บท 197: The Tournament’s Prelude and Unforeseen Revelations

The air was crisp, filled with an electric anticipation, as two grand factions entered the gates of the Heavenly Sword Villa. On one side, the delegation from Frozen Cloud Asgard moved in elegant, poised procession, their eyes focused ahead. On the other side, the team from Blue Wind Profound Palace entered with an air of quiet strength, each disciple walking with a calm demeanor that masked their inner excitement. As the two groups arrived, the Villa's sprawling, sacred grounds greeted them in silence, both teams entering from different paths, ensuring no unnecessary encounters.

Upon their arrival, the team from Blue Wind Profound Palace was led by a respectful disciple of the Villa to their designated accommodations. Each sect that had traveled from across the empire had been carefully assigned a private residence to ensure comfort and preserve privacy, a level of consideration that spoke volumes about the Villa's stature.

The residence assigned to the Blue Wind Profound Palace was a sight to behold. A vast courtyard surrounded by pristine stone walls, dotted with verdant trees, a glistening pond, and intricate stone pathways. The air was heavy with the fragrance of blooming flowers, a serene ambiance that stood in sharp contrast to the competitive atmosphere that would soon engulf the Villa. Eight spacious rooms lined the courtyard, each one designed to cater to the varying needs of the disciples. A pavilion sat at the center of the garden, with a weapon rack nearby for those who wished to train or display their skills.

Xia Yuanba, Yun Che, and Raja stood at the entrance of the courtyard, their eyes wide in surprise. The extravagance was beyond their expectations. The courtyard felt like a sanctuary, a retreat where they could relax, strategize, and prepare for the upcoming competition. Raja raised an eyebrow in amusement, his lips curling into a smirk as he whispered to Yun Che, "This place is more suited for royalty than mere participants in a tournament."

Each team, regardless of rank or power, had been granted similar accommodations, ensuring fairness in comfort and allowing them all a sense of privacy. It was clear that the Heavenly Sword Villa valued not just power but also the reputation of those it invited to its prestigious event.

After taking in the grandeur of the courtyard, the team from Blue Wind Profound Palace began to settle in. Qin Wushang, as the leader, chose the second room from the right. Xia Yuanba took the third room, and Yun Che, ever the solitary figure, claimed the fourth room from the left. Raja and Cang Yue, their bond evident, decided on the third room from the left. Their decisions were more than just about preference—they were about positioning themselves for the inevitable challenges that lay ahead.

As the group settled into their rooms, Qin Wushang called them together in the courtyard, his voice carrying a sense of calm authority. "Explore the Villa," he suggested. "There are many things here that could offer you insight into the competition. You might even find a way to gain an advantage." His gaze turned to Raja, Yun Che, and Xia Yuanba, offering a look of encouragement. "But be mindful, the Villa is a place of peace. Do not act recklessly."

Cang Yue, ever the considerate guide, offered to take the three younger disciples on a tour. With a gentle smile, she began to lead them through the villa, pointing out various points of interest. "The Sword Management Terrace is where the Villa stores its most prized weapons, the finest swords in all the Blue Wind Empire," she explained. "It's a sight to behold, filled with treasures that could inspire any swordmaster."

"The Sword Discourse Arena, where the tournament will take place, is just as magnificent," she continued. "It is the largest and most prestigious stage for swordsmanship in the empire. There, the fate of the tournament will be decided."

The guest area of the Villa was a lively hub of activity. Disciples from all over the empire were mingling, exchanging polite greetings. Despite the fierce competition that loomed ahead, there was a certain decorum about the Villa that kept most from acting out of line. Even the proudest sects, known for their arrogance and rivalries, kept their behavior in check, aware that the Villa's reputation could not be tarnished by any petty squabbles.

The atmosphere was a mix of camaraderie and subtle competition, with each disciple sizing up the others, wondering who would emerge victorious in the tournament. Yet, amidst all the interaction, no one dared to make a move that might disrupt the sanctity of the Villa.

