C11 Ralens Tournament
Today, Aerilon City was alive with excitement and activity. People from all directions converged on the city, all heading toward the Ralens Tournament grounds.
It was a significant day for the Edora Kingdom: the day of the Ralens Tournament.
Warriors who demonstrated extraordinary skill would have their moment of glory at the Ralens Tournament. Not only could they win precious treasures from the Duke of Ralens, but they also had the chance to represent the Edora Kingdom in the Slegeon Empire's Martial Competition.
Participation in the Slegeon Empire's Martial Competition could attract the attention of the empire's great sects. Successful warriors might gain entry into these sects, opening up a world of possibilities for their future.
Consequently, this year's Ralens Tournament saw a record number of registrants. In addition to members of the royal family, various small sects and clans from the Edora Kingdom sent representatives to compete.
"Don't push yourself too hard when the time comes. Just perform well, that's enough. Above all, protect yourself and avoid injury, understood?" Su Yun expressed her concerns as she gazed upon the four massive arenas at the Ralens Tournament venue.
It had been only five months since Chu Feng had awakened his All-Seeing Eye. Although his martial arts prowess had grown considerably during that time, Su Yun still saw Chu Feng as the fragile child he once was.
"Mother, trust me. Today, I will prove to all those who ridiculed me that Chu Feng is no weakling. Moreover, I will knock them down one by one!" Chu Feng declared, his fists clenched, as he looked toward Chu Lang and Lady Shuyu in the distance.
"Hey, isn't that my worthless little brother? I heard you unlocked the All-Seeing Eye and became a warrior. Turns out it's true," a voice called out from afar.
A young man dressed in a python robe approached Chu Feng, flanked by several guards.
The young man, Chu Tian, the Duke of Ralens, appraised Chu Feng with a critical eye.
"Don't talk like that. Our 'worthless' brother has skills now. Today, he's aiming to claim the top spot in the Initial Transcendent rank."
Just as Chu Tian had finished speaking, Chu Lang appeared beside him, smiling as he addressed Chu Tian.
"First place? So the rumors I heard recently are true? You actually took part in the Ralens Tournament and even clinched first place?"
Upon hearing Chu Lang's words, Chu Tian glanced at Chu Feng and shook his head, his face etched with scorn.
"Are you done talking? If so, then shut your mouth!"
As the two bantered back and forth, Chu Feng couldn't help but smile before speaking deliberately and clearly.
"What! Did! You! Say!"
Chu Tian's face immediately turned stormy at Chu Feng's words, his voice ominously low as he asked,
"I told you to shut up."
Chu Feng fixed his gaze on both Chu Lang and Chu Tian, enunciating each word with precision.
"I'll kill you..."
At Chu Feng's declaration, Chu Tian's expression grew even more menacing. A sphere of lightning materialized in his hand, his eyes flashing with unmistakable lethal intent.
"Why are you in my way?"
Chu Tian, clearly annoyed, confronted Chu Lang, who was standing before him.
"Today's the Ralens Tournament. Killing this nobody would be pointless," Chu Lang said calmly to Chu Tian, adding in a whisper, "Rest assured, I'll make sure he can't even step into the arena today."
"Hmph!"
Chu Tian narrowed his eyes at Chu Feng, let out a cold huff, and then walked away.
"Best of luck in the competition. Trash, no, I mean, the brilliant Prince Chu Feng."
Chu Lang watched Chu Feng's composed demeanor and made a throat-slitting gesture, his threat unmistakably clear.
"Maybe we should skip today's competition and come back when we're stronger."
Su Yun, observing the hostile Chu Tian and Chu Lang, couldn't help but worry for Chu Feng.
It was obvious to anyone that they were ready to target Chu Feng.
"Mom, don't worry. Let them have their moment of laughter; soon, they won't be able to laugh anymore."
Chu Feng reassured them, his face brimming with confidence.
Meanwhile, a sinister plot against Chu Feng was slowly unfolding.
"So, do you think you can take down Chu Feng?"
Nearby, Xiahou Jiao, clad in a purple robe, asked Chu Lang, who had just returned, her voice steady and probing.
Today was a pivotal day for Xiahou Jiao. If Chu Feng secured first place in the Initial Transcendent category, he would have to publicly declare that he was the one who had ended their relationship.
Xiahou Jiao, the treasured daughter of the Xiahou family, was accustomed to arrogance and dominance. The thought of facing such disgrace was intolerable to her.
"Don't worry, I've prepared thoroughly. Among the contenders in the Initial Transcendent, the three I've arranged are all fifth-level experts. Each has claimed eight lives and can be considered desperados. We're in for quite the spectacle," she assured.
Chu Lang's eyes narrowed, a glint of frost in his gaze.
