The Tournament Begins

The Imperial Martial Arena was filled with excitement as the tournament was about to begin. Thousands of cultivators and nobles had gathered to watch, including the most powerful sects in the empire.

Ron stood calmly among the Black Moon Sect's participants, his golden eyes scanning the competition.

From the expressions of the other sects, it was clear—they all looked down on his sect.

"The Black Moon Sect? Aren't they just a third-rate sect? Why even bother sending disciples?"

"Hahaha! And look at that one in the Qi Refining Realm! Did they run out of decent disciples?"

Even the Emperor and Princess exchanged glances.

The Emperor whispered, "They sent a mere Qi Refining cultivator? How laughable."

The Princess, however, continued to stare at Ron with hidden curiosity.

Ron smirked. "Weaklings sure like to talk a lot."

Liu Tian sighed. "Ron, maybe try not to offend everyone before the tournament starts?"

Ron chuckled. "I don't need to. Their stupidity offends itself."

---

The First Round: A Show of Strength

The tournament officially began as a grand elder from the Imperial Sect stood up and announced the rules.

"This tournament will be divided into several rounds. The first round will be a test of raw strength. Each participant must strike the Dragon Scale Tablet, which will measure their power. The strongest participants will proceed to the next round."

One by one, disciples from different sects stepped forward and unleashed their strongest attacks on the massive golden tablet in the center of the arena.

BOOM!

A disciple from the Skyblade Sect struck, and the tablet glowed brightly.

Power Level: 2,000

BOOM!

A Crimson Thunder Sect disciple stepped forward and punched with all his might.

Power Level: 2,500

The crowd cheered as each powerful disciple displayed their strength.

Then, it was Ron's turn.

Silence fell over the crowd as the Qi Refining Realm disciple stepped forward.

The other sects laughed.

"Hahaha! Is he really going to embarrass himself?"

"What's a Qi Refining Realm brat going to do?"

Even the Emperor shook his head in disappointment.

The Princess, however, leaned forward, watching closely.

Ron placed his hand on his sword. A wave of energy surged through him.

Then—

SLASH!

He casually swung his sword.

A brilliant golden arc of sword energy shot forward, striking the Dragon Scale Tablet.

BOOOOM!!!

A deafening explosion shook the entire arena!

The tablet shone so brightly that the entire coliseum was momentarily blinded.

When the light faded…

Power Level: 5,000!

The entire crowd fell silent.

Then—

Chaos erupted.

"WHAT!?"

"IMPOSSIBLE! A Qi Refining cultivator hit 5,000!?"

Even the sect leaders and elders stood up in shock.

Ron smirked, turning to face the crowd.

"Still think I'm weak?"

The Princess's eyes sparkled with even more interest.

This tournament had just gotten a lot more interesting.

[To be continued…]

Ron's Progress:

• Cultivation: Qi Refining stage 4

• Swordmanship: Sword user Peak

Scales Unlocked: 2 scales

Techniques

• Heaven crushing slash

• Phantom Moon Slash