The Birth of the Dark Horse

Phew! 

Yun Che let out a breath of relief as he sat beneath the combat platform, resting. Around him, numerous disciples of the Yun clan glanced his way, their eyes filled with a mixture of apprehension and fear. 

In the group stages, Yun Che had unmistakably emerged as the dark horse, rising forcefully with nothing but a set of basic boxing techniques, sweeping through the competition without a single defeat. 

Even Yun Chengang, ranked seventh among the outer disciples, had been bested by him. 

With twenty consecutive victories, Yun Che had already advanced beyond the group stage, no longer needing to continue his trials. 

"I wonder how the other groups are faring," he mused. 

Yun Che's gaze swept across the other groups. 

The preliminary rounds had divided the entire arena into ten groups, each consisting of elite disciples from the outer sect. 

Aside from Yun Che, other groups had also produced contestants with twenty straight victories, securing their place beyond the group rounds. 

Among them, the fastest to advance was Yun Yijian from the second group. 

Yun Yijian's sword speed was astonishing, so swift that the eye could only catch a fleeting streak of cold sword light. Before his opponents even had time to react, the tip of his blade was already at their throats. 

In terms of progression speed, Yun Yijian was even faster than Yun Yue, who held the top rank. 

"In the outer sect martial competition, only the top three, Yun Yue, Yun Yijian, and Yun Fei, pose any real threat to me," Yun Che observed quietly. 

Yun Yue, the first-ranked disciple, was older, seventeen years of age, with a fully developed physique, greater strength, and a foundation deeper than anyone else's. 

"Reverse Wind Fist!" 

A disciple at the third level of martial arts struck Yun Yue with a punch, yet the latter's body remained as solid as a mountain. His skin, as tough as iron, remained unscathed. 

What?! 

The disciple, who had thrown a full-force strike, turned pale, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. 

Such powerful defense! 

Yun Che's heart stirred slightly. 

A full blow from a martial artist at the third level failed to even scratch Yun Yue. 

It was clear that Yun Yue must have cultivated a defensive martial technique focused on strengthening the body, greatly enhancing his defensive capabilities and resistance to damage. 

At the very least, Yun Che knew that under normal circumstances, he would not have been able to withstand such a blow without injury. 

If Yun Yijian's strength lay in speed and powerful attacks, then Yun Yue was his exact opposite—he was all about stability, excelling in defense. 

Next came Yun Fei, ranked third, graceful and agile, exuding an ethereal beauty. Her martial techniques blended softness and hardness, often winning battles with subtlety, leaving behind an impression of grace and charm. 

Dressed in purple, with long eyelashes and skin as smooth as jade, her slender, graceful figure was like a dream, capturing everyone's attention on the combat platform. 

Watching Yun Fei fight was a truly delightful experience. 

"Who is she? She has the strength of a semi-martial artist at such a young age." 

Even some inner disciples were drawn to Yun Fei. 

"She's truly beautiful, with an extraordinary aura. With such talent, even if she enters the inner sect, she'll shine brightly. She might even surpass us." 

"She's still young. In two years, she might rival the most beautiful woman in Yuyang City, 'Qiu Mengyu'." 

… 

To a certain extent, Yun Fei's attention surpassed that of the first and second-ranked Yun Yue and Yun Yijian. 

This was primarily due to her beauty and talent. 

Soon, in the ten groups, a leader with twenty consecutive victories emerged from each one. 

Group one—Yun Yue, group two—Yun Yijian, group three—Yun Fei, group four—Yun Qian, group five—Yun Guang… 

These names were essentially a ranking of the top ten from the outer sect. 

However, the only exception was the seventh group. 

Yun Che had emerged as the dark horse, replacing Yun Chengang's position as the seventh-ranked disciple. 

Aside from these ten, very few others in the arena had won twenty consecutive matches. 

The group stages continued, with the top ten from each group being selected based on the number of victories. 

In just a day, the group rounds had narrowed down the field to one hundred competitors. 

These one hundred were all elite disciples from the outer sect. 

However, to enter the family martial tournament and compete against the inner sect disciples, only the top fifty from the outer sect would be chosen. 

