The competition continued, the arena alive with energy as more battles unfolded. The sect elders and senior disciples watched from their elevated platform, their sharp eyes analyzing each contestant's performance.
As James stepped aside after his victory, the next match was announced.
"Li Jiang of the Li Clan versus Zhang Rui of the Zhang Clan!"
Li Jiang, a tall youth with a powerful build, stepped forward confidently. Across from him, Zhang Rui, a slim but quick-footed fighter, smirked as he readied himself.
"Try to keep up, Jiang," Zhang Rui taunted.
Lei Jiang cracked his knuckles. "We'll see about that."
"Begin!" the elder declared.
Zhang Rui wasted no time, dashing forward with incredible speed. His movements were unpredictable, weaving in and out like a shadow. Li Jiang, however, remained composed. As Zhang Rui lunged with a palm strike, Li Jiang sidestepped and countered with a crushing elbow to the ribs.
"UUUgh!" Zhang Rui staggered, but he recovered quickly, flipping backward to regain distance.
"Good instincts," Elder Huo Zheng of the Yanpai Sect commented. "He's strong, but let's see how he handles someone faster."
Zhang Rui smirked, forming a quick series of hand seals. "Phantom Step Technique!"
His body flickered, creating afterimages. Li Jiang narrowed his eyes, sensing the real Zhang Rui among the illusions. He took a deep breath, then suddenly spun around, delivering a wide, sweeping kick, shattering the illusion and striking the real Zhang Rui across the chest.
Zhang Rui crashed to the ground, coughing, the elder raised his hand. "Winner, Li Jiang of the Li Clan!"
Senior Sister Lianhua chuckled as she leaned towards Elder Su Mei of the Jingong Sect. "He's got good awareness. Not bad at all."
Elder Su Mei nodded in agreement. "The Li Clan's disciples are stronger than expected this year."
As Li Feng stepped back, the next match was called.
"Li Mei of the Li Clan versus Fan Xue of the Fan Clan!"
Li Mei smirked as she stepped onto the stage. Fan Xue, a tall girl with long black hair tied in a braid, glared at her opponent.
"I've been waiting for this," Fan Xue said coldly.
"Oh?" Li Mei raised an eyebrow. "Then let's make it fun."
"Begin!"
Fan Xue immediately launched forward, wielding a thin saber that gleamed under the sun. She swung in a graceful arc, aiming for Li Mei's side. But Li Mei merely leaned back, dodging the strike effortlessly.
"Tsk, too slow," Li Mei teased, flicking her wrist.
With a sudden burst of movement, Li Mei closed the distance, striking with rapid palm attacks. Fan Xue barely managed to deflect them, her saber flashing as she parried, but Li Mei was relentless. A well-placed kick knocked Fan Xue's blade slightly off balance, and in the next instant, Li Mei's palm struck her chest, sending her flying back.
Fan Xue gasped for breath, clutching her ribs as she struggled to stand.
Elder Yuan of the Dugong Sect nodded in approval "That girl has excellent control. Her strikes are efficient, wasting no energy."
Lianhua smirked, her gaze briefly shifting toward James. "And yet, I have a feeling she's not the most impressive one of the Li Clan."
James noticed her glance but remained silent, watching as Li Mei was declared the winner.
The matches continued, each fight pushing the young cultivators to their limits. More names were called, each battle showcasing different strengths and weaknesses.
Li Yun fought against a brute-strength opponent from the Zhao Clan, relying on his agility and precise strikes to overcome sheer power. Li Zhang, on the other hand, faced a defensive fighter from the Wei Clan, forcing him to adjust his aggressive style to find an opening.
As the last match of the first round concluded, Elder Yuan stepped forward.
"The first round of the competition has ended. Tomorrow, only the strongest will continue."
The crowd murmured as the tension built. James, Li Mei, Li Jiang and the others exchanged glances, knowing that tomorrow, the real test would begin.
The Li Patriarch stepped forward, smiling proudly "Congratulations to the Li Clan disciples who have advanced. You have made our clan proud."
The clan members cheered as they prepared to leave, their morale high. Meanwhile, the other clan leaders merely sighed and shook their heads before turning to return home.
"It seems the Li Clan is rising this year," one of them muttered.
"We'll see if they can keep up this momentum tomorrow," another replied.
As the clans dispersed, the anticipation for the next round grew stronger, and James silently prepared himself for what was to come.