Ranking Tournament (1)

Seo-Jun and Feng Yan made their way to the arena, the air buzzing with excitement and anticipation. The yearly rank competition was one of the most significant events in the Blazing Sword Sect, and disciples from all over had gathered to prove their worth. As they arrived, Seo-Jun scanned the surroundings, taking in the sea of faces.

The arena was packed with disciples, many of whom Seo-Jun had never seen before. These were senior outer disciples who had been in seclusion, training diligently for this very moment. Most of them were at Qi Condensation Stage 5 or 6, with a few at Stage 7. The atmosphere was electric, with disciples exchanging greetings, sizing each other up, and discussing strategies.

Seo-Jun's eyes landed on a familiar face—Luo Jian, Luo Jian had clearly been training hard; his aura was stronger than before, and he had reached Qi Condensation Stage 7. He was surrounded by a small group of admirers, but one person stood out—a woman who seemed to be engaging him in lively conversation.

[System Alert: Individual Info]

Name: Yan Mei

Cultivation Realm: Qi Condensation Stage 5

Status: Outer Disciple, Known for Her Charisma and Social Skills.

Yan Mei was laughing at something Luo Jian said, her eyes sparkling with amusement. Luo Jian, for his part, seemed relaxed and confident, though not overly boastful. He nodded politely at Yan Mei's comments, his demeanor calm and composed. Seo-Jun couldn't help but feel a pang of admiration mixed with determination. Luo Jian's strong, but I've come a long way too. This is my chance to prove myself.

Feng Yan nudged Seo-Jun, snapping him out of his thoughts. "Looks like Luo Jian's been busy," Feng Yan said with a grin. "Think he's as strong as they say, or is he just lucky?"

Seo-Jun shrugged. "We'll find out soon enough. Let's focus on ourselves."

As they moved further into the arena, an elder stepped onto the central platform and raised his hand, silencing the crowd. "Disciples of the Blazing Sword Sect," he began, his voice carrying across the arena. "Welcome to the yearly rank competition. This is your chance to prove your strength, skill, and dedication. The competition will be divided into four groups. Listen carefully as I announce the assignments."

The elder began reading out the names, and Seo-Jun listened intently. When his name was called for Group 2, he felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. Feng Yan was assigned to Group 3, while Luo Jian was placed in Group 1. Many of Seo-Jun's friends, including Mei Ling, Lin Tao, and Zhong Yi, were assigned to Group 4.

Feng Yan clapped Seo-Jun on the back. "Looks like we're in different groups. Good luck, but don't get too comfortable. I'll be watching your matches."

Seo-Jun grinned. "Same to you. Let's both make it to the finals."

As the groups were finalized, the disciples began to disperse, heading to their designated areas. Seo-Jun took a deep breath, his mind focused on the competition ahead. He glanced at Luo Jian one last time, noticing Yan Mei still by his side, chatting animatedly. Luo seemed very calm .

He's not arrogant, just sure of himself, Seo-Jun thought. But so am I. Let's see who comes out on top.

With that, Seo-Jun turned away and headed toward the Group 2 area. 

As Seo-Jun made his way toward the Group 2 area, he could feel someone's gaze lingering on him. He glanced over his shoulder and saw Luo Jian observing him carefully. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and Seo-Jun noticed a flicker of something in Luo Jian's expression—curiosity, perhaps, or even a hint of respect. Luo Jian's sharp eyes seemed to assess Seo-Jun's aura, his posture, and the way he carried himself.

He's grown stronger, Luo Jian thought, his mind racing. Last time I saw him, he was barely keeping up. Now, his Qi feels denser, more refined. He's not the same Seo-Jun I remember. This competition might be more interesting than I thought.

Yan Mei, who had been standing beside Luo Jian, noticed his prolonged gaze. She tilted her head, her voice light but curious. "What's so interesting about that disciple? You've been staring at him for a while now."

Luo Jian shook his head, his tone calm and dismissive. "It's nothing. "

Yan Mei raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Really? You don't usually pay attention to 'nothing.' Who is he?"

Luo Jian glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "Just a fellow disciple. Don't worry about it."

Yan Mei pouted slightly but didn't press further. However, her curiosity was piqued. As Luo Jian walked away to join his assigned group, Group 1, Yan Mei's eyes narrowed. She wasn't one to let things go so easily. She spotted Luo Jian's brother, Luo Wei, nearby and approached him with a sweet smile.

"Luo Wei," she said, her voice dripping with charm. "Your brother seemed… distracted earlier. He was looking at that disciple over there." She gestured subtly toward Seo-Jun. "Do you know who he is?"

Luo Wei, who was more talkative and less guarded than his brother, shrugged. "Oh, that's Seo-Jun. He's been a bit of a thorn in my brother's side lately. Nothing serious, but he's been climbing the ranks faster than expected. My brother doesn't like to admit it, but he sees Seo-Jun as an enemy."

Yan Mei's eyes widened slightly, her interest deepening. "A enemy? For Luo Jian? That's… unexpected."

Luo Wei chuckled. "Yeah, well, Seo-Jun's not as weak as he used to be. He's got some talent, I'll give him that. But don't tell my brother I said that. He'd never admit it out loud."

Yan Mei smiled sweetly, but her mind was already working. So, this Seo-Jun is someone Luo Jian is keeping an eye on. Interesting. Her gaze shifted to Mei Ling, who was standing with the other members of Group 4. She had heard that Mei Ling was close to Seo-Jun, and a plan began to form in her mind.

If I can't interfere with Seo-Jun directly, maybe I can shake him up indirectly, Yan Mei thought, her lips curling into a sly smile. Mei Ling seems like the perfect target. She's close to him, and if something happens to her, it might distract Seo-Jun during the competition. Luo Jian wouldn't like it if I interfered with Seo-Jun, but he can't stop me from dealing with someone else.

With her plan set, Yan Mei made her way to the Group 4 area, her steps light and confident. She spotted Mei Ling practicing a basic sword form, her movements graceful and precise. Yan Mei's smile widened as she approached, her mind already calculating how to stir up trouble without drawing too much attention.