Youth Martial Competition

When Fēi lòng Tiān finally awoke after 3 days of ceaseless cultivation he felt a rush of strength surge through his body, the Qi and blood in his body raged with a frightening power. So this is the Qi condensation realm he thought to himself as he felt the strength he had never felt before

As Fēi Lóng Tiān basked in the astonishment of his newfound strength, he couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the power surging within him. In just three days, he had transcended from a non-cultivator to the formidable Qi condensation realm. The speed of his breakthrough was nothing short of frighteningly fast, what he didn't know was that if anyone were to discover this feat, they would undoubtedly be dumbfounded by the sheer speed and prowess he displayed. With the Qi and blood coursing through him, he felt like an unstoppable force, ready to face any challenge that lay ahead on his path of cultivation.

As Fēi Lóng Tiān marveled at his newfound power, he was suddenly broken from his thoughts by an unceasing hunger that gripped him. The intense cultivation had left him without sustenance for three days, and it finally caught up with him. Swiftly getting up, he felt the urgency to satiate his gnawing hunger. With determination in his eyes, he turned back towards the bustling Crimson Flame City, his mind set on finding a meal to replenish his energy. His recent breakthrough had only intensified his determination to succeed on his cultivation journey, and he knew that nourishing his body was vital for the challenges that awaited him. With the same focus and discipline he applied to his cultivation, he set out to find a way to satisfy his hunger.

As Fēi Lóng Tiān stepped into Crimson Flame City, the vibrant sights and sounds overwhelmed his senses. Hungry and determined, he carefully navigated the bustling streets, seeking a place where he could find a decent meal without drawing too much attention to himself. Eventually, he stumbled upon a small, unassuming teahouse and quietly settled in a corner. As he sipped on a warm bowl of rice porridge that he had purchased, he couldn't help but overhear a conversation at a nearby table. The topic of discussion was the upcoming martial arts competition, where talented cultivators from all over the region would gather to showcase their skills and compete for glory and recognition.

"Have you heard about the youth martial arts competition?" one man asked animatedly. "I heard it is being held six months later at the governor's arena," another stated. "I heard that too, but did you hear that this youth competition is being held only for martial artists under the age of 15!"

"I didn't even know there were 15-year-old martial artists, I wonder if there are any that have broken through to the Qi condensation realm" someone else chimed in. "What of course not I'm barely a Qi condensation cultivator myself there's no way a child is capable of that." another said " what do you think just because you are a untalented trash that means others are?" "I've heard of Qi condensation cultivators as young as the age of 10 years old" a man said, causing the previous man to lower his head in shame.

Intrigued, Fēi Lóng Tiān learned that the competition would also serve as a recruitment ground for various martial sects and clans, offering opportunities for talented individuals to join their ranks and receive training. His heart stirred with the prospect of gaining access to powerful cultivation techniques and mentors to guide him on his journey. With determination flashing across his face, he stilled his heart and thought, "I have six months." Fēi Lóng Tiān set his sights on participating in the martial arts competition, viewing it as a stepping stone to unlocking his full potential and making his mark in the world of cultivation. The path ahead was challenging and fraught with dangers, but Fēi Lóng Tiān's resolve remained unshakable. He quickly left the teahouse and disappeared into the busy city streets.

Over the next few days in between cultivation every time Fēi Lóng Tiān got hungry he would head to Crimson Flame city and immerse himself in the bustling city, keen on gathering as much information as he could about the upcoming martial arts competition. He roamed from one street to another, eavesdropping on conversations among the locals and fellow cultivators. Along the way, he picked up crucial details about the registration process and requirements for participation.

Excitement building within him, Fēi Lóng Tiān finally learned that the registration was taking place at the grand arena used for various events and competitions. Without hesitation, he made his way to the designated location, his heart pounding with anticipation. However, as he approached the registration area, he was taken aback by the sight that greeted him: a winding line of aspiring martial artists, stretching far beyond what his eyes could see.

Undeterred, he took his place in the seemingly endless queue, determination etched on his face. Patiently, he waited for his turn, eager to secure his spot in the competition and take the first step towards fulfilling his dreams. As the line slowly moved forward, Fēi Lóng Tiān couldn't help but overhear the chatter around him, witnessing the passion and ambition in the eyes of his fellow participants. Each of them bore their aspirations like a badge of honor, and he knew that he was amidst a gathering of extraordinary talents, all vying for recognition and glory in the upcoming tournament.