Cang Yue's enthusiasm grew as she continued to explain the Villa's attractions. "The Sword Management Terrace is more than just a collection of swords," she said with a hint of reverence. "It is a place where legendary weapons are forged, and where they are cared for by the most skilled craftsmen and swordmasters. The swords stored there carry the blood and sweat of generations of warriors."

When they reached the Sword Discourse Arena, she gestured to the massive space. "This is where the Ranking Tournament will unfold. It is a venue where the most powerful disciples will clash, and where only the strongest will survive."

As they walked, the group continued to explore the Villa, though their peaceful stroll would soon be interrupted by an encounter with an unexpected individual.

Cang Yue was greeted by a familiar voice—a deep, smooth voice that could only belong to one person. "Cang Yue, it's been a long time." Fen Juecheng of the Burning Heaven Clan stood before them, his gaze fixed on Cang Yue with a lingering, almost possessive look. His eyes sparkled with delight as he approached, ignoring the presence of Raja, Yun Che, and Xia Yuanba, whose cultivation levels he dismissed as beneath his notice.

Cang Yue, however, remained composed. She greeted Fen Juecheng politely but with an air of detachment. "Fen Juecheng," she said coolly. "It's good to see you as well, but I must be going. The tournament begins soon."

Despite her gentle rejection, Fen Juecheng smiled, unfazed. "Of course," he said, his eyes narrowing as he glanced at Raja, Yun Che, and Xia Yuanba. "Perhaps we will have a chance to speak later."

As he left, he shared a few words with his brother, Fen Juebi, who had a far more cynical approach to the situation. "You should just kidnap her," Fen Juebi mocked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "No one would dare to challenge the Burning Heaven Clan."

But Fen Juecheng, while determined, was no fool. "The Heavenly Sword Villa is not a place for such actions," he warned his brother, his expression serious for the first time. "We must tread carefully here."

As evening descended, the Villa grew quiet. The teams settled into their respective residences, each preparing for the Ranking Tournament that was about to begin. The Sword Discourse Arena stood silent, awaiting the spectacle that was soon to unfold.

Raja, however, was not ready to sleep. Restless and eager to explore more of the Villa, he wandered the courtyard, unable to shake the feeling that there was something more to uncover. It was then that a familiar presence caught his attention.

Later that night, as the stars above glimmered in the sky, Raja and Cang Yue shared a quiet moment together. Their conversation, filled with affection and gentle teasing, was interrupted by a sudden knock on the door.

Raja, always one to enjoy a moment of mischief, leaned back with a smirk. "Who could it be at this hour?" he asked playfully.

When Cang Yue opened the door, she was greeted by none other than Fen Juecheng, standing there with a strange glint in his eyes. "Cang Yue," he said, his voice smooth. "The full moon is beautiful tonight. Would you join me in admiring it?"

Cang Yue, her composure never faltering, declined politely. "Thank you, Fen Juecheng, but I must decline. I have other matters to attend to."

As Cang Yue turned to close the door, Fen Juecheng's voice stopped her. "Cang Yue," he said, his voice filled with determination. "I've been patient, but I must confess that my feelings for you are genuine. No one else is worthy of your heart. I will wait for you, as long as it takes."

Cang Yue, though flustered, remained resolute. "I cannot return your feelings," she said firmly. "You must understand that."

Raja, ever the mischievous one, leaned in and whispered teasingly, "You'll never be rid of him, will you?"

Cang Yue, her face flushed with embarrassment, could only sigh in response. "Sometimes, I wonder," she murmured.

Unseen by both Raja and Fen Juecheng, Qin Wushang watched the scene unfold from the shadows. His expression remained calm, but his thoughts were clear. Youthful energy... he thought, reflecting on the dynamic between Raja and Cang Yue. This will be an interesting tournament.

The next morning, at precisely 9 AM, the atmosphere shifted. The grand event—the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament—was about to begin. The Sword Discourse Arena, now filled with spectators, was ready to witness the most thrilling martial arts competition in the empire.

An air of intensity settled over the arena as Elder Ling Wugou, known as the Scarless Sword, took the stage. His reputation was legendary, a warrior of immense strength rumored to be at the 8th level of the Sky Profound Realm.

