chapter 19

As the sun dipped lower, casting a warm orange glow over the arena, Elder Lǐ stood tall on the main platform, raising a hand to quiet the crowd. The hum of chatter softened, and all eyes turned to him, anticipation thick in the air.

"We are down to our final six contestants," Elder Lǐ announced, his voice carrying through the stands. "These six descendants will now face off, and only three will remain standing, worthy of referral to the esteemed White Crane Sect." A shimmer appeared on the translucent screen, projecting the final matchups for the crowd to see.

Platform One: Duō Wěi vs. Duō Chóng

Platform Two: Duō Zen vs. Duō Shēn

Platform Three: Duō Yī vs. Duō Xuān

A ripple of excitement surged through the audience as they scanned the pairings, murmuring predictions and speculations.

In the gathering area, Duō Yī exhaled a sigh of relief as he read the matchups. "Thank goodness I don't have to face that Wěi monster," he muttered, a hint of a smile on his lips. "At least with Xuān, my chances of winning are above fifty percent."

Nearby, Duō Chóng's face was as pale as the clouds drifting overhead. His gaze remained fixed on the name next to his. "W-why do I get Duō Wěi as my opponent?" he stammered, his voice trembling. "It's not fair! I was so close…" He trailed off, feeling the weight of the moment, his hopes wavering.

In the shaded seats reserved for the clan's elders, a spirited discussion was already underway. Elder Duō Jì, father to Duō Zhì, leaned forward, speaking with a tone of certainty. "The final three are already clear. It will be Zen, Wěi, and Xuān. I doubt any others have a realistic chance."

Elder Duō Lán, known for her measured insights, glanced at him thoughtfully. "Zen has proven himself strong, yes, but his recent breakthrough to the fourth stage has left his Qi channels unstable. Shēn still has a chance to capitalize on that weakness. This match may surprise us."

Elder Duō Qīng spoke up, his voice a calm counterpoint to the growing debate. "Strength alone may not be the determining factor. Watching Duō Yī fight, I've seen a resourcefulness rare in one so young. It isn't a skill to be underestimated."

A dismissive scoff from Elder Duō Jì answered him. "Resourcefulness is commendable, but against Xuān, who is meticulous and highly skilled, he'll need much more than clever tactics to survive."

Elder Duō Lán, hands folded thoughtfully, added, "Duō Yī has been underestimated from the beginning, yet he's continued to outlast every opponent deemed his superior. Perhaps his approach is something we have yet to fully appreciate."

A moment of quiet settled as the elders pondered her words. Then, in a tone that silenced the murmurs around him, Duō Chén Yǒng, the Clan Head himself, spoke. "Indeed, underestimating Duō Yī may prove unwise."

Elder Duō Kūn, intrigued by the Clan Head's intervention, raised an eyebrow. "Do you truly think he stands a chance, Clan Head? Or is this the sentiment of a father speaking?"

The Clan Head met his gaze, his expression unreadable. "A father may be proud, but he knows his son's strengths and limitations better than anyone. I would only suggest we watch this match with an open mind. In contests like these, unexpected strengths often reveal themselves."

The elders exchanged glances, each absorbing the Clan Head's words with a new sense of curiosity. Beneath the surface, Duō Yī's potential began to resonate with them in a way they hadn't considered.

As the crowd quieted once more, Elder Lǐ's voice echoed through the air, "Descendants, prepare yourselves! The third round will begin shortly!"

With a respectful nod, the elders turned their eyes back to the platforms, anticipation mingling with curiosity. The matches were set, but now, the true test lay ahead.