Youth Martial Showdown Begins!
As the soothing melodies of the music filled the air, servants darted back and forth, attending to the needs of the guests. Yi Hua found herself unburdening her heart to Liu Yue, her earlier somber mood gradually dissolving.
"He seemed different today, he..." Yi Hua's voice trailed off, her mind wandering into a labyrinth of thoughts.
"He?" Liu Yue probed gently, encouraging her friend to reveal more.
"He was...calmer, and..." Yi Hua's voice tapered off once again, her thoughts ensnared in a complex web.
Liu Yue couldn't help but smile at her friend's predicament, recognizing the unmistakable signs of a girl smitten by love. "And?"
"He seemed more like his old self. But he didn't confide in me. Doesn't he harbor any feelings for me?" Yi Hua's voice was tinged with a subtle hurt.
Her ire had been provoked by Yi Tian's outrageous behavior at the Jade Phoenix Pavilion where he had assaulted a dancer. Though he had been inebriated at the time, she had granted him the benefit of the doubt. Moreover, he hadn't escaped unscathed, bearing the brunt of his actions by being assigned to train his younger brother, and being restricted from leaving the palace except for special occasions. She felt that his punishment was justified, but what stung her the most was his indifferent attitude towards her. However, she was also quick to forgive him. After all, she had been the one to tell him that he wasn't cut out to be the family head due to his inherent laziness. That had been the catalyst for his cold demeanor.
But today, he was a changed man - calm, composed, and purposeful. Gone was his lethargic demeanor. His upright posture and purposeful strides painted the picture of a man in command. She had to admit that his words of praise had warmed her heart. It seemed like he was finally beginning to open up, or perhaps, maturing.
"Why don't you confront him?" Liu Yue's question left Yi Hua stunned.
She stared at Liu Yue, who was grinning at her predicament. "I can't do that!" she retorted, her voice echoing her disbelief.
Liu Yue sighed, looking at Yi Hua with a blend of sympathy and amusement. "Then how will you ever know?" she queried, her words hanging in the air like a tantalizing challenge.
...
The resonant sound of a gong echoed through the grand hall, followed by the announcer's booming voice, "The Youth Martial Showdown will commence in 5 minutes!" Whispers rippled through the audience, their eager anticipation filling the expansive hall.
The Youth Martial Showdown was the festival's highlight, but only a selected few participated. The contenders were primarily the heirs of prestigious branch families, demonstrating their martial prowess to uphold their family honor and gain recognition.
"Contenders, please gather at the base of the stage. Servants will distribute tokens to determine the sequence of your bouts," the announcer instructed. On the second floor, several young men and women arose from their seats, their companions sending them off with words of encouragement and luck.
A cluster of youthful martial artists, donned in grey and purple martial hanfus, soon formed at the foot of the stage. Some were armed, while others seemed to rely solely on their physical prowess.
Among the gathering was a muscular young man, Xuanfeng, his upright posture and honed physique proclaiming his body as his weapon of choice.
"Xuanfeng, let's make it a good match!" A voice sounded from the crowd. Xuanfeng turned to see Xue Yong, a lean young man with a staff in his hand.
"Xue Yong," Xuanfeng acknowledged him with a nod.
Xue Yong beamed at him, his curiosity piqued. "So, Third Young Master and Zhou Quan decided not to participate this time?"
"Not this time," Xuanfeng responded, shaking his head. He, too, had noticed Yi Tian's absence.
Xue Yong was about to continue the conversation when a servant interrupted, handing them each a wooden token. After distributing tokens to all sixteen participants, the gong reverberated once more, and the announcer reclaimed the stage.
"Esteemed guests, it is time to commence the Youth Martial Showdown!" His voice rang out, further stoking the excitement coursing through the crowd.
"Sixteen gifted young warriors from our esteemed families will engage in a series of duels. Each duel will proceed until a participant concedes or is unable to continue. The last one standing will be declared the victor!"