Amidst the sea of determined young martial artists waiting in line, Fēi Lóng Tiān couldn't help but notice a stark contrast between himself and the other youths. At a maximum of 15 years old, and the youngest person he saw in the queue being around the age of 11 these youths were still several years older than him. He marveled at their proficiency in displaying their Qi condensation realm cultivation, with some even exuding an aura of warriors despite their tender age. As he observed the older participants discussing techniques and strategies, he felt a mix of admiration and trepidation. Despite his young age, Fēi Lóng Tiān understood that he had to prove himself beyond any doubt if he were to stand a chance in this fierce competition. He steeled his nerves, silently vowing to showcase his true potential and overcome the odds stacked against him. With unyielding determination, Fēi Lóng Tiān was ready to make his mark, proving that age was no barrier to greatness in the world of cultivation.

As Fēi Lóng Tiān stood in the lengthy queue, his eyes wandered across the diverse array of participants eagerly awaiting their turn. Among them, he couldn't help but fixate on a young contestant dressed in striking red attire, clutching a gleaming sword with an air of maturity that belied his tender age of around 11 or 12. The sight of someone close to his own age participating in the competition ignited a spark of camaraderie within Fēi Lóng Tiān. He felt an innate desire to approach the young swordsman and forge a connection based on their shared youth. However, as he observed the youth's cold and distant demeanor, he sensed an unspoken message that discouraged any attempts at interaction. There was an aura of solitude around the young swordsman, hinting at a past filled with challenges and perhaps even tragedy. Though tempted to bridge the gap between them, Fēi Lóng Tiān understood the importance of respecting the youth's boundaries and decided to focus on preparing himself for the trials ahead instead.

As Fēi Lóng Tiān patiently waited in the queue, his gaze fell upon an older man seated at the front. Despite his unpretentious appearance, there was an unmistakable air of wisdom and power surrounding him, evident to those who could sense the subtleties of cultivation. Dressed in lavish attire, the man's tranquil demeanor contrasted the vibrant energy of the bustling crowd. Fēi Lóng Tiān sensed an otherworldly aura emanating from him, speaking volumes of his profound cultivation. It was as if time itself had etched its mark on the man, leaving him with an aura of ancient knowledge and experience. As the realization dawned upon Fēi Lóng Tiān, he understood that this unassuming elder was the one in charge of testing and evaluating the qualifications of the youths, determining who was worthy to participate in the martial arts competition. The gravity of the situation weighed on him, As Fēi Lóng Tiān stood in line, he attentively observed the testing process before him. Each contestant had to place their hand on a small stone as the elder determined their age. Some unfortunate ones were immediately disqualified for exceeding the age limit, emphasizing the strictness of the competition's rules. Once the age assessment was completed, the focus shifted to testing the cultivation base. The first level of Qi condensation realm was the minimum requirement, and most of the youths in line met this criteria, with some even reaching the second level. A few exceptionally talented ones showcased their prowess at the third level, leaving Fēi Lóng Tiān in awe. He had only encountered one youth so far at the fourth level, he overheard from the surrounding contestants that this was Lu Sheng, a prodigious young master from the Lu Sheng, "did you hear? Lu Sheng is only 14 years old this year yet his cultivation is already at the fourth level Qi condensation" gasps spread through the air as everyone started discussing, "Genius! A true Genius!" "If I could have half the Talent as Lu Sheng my life would be complete!" many discussed animatedly. Fēi Lóng Tiān felt the weight of the competition and the pressure to prove himself among such remarkable talents. Still, he found solace in knowing he had already qualified for the entrance requirements, granting him the chance to prove his potential on this momentous stage.

As Fēi Lóng Tiān was lost in his thoughts, a sharp snort echoed behind him, shattering the momentary tranquility. He turned around to meet the gaze of an unsightly youth, roughly 14 or 15 years old, adorned in extravagant attire that exuded arrogance. An evil glint flickered in the youth's eyes, and Fēi Lóng Tiān couldn't help but notice the disdainful look directed at him—a look he was all too familiar with as an unwanted orphan, dressed in tattered rags and bearing the marks of a difficult life. The youth's words dripped with malice as he sneered, belittling Fēi Lóng Tiān's presence. "This competition is for cultivators, not some riffraff beggar-trash like you," he taunted, the tension in the air palpable as he spat his hateful words.

