The Masked Witnesses

Zhang's eyes darted nervously as he whispered, "I… I can't believe we're here."

"Relax," Darren teased, placing a reassuring hand on Zhang's shoulder. "No one's paying attention to us. They're all too busy worrying about themselves."

"Let's observe quietly," Zhu suggested. "We might actually learn something today."

The three youths from Meng Village had snuck into Blood-Culture Village to witness the infamous trials. The event had drawn an eclectic crowd—aspiring warriors, influential figures disguised among the masses, and even shadowy observers concealed in the forest.

Today marked the final day of the training session—a day of strength trials, a match against the formidable Martial King, and the selection of participants for the tournament.

At the heart of the gathering, Village Lord Feng stood tall, his presence commanding. His sharp gaze swept over the assembled crowd, silencing murmurs even before he raised his hand for quiet.

Beside him, Martial King Xin Xu rose gracefully from his seat, every movement radiating authority.

"Welcome, warriors and honored guests," Xin Xu began, his voice carrying effortlessly across the field. "Today's trials are the gateway to the grand tournament. Only the finest among you will earn the right to advance."

The crowd stirred with anticipation as he continued. "The trials consist of three stages: strength, skill, and resilience. Each test will challenge your limits. And remember, those who impress our fresh geniuses may find doors opening beyond this tournament."

Behind the crowd, hidden in the shadows of the forest, masked figures dressed in black observed in silence.

"The village seems well-prepared," one of them murmured.

"For now," another replied. "Let them enjoy this fleeting moment."

The first test began with a display of physical strength. Three massive rocks—50tonnes, 100tonnes, and 300 tonnes—were brought forward. Each participant was expected to lift the heaviest block they could manage.

"First up: Alex Feng," announced Ancy, holding the participant list.

Alex, leaning casually against a wooden post, froze. "What? Me?" he sputtered.

The crowd's murmurs turned into snickers. "Isn't he the useless son of Village Lord Feng?" someone whispered.

Amidst the crowd, if one looked closely, three hooded figures stood apart, their presence veiled but undeniably tense.

"I can't believe young master Alex has been pushed into this," Aiyun muttered, his tone sharp with annoyance.

"Shhh, keep a low profile and observe," Bai interjected, his voice low but firm. Ever the cautious one, his rebuke silenced Aiyun, though even he couldn't entirely mask his unease. His thoughts churned, What is Village Lord Feng trying to accomplish? The question lingered in his mind, unsettling and unanswered.

As Bai's gaze shifted to the center, his composure wavered for the briefest moment. His fists tightened beneath his cloak, his jaw clenched. Despite his calm facade, the sight of Alex stepping forward stirred a storm of doubt and concern within him.

Alex moved reluctantly, his steps hesitant, as though the weight of the moment bore down on him.

Alex reluctantly stepped forward, his movements sluggish. He approached the 50tonnes rocks, managing to lift it with considerable effort. Encouraged by the sparse applause, he tried the 120tonnes block but ended up sprawled on the ground, panting. His attempt to kick the block in frustration resulted in a yelp of pain as he clutched his throbbing foot.

Laughter rippled through the crowd, but Alex forced a smile. "Well, I'll leave the heavy lifting to the experts," he quipped, retreating to the sidelines.

Next came Moi, a wiry young man with a confident glint in his eye. He walked past the smaller weights, stopping in front of the 300tonnes block. With a deep breath, he gripped it firmly and lifted it overhead with ease. The crowd gasped as Moi balanced the block on his palms, then transitioned to lifting it with only his index fingers. Cheers erupted, and even the masked figures exchanged approving glances.

"Impressive," one murmured. "This boy has potential."

With the strength test completed, five participants advanced to the next stage. Unsurprisingly, Moi was among them. Alex, despite his poor performance, also advanced, though whispers of favoritism filled the air.

The second test was combat. Martial King Xin Xu announced that each participant would face off me and should last for 30 breaths.

Alex was called first. Standing before Martial king, an expert elder, Alex's face turned pale. "Master Xu, go easy on me," he pleaded.

Martial King smirked. "Show me what you've got."

Alex threw a clumsy punch, which Martial king sidestepped effortlessly. A poorly executed kick followed, resulting in Alex dislocating his own leg. He collapsed in a heap, tears streaming as the crowd groaned in disappointment.

Then it was Moi's turn. He stepped forward and bowed deeply. "Martial king, I humbly seek your guidance."

Martial King Xin Xu smirked, his confidence evident. "Let's see what you've got," he said, settling into a defensive stance, his presence radiating calm authority.

The duel began, and Moi wasted no time. His movements were sharp and precise, each strike deliberate and calculated. With surprising ease, he countered Xin Xu's initial blows, his adaptability and reflexes on full display. The crowd murmured in amazement as Moi held his ground against the Martial King.

But Xin Xu wasn't called the Martial King without reason. As the battle intensified, his expression shifted, and a dangerous glint appeared in his eyes. In a blur of motion, he unleashed a series of advanced techniques that left even the most skilled fighters in awe. With a commanding roar, he shouted, "Dragon Palm, First Phase: Tail of the Angered Dragon!"

The atmosphere shifted dramatically. A suffocating, beastly aura erupted from Xin Xu, sweeping across the arena like a violent storm. The force barreled toward Moi, the sheer intensity rattling the ground beneath them.

Moi's eyes widened in shock, his usually calm demeanor breaking for a brief moment. "No wonder he's called the Martial King," he murmured, steeling himself against the overwhelming attack. Quickly regaining his footing, Moi focused, circulating the Dragon Palm and Mountain Rip skills through his body. Channeling raw power and unwavering precision, he met Xin Xu's devastating strike head-on. The clash sent shockwaves rippling through the air, leaving the crowd breathless.

With one final exchange, Moi stepped back, his breaths heavy but controlled. He bowed deeply, his respect evident.

"Thank you for the match," he said, his voice steady despite the exertion

Martial King noded his expression solemn. "You're a rare talent."

As the crowd began to disperse, the masked figures lingered in the shadows, their presence unnoticed but deliberate. "This village is far more intriguing than we anticipated," one of them remarked, their voice low and measured. "The leader will want to hear about Moi."

Another figure nodded, their gaze shifting. "But there's something else—someone hiding their strength," they added, glancing toward Ancy. She stood apart, her eyes distant, seemingly lost in thought. Her focus was inward, detached from the spectacle of the fight.

Their attention briefly flickered to Alex, who sat on the secluded corner alone, clutching his injured leg. He stared at the ground, his humiliation almost palpable. The jeers of the crowd still echoed in the air.

"I can't believe someone like him exists—a person who can't even hold Qi in their body," one of the masked figures muttered in disdain.

"Trash like that doesn't deserve to be killed," another sneered. "The world itself will finish him off."

Yet, as their scornful words hung in the air, one figure's gaze lingered on Alex a moment longer. "Let's keep an eye on him," they murmured thoughtfully. "He might surprise us yet."

Amid the rising tension and judgment, the trials were far from over.