บท 198: The Blue Wind Empire's Rising Star

The atmosphere was thick with anticipation as the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament began, its vast arena buzzing with the energy of thousands of spectators. The tournament, renowned across the empire, was a battleground where the young and ambitious came to prove their strength, skill, and resolve. Among the many contestants, one name had already begun to circulate: Yun Che, the younger brother of Raja, a figure whose legend had spread far beyond the borders of Blue Wind Empire.

Despite the tournament's significance, there was a noticeable gap in the Blue Wind Empire's participation. In an arena filled with exceptional martial artists, only Yun Che stood as the representative of his nation. His entry into the tournament had gone largely unremarked upon by the commoners, who were more fascinated by the aura of Raja, his mysterious older brother, whose cultivation was far beyond any in the empire. Yun Che, known for his subtle and quiet demeanor, had drawn curiosity from the moment he set foot in the arena. The speculation was inevitable; how could someone of his lineage, the brother of the revered Raja, not be something extraordinary? However, no one dared to voice their doubts, not with the shadow of Raja's cultivation hanging over the event like a looming storm cloud.

As Yun Che prepared for his first match, Cang Yue couldn't contain her excitement. Her voice wavered with a mix of nervousness and anticipation. "Yun Che, you can do this! Show them what you're made of!"

The encouragement wasn't just for Yun Che's benefit—it was for herself as well. Cang Yue's heart swelled with pride knowing that Yun Che, the man she admired, was taking his first steps onto a grand stage. He wasn't just fighting for himself but also for his family and his nation. "Show them who you really are!" she urged him, her eyes glinting with fervor.

Beside Cang Yue, Xia Yuanba stood firmly, his large frame imposing yet filled with an infectious optimism. "Don't listen to their mocking words, Yun Che!" he shouted. "You're a true fighter. Let your fists do the talking! I know you can prove them wrong!"

His words, filled with unwavering confidence, only strengthened Yun Che's resolve. Yuanba had always been a loyal supporter, his exuberant personality helping lift Yun Che's spirits during the tournament's tough moments.

However, before Yun Che could even think about his opponents, Raja had given him specific instructions: "Only use six styles and Haki. No Profound Arts until the finals." His voice was calm, but his eyes were sharp as they scanned Yun Che's face for any signs of reluctance.

Yun Che had, of course, agreed with a smirk. "Understood, Brother."

It wasn't that Yun Che lacked the strength to wield profound arts at will. It was a challenge posed by his brother, a test not of strength, but of character. He knew that Raja's condition was more of a mental trial than anything else. It was a way of forcing Yun Che to rely solely on his physical skills, his unique training, and the techniques Raja had personally taught him. The restriction was not a hindrance but a calculated move to push Yun Che beyond his limits.

As the tournament began in full swing, Yun Che made his way into the Sword Discourse Arena, his presence commanding attention. He walked with an air of calm confidence, each step measured, eyes focused and resolute. It wasn't arrogance or brashness but an aura of control and discipline that surrounded him. His every movement suggested someone who had trained tirelessly, someone who had faced down not just opponents, but life's greatest challenges.

Yet, despite his composed demeanor, the spectators couldn't help but whisper. In the midst of warriors and cultivators who could command the heavens themselves, Yun Che—seemingly an ordinary youth from the Blue Wind Empire—was the center of ridicule.

"What is this?" one onlooker sneered. "He hasn't even drawn his sword. What is he going to do with just his fists?"

"He's no match for Fu Yanjie. No one from the Blue Wind Empire has ever made it far in the tournament," another spectator added, a cruel smile playing on their lips.

Their mockery was not unexpected. The mighty martial artists who filled the arena had heard of Raja's prodigious powers, but no one believed that Yun Che, his younger brother, could match up to the competition. Still, Yun Che remained unshaken, his eyes set on his first opponent—Fu Yanjie.

Fu Yanjie, a hulking figure from the Southern Continent, was not only known for his vast strength but also for his ruthless cruelty. As he strode onto the arena with his massive blade, a sinister grin spread across his face.

