piratefiction Chapter 51: Tournament
Chapter 51: Tournament
Chapter 51: Tournament
Is this always what its like, being in the Sect?
Aiden stood in front of the window with his hands clasped behind his back, blue eyes shimmering and mouth slightly agape from the exuberant scene.
It was all so new and exciting!
The surging clamors from the growing crowds could be heard from within their booth. Premature cheers and shouts emerged endlessly, and cloth banners were being waved around with zealous passion. With time, the revelry only grew as more and more disciples filed into the stands.
Maybe for some, Auslen replied from beside Aiden, just as he spotted Nathaniel and the rest taking their seats down on the second level. Most of my experiences haven't been nearly as lively.
And thank Heavens for that. Im too old to be surrounded by this kind of hustle and bustle everyday.
Aiden glanced at Auslen, able to guess most of what his younger brother was thinking.
He shook his head discouragingly. Youre going to prematurely age yourself if you keep up that boring lifestyle of yours, Auslen.
Isnt that what cultivation is for?Auslen laughingly asked, the comment hitting a bit closer to home than anticipated.
But, a monotonous and tedious lifestyle isnt advantageous to your future cultivation, Aiden threw out in response, waving his finger like a nagging school teacher.
Auslen didnt miss a beat, speaking with steady composure. Committing to a goal and working hard to achieve that goal, in the face of temptations and distractions, is important too, even if it is a little boring.
Auslen quite enjoyed his current uneventful lifestyle and had no intentions of altering it. He had decades upon decades of active and hectic experiences. Though, there was no way Aiden would know of such a thing, so Auslen understood the 14-year-old was once speaking with good intentions at heart.
Aiden shrugged tiredly but didnt say anything else in response, refusing to try and argue with his brother.
As much as it pained him to admit it, he had not once been able to teach Auslen a proper piece of advice as the knowledgeable older brother he should have been. At times, it felt like he was being taught a lesson instead, often making him feel as though his dignity as the elder brother was being challenged.
Right at this moment, a discomforting sensation flared, pulsating throughout his body. Underneath his black sleeves, his hands clenched tightly for a few brief seconds before he let go, the malaise suddenly vanishing as though it had never existed.
This was not his first time experiencing this unsettling phenomena.
It was as simple as thinking of his neglected duty as an older brother or how he had distanced himself from Auslen for so long, all because of his childish shame and shocks of remorse would shoot through his Soul Force, repeatedly distracting him from his lessons and cultivation.
For an entire year, he failed to find any degree of relief from this.
Apparently, what he was experiencing was some type of emotional blockage, from what their father had explained. A small one, but one that needed to be dealt with all the same.
He was truly fascinated by the upcoming Tournament. However, resolving this emotional blockage was his true purpose for coming to the Five Profound Elements Sect.
Aiden quietly sighed.
From reading and seeking advice from a few of his close servants, he had come to understand that he had responsibilities as an older brother, and he was determined to set about fulfilling them!
Aiden had been trying to give Auslen some brotherly guidance every now and then. Unfortunately, it seemed that either teaching was not his strong suit, or he was simply unqualified to instruct his genius younger brother.
But he had other ideas!
Aiden smiled then, a bit unscrupulously.
In order to make up for years of missed opportunities, Aiden was going to force some youthful excitement into Auslens life before he went back home, whether his younger brother liked it or not.
He had already gotten their fathers permission, so he wouldnt allow Auslen to talk his way out!
Auslen had no idea that his advanced intellect and estranged personality were causing problems for his older brother.
Not paying attention to Aiden, who was currently indulging in conspiring thoughts, Auslen raised an eyebrow when he perceived ear-piercing zooming sounds, followed by cheers soaring into the air from the crowds.
Seeing many arms gesturing upwards animatedly, he lifted his gaze with some curiosity.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))
Underneath the light of the morning sun, five silhouettes tore through a cloud, emerging from the boundless blue sky.
A ghostly sword light, cloud vapor, a wooden boat, a bronze boat, and a wide paper umbrella were immediately distinguishable. The youthful figures traveling upon them became more visible the lower they descended into the stadium.
