Longshen City - City Square
The city square was alive with anticipation, a sea of cultivators gathered beneath the grand stage. Every clan in Longshen City had assembled, their leaders standing at the forefront while disciples and younger members filled the space behind them. Banners of various families fluttered in the wind, each representing a different legacy of strength and prestige.
James stood among his fellow clan members, observing the event with a calm yet curious expression. He had expected only the Ying Sect to be present, but as four figures walked onto the stage, his eyes widened in shock. This was far bigger than he had imagined.
A tall man with long silver hair and sharp eyes stepped forward, his voice resonating across the square. "I am Elder Yuan of the Dugong Sect." his gaze swept across the crowd before he continued "This year, our sects have come together to choose the most promising talents of Longshen City."
Next to him, a woman in a black and golden robe took a step forward. She had a regal presence, her piercing gaze unwavering. "I am Elder Su Mei of the Jingong Sect. Only those with true potential will earn the right to join us."
A burly man with a rough demeanor let out a low chuckle. "I am Elder Huo Zheng of the Yanpai Sect. If you lack strength, don't waste our time." His words sent murmurs through the crowd, his bluntness intimidating some of the younger disciples.
Finally, the last figure stepped forward—a woman draped in flowing a white robe, her features delicate yet commanding. "I am Senior Sister Lianhua of the Ying Sect." she said, her voice carrying a gentle strength. James felt his breath hitch slightly as their eyes met. He hadn't expected to see her here.
Lianhua's lips curled into a small smile before she turned her attention back to the crowd. However, her movement did not go unnoticed. A senior brother standing beside her narrowed his eyes and leaned in slightly. "Is something wrong?"
Lianhua shook her head lightly, still smiling. "Everything is fine."
James exhaled, breaking his gaze as he focused on the ongoing announcement. He didn't want to dwell on old memories, yet Lianhua's presence made that difficult.
Elder Yuan continued, "Each of the ten major clans in Longshen City will select five of their best disciples. Tomorrow, those chosen will compete against one another. Only the strongest will earn a place in our sects."
Excitement and tension filled the air as the clan leaders exchanged looks, already contemplating their choices. This selection would not only determine the future of many young cultivators but also reflect the strength of their respective clans.
As the announcement concluded, the clan members began to disperse, their discussions lively with speculation. James followed the Lei Clan members back, his mind filled with thoughts of the upcoming challenge.
Tomorrow, the real test would begin.
Li Family - household
As the Li Clan made their way back home, James was deep in thought. Seeing Lianhua at the arena had shaken him more than he expected. He hadn't thought about her in so long, yet her sudden appearance had stirred old emotions.
"James?"
A soft voice pulled him from his thoughts. Li Mei was walking beside him, her sharp eyes studying his face. "Is something wrong?"
James felt a hand on his shoulder and quickly composed himself. "Everything is fine."
Li Mei narrowed her eyes slightly, unconvinced, but she simply smiled. "If you say so."
As they reached the clan estate, the Lei Clan Patriarch gathered them. "Tomorrow, we will announce those selected for the competition. Rest well."
The disciples nodded, some heading to their rooms while others stayed behind to discuss the upcoming challenge. James turned to leave when he heard Li Mei's voice again.
"James."
He turned, and she leaned in close, whispering, "You'll be selected tomorrow. Just as we agreed." She winked at him playfully.
James gave a small nod, acknowledging her words, and with that, they bid each other farewell until morning.
Night fell, and James sat on his bed, lost in his thoughts. The day had been overwhelming, and tomorrow would be even more so. But as he sat there, he suddenly sensed another presence in his room.
His body tensed, and before he could react, the figure revealed themselves.
"Senior Sister Lianhua?"
She stood before him, her white robes glowing faintly in the moonlight. A smirk played on her lips as she studied him. "Surprised to see me?"
James quickly gathered himself and greeted her with a small bow. "Senior Sister."
Lianhua took a step closer, her eyes never leaving his. "I expect you not to disappoint me in the competition tomorrow."
James nodded. "I won't."
She moved even closer, her presence almost overwhelming. The faint scent of jasmine filled his senses. "You've been training," she murmured, her smirk deepening.
James felt heat rise to his cheeks as she raised a single finger and lightly traced it along his face. The unexpected touch made his breath hitch.
Lianhua chuckled softly, pleased by his reaction. Then, just as suddenly as she had appeared, she vanished into the night, leaving James sitting there, slightly dazed and blushing.
Longshen City - Sect Selection Day
Morning arrived, and the Li Clan gathered in the grand hall, anticipation thick in the air. The Patriarch stood before them, his gaze steady as he began the announcement.
"The five disciples representing the Lei Clan in the selection tournament are… Li Mei, Li Jiang, Li Zhang, Li Yun, and James."
A murmur ran through the disciples. James remained composed, though he noticed a few surprised glances thrown his way. He had expected to be chosen, but hearing his name announced made everything feel more real.
Li Mei smirked at him knowingly. "Told you so."
James simply nodded as they prepared to leave for the arena.
The city square was transformed into a massive battleground, with a grand stage in the center. The ten major clans had all selected their top five disciples, making a total of fifty participants. Each sect elder stood at their designated area, watching with sharp eyes. The first round was set—randomly assigned one-on-one battles.
An elder stepped forward and announced, "The first match—James of the Lei Clan versus Wei Han of the Bai Clan."
James stepped forward, locking eyes with his opponent. Wei Han was a broad-shouldered young man, his stance firm and confident.
"I hope you're ready," Wei Han said, smirking. "I won't hold back."
James merely nodded.
"Begin!" the elder declared.
Wei Han charged first, his palm glowing with condensed Qi as he launched a powerful strike. James sidestepped just in time, countering with a swift punch aimed at Wei Han's ribs. The Bai disciple blocked, but the force still sent him skidding back.
"Not bad," Wei Han admitted, before forming a set of hand seals. "Let's see how you handle this—Stone Fist Technique!"
His fists were suddenly encased in rock-like Qi, his movements becoming more forceful. He lunged at James, striking with incredible speed. James evaded the first strike but barely dodged the second, feeling the shockwave from the impact.
Realizing he couldn't stay on the defensive, James focused his energy. His footwork became sharper, and with a burst of Qi, he closed the distance, unleashing a precise palm strike to Wei Han's chest. The impact sent Wei Han stumbling, his defense momentarily broken.
Seizing the opportunity, James delivered a spinning kick to his opponent's side, sending him crashing to the ground. Wei Han tried to rise but winced, clearly struggling.
The elder raised his hand. "Winner James of the Li Clan!"
The crowd erupted into murmurs. A first-stage Qi Refinement cultivator had just defeated someone stronger in the second-stage of Qi Refinement. James exhaled, stepping back as Wei Han grudgingly stood, nodding in reluctant respect before walking away.
As James returned to his side of the arena, Li Mei grinned at him. "Looks like you're full of surprises." James smiled simply nodded his head at Li Mei.