"HAHAHAHA.. surely our Sun clan isn't afraid of any challenges." Proclaimed Sun Ming with a proud look.
As the current Patriarch of the Sun Clan, Sun Ming has brought the clan to its most prosperous era. He is most known for his bold and straight forward character. With his loud voice he declared
"For every Sun Clan disciple who enters the top ten he will award any skill book from the scripture hall"
Envoys from the two clans were caught off guard with that remark. Each of the clans had betted a significant amount of resources, each expecting their genius clan members to do their best, but with this kind of incentive they weren't sure their clan members will keep up.
After their great performance, the disciple were granted time to rest. Dozen of young cultivators sat cross-legged or stood in small groups, catching their breath and steadying their blood-Qi.
Many Sun clan members wore confident smiles, already dreaming of stepping into the coveted top ten. Others sat with furrowed brows, replaying their earlier performances and wandering if they had the strength to push further.
Sun Li stood confidently with a basic grey attire of the clan contemplating whether he should compete for the top ten, even though he planed for just a decent rank the allure of the reward were quite strong.
While contemplating his idea, he was interpreted by an unexpected guest.
A young man strode toward him, he had a calculative gaze, his chin raised slightly as though the world belonged to him. His robes bore a silver embroidery of the collateral branch.
"Sun Li," the youth casually remarked, "You have showed some potential earlier. Our branch values talent, as a contender for the top ten you should stand with us, and the path to the top won't be so distant."
It was Sun Jian, one of the collateral branch's rising figures. As the son of Elder Sun Tao he had unlimited resource to cultivate with and a unique talent [innate strength] that complimented his cultivation.
Sun Li's expression didn't change. "I appreciate the offer," he said evenly, with a calm voice. "But give me some time to think."
A sharp laugh cut in before Sun Jian could reply. "Think? Do you even deserve such consideration? Opportunities like this don't came twice. If you are smart, you'll take this opportunity with open arms." Sneered Sun Han a loyal follower of the Sun Jian.
Sun Jian didn't silence him—if anything, the faint smirk on his lips showed approval at the jab. His gaze lingered on Sun Li, cold and expectant, as though weighing how much defiance he would allow before turning away.
"Hmm" a low voice echoed through the chamber with an old man standing quietly with wrinkled face.
"Greeting Elder Wei" the three of them said in unison, bowing deeply.
Elder Wei's cloudy eyes lingered on the three of them, though his gaze seemed to be attracted to Sun Li. With a faint wave of his hand, he dismissed Sun Jian and his follower.
"You to should move aside, I have something to talk with the boy."
Sun Jian's brows twitched, but bowed with forced respect. "Yes, Elder Wei." Turning on his heel, he left with Sun Han trailing behind, though not without casting Sun Li a final, sharp look filled with contempt.
This extreme reaction was because, in addition to the main and collateral line there exist a neutral faction inside the clan. Even though they don't vie for power they hold enough authority to tip the balance between the two powers.
Once the space grew quiet, Elder Wei placed a weathered hand behind his back and beckoned Sun Li to follow him toward a secluded corner of the courtyard. The murmur of other disciples faded until it was only the two of them.
"Sun Li," Elder Wei spoke, his tone low and steady, like a grandfather doting on his grandson. "Elder Liu has been observing your performance closely. She is… very satisfied with your accomplishment."
Sun Li blinked, surprise flickering in his chest. Elder Liu is the reclusive guardian of the scripture hall, leader of the neutral faction and one of the three foundation establishment powerhouse of the clan.
Being noticed by a such figure was a unique experience for Sun Li. HIs adrenaline was rushing uncontrollably, his heart beating with excitement. Before he could calm down Elder Wei continued,
"If it is possible Elder Liu wants to meet you personally," Elder Wei said, his voice calm yet carrying weight. "She believes your temperament suits the neutral faction. You don't need to answer now, but know this—joining will mean protection from both sides and freedom in your choices."
Sun Li lowered his gaze, thoughts turning rapidly. The collateral branch sought to use him, the main branch barely acknowledged him, and now the neutral faction had extended a hand.
Sun Li took a slow breath, bowing his head slightly.
"I understand, Elder Wei. I will give it serious thought."
The old man nodded, a faint smile on his wrinkled face, before walking away as quietly as he had come.
---
Moments later Elder Tao announced the start of the second round. The rules were simple, it was an elimination match with each round halving the number of contestants.
The top forty from the first round were divided into two group of twenty. Each disciple will face a challenger until only one remain.
