C15 A Sect Competition

Time flew by, and before we knew it, a month had passed. Han Fei diligently used the Pulse Essence Powder daily and had now reached the ninth level of the Origin Meridian, just one step away from entering the Body Refining Realm. The speed of his progress was nothing short of astonishing!

"Tomorrow is the sect's competition, son. Don't be afraid. If you encounter an opponent you can't defeat, it's okay to concede. There's no shame in it. Remember, 'where there's life, there's hope,'" Han Fei's father advised him during dinner.

"I understand, Father. But I have no intention of losing," Han Fei declared with conviction.

"That's the spirit," his father replied, clearly pleased.

The following day, the sect's competition commenced. The venue featured four stages, each surrounded by Yuan Qi barriers to protect the spectators from the potent martial arts on display. Presiding over the event were the Sect Master Han Qingtian, the Chief Elder, and the Second Elder Han Lanfeng. Despite being the Third Elder, Han Fei's father was not given a seat of honor and had to stand among the spectators.

The crowd buzzed with excitement, each hoping for their son to achieve great success.

The competition began with the drawing of lots. All participants had to draw to determine their opponents.

"What? I've drawn Han Xinhan?!" one participant exclaimed in disbelief. He had witnessed Han Xinhan's exceptional talent upon awakening his meridian. Now, facing him meant his chances of advancing were slim.

"Fantastic! I've drawn Han Qing, who's two levels below me in cultivation. This is a sure win," another participant rejoiced, looking at his draw.

Han Fei, however, was not afforded the opportunity to draw. An outer sect deacon handed him a slip of paper with no option for change. His opponent was to be the Chief Elder's white-clad disciple, Han Huo.

Han Fei glanced over at the figure in white. Sensing the gaze, Han Huo turned and offered a smile, one that brimmed with malice. In this first match, he intended to utterly defeat Han Fei.

Han Fei's smile was tinged with mischief, as he mused over who might be defeated. The competition hadn't even started, yet the air was already thick with tension. "Next, please welcome Han Xinhan and Han Zhen to the stage," announced the host.

"I wonder what level Han Xinhan's cultivation has reached? How high can he go?" the Sect Master inquired of the Chief Elder beside him.

"He should take second place, considering your daughter is also competing this time," the Chief Elder offered, doling out a compliment.

"Well, it's not certain. My daughter's cultivation isn't that high," the Sect Master replied, clearly pleased. "Your son is competing too, isn't he? I've heard he's acquired a formidable martial skill and shouldn't be underestimated."

"Oh, that's hardly the case. He's too fond of playing around; his cultivation doesn't even come close to Qingyue's," lamented the Chief Elder as the competition commenced.

Han Zhen appeared to be completely overwhelmed by Han Xinhan, frozen in place for a crucial half-minute. In the heat of battle, such a delay could be fatal, a serious breach of military strategy.

Yet Han Xinhan did not exploit his opponent's vulnerability; he simply stood still, waiting for Han Zhen to make his move. After the half-minute passed, Han Zhen finally snapped out of it and charged at Han Xinhan, revealing his wind attribute. Han Fei noted the detail.

Han Zhen was swift, but just as he was about to reach Han Xinhan, he suddenly became immobilized. "This is the Ice Imprisonment," it became clear that Han Xinhan had mastered a binding technique.

"Unless something unexpected occurs, Han Zhen is going to lose," the Chief Elder observed.

"Indeed, the difference in their abilities is stark," the Second Elder agreed.

As predicted, in the very next moment, Han Zhen was flung to the ground by Han Xinhan and failed to rise even after the count was finished.

"I hereby declare Han Xinhan the victor," the judge announced.

"Han Xinhan is truly formidable. I'm relieved I didn't have to face him; I would have been knocked out of the competition," a woman in green said to her companion in red.

The woman in red was strikingly attractive, with lively, grape-like eyes, skin smooth as porcelain, and eyebrows that arched like distant hills. Her lips were like delicate cherries, giving her an appearance that was both innocent and alluring.

It was none other than Han Qingyue, the Sect Master's daughter.

"Han Xinhan's cultivation is probably at the eighth level of the Spiritvein, which can be quite challenging," Han Qingyue remarked. "However, he's not unbeatable."

"I just don't have the same level of cultivation as you do. I definitely can't defeat him," lamented the woman in green. Her name was Han Zhen, a lifelong companion of Han Qingyue. Naturally pretty, Han Zhen's looks paled slightly next to Han Qingyue. "But that Han Xinhan is quite handsome..."

"Are you smitten, my dear?" Han Qingyue teased with a chuckle.

"You're being ridiculous..." Han Zhen's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she playfully swatted at Han Qingyue.

The competition progressed swiftly, with some matches fiercely contested and others concluding abruptly. The stage was alive with dazzling martial arts and the resonating sounds of the Yuan Qi barriers. The defeated competitors struggled to hide their dissatisfaction, their faces clouded with frustration.

"Next up, Han Fei versus Han Huo."

A grin spread across the Chief Elder's face. "Now the real entertainment begins."