Fighting Competition

Three ornate carts rolled down the street, each adorned with distinct colors, heading toward the arena. Zuhn sensed powerful auras emanating from them, stirring excitement among the crowd.

"Look! It's the three Sect Leaders!" someone shouted. The streets erupted in cheers as people rushed to catch a glimpse of the legendary figures. Zuhn, however, remained focused on the competition rules and the other fighters seated nearby.

Once the carts entered the arena, the streets cleared, and bells rang, signaling the start of the event. Fighters were seated near the arena's center, waiting for their names to be called.

"First Fight: Zaho Xeno vs. Lie Veng!" announced the announcer. Two teens stood and made their way to the arena. Zuhn observed them closely—their auras were weak, and their skills unimpressive.

The fight began with a ding. The two teens clashed, their swords clanging. The crowd buzzed with excitement, praising Zaho as a "genius." Zuhn, however, saw only flaws in their techniques.

Zaho eventually slashed Lie's chest, forcing him to the ground. Before Zaho could deliver a finishing blow, an older man intervened, blocking the strike with his hand. Zuhn noted the man's hidden strength, realizing he was masking his aura—just as Zuhn was.

"Zaho Xeno wins!" the announcer declared.

Hours passed, with fight after fight proving dull to Zuhn. Finally, his name was called: "Zuhn Sheng vs. Lin Mu!"

Zuhn stood and stretched, walking to the arena amid cheers for Lin Mu. Lin, clad in armor and wielding a gleaming longsword, smirked at Zuhn. "Give up, or I'll kill you," Lin taunted.

Zuhn raised an eyebrow. "You're talking to me?"

Lin charged, but Zuhn dodged effortlessly. After a few more failed strikes, Zuhn slashed once, knocking Lin unconscious. The crowd fell silent, stunned. The announcer declared, "Zuhn Sheng wins!"

The Sect Leaders watched intently. The Dark Star Sect Leader, furious, stormed out. Zuhn was moved to a winners' area, where about two hundred fighters waited. Among them was the meditating teen Zuhn had noticed earlier.

Zuhn approached him. "Hello," he said, nodding. The teen nodded back but remained silent.

"How was your match?" Zuhn asked.

The teen finally spoke. "Why are you hiding your strength?"

Zuhn hesitated, then released a fraction of his aura. The teen's eyes widened, and he stood, bowing deeply. "Mister, I apologize. I didn't realize you were Silver-ranked!"

Zuhn smirked, having only revealed a tenth of his true power.

The room fell silent as everyone turned to Zuhn and the bowing teen. Confusion spread among the fighters, especially the stronger ones who sensed Zuhn's aura.

"Damn, he's already Silver-ranked at his age?" someone muttered.

Zuhn, uncomfortable with the attention, waved off the bowing teen. "You don't need to bow," he said. The teen nodded, bowed once more, and quickly retreated.

Ding

"The second round begins in ten minutes!" announced the voice.

Zuhn found a seat and closed his eyes, waiting for his next match. Meanwhile, the three Sect Leaders—Shi Huang of Windwood, Zhou of Dark Star, and Wang of Overwhelming Wind—watched from above.

"Your top outer disciple was humiliated today," Wang teased Zhou, laughing. "I didn't expect a Silver-ranked teen to show up."

Zhou scowled. "Neither did I. But this competition isn't over yet."

Shi Huang, the youngest and strongest Sect Leader, interjected. "I think he's going to win."

The other two turned, surprised. Shi Huang rarely spoke during these events, let alone praised a competitor.

"You really think so?" Wang asked. "There are still strong teens from our sects in the competition."

Zhou nodded. "We brought our best to test them and showcase our strength."

Shi Huang remained silent, his gaze fixed on the arena. He wasn't here for petty rivalries—he was searching for true talent.

Ding

"The fighting will now begin!"

Zuhn opened his eyes briefly, then closed them again, waiting. When his name was called—"Zuhn Sheng vs. Zi Ming"—he stood, ready.

The Sect Leaders leaned forward. Zi Ming, a top disciple from Dark Star, was known for his strength and heavy armor. This would be a test for Zuhn.

In the arena, Zi Ming bowed. "I'm sorry, but my Sect Master ordered this."

Ding

"Fight!"

Zi Ming charged, shield raised. Zuhn dodged, but Zi Ming's shield struck his shoulder, sending him flying. Zuhn wiped blood from his mouth, his expression calm.

Zi Ming charged again, but this time, Zuhn released more of his aura—3/10 of his full power. The pressure forced Zi Ming to his knees, his movements sluggish.

