Chapter 31: Seven Branches Martial Contest start(3)

"Look, the sword formation has started," Shu Shu said, redirecting Grey's attention.

A sudden blur of light erupted in the center of the arena, drawing all eyes toward the spectacle unfolding before them. In a flash, countless energy swords materialized, each one glowing with an ethereal light. 

The swords formed a perfect circle, hovering above the ground, their razor-sharp edges gleaming ominously. Six disciples stood at the points of the formation, their expressions focused and intense as they channeled their Qi into the swords.

The formation crackled with raw power, creating a dazzling and formidable display that sent waves of energy rippling through the air.

The ground beneath the arena trembled slightly, and the audience could feel the pressure building as the swords rotated in sync, gaining momentum. The swords sliced through the air with a sharp, hissing sound, their movements so swift they were almost imperceptible.

The disciples, their robes billowing with the force of the energy they were controlling, moved in perfect harmony, their synchronized steps adding to the precision of the formation. 

The entire arena was bathed in the light of the swords, casting long, shifting shadows that danced along the ground. The sheer power emanating from the formation was palpable, a testament to the skill and discipline of the six disciples who operated it.

"As expected of our sect's formation, it's truly powerful," Shu Shu remarked, admiration clear in his voice.

Grey nodded in agreement, though inwardly he remained unimpressed. The formation might be powerful to others, but to him, it was nothing more than a mild inconvenience. His physique had been tempered to such an extent that ordinary swords couldn't even scratch him.

As the formalities concluded, Cang Song began his speech, and Grey's expression darkened. He watched Cang Song with a mix of disdain and loathing.

'This hypocrite,' Grey thought bitterly. 'How dare he spout all these righteous words when he's secretly waiting for the perfect moment to betray the sect.'

Grey despised hypocrites more than anything—those who spoke of righteousness and honor but acted with treachery and deceit. Cang Song was one of the worst, and Grey's hands itched to end him. After all, he knew from the plot that all of Xiao Fan's misfortunes had begin with this man.

The speech dragged on, lengthy and monotonous, each word grating on Grey's nerves. He found it incredibly dull and annoying, a tiresome display of false virtue. 

The crowd endured the elder's lengthy speech with a mix of restlessness and anticipation, eager for the main event to begin. 

The tournament was the highlight of the sect's annual gathering, a chance for disciples to prove their strength and skill in front of their peers, elders, and even visiting dignitaries. Grey, however, had little interest in the formalities. His mind was already focused on the upcoming battles and the rewards that awaited him.

"Start!" the elder's voice boomed across the arena, commanding immediate attention. At his signal, 64 glowing orbs shot into the air, each orb containing a number that would determine the matchups. 

They hovered above the arena, spinning and twinkling like stars, casting a mesmerizing, ethereal glow over participants and spectators alike. The sight drew gasps of admiration from the crowd, but Grey remained impassive, his crimson eyes locked on the orbs with cold calculation.

"Brother, let's go catch one," Shu Shu said excitedly, his gaze fixed on the glowing orbs. His voice was filled with the eager anticipation of a young disciple looking forward to testing his mettle against his peers.

Grey, however, was unmoved. "No need," he replied, his tone calm and controlled, as if the whole spectacle was beneath him. 

With a mere flick of his wrist, two of the orbs broke away from the swirling mass and floated toward him, as if drawn by an invisible force. The movement was so smooth and effortless that it seemed almost magical to the onlookers.

Shu Shu's eyes widened in surprise as Grey casually extended one of the orbs toward him. "Here, take yours," Grey said, tossing it lightly in Shu Shu's direction. Shu Shu caught the orb. His expression was a mix of awe and admiration.

"Brother, your control is truly remarkable," Shu Shu said, still marveling at the ease with which Grey had summoned the orbs. He opened his slip and saw the number 31 etched on it in glowing script.

Grey glanced at his own slip, revealing the number 12. He allowed himself a small, satisfied smirk. The number didn't matter much to him—he was confident that no matter who his opponent was, they would fall before him.

The elder's voice rang out again, announcing the matchups. "The first match will be between the person with number 1 and number 64. The second match will be between number 2 and number 63, and so on." 

The arena buzzed with excitement as disciples checked their numbers, some exchanging nervous glances while others squared their shoulders, determined to face whatever challenge lay ahead.

"Brother, it looks like your match will be among the first. Don't worry, I'll be here to cheer you on," Shu Shu said, his tone warm with brotherly affection.

Grey glanced at Shu Shu, appreciating the gesture but knowing it wasn't necessary. "There's no need," he replied calmly, already striding toward the platform where the matches would take place. His movements were fluid and unhurried, like a predator with absolute confidence in its strength.