The day of the regional competition had finally arrived. The academy grounds were alive with activity as disciples, instructors, and spectators gathered in anticipation. Tents were set up along the perimeter of the arena, and flags from various clans fluttered in the wind. The air buzzed with excitement, the promise of fierce competition hanging heavy in the air.
Li yuan tian stood at the edge of the arena, his gaze sweeping over the gathered competitors. He could see the disciples from the four major clans of the city—each one strong, each one a formidable opponent. The Gu Clan's disciples were positioned near the front, their expressions filled with quiet confidence. The Lei Clan, known for their exceptional speed and agility, stood nearby, their eyes sharp and calculating. The Zhao Clan disciples had a reputation for their deep mastery of Qi, while the Han Clan's representatives were known for their precision in swordsmanship.
Among them, Li yuan tian noticed a few familiar faces. Li Zhi, standing beside him, adjusted his stance and gave a small nod. Han Jue stood a few feet away, already warming up, his powerful build exuding confidence. Both of them had trained alongside Li yuan tian for months, but this was a different challenge—one that would test them against the best in the region.
Yuan Tian's heart raced. He had trained relentlessly, but he knew the competition would be fierce. The city was home to some of the strongest martial artists in the region, and this was a chance to prove himself.
Old Bai's voice rang out as he approached the group. "Remember," he said, his tone grave, "this competition is not just about raw power. It's about tactics, timing, and adaptability. Don't underestimate anyone."
Li yuan tian nodded, determination filling his chest. "Understood, Master Bai."
"Good," Old Bai said, then turned his attention to the others. "You three—Han Jue, Li Zhi, and Yuan Tian—are my strongest disciples. But the others here are no slouches. Keep your wits about you."
As they moved toward the starting area, Li yuan tian couldn't help but notice the other competitors sizing them up. There was an intensity in the air, a palpable sense of rivalry. Li yuan tian knew this would be no easy task. But he was ready.
The competition started with a series of preliminary battles, each one a test of endurance and skill. Yuan Tian's first opponent was a disciple from the Gu Clan—a tall, muscular figure with a sharp, calculating gaze. The Gu disciple moved with speed, launching a series of quick jabs aimed at Yuan Tian's chest. Li yuan tian blocked the strikes, his body flowing with the rhythm of the fight. The Gu disciple was fast, but Li yuan tian was faster, and he soon found an opening, landing a clean strike to his opponent's side.
The crowd roared in approval as Yuan Tian's opponent staggered back. With a swift movement, Li yuan tian followed up with a precise kick that sent his opponent sprawling to the ground. The Gu disciple tried to rise, but the fight was over. Li yuan tian stood victorious, his chest rising and falling as he caught his breath.
The crowd erupted into applause. Yuan Tian's first victory was a good one, but it was only the beginning.
The tournament continued over the course of several days, with the competitors slowly being whittled down. Li yuan tian fought fiercely, pushing his limits and adapting to each new opponent. His movements grew more fluid with each victory, his confidence building as he advanced further into the competition. He could feel his strength growing, his body tempering itself with every battle.
In the final rounds, the atmosphere grew tense. The last competitors standing were some of the best from the four major clans, as well as a few outsiders who had impressed in their earlier matches. Han Jue had already made it to the top four, his raw power and sheer determination propelling him through each fight. Li Zhi, though quieter, had proven himself as well, his speed and agility serving him well in the ring.
But it was Li yuan tian who surprised everyone. His relentless training and sharp tactics had carried him all the way to the final round. His body was bruised, his limbs aching, but his determination never wavered.
As the final rounds approached, the tension reached its peak. Yuan Tian, Han Jue, and Li Zhi stood among the remaining fighters, each one eyeing the others carefully. Li yuan tian could feel the weight of the competition on his shoulders, but he was ready. He had come this far, and he wasn't about to back down now.
The final round was set.
Li yuan tian stepped into the arena, his eyes focused on the center of the stage. He could feel the weight of the spectators' gazes on him, but he didn't flinch. Han Jue stood a few feet away, his imposing figure a clear reminder of the challenge ahead. The other competitors were equally formidable, but Li yuan tian felt a calmness settle over him. This was his moment.
The first match was between Li Zhi and a disciple from the Lei Clan. Li Zhi's movements were like water—fluid, smooth, and precise. His opponent, though strong, was no match for Li Zhi's speed. The battle was over quickly, with Li Zhi emerging victorious.
Next came Han Jue's fight. His opponent was a burly figure from the Zhao Clan, known for his mastery of heavy strikes and powerful blows. The two clashed with explosive force, the sound of their strikes echoing across the arena. But Han Jue's sheer strength overwhelmed his opponent. With a final, crushing blow, he sent the Zhao Clan disciple to the ground.
Finally, it was Yuan Tian's turn. His opponent, a tall and lean figure from the Han Clan, was known for his strategic mind and quick reflexes. The battle was a dance of tactics—Li yuan tian dodging the Hani disciple's strikes while looking for an opening. The Han disciple was fast, but Yuan Tian's experience and adaptability gave him the edge. After a fierce exchange, Li yuan tian landed a solid blow to his opponent's side, knocking him out of the ring.
With that, the competition was down to the final three: Han Jue, Li Zhi, and Yuan Tian.
The final battle was intense. Han Jue and Li yuan tian clashed in a battle of raw power versus strategy. The ground shook as their fists met, each strike pushing them further into the limits of their strength. In the end, it was Han Jue's overwhelming force that proved to be the deciding factor. With a final, bone-shattering punch, he defeated Yuan Tian, securing his place in second position.
But it was Gu Tian Shen, a disciple from the Gu Clan, who emerged victorious, claiming first place. His speed, precision, and calculated strikes had proven unstoppable. Yuan Tian, despite his best efforts, had to settle for third place.
As the awards were handed out, Li yuan tian stood tall, his chest swelling with pride. Third place wasn't the victory he had hoped for, but it was a sign of how far he had come. Han Jue clapped him on the back, a grin on his face.
"You did well, Yuan Tian," Han Jue said. "Next time, we'll take the top spot."
Li yuan tian smiled, determination burning in his eyes. "Next time, I'll be the one on top."
And with that, the competition came to an end. The three of them had fought hard, but they knew this was only the beginning. The road ahead was long, and many more challenges awaited them. But for now, they had proven their strength—and their journey was just beginning.
The final ranking was as follows:
1. Gu tian shen ( half step blood opening)
2.Han jue (peak body tempering)
3.Li yuan tian(late stage body tempering)
4.Lei Yanshu(late stage body tempering)
5.li zhi(late stage body tempering)
6.Zhao Lingxi(late stage body tempering)
7.Han shuyan(late stage body tempering)
8.Gu tian liang(late stage body tempering)
9.Zhao fei'er(late stage body tempering)
10.Lei shan(late stage body tempering)