Chapter 20: A Storm Rises

The crowd roared as the first battles began. The Arena of Storms was a colossal battlefield surrounded by floating stone platforms, where disciples clashed under the watchful eyes of sect elders and honored guests. Thunderous formations crackled overhead, giving the arena its name.

Tianming and Jiang Chen stood near the edge, observing the fights.

"This sect isn't weak," Jiang Chen muttered, watching as a disciple shattered the ground with a single palm strike. His opponent barely dodged, countering with a swift sword technique that sent arcs of lightning through the air.

Tianming nodded. "Their foundation is solid. But power alone doesn't win battles."

Just then, the giant tournament panel shifted, displaying the next set of matches.

Round One – Match Seven

Li Tianming vs. Feng Luan

Round One – Match Nine

Jiang Chen vs. Xu Rui

Jiang Chen smirked. "Looks like I get to go after you. Don't lose before I have my turn."

Tianming smirked and stepped forward. The battlefield lit up as his name was called.

---

The First Battle – Tianming vs. Feng Luan

Feng Luan, a mid-tier core disciple, stood tall in the center of the battlefield. He had a sharp, confident gaze and wielded a Storm Fang Spear, crackling with lightning energy.

"So, you're the outsider Lei Xueyan dragged in?" Feng Luan scoffed. "Do you even know how to wield a weapon properly?"

Tianming didn't respond. Instead, he unsheathed his Primordial Jade Sword.

The referee raised his hand. "Begin!"

Feng Luan lunged instantly, his Storm Fang Spear striking like a serpent. Lightning arced through the air as he aimed directly for Tianming's chest.

CLANG!

Tianming deflected the spear with a casual flick of his sword, his feet gliding effortlessly across the battlefield. His movement was precise—calm yet overwhelming.

Feng Luan's expression darkened. "You—"

Before he could finish, Tianming vanished.

A heartbeat later, a sharp gust of wind brushed against Feng Luan's neck. His instincts screamed, but he was already too late—Tianming's blade was at his throat.

The entire crowd fell silent.

The referee hesitated before raising his hand. "…Winner, Li Tianming!"

Feng Luan staggered back, his face pale. "Impossible…"

Tianming sheathed his sword. He had made his statement.

---

Jiang Chen's Battle

While Tianming returned to the waiting area, Jiang Chen stepped onto the battlefield for his own match against Xu Rui, a disciple known for his Twin Thunder Fists.

Xu Rui smirked, cracking his knuckles. "You won't be as lucky as your friend."

Jiang Chen smiled. "Let's test that theory."

The moment the battle started, Xu Rui charged forward at blinding speed. His fists shimmered with golden lightning as he threw a barrage of strikes.

Jiang Chen dodged the first three blows with ease, but the fourth one barely grazed his shoulder. The force behind it made his muscles tremble.

"He's strong," Jiang Chen admitted. "But not strong enough."

With a sudden burst of energy, Jiang Chen unleashed his own technique—Crimson Wind Slash! His sword moved like a storm, each strike faster than the last.

Xu Rui was pushed back, unable to counter. His confidence wavered.

And in that moment of hesitation—Jiang Chen struck.

A deep cut appeared on Xu Rui's arm, forcing him to drop his stance. The referee immediately called the match.

"Winner—Jiang Chen!"

Jiang Chen grinned, tossing his sword over his shoulder. "That was fun."

---

After the First Round

Lei Xueyan clapped as Tianming and Jiang Chen returned. "Not bad, you two. But this is just the first round. The real monsters are yet to show themselves."

Before Tianming could respond, a chilling voice interrupted.

"Well, well… seems like the outsiders aren't weak after all."

A tall figure stepped forward—Luo Yan, the second-ranked disciple of the Storm Horizon Sect. He was big and rough in appearance as compared to Tianming. His aura was suffocating, like a storm waiting to be unleashed.

His gaze landed on Tianming. "You. I want to fight you in the next round."

Tianming met his gaze without hesitation. "Then come and lose."

The air grew tense. The tournament had only just begun, but the battles ahead were about to grow even more dangerous.

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What Comes Next in Chapter 21:

-Tianming and Jiang Chen face stronger opponents in the second round.

-Luo Yan reveals his terrifying Storm Dragon Arts.

-A hidden figure in the audience takes interest in Tianming.

-Mu Qingfeng's spies finally confirm Tianming's location.