Cultivation Realm Does Not Represent Combat Power
Hun Tian Di smiled faintly, his tone calm yet ambiguous. "Brother Gu, thank you. They are doing well for now, but who can predict the future?"
His words seemed humble, but his demeanor betrayed his pride.
Gu Yuan, seated beside him, smiled but said nothing more. He glanced back down at the martial arts arena, silently musing:
"The younger generation of the Soul Clan truly has a terrifying foundation. Compared to them, the Ancient Clan pales in comparison. These youths will become the backbone of the Soul Clan in less than a century."
Hun Tian Di, noting Gu Yuan's silence, shifted his gaze to the martial arts stage below.
"It seems the real fun is about to begin."
---
On the martial arts stage, Elder Hun Dun continued announcing names.
"Hun Yu!"
Whoosh!
A figure shot through the air like a streak of light, landing gracefully on the stage.
Hun Yu, dressed in elegant white robes and holding a folding fan, exuded an air of confidence and charm. A faint smile lingered on his lips as he stood tall, drawing cheers and applause from the crowd.
The younger women of the Soul Clan erupted into excited screams, their admiration uncontainable.
Meanwhile, the men rolled their eyes and muttered bitterly.
"All this fuss just for Hun Yu? Is it really necessary?"
As Hun Yu took his place, Elder Hun Dun called out again.
"Hun Huan'er!"
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd as the name was announced.
"Ahh… the goddess…"
Hun Huan'er's appearance silenced the square. Clad in flowing garments that complemented her ethereal beauty, she descended like a celestial fairy. Her elegance and serenity captivated everyone present.
Even Hun Yu's earlier entrance paled in comparison.
Hun Dun's next call reverberated through the square:
"Hun Xiu!"
The announcement sparked a buzz among the spectators. Everyone craned their necks, looking for Hun Xiu's entrance.
"How will he appear?" someone whispered.
"Will he fly? Tear through space? Manifest his fighting spirit into wings?"
Yet, as time dragged on, Hun Xiu remained absent.
The crowd murmured louder with every passing second.
"Why hasn't he shown up yet? Did he forget the competition?"
"Is he afraid to participate?"
Even the other competitors on the stage frowned, confused by Hun Xiu's delay.
---
On a high platform, Gu Xun'er tugged her father's sleeve, her big eyes filled with worry.
"Father, where is Brother Hun Xiu? Why hasn't he come yet?"
Gu Yuan smiled and gestured subtly toward an inconspicuous corner of the square.
"He's been here the whole time."
"Where?"
Gu Xun'er followed her father's gaze and finally spotted him.
Leaning casually against a wall with arms crossed, Hun Xiu stood quietly in the shadows. A wooden sword rested in his arms, his demeanor unbothered by the commotion.
Hun Xiu sighed, muttering to himself.
"If it weren't for the crowd blocking the way, I'd have been on stage ages ago."
Hun Dun, noticing the delay, frowned and called out:
"Hun Xiu, are you not participating in the clan competition?"
All eyes turned to Hun Xiu.
He straightened, his calm expression unwavering as he replied, "Of course, I'm participating. First place is mine to take. Why wouldn't I?"
As he began walking toward the stage, the crowd instinctively parted to make way for him.
---
On the high platform, Gu Yuan chuckled softly.
"Interesting little guy."
Even the Four Demon Saints of the Soul Clan, seated nearby, turned their attention to Hun Xiu.
Hun Tu smirked. "This kid is amusing."
Hun Sha frowned, his gaze fixed on Hun Xiu. "His cultivation level… only a two-star Dou Huang? That doesn't match his bloodline and talent."
The other demon saints, Hun Yan and Hun Jing, nodded in agreement.
"It's strange. Hun Yu and Hun Feng, who possess divine bloodlines, are much stronger. Yet this child, with his super divine bloodline, lags behind?"
Their murmurs were silenced by Hun Tian Di's calm voice.
"Realm does not represent combat power. Though he is a Dou Huang, even a Dou Zong would struggle to defeat him."