C21 First Match

"You're out of your depth," Chen Yu declared with a burst of energy, striding rapidly towards Ye Feng.

Ye Feng remained still, watching as the intricately carved longsword came within less than an inch of him. Just as Chen Yu's face broke into a smug grin, Ye Feng vanished.

"Ghost Shadow Step level three, Ghost Flash?" Elder Bai's expression remained unchanged, though her grip on her walking stick tightened ever so slightly.

Since the great disaster, few within the Profound Heaven Sect had managed to reach Level Two. Of this generation's disciples, only Xue Yunkong and Luo Yueshu had achieved it...

Could this young man have actually mastered level three? Elder Bai could only think that he truly was worthy of being the disciple whom the Tower Guarding Elder had noticed.

The pace of the fight shifted rapidly. In the blink of an eye, Ye Feng reappeared behind Chen Yu. With just a gentle nudge, Chen Yu stumbled backward.

Feeling toyed with, Chen Yu whirled around in a rage, his sword aimed at Ye Feng's waist.

Yet, Ye Feng showed no sign of engaging.

Wasn't this supposed to be a simple touch-and-go? Even without striking, he could ensure Chen Yu's defeat.

As the sword came at him again, Ye Feng used the Ghost Shadow Step to dodge effortlessly.

After more than a dozen attempts, Chen Yu was nowhere close to besting Ye Feng, not even grazing his clothing.

While Ye Feng remained cool and collected, Chen Yu was left gasping for air, the picture of disarray.

"You, you worthless coward, is hiding all you know?" Chen Yu spat out the words, seething with anger.

Ye Feng let out a cold laugh, "If you're not up to par, don't blame someone else for being too skilled. If you want me to make a move, prove that you're worth the effort."

With that, Ye Feng disappeared once again.

A provocation to draw him out? Chen Yu was playing at too low a level for that.

"You worthless fool!" Chen Yu couldn't contain his fury any longer, his entire being starting to glow with a sinister red aura.

"The Chen family's forbidden technique!" Those in the know inhaled sharply.

Elder Chen and Chen Yun's brows furrowed deeply.

This was not the turn of events they had anticipated.

Having invoked the Chen family's forbidden art, Chen Yu's power surged to Body Tempering Rank One, his sword taking on a crimson hue.

"Fire God Domain," Chen Yu declared as he stomped his foot down hard, causing Spiritual Energy to transform into a red ring of light that began to radiate outward from him, engulfing the arena.

Ye Feng felt the searing heat and perceived a slight threat, but it was just that—slight.

With a swift motion, Ye Feng drew the long sword he had taken from Chen Yu and channeled his Spiritual Force into it. The blade met the fiery ring and effortlessly sliced through it.

Chen Yu's intent wasn't to strike him, but rather to hem him in, to force Ye Feng into making an offensive move. Surveying the flame-ridden arena, Ye Feng acknowledged the limitation to his mobility. Yet, for someone proficient in the Ghost Shadow Step, known for its speed, the restriction was hardly significant.

As Chen Yu launched his heated assault, Ye Feng let out a cold laugh and sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the attack. In the moment they passed each other, Ye Feng casually tripped him.

Chen Yu stumbled uncontrollably forward, and with a gentle push of Spiritual Force from Ye Feng, he toppled out of the arena, having already been teetering on the edge.

"You!" Chen Yu scrambled to his feet, ready to lunge back into the fray.

Ye Feng looked up at Chen Yun, the judge presiding over the match. "I've won this round, haven't I?"

Chen Yun, glaring down at Chen Yu below the stage, clenched his jaw in frustration before turning a stern gaze to Ye Feng. "You've won," he confirmed, his teeth grinding audibly.

"Much appreciated," Ye Feng replied, casting a satisfied glance at Chen Yu, who was still recovering his composure.

"Young Master."

"Is that the one rumored to be my male consort?" Young Master Lee mused from the VIP seats, his attention fixed on Ye Feng since his victory.

His attendant, realizing the Young Master's interest in Ye Feng, quickly agreed, "Yes, that's him. Young Master, shall I extend an invitation?"

"No need. I'll wait for him to seek me out," Young Master Lee replied with confidence.

The next bout featured Bai Yunxue against an Outer Sect Disciple named Qian Fu.

After exchanging bows, they commenced their duel.

The talent of the Outer Sect Disciple was commendable, having reached Body Tempering Rank Five. Yet, against Bai Yunxue, a protégé of Elder Bai, he was outmatched.

With a single flourish of her watery sleeves, Bai Yunxue sent the disciple flying out of the ring.

"Bai Yunxue is victorious."

From the initial group of over fifty disciples, twenty-five advanced to the second round.

A disciple named Song Xue was fortunate to receive a bye.

Ye Feng was paired with a disciple named Lee Desheng.

"Junior Brother Ye, I've attained the ninth rank of Body Tempering. You'll need to give it your all," Lee Desheng said, unconcerned with the murmurs of the crowd, his focus solely on his opponent.

"Thanks for the heads-up, Senior Brother. I'll give it my all," Ye Feng responded, sensing no ill will from Lee Desheng and thus adopting a different approach than he had with Chen Yu.

The true battle was now underway.

"Splitting Mountain Fist," Lee Desheng announced, stomping the ground and charging at Ye Feng.

"Ten Thousand Snake Shadow," Ye Feng countered, his hand transforming into a claw to meet Lee Desheng's punch.

The clash sent both men reeling back dozens of steps.

"You're at the ninth rank too?" Lee Desheng asked, taken aback.

Ye Feng just smiled. "No, I'm at the peak."

Lee Desheng paused, then his eyes blazed with an intense desire to fight.

"Hahaha, this just keeps getting better," he laughed, gripping his fists so tightly that the grinding of his bones was audible.

"Youngest junior brother, let's continue."

With a vigorous shake of his left hand, a pitch-black spear materialized.

"This spear, forged from Heavenly Black Iron, weighs 325 pounds. Be careful, Junior Brother."

325 pounds...

That was indeed formidable.

Ye Feng drew his long sword and pointed it at Lee Desheng from a distance. "I appreciate the warning, Senior Brother. Come at me."

Lee Desheng brandished his spear with a momentum that seemed to move mountains and seas, charging directly at Ye Feng.

Ye Feng, not daring to slack off, stepped forward, pushing off with his front foot and met Lee Desheng's spear with the first move of the Heavy Mountain Sword technique.

With a resounding "clang," steel struck steel, and Ye Feng's sword bent slightly under the impact. Despite his disadvantage due to the weapon, he managed to repel Lee Desheng's spear.

"Your strength is quite impressive," Lee Desheng complimented. "But it's not satisfying enough. Let's go again!"