While the murmurs of confusion spread across the arena like wildfire, no one dared to speak louder than a whisper except for the commentator. His voice cut through the noise like a blade of wind.
"Today's competition will focus solely on combat. As for the alchemists who will represent us... they have already been selected. The announcement will be made once the combat trial concludes."
The crowd quieted slightly, though the tension still danced in the air.
"We have one hundred and fifty contestants left. There are three rings available, fifty participants per ring. Each ring must reduce to twenty-five warriors before we proceed. You will all be assigned a number and guided to your designated rings, similar to yesterday's arrangement."
Yue Ling silently checked her number, her expression neutral beneath her disguise. As expected, she was in the last ring—Ring Three.
Princess Mei, ever radiant and composed, had been placed in the first ring. She blew a kiss toward Yue Ling from across the field, to which Yue Ling replied with a subtle wave and an eye roll, hiding her smile.
But unknown to many, destiny was playing her own hand today.
Ring One — Princess Mei vs Bao
The first match was a storm waiting to be unleashed. On one side of the ring stood Princess Mei—graceful, cold, and enigmatic. On the other side, Bao—whose very name made the air heavy. He was known for his brute strength and domineering presence.
Everyone had expected a clash of the titans.
And yet…
As soon as they both stepped into the ring, the air around them shifted. Princess Mei's gaze locked with Bao's, and for a moment, everything stood still. The wind quieted. The spectators held their breath.
A low growl came from Bao.
"I see you've grown stronger, Princess Mei."
She tilted her head, her lips curling faintly.
"And you still let your fists talk before your mind."
The two charged—but at the very last moment, just as their auras began to collide, both stopped. Inches from each other. Their energies clashed in silence, unseen yet fierce, filling the ring with pressure.
No move.
No word.
No smile.
But in that frozen moment, everyone knew—they had just tested each other... and both refused to reveal their true strength.
None of the other participants in Ring One dared to step forward. Who would? Between the two of them, they had defeated countless foes in previous competitions. The remaining fights in Ring One were dull in comparison. Most surrendered before even engaging.
Ring Two — Yize and the Twin Shadows
The middle ring was no less interesting. Yize stood like a ghost in plain sight. The Twin Shadows—mysterious siblings known for their deadly synergy—flanked the ring.
A silent agreement passed among them.
"Let the rumors settle themselves," Yize muttered under his breath.
No clash. No noise. Only observation.
The others in their ring had no such mercy. Swords clanged. Spells sparked. But no one dared step toward Yize or the twins. Their reputations had already spoken for them.
Ring Three — Yue Ling and the Blood Petal Blade
In Ring Three, things were different. Yue Ling, still masked in the appearance of a young girl just reaching the age of hair-pinning, stood quietly to the side. She had not made a single move. Her spiritual energy flowed within her gently, quietly—like a whisper before a storm.
She observed.
She waited.
But there was another.
A woman—tall, fierce, her eyes blazing—had already taken down four people. With each opponent, she danced like fire and fell like lightning. Her moves were brutal, her strikes final. No mercy.
After watching her fury, the others chose caution over courage. Like rabbits avoiding a hawk, they kept their distance.
Only Yue Ling stood unbothered.
The fierce woman eyed Yue Ling curiously, but instead of charging, she turned her back choosing to rest and wait for the next victim brave enough to challenge her.
A silent agreement passed between them, one neither could explain.
And the match went on.
End of Round One
As the final battle cry died down and the dust settled, the commentator once again stepped forward.
"The first round of combat trials is over. All those who remain in the ring, congratulations. The next round will commence shortly."
Cheers erupted from the crowd. Elders whispered among themselves. Grandmasters scribbled notes. But within the three rings, the remaining warriors simply stood some proud, some exhausted, and others... unreadable.
Grandfather Yue's eyes remained fixed on one figure.
Not Princess Mei.
Not the twins.
Not even Yize.
But the seemingly harmless girl who had remained quiet all along.
"Ling'er," he whispered to himself, "when exactly will you show your strength?"