhi (Foundation Establishment), Mei Ling (Foundation Establishment)
**2. Azure Sky Pavilion**
- **Elder:** Wu Jian, Nascent Soul Realm
- **Disciples:** Xuan Yu (Qi Refinement), Li Xue (Foundation Establishment), Bai Qian (Foundation Establishment)
**3. Iron Blood Sect**
- **Elder:** Zhao Long, Nascent Soul Realm
- **Disciples:** Zhang Wei (Qi Refinement), Liu Rong (Foundation Establishment), Chen Yue (Foundation Establishment)
**4. Celestial River Sect**
- **Elder:** Chen Yi, Nascent Soul Realm
- **Disciples:** Lin Kai (Qi Refinement), Mo Fan (Foundation Establishment), Ye Wen (Foundation Establishment)
**5. Thunder Valley Sect**
- **Elder:** Lei Shen, Nascent Soul Realm
- **Disciples:** Feng Wu (Qi Refinement), Zhao Lei (Foundation Establishment), Ning Jing (Foundation Establishment)
'These sects are formidable,' Kai thought. 'Their elders are all at the Nascent Soul Realm. We're facing a tough competition.'
The system's teasing tone cut through his thoughts: "Ah, dear host, it seems the Supreme Mount Sect wasn't among the top five. How delightful. But don't be disheartened; this tournament might just be your chance to shine!"
As Kai's disciples received their jade talismans, an official addressed the crowd, explaining the rules. "Welcome to the Great Celestial Tournament. Each participant will receive a jade talisman. To bind it to yourself, drop a single drop of your blood onto it. This will register your name and allow your points, earned by defeating demons in the secret realm, to be displayed on the stone pillar outside. Your name will disappear from the pillar if you fall in battle."
Yun, Roy, Liora, and Aric prepared for the ritual. Yun, at the peak of the Foundation stage, Roy, in the middle of the Foundation stage, and Liora and Aric, both at the first stage of Foundation Establishment, each pricked their fingers and let a drop of blood fall onto their jade talismans. The talismans glowed softly, absorbing the blood, and the stone pillar next to the portal illuminated with their names.
Kai watched the pillar light up with their names, a sense of anticipation building. 'We're ready to enter the secret realm. This is where the real challenge begins.'
As the portal's energy intensified, signaling the imminent start of the tournament, Kai's thoughts turned to the unknown challenges ahead. His disciples' faces were set with determination, reflecting the gravity of the task before them. They were not among the top sects, but Kai was confident they had the potential to surprise their opponents.
The moment of entry was approaching, and with it, the true test of their abilities. Kai felt a surge of apprehension mixed with resolve. The Great Celestial Tournament was about to begin, and every step from here on would be crucial.