Fēi Lóng Tiān's eyes narrowed into a fierce glare, refusing to back down in the face of the unkind words. However, his attention shifted when he overheard the surrounding crowd gasp and whisper in hushed tones. "That's Chen Qiang, the young master of the Chen clan," one person exclaimed in awe. "I heard he is only 14 years old and already at the third level of Qi condensation!" another added, acknowledging his genius status from a powerful clan, much like Lu Sheng. The crowd continued to discuss animatedly, comparing Chen Qiang to Lu Sheng, who seemed to be a legend among geniuses. Chen Qiang's expression darken at the comparison, he began to glare at Fēi Lóng Tiān with hatred, blaming him for his loss of face, as the saying goes, comparisons lead to disappointment.

Chen Qiang's eyes burned with rage as he snapped at Fēi Lóng Tiān, his anger evident in his voice. "Get lost, you worthless non-martial artist scum! This is no place for the likes of you," he spat, his voice dripping with disdain. "If you don't disappear from my sight in ten breaths of time, I'll make sure you never wield your limbs again!" Some of the other youths, eager to please the young master, joined in, taunting and pushing Fēi Lóng Tiān, while others looked on with pity but were too afraid to intervene. Fēi Lóng Tiān felt a mix of emotions – anger at the unfairness and cruelty, humiliation at being treated like an outcast.

In the face of the injustice, Fēi Lóng Tiān felt his Qi and blood surge, filling his body with a newfound vitality. Just as he was about to make his move, a commanding voice cut through the madness, putting an end to the chaos. The crowd fell silent as the words echoed in their ears. Though the voice was not spoken loudly, the use of voice extension allowed everyone to hear it clearly. All eyes turned to the source of the voice, resting upon the entry test elder with shock and awe written across their faces. Those with greater knowledge of cultivation bases couldn't help but exclaim in astonishment that voice extension was a technique reserved for Gold Core martial artists and above. Fēi Lóng Tiān and the others were equally stunned to realize that this elder was a Gold Core stage powerhouse. One youth even lost his composure, blurting out in disbelief, "This old geezer is at the Gold Core realm!?" Instantly, the others distanced themselves from him, not wanting to get caught up in his misstep. Some muttered in hushed voices, "Are you stupid? Don't insult a Gold Core powerhouse like that!"

The esteemed Elder smiled lightly as he addressed the crowd, "In the spirit of fairness, no one will be barred from taking the qualifications test." His words carried a hint of amusement, and he cast a barely noticeable knowing look at the gathered participants. When Chen Qiang heard this, a flush of anger spread across his face, but the realization that the Elder was a Gold Core powerhouse forced him to suppress his rage. Reluctantly, he had to let the matter rest for now. However, he couldn't resist shooting Fēi Lóng Tiān a glare filled with killing intent, vowing to himself that he would find a way to settle the score in the upcoming competition. The tension in the air remained palpable, and Fēi Lóng Tiān braced himself for the challenge, "the third level Qi condensation" a distinct pressure was placed on Fēi Lóng Tiān's shoulders

As the hours passed, the grand arena remained abuzz with aspiring martial artists eager to prove their worth. Among them was the 12 year old youth Fēi Lóng Tiān had noticed before, named Xiang Yu. As he confidently stepped forward to take the qualification exam, the crowd's jaws dropped in astonishment when the stone lit up to reveal that he was a third-level Qi condensation martial artist. Murmurs of amazement filled the air, and some even dared to suggest that his talent might rival that of the legendary Lu Sheng. The esteemed Elder looked slightly surprised by the revelation, and with a hint of intrigue in his voice, he asked the youth his name. "Xiang Yu," came the calm response, to which the elder nodded approvingly, "Good, good."

Hours rolled on, it finally came time for Fēi Lóng Tiān to test his qualifications. He walked up to the stone, and to everyone's surprise, it glowed with a bright light to reveal his age as 9 years old. The crowd gasped, unable to believe that such a young child was even participating in the competition. However, their astonishment didn't end there. When Fēi Lóng Tiān displayed his cultivation, everyone was shocked to see that he was at the first level of Qi condensation. Whispers of awe spread among the crowd as they recognized the potential of such a talented young martial artist. Many speculated that if he could already reach the first level at such a tender age, breaking through to the third level by the time he reached seven wasn't out of the question. His talent was inching closer to Xiang Yu's, Sparking curiosity and excitement among the onlookers about the potential rivalry that might unfold in the days to come, some youths snuck glances at Chen Qiang. "Didn't he say earlier that this youth was just trash?" they thought to themselves. Chen Qiang's rage started to boil over again, and thinking about the youth he deemed trash, his fists clenched in anger.