On the following day, the one hundred advancing disciples gathered once more at the Tianwu Arena. 

After a night of rest, Yun Che was full of energy. 

He had realized that participating in these competitions had helped to advance his cultivation to some extent. 

"Today, we enter the second phase—the ranking competition! You one hundred contestants are all elites from the outer sect, but today's matches will eliminate half of you, selecting the top fifty to compete in the martial tournament. The competition rules are as follows…" 

The loud voice echoed throughout the Tianwu Arena. 

The one hundred contestants, all holding their breath, listened carefully to the competition rules. 

The ranking competition was based on a points system. Each contestant started with one point. Winning a match added one point, while losing subtracted one. 

Ultimately, the rankings would be based on the number of points, with the top fifty advancing to compete against the inner sect disciples. 

"The competition begins!" 

As the host's voice fell, the ten combat platforms began their matches simultaneously. 

"144 vs 26!" 

"73 vs 429!" 

The matches took place across ten platforms, without any group divisions, with each round proceeding quickly and efficiently. 

Against stronger opponents, many chose to forfeit. 

For example, top disciples like Yun Yue and Yun Yijian had opponents who surrendered immediately, saving their energy for the next round. 

"188 vs 169!" 

Finally, it was Yun Che's turn to take the stage. 

His opponent was a dark-faced youth at the peak of the second level of martial arts. 

"I forfeit!" 

Upon seeing that Yun Che was his opponent, the dark-faced youth shuddered and immediately surrendered. 

Yun Che was momentarily taken aback.

Originally, this dark-faced youth had been in Group 7 during the preliminary rounds alongside Yun Che. Although they did not face each other, he had witnessed Yun Che dominate the group with basic martial techniques. Thus, Yun Che effortlessly earned his first point in the ranking match, his score rising from 1 to 2. 

The competition moved efficiently, with referees authorized to call victories even in prolonged bouts. 

Soon, it was Yun Che's turn again. 

This time, his opponent was a modestly dressed young woman with a delicate appearance, possessing only the cultivation of the second level of martial arts. 

"Your strength is impressive, I have watched your previous matches, but I will never concede easily." 

The girl bit her lip. 

Against such a delicate opponent, most would show mercy and hold back slightly. 

"Yan Gang Fist!" 

A simple, unadorned basic martial technique, yet it roared like a ball of fire, sending the girl staggering back five or six meters before crashing to the ground. 

With one strike, victory was swiftly claimed! 

Yun Che had no intention of wasting time; his opponent was too weak to offer any challenge or improvement to his skills. 

"I lost!" 

The girl, disheartened, left in silence. 

"Tch! Bullying a weak girl, what's so impressive about that!" 

"I'll take the stage next and avenge Sister Xin!" 

Yun Che's display sparked some discontent among a few of the young men. 

"Victory for number 188!" 

The referee gave Yun Che a glance of slight admiration. 

The following matches proceeded without interruption. 

Yun Che's points continued to accumulate. 

"Conceding!" 

"I forfeit!" 

"Yan Gang Fist!" 

Most of Yun Che's opponents surrendered without much resistance, with only a few stubbornly holding on before being thoroughly defeated. 

"This kid's strength is likely on the verge of becoming a true martial artist." 

As the battles progressed, more and more began to recognize his true power. 

During his free time, Yun Che also kept an eye on the matches of Yun Yue, Yun Yijian, and others. 

At a certain moment, 

A fierce clash on the third ring drew everyone's attention. 

"Look! Yun Yijian versus Yun Qian!" 

Many people exclaimed in surprise, attracting a multitude of gazes. 

Yun Che glanced over and saw that Yun Yijian and Yun Qian had already begun their duel. 

The second and fourth ranked outer disciples were clashing, making it naturally a focal point. 

Both were in the top five, their strengths relatively close. 

"Snake's Tenth Change!" 

Yun Qian shouted coldly, his movements as swift as a poisonous serpent, coiling and darting across the ground with incredible agility, dodging Yun Yijian's attacks and continuously closing in to engage in close combat. 