"Three people aren't nearly enough. I demand a foolproof plan. Come out!" Xiahou Jiao commanded, clapping her hands behind her. A young man, appearing to be in his late teens, emerged.
Bare-chested, his well-defined muscles hinted at explosive power. His presence was calm, his eyes lively and alert.
"Who is this?"
Chu Lang inquired, intrigued by the sudden appearance of the young man.
"He reached the fifth level of the Initial Transcendent at thirteen. Now at seventeen, he's honed his skills in that realm for four years. I'm only reassured with him in the lead," Xiahou Jiao explained with a measured tone.
"He reached the fifth level at thirteen!" Chu Lang exclaimed, visibly astonished. He had thought Chu Xiao's achievement of reaching the same level at fourteen was exceptional, but Xiahou Jiao had an even more formidable prodigy at her disposal.
The Xiahou family's reputation for an extraordinary lineage was well-known, with even the Duke of Ralens regarding them with caution. It was clear now that such wariness was well-founded.
Before long, the rhythmic beating of drums filled the air. "It's the Duke of Ralens!" someone exclaimed in surprise. The crowd's attention turned to the center of the stage, where the Duke of Ralens, clad in a golden python robe, made his way toward a golden chair not far from the platform.
"Long live the Duke of Ralens, may he live for thousands of years!"
As the sound of a resounding horn filled the air, everyone present knelt in reverence.
"Please, stand up," the Duke of Ralens commanded from his golden throne, addressing the crowd with a measured tone.
"Thank you, Duke of Ralens!" the crowd responded, rising to their feet.
"My lord Duke, shall we commence the Ralens Tournament?" an elderly man inquired loudly.
"Begin," the Duke of Ralens gestured with a wave of his hand.
Upon the Duke's command, the elder soared into the sky, announcing, "The Ralens Tournament now begins with the Initial Transcendent competition. Participants must be at the Initial Transcendent Realm; failure to meet this requirement will result in execution without exception!"
With his announcement complete, the elder fell silent.
"To Windwalk, one must be at least of the World-Illuminating Realm..."
"How impressive! When might I reach the World-Illuminating Realm?"
"I am determined to claim victory in the martial competition, join a prestigious sect, and easily advance to the World-Illuminating Realm!"
The spectators gazed up at the elder, buzzing with excitement and anticipation.
"I'll go first! Who dares to challenge me?" A fifteen-year-old youth stepped onto the stage, issuing a challenge to those below.
The elder, observing from above, gave an approving nod to the youth.
"I will!" Another youth, about sixteen, quickly ascended to the stage.
With a mutual nod, the two youths commenced their battle.
The onlookers were engrossed in the spectacle as both competitors were clearly at the third level of the Initial Transcendent Stage. However, the fifteen-year-old had mastered a skill from the Mystic Ascension Stage.
As expected, it wasn't long before a heavy thud signaled the defeat of the second youth, who was sent tumbling from the stage.
"Any other challengers?" The first youth looked around, eager for another opponent.
"I will!"
Another fifteen-year-old stepped forward...
Four hours later, a youth at the fifth level of the Initial Transcendent Stage stood victorious on the stage. Having bested five opponents in succession, no further challengers approached.
"Who's next to step up?"
The young warrior on the stage scanned the crowd with a light smile, noting the hesitation below. Despite feeling frustrated, no one dared to challenge him. The youth, though young, was known for his ruthlessness and wielded a medium-grade Mystic Ascension Stage weapon, making him an unstoppable force.
"I will."
Chu Feng's voice boomed as he ascended the stage with deliberate steps.
"Who is this? Dressed in a python robe, is he of royal blood?"
"Seriously, you don't recognize him? That's Prince Chu Feng, the Duke of Ralens' eighth son."
"Prince Chu Feng? The one they call useless?"
"Are you trying to get yourself killed? Keep it down."
"I heard Prince Chu Feng only awakened his All-Seeing Eye recently, just five months ago. I never expected him to show up for the Ralens Tournament."
"Looks like the royal family is about to be embarrassed..."
The crowd buzzed with speculation as Chu Feng took his place on the stage.
Each of the Duke of Ralens' sons was a paragon of excellence, except for Chu Feng, who had only unlocked his All-Seeing Eye at sixteen, earning him the reputation of the family's disgrace. His notoriety was well-known throughout Aerilon City.
Chu Lang and Xiahou Jiao gave an approving nod to the four youths before fixing their intense gaze on the arena.
The Duke of Ralens himself watched with a look of intrigue as Chu Feng stepped up.
The entire audience's attention was riveted on the stage. On one side stood the formidable youth with five straight victories, and on the other, the royal underdog who had only recently awakened his All-Seeing Eye. The stage was set for a match that promised to be the talk of the town.