Sun Li's name was soon called. His opponent stepped forward; a Duan clan prodigy, who cultivated the Iron Cloth Art to near perfection.
The fight started as Duan Zihan attacked in a fierce manner, his body gleamed with metallic luster as his fists howled through the air.
In response, a vast red aura erupted around Sun Li. His blood core burned fiercely, flooding his body with strength, vitality, and speed. His heartbeat thundered like a war drum as he met the charge head-on.
The near-perfected Iron Cloth Art hardened Duan Zihan's body, letting him absorb Sun Li's first strike without faltering.
Instead of retreating, Duan Zihan roared and pressed forward. His fists cut through the air in fierce succession, each strike more reckless than the last. He was burning his blood essence, forcing his body past its limit.
Then, at the peak of the clash, Sun Li shifted. Abandoning caution, he stepped inside and swung in a brutal, direct strike. His fist smashed across Duan Zihan's shoulder, the impact sending him crashing to the ground.
Looking around, Sun Li saw that Sun Jian, Sun Lei and Sun Han had won their matches, while the princess of Sun clan, Sun Hua and Sun Hao had lost. When the dust settled, seven from the Lu and Sun clans and six from the Duan clan advanced to the next stage.
The arena was booming with excitement, banners flying around and betting stalls packed with gamblers. Elders reexamined their clan members, discussing every move of the matches.
The next round began for the top ten. Sun Li was paired against the arrogant Sun Hao. This time the fight was brief, Sun Hao's pride was crushed under Sun Li's fist.
In the end, Sun Ming won his wager with four members of the Sun clan entered the top ten, with Sun Li taking eighth rank.
A week later, Sun Li walked to the scripture hall ready to claim his reward. Not only will he claim a profound rank martial art he was also going to meet the elusive, Elder Liu.
As he entered the hall, he was meet with tall shelves stretched endlessly, filled with scrolls and manuals of yellow grade. Cultivation techniques and martial art are mainly divided into four ranks; yellow, profound, earth and heaven grade. The first to the third floor are filled with yellow grade manuals, while the fourth floor to the sixth were of profound grade. The last floor houses the only lower earth grade cultivation technique.
He stopped before the fourth floor, an area reserved only for elders of the clan. At the door, his jade token shimmered as he pressed it against the barrier.
A sweet voice slowly entered his ears, soft yet carrying an authority that made his heart flatter.
"Sun Li... it seems you have come."
A women stood at the far end of the hall. She wore a robe of silver that shimmered like woven moonlight, her dark hair cascading in soft strands that framed her ageless beauty. Her face was calm and unreadable, yet her eyes were deep and unfathomable, when the faintest smile touched her lips, it was gentle enough to melt even the coldest of killers.
She studied his composure with a faint nod.
"To what stage have you cultivated the Nine Blood Transformation Art?"
Knowing she had already seen through him, Sun Li answered honestly.
"I have perfected the second blood transformation."
For a brief moment, even her serene mask cracked. Though she had sensed his progress, she had not expected perfection in just two years.
"You advance faster than i expected." She stepped closer, her robe shimmering softly against the floor. "You seem to have a natural talent for body cultivation. As it happens… I possess a body-refining technique, one I obtained during a fortunate encounter."
Sun Li's breath quickened. Body cultivation techniques were rare treasures. For one to be offered so casually—it was almost unthinkable.
Her gaze lingered on him, calm yet unwavering. "Of course, nothing in this world is free. If I pass this technique to you, then one day, you must do me a favor in return."
Seeing the flicker of hesitation in his eyes, she added with a faint smile, "Do not worry. This favor will not be life-threatening, nor will it be something beyond your ability. When the time comes, you will understand."
Sun Li fell silent, weighing her words. After a brief moment of contemplation, he nodded. The chance before him was far too precious to reject.
He went around, each technique greater than the last.
He paused. Blazing Tiger Fist. A domineering fist art, brimming with explosive force and feral might. The thought of his strikes roaring with flame stirred his blood, yet he moved on.
Further along, his gaze fell upon Shadow Step Flow. A movement technique that taught one to merge with shadows and move like water, swift and unpredictable. His heart quickened, but he did not stop.
And then—he froze.
Half-buried on the final rack lay a jade slip, its surface veiled in dust, as though untouched for countless years. Yet its description made his pulse thunder.
A fragment of a heaven-grade technique. A sword art said to cleave the very stars.
[Red Lotus Star-Cleaving Art]