Chapter 21: The Calm Before the Storm

The tournament's elimination round was over, and the final 50 disciples were left standing. The sect elders had given them three days to recover before the next stage began.

Jiang Cheng stood atop a rocky hill near the training grounds, overlooking the distant horizon. His body had recovered from the previous battles, but his mind was elsewhere.

"I need to be stronger."

The fights so far had been challenging, but Jiang Cheng knew the real threats had yet to reveal themselves.

Mo Tian.

That eerie presence still lingered in his mind. He had felt it during the battles—an unnatural, sinister force. If Mo Tian wasn't stopped now, he would become an even greater danger in the future.

Jiang Cheng clenched his fists.

"No matter what, I will win this tournament."

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The Rivals Gather

The other competitors were not wasting their time either.

Zhao Lan, the sword genius, was in the training grounds, his blade cutting through the air at blinding speeds. His Sword Intent was growing sharper with every swing.

Wu Fei, the spear master, stood near a lake, thrusting his weapon so fast that ripples of energy burst from the water.

Lin Bai, despite his earlier defeat, sat meditating under a tree, his aura stabilizing as he refined his qi.

But while some trained, others plotted.

A group of disciples gathered in a hidden chamber beneath the sect. Among them was a tall figure clad in black robes—Mo Tian.

"This Jiang Cheng…" One of the disciples spoke hesitantly. "He's too dangerous. If we don't stop him now, he might take the championship."

Mo Tian smiled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Oh? Are you afraid of him?"

The disciple stiffened. "No, but—"

"Then watch and learn." Mo Tian's voice was soft yet carried a chilling weight. "I will deal with Jiang Cheng myself. You all… just play your part."

The room fell silent.

The storm was coming.

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A Visit from an Old Friend

As Jiang Cheng finished his meditation, he sensed someone approaching.

Turning around, he saw Lin Bai standing a few feet away.

"Jiang Cheng," Lin Bai said, his usual grin in place. "I never got to properly congratulate you on that win."

Jiang Cheng raised an eyebrow. "You don't seem like the type to dwell on past battles."

Lin Bai laughed. "True. But I came here for another reason." He crossed his arms. "I want a rematch—after the tournament. No distractions, no interruptions. Just you and me, one-on-one."

Jiang Cheng smirked. "You think you'll last long enough to fight me again?"

Lin Bai's grin widened. "We'll see."

With that, he turned and left, his presence fading into the night.

Jiang Cheng watched him go, then turned his gaze back to the stars.

"The real battles haven't even begun."

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The Announcement

The next morning, all remaining competitors gathered in the main hall of the sect.

A sect elder stepped forward, his gaze sweeping across them.

"You are the final 50 disciples of this tournament," he declared. "But from this point onward, the rules will change."

Murmurs spread through the crowd.

The elder continued, "The next round will be one-on-one battles. Each of you will face an opponent selected by the sect. Winning moves you forward. Losing… eliminates you."

Jiang Cheng's eyes flashed with determination. A true test of strength.

The elder's voice deepened. "The matchups will be revealed tomorrow. Until then, prepare yourselves. Because the path to the top is not an easy one."

The crowd dispersed, but Jiang Cheng remained still.

The next battle would determine his fate.

Would he rise… or fall?

He already knew his answer.

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