Each of them wore different colored and designed Daoist robes, however, their identities were unmistakable.
It wouldn't be dramatic to say that today's events could be a turning point for his future.
...
After seeing all 500 contestants arriving into the venue and positioning themselves in the prescribed circular alignment surrounding the ten arenas, the five hovering Elder Griseldas spoke once more.
The rules for this round of the Qi Refinement Tournament are simple. 10 of you will be called to the arenas. Your duty will be to compete with those who challenge your arena.
As long as you do not lose, you will continue to fight on the stage. Your physical condition and Profound Qi will be fully restored in preparation for your next bout. If you lose, you are to vacate the premises.
If a single arena goes unchallenged for five minutes
The contestants listened to the rules carefully, most praying that they wouldnt be among the 10 whose names were called to defend an arena.
One of the Elder Griseldas waved her hand.
A massive, circular screen of light materialized, obscuring the sky as it hung vertically just above the fifth and highest level of the arena. Upon which, ten beautifully inscribed names slowly appeared, with a letter placed to its right.
From your performances during the Preliminary rounds, the Outer Sect has produced a randomly arranged listing of the 10 best performing disciples. If you see your name on the list above, please make your way to the corresponding arena designated by the letter next to your name.
In the stands.
Underneath the awning, Irene crossed her legs and leaned back into her seat with a smile. She was satisfied once she saw Michail and Victors names on the list.
Poor guys, Liliane said, looking at the figures walking onto the rings. Her cute expression was sympathetic as she leisurely fanned herself with her white lace hand fan, which matched the lace ribbons holding her pigtails up. The Tournament just started, and they have to fight already.
Irene, who was among the ten called to the arenas in the last Qi Refinement Tournament, was unconcerned.
The quality of combat in Qi Refinement isnt that high. Typically, there are large disparities in strength between the challengers and the challenged, so most of these matches wont last for more than a handful of seconds. To them, it wont be much more than an extended warm up.
Sitting beside them, Nathaniel looked awed.
Senior Brother Michail and Victor are that strong?
Tarek pulled his gaze away from the dissipating light screen and nodded, before speaking across the Bright Forest guard sitting between them. Senior Brother Michail has been touted for his talent in our Outer Sect mountain for years now. I went to one of his Preliminary matches, but it ended too quickly for me to understand much. But its safe to say that he will rank very well today.
Feeling more alive due to the energetic atmosphere within the packed stands, Mia leaned over to voice her curiosity. What about Senior Brother Victor? How strong is he?
Nathaniel wanted to speak up then but was beat out by Irene, who replied casually from further down. Hes not quite as well rounded as Michail. Victor only recently advanced to Peak Qi Refinement, unlike Michail, whos had years to acclimate.
To Victors credit, he managed to master a Black Tier Martial Technique, which is a commendable accomplishment among Qi Refinement practitioners, even within a Major Sect. Perhaps only the ten currently standing on the arenas can claim to have mastered at least one.
If I had to guess, Victor wont have an issue retaining his ranking in the final top 10. But to reach the Semifinals and get the subsequent rewards, like hes aiming for, may be difficult.
Suddenly, Nathaniels eyes were alight.
What are rewards like, Senior Sis
Before he finished, the sound of shocked cheers exploded from everywhere, causing Nathaniel to hurriedly look over at the arenas. Oh! Did one of the matches start?
Why is everybody cheering! I dont see anyone fighting! Propping himself on the guards armored legs, Nathaniel yelled his question over the deafening laudation to Tarek and Mia. Confusion was written all over his face.
It just ended! Mia yelled back, hands covering her ears.
Which one?!
Tareks expression had morphed into bewilderment as he pointed at the ring, which a single youth was standing upon, one who Tarek had no trouble recognizing.
Even from his distant vantage point, the weapon-less disciples excessive height was immediately apparent.
His copper-colored hair was loosely tied, and his stance was relaxed, like he hadnt participated in a bout just seconds prior.
The only evidence of his actions was the male disciple kneeling from outside the arena, blood flowing in tiny rivulets from his partially open mouth, down his chin before dripping onto the stone-tiled floor.