Yun Che was slightly moved. In just a month, Yun Qian's strength had increased significantly. He had mastered the tenth transformation of the "Poisonous Snake Thirteen Changes" and reached the level of a semi-martial artist. 

At this point, Yun Qian's abilities were comparable to "Xin Fei" from the Xueyun Sky Forest. 

"Your progress is notable, but you're still nothing more than my subordinate." 

Yun Yijian's expression remained arrogant as he drew his sword, and with a flick, the blade shimmered, sending a stream of icy sword light, its speed reaching an almost unthinkable peak. 

Those watching from the sidelines felt an unexplained chill. 

"Advanced martial skill 'Cold Stream Sword'! This is an extremely difficult technique to master, focusing on speed and sharpness, nearly impossible to counter!" 

Some whispered. 

The sword light grew colder and colder as Yun Yijian wielded his blade, tracing freezing arcs like the bitter winds of winter. 

Yun Qian barely dodged several strikes but was wounded by one, a deep gash marking his body. 

The chilling sword winds surrounded him like an inescapable shadow. 

"Yun Yijian wins!" 

The referee, experienced and sharp-eyed, immediately stopped the match, declaring Yun Yijian the victor. 

At this moment, Yun Qian, soaked in cold sweat, stared in disbelief at Yun Yijian. "How did he do that…" 

In fewer than ten moves, Yun Yijian had defeated Yun Qian. 

"Yun Yijian's strength has grown so much!" 

Some of the Yun clan disciples were visibly stunned. 

Previously, when Yun Yijian had faced Yun Qian, it had often taken dozens, if not hundreds, of moves to win. 

"Yun Yijian's strength now could rival Yun Yue." 

Some speculated. 

Yun Yijian and Yun Yue were known for their contrasting styles—Yun Yijian excelled in offense, while Yun Yue was known for his defensive prowess. 

What would happen if they clashed? Many eagerly anticipated the answer. 

The matches continued at a steady pace. 

Yun Yijian and Yun Yue had become the leading contenders for the title of "First in the Outer Tier." 

Next in line was Yun Fei, whose popularity had soared, remaining undefeated thus far. 

Yun Che observed everything quietly, his expression unchanged. 

When his points reached forty-five, Yun Che remained unbeaten. 

At this moment, he encountered a formidable opponent. 

That opponent was Yun Guang, ranked fifth in the outer tier, just below Yun Qian. 

Yun Guang had also accumulated a substantial score, losing only to Yun Yue. 

"Heh, kid! You'll stop your streak of victories here, facing me." 

Yun Guang's face gleamed with confidence. 

Many onlookers glanced at Yun Che with a sense of schadenfreude. 

Ranked fifth, Yun Guang was the strongest opponent Yun Che had faced thus far. 

"Your strength is barely scraping the threshold of becoming a semi-martial artist." 

Yun Che said, his tone nonchalant. 

"Is that so? Then I'll see for myself what you've got, besides your basic martial techniques." 

A cold glint flashed in Yun Guang's eyes. 

Whoosh! 

Before his words even finished, he blurred into motion, appearing suddenly at Yun Che's side. 

His speed was so ghostly that the spectators could scarcely follow. 

"Such speed!" 

"Among the top five, Yun Guang and Yun Fei have the best light-footed techniques." 

Yun Guang's nimble movements drew applause. 

Speed? 

A mocking smile tugged at Yun Che's lips. 

Whoosh! 

Yun Guang struck out with a palm, but the figure of "Yun Che" vanished under his eyes, as if his palm had slashed through empty air. 

Not good… 

Yun Guang's heart sank. 

Woosh! 

A loud commotion erupted from the crowd below, as many of the Yun clan disciples stared, stunned. 

The quicker ones spotted something behind Yun Guang. 

Angry Dragon Fist! 

Yun Guang felt a gust of wind rush from behind him, his heart jolting in fear. 

Boom! 

Yun Guang instinctively countered, barely managing to catch Yun Che's "Angry Dragon Fist," but the overwhelming power of it sent him staggering back several meters, nearly toppling over. 

"What martial arts is he practicing? His speed… is even faster than mine!" 

Yun Guang's heart churned with shock and disbelief.