Qin Wushang, his voice low and serious, explained the elder's history and strength to the others. "Ling Wugou is one of the few to have reached the 8th level of the Sky Profound Realm. His reputation for fairness and skill is unmatched. Advancing past the 5th level in the Sky Profound Realm is a difficult feat for any cultivator. To surpass it requires immense dedication."

The tournament's prizes were now revealed: the Purple Striped Dragon Heart Pellet, Purple Veined Marrow Quenching Fluid, and the Dragonscale Armor, a Sky Profound Artifact that was the stuff of legends. The audience gasped in awe, their voices filled with excitement and speculation.

Among the gathered disciples, Raja leaned over to Yun Che, his gaze fixed on the Dragonscale Armor. "This would suit you perfectly," he said, his tone thoughtful.

The grand Blue Wind Ranking Tournament had officially begun, and the air was thick with anticipation. An event that only occurred once every few years, it brought together the most talented young disciples from sects across the empire. The excitement was palpable as the 513 sects, with 1,535 disciples aged 16 to 20, gathered under the expansive skies of the Heavenly Sword Villa. This was the most prestigious gathering of young talents in the entire Blue Wind Empire. Among the sects, a select few held remarkable power, and it was these forces that drew the attention of the audience.

The rewards for the top ten forces were undoubtedly the most coveted. The winning sects were granted access to explore the Heaven Basin Secret Realm—a mysterious and dangerous place where ancient treasures and lost techniques were said to be hidden. But that was not all. The forces would also have the privilege of witnessing the Demon Sealing Ritual, led by the legendary Ling Kun of the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region. The ritual was shrouded in secrecy, though rumors circulated that it involved maintaining the seal on a demon imprisoned beneath the Sword Management Terrace. Its significance was unknown to most, but for those who were privy to its details, it was an event of immense intrigue.

For many disciples, this was the ultimate prize—the chance to both explore an ancient realm and witness an event that could change the course of history. However, the focus of most was on the tournament itself, where each disciple would prove their worth.

The tournament arena was vast, surrounded by towering stands packed with spectators eager to see the next generation of warriors. The competition order was determined through a draw, and the Profound Assessing Stone verified each participant's age and cultivation level before they could step onto the battlefield. There were no exceptions—each disciple had to prove their strength to be worthy of the tournament.

Among the 1,535 participants, most were between 19 and 20 years old, with profound strength ranging from Spirit Profound Realm level 1 to 5. The true prodigies—the disciples who had reached True Profound Realm—were conspicuously absent, a rare occurrence in such a prestigious tournament. Among the participants, those who possessed Spirit Profound Realm level 5 or higher were considered to be exceptional, their names murmured with respect throughout the arena. Such talent was not common, and the competition would undoubtedly be fierce.

The Xiao Sect made its entrance with three representatives: Xiao Kuanglei, Xiao Zhen, and Xiao Nan. At 20 years old, both Xiao Kuanglei and Xiao Zhen were at Spirit Profound Realm level 9, the peak of their generation. Their strength was undeniable, and they exuded a presence that left the audience in awe. Even the disciples from other sects could not help but acknowledge their dominance. At 18 years old, Xiao Nan, though a bit younger and at Spirit Profound Realm level 6, also carried the aura of someone destined for greatness.

Their entry signaled the overwhelming superiority of the Four Major Sects, to which the Xiao Sect belonged. Their strength alone would make them a serious contender for the tournament's top prizes.

On the other side of the arena, the disciples from Frozen Cloud Asgard stood poised. The Frozen Cloud Asgard was known for its beautiful yet deadly women, and today, the arena was graced by some of their finest disciples: Shui Wushuang, Wu Xuexin, Xia Qingyue, and Xiao Lingxi.

Shui Wushuang and Wu Xuexin, both 20 years old, were at Spirit Profound Realm level 9, a formidable pair. However, it was Xia Qingyue and Xiao Lingxi, both 17 years old and at Spirit Profound Realm level 8, who truly shocked the crowd. Their prodigious talents were evident, and many were amazed that such young women could wield such strength.

