Chapter 100: End of the tournament
The arena trembled under the weight of anticipation. Thousands of cultivators from distant sects had gathered to witness the final clash of the Grand Sect Tournament. The Azure Sky Sect team — Li Ming, Lan Yue, Wu Jian, Xue Yan, and Bai Guo — stood at the ready, their Qi swirling like storms.
Li Ming’s sword pulsed with golden energy, his Core Formation radiating in visible waves around him. He could feel the difference in every strike now; each motion precise, controlled, and deadly.
"Final round," Lan Yue murmured, eyes narrowing. "This will decide everything."
Wu Jian cracked his knuckles, fire flickering along his arms. "I don’t care about glory. I just want to crush them first."
Bai Guo flapped his wings, hovering beside Li Ming. "Descendant, stay sharp. Let me handle the showy stuff. You focus on finishing them fast."
Xue Yan spun her spear, grinning. "Finally, a proper fight. No holding back!"
---
From the opposite side of the arena, five opponents stepped forward, each radiating intense Qi. They were skilled, confident, and clearly not here to lose. The crowd’s roar intensified as the opening moves began.
Li Ming took a deep breath, feeling the Core Formation energy lock into his body. He dashed forward, leaving streaks of golden light in his wake.
The enemy’s first strike was a blinding Qi wave, a torrent of energy aimed directly at him. Li Ming’s sword sliced through it, dispersing the attack into harmless sparks.
"Not bad," he muttered, flipping backward to evade another incoming strike.
Bai Guo soared above the battlefield, feathers glowing like razor-sharp blades. He spun midair, sending a shower of energy feathers down onto the opponents. Two of them tumbled helplessly, blocked only by Lan Yue’s swift silver blade.
Xue Yan twirled her spear, deflecting a Qi blast that would have split a mountain. She laughed as her opponent stumbled, her movements like a dance — chaotic but precise.
Wu Jian didn’t waste time. He surged forward, fists blazing with fire, each punch landing with explosive force. Even the toughest enemy cultivators were forced to retreat under his assault.
---
Li Ming focused. Core Formation energy flowed through his body like a river of lightning.
He leapt into the air, spinning and striking multiple foes with golden arcs of energy. Each motion left afterimages, making it impossible for enemies to track him.
"Now, Bai Guo!" Li Ming shouted.
Bai Guo dived from above, wings slicing the air. Energy feathers spiraled around the remaining opponents, cutting through their defenses. His movements were swift, graceful, and deadly.
The enemy leader, sensing the tide of battle turning, roared and unleashed a massive Qi blast. The arena shook as the energy collided with Azure Sky’s formation.
Lan Yue and Xue Yan coordinated perfectly, combining sword and spear attacks to neutralize the explosion. Wu Jian’s fire fists created a barrier that absorbed the remaining energy.
Li Ming landed beside Bai Guo, breath steady. "We’re not done yet. Finish them."
Bai Guo winked. "Consider it done."
---
The final few enemies advanced, desperate and furious. Li Ming focused every bit of his Core Formation energy, his sword glowing brighter than ever.
He launched a concentrated Thunder Flow Technique, cutting through two opponents instantly.
Bai Guo swooped through the chaos, feathers flashing like lightning, knocking the remaining enemies off balance. Lan Yue and Xue Yan closed in, ending the fight with precision strikes.
The arena fell silent for a heartbeat — then erupted in cheers. Azure Sky Sect had won the Grand Sect Tournament.
Li Ming looked around at his teammates. Eight levels of Foundation Building and his new Core Formation had carried him here, but it was teamwork that had truly made the victory possible.
Bai Guo puffed out his chest. "See, descendant? Told you I’d shine."
Li Ming chuckled. "You definitely stole the show."
Lan Yue rolled her eyes. "Next time, maybe don’t make me worry so much about your antics."
Wu Jian smirked. "Hmph. I admit... not bad. Even you, lightning brat."
Xue Yan laughed. "I had fun. This fight actually felt... alive!"
Li Ming felt a rare moment of peace. They had survived the Grand Sect Tournament. They had proven themselves.
But in the back of his mind, he knew this was just the beginning of a new stage. Core Formation was only the first step — the real trials of cultivation were still waiting.
As the sun set behind the mountains, Li Ming’s golden energy still shimmered faintly, a promise of power and potential yet to be unleashed.
----
The battlefield was silent now, except for the soft groans of the defeated and the occasional clatter of collapsing equipment. Azure Sky Sect’s team stood in the center, covered in dust and sweat, but victorious. Li Ming wiped his brow, trying to look heroic. Bai Guo perched on his shoulder, fluffing his feathers dramatically.
"Descendant," he said, surveying the arena, "do you realize how many people just fainted from watching us?"
Li Ming groaned. "Probably most of the audience. And I think half the enemies are still out cold. That’s... great, I guess."
Xue Yan spun her spear casually, twirling it as if it were a ribbon. "Honestly, I don’t even remember half the moves I did. I was just... spinning and hoping it looked good." She laughed, brushing dust from her clothes.
Lan Yue, ever composed, simply sheathed her blade and gave a faint smile. "Good work, all of you. But remember, a victory in the tournament doesn’t make you unbeatable."
Wu Jian, arms crossed and fire fading from his hands, muttered, "Don’t get too comfortable. Li Ming, you’re stronger than I expected. Don’t think that changes anything between us."
Li Ming blinked. "Right... still enemies. Got it." He made a face at Wu Jian, who scowled in return.
The Sect Master floated down from the balcony, robes billowing. "Azure Sky Sect has proven itself in the Grand Sect Tournament. You’ve fought with skill, courage, and... unusual flair." He gave a subtle nod toward Bai Guo, who puffed his chest proudly. "But this is only the beginning. True cultivation starts now. The Grand Sect Tournament tests technique and strategy; the real tests will challenge your spirit and Core Formation."
Li Ming’s chest tightened. He looked at his hands, feeling the hum of energy from his newly awakened Core Formation. "Core Formation... yeah. Time to actually grow."
Bai Guo leaned forward, eyes sparkling. "Descendant, do you realize what this means? We get more training, more fights, more... chaos!"
Xue Yan grinned. "And less boring exams. Honestly, I vote we just go fight more people immediately."
Lan Yue shook her head. "Patience. You must master what you have before seeking more."
Wu Jian scoffed. "Master? Ha. You’ll see, Li Ming. You might have Core Formation, but technique, precision, and strategy aren’t just power. Don’t overestimate yourself."
Li Ming rolled his eyes but couldn’t help a small grin. "Alright, alright. We’ll see who grows stronger faster."
The sun began to set over the peaks. The battlefield was emptying, spectators and disciples alike leaving with stories of Li Ming’s lightning strikes, Bai Guo’s feather storm, and Xue Yan’s unpredictable, almost chaotic style.
The Azure Sky Sect had won, but the real journey was only beginning.
As they returned to the main hall, Li Ming glanced at Bai Guo. "Ready for more training?"
"Always," Bai Guo chirped, stretching his wings. "And don’t forget, descendant, next time, I get the final dramatic move."
Li Ming laughed, feeling a spark of excitement he hadn’t felt in months. Core Formation awaited, new techniques awaited, and this time, he wouldn’t just be surviving — he’d be growing into something much stronger.