He began calling out names one by one. Xiao Yen, Xiao Li, and other known talents were named, as expected. Then finally—
"Xiao Wei."
A few murmurs broke out at the sound of his name. Some looked surprised, others skeptical. But Elder Xu didn't hesitate, nor did he explain.
Xiao Wei stepped forward calmly, his face expressionless.
Once all twenty chosen candidates stood in a line, Elder Xu spoke again.
"Everyone, make your final preparations. We will depart shortly. This competition is more than just a test of strength—it is an opportunity to earn glory for our clan. Stay focused and do your best."Elder Xu said.
With that, a quiet determination spread among the group. Xiao Wei stood with the others, but unlike them, his goal wasn't to earn glory for the clan. He had his own path to walk—and this competition was just another step forward.
As the group of selected members stood ready in the training hall, anticipation thick in the air, Elder Xu speak again with a serious expression.
"Before we depart, let me explain the rules of the upcoming competition."Elder Xu said, his voice firm and commanding.
All chatter ceased instantly. Everyone turned their full attention to Elder Xu, knowing that this information could very well decide their success—or failure.
"The competition will take place in the outer region of Tiger Mountain. You are allowed to enter the inner area… but I strongly advise against it."Elder Xu said, pausing briefly to let the words sink in.
He looked around, making eye contact with several of the more ambitious disciples.
"There are Tier 3 beasts roaming in the inner region. They are far too powerful for Martial Apprentice or even most Martial Master Cultivators to handle. Going there would be a reckless risk."Elder Xu explained.
Some disciples exchanged uneasy glances, while others, more confident in their abilities, smirked slightly.
"You are allowed to form teams during the competition. Fighting in groups will give you an advantage when taking down high-level Monsters, so use your judgment wisely."Elder Xu continued.
"The competition is simple: the clan with the most valuable collection of Monster Cores by the next of the day will be declared the winner. The quantity and quality of the Monster Cores will all factor into your final score."Elder Xu added.
The disciples nodded in understanding, the tension beginning to build.
"You will have one full day. Once the next day sun come out, the competition will end, and all participants must return to the designated gathering point."Elder Xu stated.
"One more thing—no killing is allowed. This is a contest of strength, not a battlefield. If any of you are caught harming or killing participants from another clan, the punishment will be extremely harsh. Do not take this warning lightly."Elder Xu said, his tone colder and more authoritative.
The group grew silent, understanding the weight behind his words.
After a moment of pause, Elder Xu rolled up the scroll and gave a final nod.
"Alright. Let's move out."Elder Xu said.
With that, he turned and led the group of twenty young Cultivators toward the gates of the Xiao Clan and out onto the forest path that would take them to Tiger Mountain—where strength, courage, and survival would soon be put to the test.
Soon, Elder Xu and the group of twenty young members from the Xiao Clan arrived at the foot of Tiger Mountain. The path was rugged, surrounded by thick forest, and the cool morning mist still clung to the ground.
As they stepped into the clearing that marked the competition starting point, Xiao Wei looked ahead and saw that another group had already gathered. They stood proudly, their robes marked with the insignia of the Hu Clan.
At the center of the group stood a tall, older man with a firm expression and commanding presence. His sharp eyes immediately locked onto Elder Xu.
"Well, well… Xiao Xu, you finally arrived"the old man said with a slight smirk, his voice deep and carrying a tone of pride and challenge.
The Xiao Clan disciples instinctively stood straighter, sensing the tension between the two clans.
The man was none other than Hu Clan's Second Elder, a powerful cultivator who had already reached the First Layer of the Martial Grandmaster Realm. His mere presence made the air feel heavier.
Xiao Wei observed quietly from behind. He could feel the weight of this long-standing rivalry between the two clans. It wasn't just about competition—it was about honor, pride, and power.
Elder Xu narrowed his eyes slightly as he stepped forward and looked at the man standing opposite him.