The audience couldn't help but make comparisons to previous tournaments, where Mu Lingxue—a disciple of Frozen Cloud Asgard—had displayed similar talent. Yet, Mu Lingxue had been defeated by Ling Yun. The arrival of Xia Qingyue and Xiao Lingxi suggested that Frozen Cloud Asgard's legacy of powerful disciples was far from over.

Xia Qingyue's and Xiao Lingxi's Impact

Among the crowd, Raja observed the two girls with a knowing smirk. He knew they were only pretending to display their true strength. But to the untrained eye, their power was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Even Yun Che, Xia Yuanba, and others couldn't help but express their admiration for them.

Xia Yuanba, though lacking the refined skills of others, expressed immense pride in his sister, Xia Qingyue, despite their vast differences in talent. Raja, however, saw beyond the façade, recognizing the hidden techniques and resources they had used to elevate their power.

Ling Yun, representing the Heavenly Sword Villa, stood in the background, observing everything. His team was expected to perform at the highest level, given their status as one of the top powers in the Blue Wind Empire.

The attention of the audience turned to the Blue Wind Imperial Family, who, despite their low rank in the tournament, commanded the most political power in the empire. Their decision to send only two participants—Raja and Yun Che—had raised eyebrows and sparked widespread discussion.

It was an unusual move, given that the Imperial Family was known to favor power over representation. Many spectators speculated that this was a sign of turmoil within the Imperial Family, or that the two chosen participants were far more powerful than anyone had anticipated.

As Raja and Yun Che stepped forward, the entire arena fell into a hush. They walked toward the Profound Assessing Stone, where their cultivation levels would be revealed for all to see.

When Xia Qingyue saw Raja and Yun Che, her composure faltered for a brief moment. She had not seen Raja in ten months, and the sight of him stirred a wave of emotions within her. She could hardly believe that Big Bro Raja was here, in the tournament, standing beside Yun Che, whose strength she could never have anticipated.

Xiao Lingxi, who had always been close to Yun Che, was equally shocked to see his transformation. She could hardly contain her joy at seeing her little nephew perform so well.

Chu Yuechan, the ever-composed disciple of Frozen Cloud Asgard, momentarily lost her focus when she caught sight of Raja. Her ice auroras began to swirl chaotically, betraying her inner turmoil. She quickly regained her composure, but her eyes never left him.

Meanwhile, Chu Yueli—whose curiosity about Raja's cultivation had always been piqued—couldn't help but stare at him in disbelief. She turned to Xia Qingyue, asking, "How did your Big Bro acquire such profound veins?" It was clear that Raja's cultivation wasn't just impressive—it was impossible.

As Yun Che's profile was revealed—17 years old, Spirit Profound Realm level 5—there was little reaction from the crowd. His cultivation was impressive but not extraordinary. However, Xia Qingyue, Xiao Lingxi, and Chu Yueli were stunned by his rapid progress over the past 9 months. It was all due to the Ultimate Mortal Body Art, Ultimate Fire Art, and the medicinal herbs provided by Raja. His sudden surge in strength could only be explained by extraordinary means.

Finally, the moment arrived for Raja to reveal his cultivation. As his hand touched the Profound Assessing Stone, the result appeared on the screen—18 years old, Sky Profound Realm level 1.

The stadium fell into complete silence.

For a moment, no one spoke. The crowd was in utter disbelief. A mere 18-year-old at Sky Profound Realm level 1? The elder statesmen in the stands began to murmur among themselves, questioning whether the Profound Assessing Stone had malfunctioned.

In an instant, Chu Yuechan, unable to contain herself any longer, released a burst of her immense Throne Pressure, silencing the entire arena. The pressure was so intense that even the highest-ranking elders were forced to bow their heads. She stood tall, her voice steady and clear, vouching for Raja's cultivation.

With the arena now quiet, Raja spoke. His voice was calm, almost dismissive. "I will not participate in this tournament. My cultivation is too high for such a contest. Only Yun Che will represent the Blue Wind Empire."

The shock of the crowd was overwhelming. A figure of such power, deciding not to compete, only confirmed that Raja's presence in the tournament was a harbinger of a far greater mystery than anyone had anticipated.