The audience erupted in cheers, their anticipation palpable as they eagerly awaited the start of the showdown.
"Competitors, when your token number is announced, step onto the stage and ready yourself for your duel. Remember, your goal is not merely to triumph, but to demonstrate your skills, your spirit, and your respect for the martial arts."
The competitors at the base of the stage locked eyes, a blend of rivalry, camaraderie, and anticipation permeating the air.
Xuanfeng gripped his token, his gaze steely and intense, while Xue Yong twirled his staff with an effortless grace, his smile unfaltering.
With a final emphatic strike of the gong, the announcer declared, "Let the Youth Martial Showdown begin!"
The crowd roared in approval, the grand hall pulsating with fervor as the participants prepared to ascend the stage, each determined to validate their merit in the festival's main event.
...
The tempo of a classical melody, brisk yet composed, began to harmonize with the breathless anticipation in the hall as the announcer declared the first match, "Numbers 2 and 5, please ascend the stage."
Two young men ascended the vast stone staircase to the stage, instantly sparking speculation among the audience.
"Isn't that Tang Mu? He claimed third place in the last festival," a young woman on the second floor queried her companions.
"Indeed, he showed much promise," one of her companions concurred.
"But who's the other one?" another inquired, indicating the tall, slender figure wielding a spear.
"I met him earlier. His name is Yan Bo, from the Yan Branch Family."
"The Yan Branch Family!"
As the audience's murmurs swelled into a crescendo of speculation, the two contenders took their positions at opposite ends of the stage.
"I am Tang Mu. It's an honor to exchange martial insights with you, Yan Bo," Tang Mu introduced himself, offering a respectful hand clasp.
Yan Bo reciprocated the gesture, his reply succinct, "Likewise."
"Begin!" The announcer's voice rang out, punctuated by the resounding strike of a gong to mark the commencement of the duel.
As the gong's reverberation melded with the quickening tempo of the classical music, the shared anticipation of the spectators seemed to thrum in harmony with their collective heartbeat.
Tang Mu, a martial arts prodigy, stood poised and undeterred, his eyes, sharp as a hawk's, studying Yan Bo, his opponent. Yan Bo, in contrast, stood with a deceptive slouch, his lanky fingers gripping his spear, his demeanor exuding an aura of calm focus. The palpable speculation in the audience only amplified their curiosity about the outcome of this intriguing match-up.
The first to break the stillness was Tang Mu. Inhaling deeply, he sprang forward like an uncoiled serpent, every move echoing his refined martial prowess. His clenched fist swung towards Yan Bo with the power and momentum of a roaring tempest.
In response, Yan Bo demonstrated the deftness and accuracy of a true spear master. He twirled his spear, creating a protective whirlwind around him to parry Tang Mu's assault. The spear danced in his hands, fluid as a river dragon, its glinting tip shimmering under the stage lights.
An audible gasp rippled through the crowd as Tang Mu narrowly evaded a swift counter-thrust from Yan Bo. He rolled lithely, barely eluding the spear's lethal tip. However, Tang Mu was quick to rebound. Rising like a phoenix from the ashes, he unleashed a barrage of punches and kicks at Yan Bo, who moved his spear in sync with his body, erecting an impenetrable defense.
As the duel intensified, the audience watched with bated breath. The music rose to a climactic crescendo, mirroring the mounting tension on the stage. Tang Mu, famed for his dynamic strength, was pitted against Yan Bo's fluid yet formidable spearwork.
In a sudden shift, Yan Bo lunged forward, his spear aimed at Tang Mu's midriff. Anticipating the move, Tang Mu deftly sidestepped the assault and seized Yan Bo's spear, striving to wrest it from his grip. But Yan Bo held firm. With a swift twist of the spear, he forced Tang Mu to relinquish his hold, following up with a brisk kick that sent Tang Mu reeling backward.
The spectators collectively held their breath as Tang Mu regained his balance. A moment of understanding passed between the two young men, their gazes locked.