Zuhn vanished, reappearing behind Zi Ming. With a precise slash, he paralyzed Zi Ming, leaving him collapsed on the ground.

Liang Lun, the referee and a near-Silver Master, stepped in. He eyed Zuhn, sensing the immense power the teen had barely revealed.

In the observation room, Wang was ecstatic. "That youth is incredible! If I can recruit him, he'll become a powerhouse for Overwhelming Wind!"

But Shi Huang stood, his aura flaring. "He's mine."

Wang and Zhou backed down, knowing better than to challenge Shi Huang. As Shi Huang sat, he thought, This Zuhn Sheng is quite the interesting one.

Zuhn wasn't thrilled with the competition, but he'd made it to the top 100. He entered the next waiting room, where the auras of the remaining fighters were noticeably stronger. The meditating teen from earlier was there too, and when he saw Zuhn, he rushed over.

"Mister Silver Master! Your cultivation has grown so much since the last time I saw you!" the teen exclaimed, bowing deeply.

Zuhn nodded, surprised that even with his aura concealed, people still reacted this way. The teen returned to his corner, leaving Zuhn to observe the others. Many of these fighters weren't locals—their strength and demeanor made that clear.

Ding

"The next round begins in 15 minutes! This is the semi-finals."

Zuhn sat down, deciding to rest until his name was called. Meanwhile, the Sect Leaders in the observation room grew impatient.

"When is Zuhn Sheng fighting?" Zhou demanded. "These matches are boring. These fighters are weak—ants squabbling over scraps."

Shi Huang remained silent, watching the arena. Finally, the announcer's voice echoed: "Zuhn Sheng vs. Ban Ju!"

Zhou and Wang turned to Shi Huang. "Isn't Ban Ju that prodigy from three years ago? The one who rejected your offer to join Windwood?"

Shi Huang nodded. "Yes. He's been traveling solo, challenging the strongest fighters wherever he goes. He's at the peak of Silver Rank—a formidable opponent."

Zuhn entered the arena, facing Ban Ju, whose aura was the strongest he'd encountered so far. Zuhn released half of his power, causing Ban Ju to flinch before smiling.

"I haven't fought anyone powerful in a while," Ban Ju said. "I hope you live up to your reputation."

"My reputation?" Zuhn asked.

"Yes. The White Rose Killer. I've been tracking you. You've been leaving a trail of bodies, though not many with white roses lately."

Zuhn's expression remained neutral. "What do you want?"

"I've been hired by an Earl to find and kill you. But I have a rule: if my target beats me in a fight, I let them live."

Zuhn chuckled. "Fair enough. Are we playing by rules, or is anything goes?"

"Given your strength—you've just reached Gold Stage, haven't you?—I'll have to go all out. You're slightly stronger than me in cultivation."

"Let's get started, then. Everyone here has been weak so far."

Ban Ju nodded, and the announcer's voice boomed: "Ban Ju requests a rule change! If the challenger agrees, the fight will be to the death. If Ban Ju kills his opponent, he will pay the town 300 gold coins. If the opponent kills Ban Ju, they will receive a reward of one gold coin and face no penalties."

The crowd erupted in shock, and the Sect Leaders exchanged glances. This was unprecedented—and far more dangerous.

"Life or death fights? Haven't seen one of those in years!" Zhou laughed, leaning back in his chair. "Ban Ju's a ruthless killer. Shame to see such a talented teen die here."

Wang chuckled in agreement. "Indeed. This should be entertaining."

Shi Huang, however, remained calm. "Why don't we make a bet?" he suggested.

The two Sect Leaders turned to him, intrigued. "A bet? What kind?" Zhou asked.

"Zuhn will win this fight," Shi Huang said confidently. "He'll reach the top ten, and then he'll win the entire competition."

Wang and Zhou exchanged skeptical glances. They didn't believe Zuhn stood a chance, but Shi Huang wasn't known for making reckless claims.

"If Zuhn wins," Shi Huang continued, "I want you two to fight him."

The two Sect Leaders froze. "You want us to fight a youth?" Wang asked, incredulous. "Why would we do that?"

Shi Huang smirked. "If you win, I'll give you each one thousand gold and twenty cultivation scrolls."

Zhou and Wang's eyes lit up. "Deal," they said in unison.

Wang hesitated. "And if we lose?"

"You'll each owe me a favor," Shi Huang replied.

The two Sect Leaders exchanged a glance, then nodded. "Deal."