"Are you really the Blue Wind Empire's strongest?" Fu Yanjie taunted, brandishing his weapon menacingly. "You must have come here to make up the numbers, because there's no way someone like you would survive against a warrior like me."

Yun Che's expression remained unchanged as the fight was about to begin. However, his opponents were not the only ones with plans.

Fen Juecheng and Fen Juebi, two scheming individuals from the Southern Fen Clan, had long despised Yun Che's family. Seeing an opportunity to embarrass the Blue Wind Empire and tarnish Raja's reputation, they subtly whispered among themselves.

"Let Fu Yanjie handle Yun Che. We'll make sure he doesn't leave the arena in one piece," Fen Juecheng said with a malicious glint in his eyes.

Fen Juebi nodded in agreement. "We'll make sure he suffers, whether he wins or loses."

Their intentions were clear—an underhanded attempt to injure Yun Che and derail his progress in the tournament.

The fight began with a roar from Fu Yanjie as he charged toward Yun Che, his enormous blade swinging down in a deadly arc. The crowd gasped, expecting to see Yun Che crushed by the force of his opponent's attack. But in a flash, Yun Che sidestepped, his body moving with a fluidity that seemed almost unnatural. His movements were like water—calm, measured, but devastatingly effective.

Fu Yanjie's blade slammed into the ground, creating a massive shockwave, but Yun Che was already behind him. In an instant, Yun Che delivered a swift, precise blow to Fu Yanjie's abdomen, a single strike that rendered his opponent incapacitated.

The force of the elbow strike was enough to wind Fu Yanjie, and the cruel warrior collapsed onto the arena floor, gasping for air, his enormous blade clattering uselessly beside him.

The crowd was left in stunned silence. How could a mere youth, who hadn't even drawn a sword, defeat such a formidable foe with just his bare hands?

Standing over Fu Yanjie, Yun Che's voice rang out, cold and firm. "I know what you were trying to do. Let this be a warning: If anyone dares to use underhanded tactics against me, they will regret it."

The spectators were speechless, a mix of awe and disbelief on their faces. Was this the same Yun Che they had ridiculed just moments ago?

The referee quickly declared Yun Che the winner as Fu Yanjie lay groaning on the ground, unable to continue. The announcement sent ripples through the audience. A Blue Wind Empire fighter had won his first match—and in a manner that no one had expected.

Back in the stands, Fen Juecheng's face was contorted in frustration. He had thought Yun Che an easy target, a boy who could be easily defeated. But this? This was beyond his understanding.

Beside him, Fen Juebi snorted dismissively. "It's just luck. We'll see what happens in his next match."

The tournament continued as Yun Che's next opponent was announced: Fu Yanjie's twin brother, Fu Yinjie, a warrior equally as powerful and as enraged by the defeat of his sibling. With fire in his eyes, Fu Yinjie swore vengeance.

"Yun Che! I will make you pay for what you did to my brother!" he shouted as he entered the arena, his weapon held high. The twin brothers were a mirror image of each other in both stature and fury.

Fu Yinjie wielded a blade just as enormous as his brother's, and his posture radiated raw, brutal strength. This match, the crowd expected, would be even more explosive than the last.

But they were wrong.

In the blink of an eye, Yun Che darted forward, his hands moving like lightning. He parried Fu Yinjie's massive blade with a fluid motion and followed up with a powerful kick that sent Fu Yinjie flying through the air. The crowd gasped. This was no longer a fight of luck—it was a showcase of Yun Che's undeniable strength and speed.

By now, the mocking gazes had disappeared. In their place was astonishment and fear. People had underestimated Yun Che, but now they could no longer deny his power. He wasn't a mere bystander; he was a contender.

Whispers filled the arena. "How is this possible? He's defeating opponents with only his Physics, who Trained this Monstrosity" and they turned towards Raja who his Smirking at the Little brother Yun Che Wins.