"Hu Sun, you came early this time"Elder Xu said, his voice calm but laced with an undertone of challenge.
The Second Elder of the Hu Clan, Hu Sun, chuckled and crossed his arms.
"Xiao Xu… finally broke through to the Grandmaster Realm after twenty long years. It seems talent truly isn't something everyone is blessed with."Hu Sun said with a mocking smirk forming on his face.
The insult hung in the air like a blade, but Elder Xu only smiled in return—though his eyes flickered with barely restrained anger. He knew better than to lose his composure in front of the younger generation, especially not in front of the Hu Clan.
With a wave of his hand, he turned back to his group.
"Everyone, rest here for a bit. The competition will begin shortly"Elder Xu said, leading the Xiao Clan disciples a short distance away to settle down.
Though not far from the Hu Clan's camp, the Xiao Clan youths quickly began murmuring amongst themselves.
"Did you see their numbers? Looks like even their younger generation has some Martial Masters"one of them whispered.
"Yeah… but it's all futile. I heard Mo Clan has a genius in there young generation who has reached Third Layer of Martial Master Realm before the age of 16"another one said.
The tension and excitement in the air were unmistakable as they prepared for the competition that could determine their standing among the three clans.
However, Xiao Wei remained quiet, distancing himself slightly from the rest. He didn't join in the chatter or gossip. Instead, he found a flat rock under a tree and sat down cross-legged.
Without wasting a moment, he closed his eyes and entered meditation, beginning to Cultivate. His breathing slowed, becoming rhythmic, and soon the surrounding Spiritual Energy began to gather faintly around him.
Half an hour later, just as the members of the Xiao and Hu Clans were resting, a calm yet authoritative voice echoed through the clearing.
"Apologies for arriving late."an old man said.
The crowd turned toward the sound, and Xiao Wei slowly opened his eyes from meditation, his gaze following the source.
An old man with a long, flowing beard and an elegant robe walked toward them with a relaxed, confident stride. Behind him, twenty members of the Mo Clan followed in perfect formation. Each one carried themselves with discipline, and their sharp gazes revealed they were not to be underestimated.
This elder was none other than Elder Mo, the Third Elder of the Mo Clan, and a powerhouse in his own right. His aura radiated strength and pressure—he had broken through to the Third Layer of the Martial Grandmaster Realm.
Elder Xu's expression shifted as he sensed his Spiritual Energy. With a slight nod, he spoke with restrained formality.
"Congratulations, Elder Mo, on your breakthrough to the Third Layer of the Grandmaster Realm."Elder Xu said.
The compliment was genuine, though his voice carried the weight of subtle rivalry.
Elder Mo chuckled lightly, clearly pleased by the recognition.
"Yes, yes... just a fortunate breakthrough after years of effort"Elder Mo replied modestly, though the pride in his tone was unmistakable.
His eyes scanned the other two clans briefly, a small smirk curling on his lips as he took in the scene. It was clear he was confident in both his own strength and the capability of the Mo Clan's younger generation.
Elder Hu of the Hu Clan turned slightly toward Elder Mo, his tone casual yet laced with curiosity.
"Elder Mo, I've heard that the Mo Clan's second Young Master has already reached the Fourth Layer of the Martial Master Realm"Hu Sun said, raising an eyebrow.
Elder Mo chuckled softly, folding his hands behind his back with a satisfied look.
"Hu Sun, your sources are quite reliable. Very few outside the clan know of that breakthrough, but yes—it's true. Our second young master has indeed stepped into the Fourth Layer of Martial Master Realm."Elder Mo said, his gaze held a trace of pride as he smiled.
Not one to be left out of the exchange, Elder Xu of the Xiao Clan spoke up, turning to Elder Hu.
"I also heard that the Hu Clan's second Young Master reached the Second Layer of Martial Master Realm just a few days ago. Quite an accomplishment."Elder Xu said as he look towards Hu Sun.
Hu Sun smiled, his eyes narrowing slightly in response.