The dean stood up and explained the rules, setting the stage for the upcoming tournament. He emphasized the need to understand these rules before the intense battles commence.
The tournament had twelve grades in total, beginning with the first-grade participants. A group of ninety students stood ready to showcase their abilities in the name of self-improvement and the legacy of Serenvale. To determine the order of battles, each grade 1 student would draw a number from the box situated beneath the VIP platform, assigning their position in the initial matchups.
The first round consisted of ten fights, each taking place in its own designated ring. The matchups were organized so that each participant faced a direct counterpart – number one against number two, three against four, and so forth. The arena was alive with ten simultaneous battles, the battleground beneath them a canvas for their aspirations.
After the first round, the second round began, pitting the winners of previous matches against each other. This pattern continued, echoing in victory and defeat. Two losses meant elimination from the assessment. With each passing round, contestants would be eliminated until only one remained standing.
Yet, there was an element of chance – should fate decide – allowing one participant to proceed unchallenged, their luck becoming an undeniable part of their strength.
The dean emphasized that, although the arena thrived on combat, safety was paramount. Causing harm to opponents was strictly forbidden. If battles turned too reckless, experienced referees would intervene.
Participants also had the choice to yield, to step back before the fight consumed them. Such a decision, rooted in wisdom and self-awareness, would be respected.
To honor personal styles, each participant could choose a wooden weapon. For those in grades 1 to 3, academy-provided armor was mandatory to ensure safety due to their stage of development.
With these rules laid out, the first-grade students began drawing numbers, getting ready to head to their respective arenas.
The scene shifted as the 90 grade 1 students moved to the table near the VIP platform to draw their numbers. Some, like Yan Sen and Li Wei, belonged to noble backgrounds and their family heads were present on the platform. They took the opportunity to praise their descendants, while one family head, Yan Meng, remained unusually quiet.
Having seen the progress of the three kids who had emerged from closed-door cultivation earlier, Yan Meng was astonished. Their rapid development and exceptional martial arts skills were almost unbelievable. But there were concerns – the speed of their growth and their formidable martial abilities could attract unwanted attention and danger. This could potentially implicate their family in ways they didn't need. The princess was present too – how would she react to the kids' skills? Were they inadvertently placing themselves in a precarious position? Yan Sen had been tasked by his master to win the 2nd-grade bracket, but could he do so while keeping his cultivation hidden? Maybe there was a way around this, Yan Meng mused. Perhaps he could reveal the truth about the powerful master behind their progress after Sen’er and Li Wei's battle. Knowing such a master was backing them might deter others from targeting the kids or their family. It might even elevate the family's prestige, he thought, with a glimmer of hope.
This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.
After the lots were drawn, Yan Sen received number 45, while Li Wei got 72. In the ten arenas, twenty grade 1 students, numbered 1 to 20, faced off in 3-person setups: two contestants and a referee. The battles commenced, and Yan Sen and Li Wei noticed that they could clearly discern the movements, openings, and mistakes of the participants. This heightened perception wasn't merely due to a higher cultivation level – their souls seemed stronger, and the high-level martial arts techniques they were practicing made lower-level martial arts appear simplistic.
Ten minutes passed, and all the fights had concluded. Since these weren't fights to the death, this duration was sufficient to assess the skills of young participants. The next group, numbers 21 to 40, followed suit. Except for Hu Xinlan, whom Yan Sen and Li Wei had previously defeated, nothing else caught their attention. Yan Sen remarked, “It's been a month, but I don't see any improvement in his techniques.” Li Wei responded, “That's normal. Usually, it takes around 4 months to have a breakthrough in skin tempering. Our progress is exceptional due to the techniques our master taught us.” They exchanged thankful smiles before the next group, numbers 41 to 60, took their turn on stage.
Yan Sen, bearing number 45, entered the third arena to face number 46. His opponent hailed from the Huang family and was known for his humor. Equipped with a wooden dagger, the opponent faced Yan Sen, who wielded a wooden halberd. On the VIP platform, the other family heads turned their attention to Yan Meng. Aware that Yan Sen was the son of the northern General and a favorite grandson, they anticipated the Yan family providing him exceptional training. One of them inquired, “Old Meng, when did the Yan family acquire halberd-based martial arts?” Yan Meng chuckled, “Just watch. I'm sure you'll have questions, and I'll answer them all in due time.” The VIP audience grew curious, even the Royal Princes. All eyes were on Yan Sen's arena. The fight commenced, and Yan Sen's opponent charged at him. Yan Sen remained composed and struck, hitting the opponent's armor without causing harm. To the audience, it appeared as a fortunate hit, but those on the VIP platform, high-level cultivators, were amazed. They recognized Yan Sen's efficiency – every move purposeful, no wastage. It was as though a master instructed a student, despite Yan Sen's tender age. But the display continued. Yan Sen unleashed a series of strikes that didn't hurt but targeted fatal points. His opponent couldn't retaliate; his attempts at initiating techniques were constantly thwarted by Yan Sen's strikes. Even if the blows didn't injure, the constant interruption created frustration. The audience thought the opponent struggled to apply his moves, but VIP observers, including the Royal Princess's guards, were astonished. The match ended after 10 minutes, and all eyes turned to Yan Meng. Yan Meng spoke, “Now, do you still believe the Yan Family taught my grandson these techniques?” The family heads and princes exchanged looks. They couldn't fathom the Yan Family instilling this level of mastery. Yan Meng continued, “Yan Sen, along with Li Wei and Mei Lin, our adopted girl, met a strong cultivator who became their master. He trained them, gave them techniques and resources. I've never seen him, but according to the kids, he can even fly. He talked to Yan Sen in front of me, a Foundation Establishment stage cultivator, without my knowledge. I suspect his level is higher than Core Formation.” Shock rippled through the platform. Some were pleased for the Yan and Li families, while others harbored envy. Two, though, felt apprehension – especially Guan Xuantong. He recognized the master as a potential wrench in their Serenvale plans. He needed to inform them promptly.
The fight concluded, and Yan Sen secured his first victory. As another batch of fighters concluded their matches, it was now Li Wei's turn to step onto the stage.
==================================================================================
📚 Author's Message: Supporting the Novel 📚
Dear readers and fellow enthusiasts of the story,
It's with immense joy that I bring you the continuation of our journey through the realms of "Timeless Fate." Crafting this tale has been an incredible adventure, and I'm truly grateful for the support and encouragement I've received from all of you.
Writing takes time and effort, and if you've found yourself engrossed in the world of "Timeless Fate" and would like to contribute to its growth, I'm now accepting donations from those who wish to support the novel. Your generosity will help ensure that I can continue dedicating my time to weaving this intricate narrative, bringing you more chapters filled with adventure, camaraderie, and mystery.
If you're interested in making a donation, no matter how small, it will be deeply appreciated and will go directly toward the development of the story. Your contribution will not only assist in covering the costs of creation but will also serve as a motivating force to keep the creative journey going.
To make a donation, just click on the donation button above, you can send it through PayPal or become a Patron.
Once again, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for being part of this literary voyage. Your enthusiasm and readership are the driving forces behind "Timeless Fate" and I'm excited to continue sharing this adventure with you.
Thank you for your support!
Warmest regards, Prime Cyborg