The competition had narrowed down to just four disciples.
The semifinals.
The first match: Jiang Mu vs. Han Lei—a disciple at the eighth layer of Body Tempering.
The second match: Myself vs. Wei Liang, another strong disciple who had reached the ninth layer.
I watched from the side as Jiang Mu stepped onto the arena, his expression calm, almost lazy. Across from him, Han Lei looked tense but determined.
The elder raised his hand.
"Begin!"
Han Lei charged first, pushing his strength to the limit from the start. His strikes were sharp, precise, aiming to overwhelm Jiang Mu with speed.
But Jiang Mu didn't even seem interested.
With minimal movements, he dodged each strike, countering with terrifying efficiency.
It wasn't even a contest.
A single sweeping palm to Han Lei's chest sent him flying out of the ring.
The elder quickly announced, "Winner, Jiang Mu!"
The crowd erupted, many shaking their heads.
"He didn't even use his full strength."
"Jiang Mu is a monster…"
Jiang Mu stepped down, his gaze briefly meeting mine. His smirk said everything.
You're next.
---
Now it was my turn.
I walked to the stage opposite Wei Liang, a solid, serious-looking disciple with a thick build.
"I've heard about you," Wei Liang said, his eyes sharp. "But this is where you stop."
I offered no words, simply raising my fists.
"Begin!" the elder declared.
Wei Liang came in fast, his fists wrapped in crackling energy. His blows were fierce, each one making the platform tremble.
But I was used to pressure.
I countered with Crimson Fang Fist, meeting him blow for blow.
Our strikes echoed like thunder, our fists clashing so hard that shockwaves rippled out.
It was a brutal exchange—neither of us willing to back down.
But I had one advantage.
I had Void Qi Sutra strengthening my body from within, slowly reinforcing me as the fight dragged on.
Wei Liang began to slow.
I caught him with a precise strike to the ribs, then followed with a sweeping kick that dropped him to one knee.
With one final roar, I delivered a decisive punch to his chest, sending him skidding across the arena floor.
Silence.
"Winner, Chen Yu!" the elder announced.
The crowd cheered wildly.
I helped Wei Liang up. He grinned despite his defeat. "You're stronger than I thought."
"Thank you for the fight," I said, offering a respectful nod.
But my focus had already shifted.
It was finally set.
The final battle—Chen Yu vs. Jiang Mu.