An Unwanted Encounter

Xing Wuye's eyes opened slowly as dawn broke over the conference grounds, casting a golden hue across the towering pagodas and bustling stalls. He rose from his simple bed, stretched his muscles, and stepped outside. Already, the atmosphere was electric, a hum of energy signaling the start of the day's events.

In the distance, he spotted Yu Lian, standing with a group of female disciples, their voices lilting with laughter as they conversed. Wuye began to approach, intending to thank her for showing him around the previous day. But as he drew nearer, a group of male disciples appeared, their robes marked with the insignia of the Dual Blessed Land. The leader of the group—a young man with a haughty expression and an air of entitlement—made a beeline for Yu Lian.

Wuye slowed his steps, blending quietly into the background. He watched as the male disciple approached Yu Lian, his demeanor confident and smug. He offered her a self-assured smile that he likely thought was charming.

"Yu Lian," he said, his voice laced with a theatrical warmth. "Why must you always be so elusive? Surely there's no need to play hard to get with someone as persistent as I am."

Yu Lian's expression turned cold, a flash of distaste passing over her delicate features as she turned away. Beside her, one of her friends spoke up, her tone laced with impatience. "Ren Shi," she said sharply, "aren't you tired of chasing after Sister Yu Lian's skirt?"

The remark earned a ripple of laughter from Yu Lian's friends, but Ren Shi's face darkened. Though he hid his anger behind a forced smile, his followers weren't as restrained. They shot hostile glares at the female disciples, grumbling amongst themselves.

An argument quickly broke out, voices rising as both sides threw taunts and jibes at each other. The chaos seemed to escalate with each passing second. Yu Lian sighed and cast her gaze around, as though looking for an escape. It was then that her eyes landed on Wuye, who had been quietly observing from the side. She hesitated at first, but then her face lit up, and she started walking toward him, ignoring the commotion behind her.

Wuye immediately felt a twinge of irritation. His eyes narrowed, his face turning cold. So, she's going to use me as an excuse to get rid of this suitor, he thought, feeling a flash of resentment. I'm not interested in getting in the middle of a ridiculous relationship drama.

As Yu Lian approached, she called out to him, her voice loud enough to draw the attention of her friends and Ren Shi's group. "Senior Brother!" she said warmly, a smile plastered on her face.

Wuye's surprise showed for a split second. Senior Brother? he thought, startled. He was merely a Qi Condensation cultivator, while she was in the Foundation Building realm. It was highly irregular for her to address him with such deference. Before he could recover, Ren Shi turned, a sneer creeping across his face.

"Oh? So this is the 'Senior Brother' you're so eager to greet?" Ren Shi scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. He looked Wuye up and down, his eyes filled with disdain. "Just a mere Qi Condensation cultivator," he muttered to his friends, loud enough for Wuye to hear. "What do you see in this trash?"

Wuye felt his fists clench, but he kept his expression calm. He said nothing, letting the insult pass over him like a cold wind. Yes, he thought, I may be trash in your eyes, but you are no different. Your pride will blind you while a true Daoist soars.

The weak crawl through life, bound by fear

While the strong roam the earth and sky, clear.

With open heart and unchained soul,

A true Daoist makes the world his goal.

Ren Shi's sneer faded, replaced by a flicker of irritation at Wuye's unbothered expression. Before he could say anything else, Yu Lian stepped in and took Wuye's arm, tugging him away. Ren Shi's gaze followed them, his eyes narrowed, but he held his tongue, choosing not to cause more of a scene.

Yu Lian led Wuye through the crowd, weaving between disciples and merchants as they made their way to the coliseum. The large arena loomed ahead, its stone walls towering and etched with ancient symbols of power. Upon entering, they found a reserved seating area close to the platform where Liu Yanmei and Li Jiang, the Holy Saint and Saintess of the Dual Blessed Land, were already seated.

As they approached, Liu Yanmei noticed Wuye and greeted him with a warm smile. "How was your first night here?" she asked, her voice polite.

Wuye clasped his hands and bowed slightly. "It was pleasant, Senior Sister. I appreciate your hospitality."

Liu Yanmei nodded approvingly. "I'm glad to hear it. Today's competitions are sure to be exciting. I hope you'll enjoy the spectacle."

With that, Yu Lian gestured for him to sit beside her as the rest of the sect's disciples took their places. Ren Shi and his group entered shortly after and took their seats a few rows back, his gaze still lingering on Wuye with thinly veiled hostility.

As the arena began to fill with cultivators from different sects, a hush fell over the crowd. The energy was palpable, the air thick with anticipation. Finally, a booming voice echoed through the coliseum, the voice of the announcer.

"Welcome, honored guests, to the Grand Conference of Sects!" His voice carried across the arena, amplified by some unseen force. "Today marks the beginning of the Selections—a chance for cultivators from all walks of life to prove themselves in combat and gain recognition for their skill and dedication to the Dao."

The crowd erupted in cheers, disciples and masters alike clapping and shouting in excitement. Wuye looked around, taking in the different sects seated in their respective sections. Each group was identifiable by their distinct robes and insignias, a display of the vast diversity within the cultivation world.

The announcer continued, "Our first event is the Combat Selection! Fighters will be drawn randomly to face each other in a series of duels. The rules are simple: fight with honor and skill, and the victor will be determined by either yielding or a decisive blow."

The names of the first two combatants were announced, and they stepped into the ring to an enthusiastic cheer. The air crackled with tension as they squared off, their auras flaring as they readied themselves for battle.

Wuye observed silently as the fight began, each combatant moving with skill and precision, their techniques a blend of speed, strength, and strategy. The fight was fast-paced, a flurry of strikes, blocks, and evasive maneuvers, each blow echoing across the arena. As he watched, he felt a flicker of excitement, a spark of interest. The level of skill on display was a reminder of the vast distance he still had to travel.

Yu Lian leaned over, her voice low. "Impressive, isn't it? This is only the beginning. The higher-level fights will take place later, with the strongest cultivators competing near the end of the conference."

Wuye nodded, eyes still fixed on the combatants. He could feel a growing sense of anticipation within himself, a quiet eagerness to test his own limits. Despite his reluctance to become involved with sect affairs, he couldn't deny that the thrill of battle called to him.

The first match ended, and the crowd erupted in applause as the victor raised their fists in triumph. Wuye sat back, taking in the energy of the arena, the cheers, the determination on each face. His own goals felt closer somehow, more tangible. To become stronger, to explore the world, and to overcome the limits that bound him—this was his path, and nothing would deter him from it.

One by one, matches continued, each fighter bringing their unique style and power to the ring. From powerful sword techniques to dazzling displays of elemental manipulation, the combat styles varied greatly, showcasing the diversity within the cultivation world. Wuye observed each fight closely, studying their forms, noting what he could apply to his own skills.

As the day wore on, the crowd remained captivated, each fight a testament to the dedication and strength of the cultivators. Wuye allowed himself to be immersed in the spectacle, his mind buzzing with thoughts and strategies for his own journey.

Finally, as the last fight concluded, the announcer's voice echoed across the arena once more. "Today's selections have come to an end! We thank you all for your participation and enthusiasm. Tomorrow, the Pill Refining Competition will commence, followed by another round of combat selections."

The crowd cheered one last time before dispersing, the disciples and masters rising from their seats and heading back to their quarters. Wuye lingered a moment, taking in the emptying arena, his mind filled with thoughts of the battles he had witnessed.