Chapter 29: Seven Branches Martial Contest start(1)

The next day, the excitement in the air was palpable as the Seven Branches Martial Contest was about to begin. Disciples from each peak gathered, and the competitive spirit was high. Each peak had sent their top disciples, resulting in a total of 64 participants vying for the top spot.

At Bamboo Peak, Grey stood before his fellow disciples, his expression serious and determined. The atmosphere was tense as he addressed the gathered seniors and juniors.

"Seniors and juniors," Grey began, his voice carrying authority. "You should know why I've gathered you all here before the competition.

"Everyone listened intently, knowing that Grey's words carried weight. Unlike usual behavior now he is serious.

"This time, I don't want any disciple from our peak to lose in the first round," Grey continued. "I need each of you to pass at least one round. The responsibility for securing first place falls squarely on my shoulders."

He paused, letting the gravity of his words sink in. "This competition isn't just about individual achievement; it's about respect and honor for our peak and our master. So don't embarrass us."

Grey's voice grew serious as he added, "If you don't meet these expectations, I'll have to put you through my special training."

A collective shiver ran through the group at the mention of his "special training." The thought of enduring Grey's intense and unconventional methods was enough to make anyone nervous.

Before anyone could react, Master Tian Buyi arrived. His presence commanding attention.

"Grey, stop scaring your fellow disciples," Tian Buyi chided, though there was a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Winning isn't everything. What matters more is what you learn from the experience."

Grey shot a sideways glance at his master, his eyes glinting with determination. "I understand, Master, but there's a treasure for the first-place winner. I can't afford to miss it."

Indeed, Grey's goal for the Seven Branches Martial Contest is to secure that top-tier treasure, which is just one rank below a Supreme artifact. His plan is to either recycle it with the system for valuable points or devour it to significantly boost his cultivation.

His comment elicited a chorus of skeptical looks from his peers. It was clear that Grey's motives were more focused on the treasure than on peak prestige.

Tian Buyi's eyes narrowed, and he stepped forward. "You disgraceful disciple! Let me teach you a lesson for your audacity!"

Before Tian Buyi could act, Grey's body was enveloped in a shimmering aura of Qi. With a smirk, he leapt into the air, leaving a trail of energy in his wake.

"I'm off to the venue. See you there, Master!" Grey called out with a cheeky grin, disappearing into the sky.

The seniors and juniors watched in stunned silence as Grey soared away. Tian Buyi shook his head, a mix of exasperation and amusement on his face.

"Why do I have a feeling that this competition is going to be anything but ordinary?" Tian Buyi muttered, as he turned to address the remaining disciples. "Make sure you give it your best effort. The true test is in the journey, not just the destination."

Grey, having arrived at the arena, took a moment to survey the grand spectacle from the sky. The arena was a vast, circular expanse, designed with the elegance and precision characteristic of cultivation traditions.

Eight distinct dueling spaces, each marked by intricate, glowing runes, radiated outward from a central platform. This central area was reserved for the elders and the sect leader, providing a prestigious vantage point to oversee the matches.

The arena was abuzz with excitement, filled with disciples from various peaks who eagerly awaited the competitions. The crowd's anticipation was palpable, as such a high-profile event, featuring 64 participants, drew considerable attention.

It was a rare opportunity to witness duels between some of the most talented geniuses in the sect.

Grey landed in the arena, surveying the myriad of uniforms worn by the disciples from different peaks. The colorful array of garments, each symbolizing the peak's unique style and prestige, made his own plain attire feel rather lackluster in comparison.

With a thoughtful expression, Grey muttered to himself, "Looks like I might need to get some new clothes after this."

After some time, his seniors and juniors also arrived. Grey noticed his usually stoic senior, Da Ren, engaged in a conversation with a woman.

The sight left Grey puzzled—his senior, who was typically as unyielding and silent as a rock, was actually talking with a woman. It was a scene Grey couldn't quite imagine. Curiosity piqued, he quickly ran towards them.

"Our elder brother really misses you, Senior Wen," teased Da Li, a mischievous grin on his face as he glanced at the woman in front of them. She wore the uniform of Small Bamboo Peak, and the smile on her face as she looked at Da Ren made it clear that there was something more between them.

"No, no... it's not like that," Da Ren quickly protested, his usually stoic demeanor faltering as a hint of embarrassment colored his face.

"Oh? So, you didn't miss our Senior Sister then?" another woman teased, this time who was with the senior wen.

"That's not it..." Da Ren stammered, clearly caught in a dilemma, unsure how to respond without digging himself deeper.

Just then, Grey suddenly appeared behind him, his curiosity having gotten the better of him. "Senior Da Ren, who is this?" he asked.

His unexpected arrival nearly startled Da Ren out of his wits."Why didn't I know Senior Da Ren knew such a beautiful Senior Sister?" Grey asked, raising an eyebrow with a teasing grin.

Da Ren opened his mouth to respond, but before he could say anything, Xiao Hui, the mischievous monkey, suddenly leapt onto Grey's head, causing chaos as it danced wildly on his hair.

"Xiao Hui, come down, or else I'll feed you to Da Huang!" Grey shouted, struggling to catch the nimble monkey while it tangled itself in his hair. It seems Xiao Fan wandered off leaving this monkey alone and now it's messing with him.

Xiao Hui, sensing the seriousness of Grey's tone, quickly scampered away in fear. Grey, however, was not amused. His eyes narrowed in irritation as he shouted after the fleeing monkey.

"You damn monkey, mess with my hair and then run off? Come here, and I'll fry you for dinner!" he yelled, his anger flaring as he futilely chased after the troublesome creature.

"It seems you have some very interesting disciples at your peak," Senior Wen remarked with a smile, watching the scene unfold.

"Of course," Da Ren replied, pride evident in his voice. "He's our genius junior brother. He might even have a chance of winning this year." Da Ren knew Grey's strength well—so much so that even their master had mentioned how Grey was nearly at the level of an elder.

"Oh? But we also have a talented junior sister. I think she has a good chance too," Senior Wen responded with a playful glint in her eyes.

"We'll see about that in the finals," Da Ren said, returning her smile. The competitive spark between them is undeniable.