Weak*

After a series of tests, the time had finally come for the sparring matches. Xiao Dong patiently waited for his turn, observing as more than half of the disciples took their chances in the arena. Eventually, he decided to step onto one of the elevated platforms himself.

His opponent was a young master dressed in extravagant clothing, exuding a haughty and arrogant demeanor. Seeing this, Xiao Dong couldn't help but feel annoyed, reminded of the humiliation he experienced three years ago.

"Be glad to become my stepping stone, commoner," the young man sneered, his words dripping with condescension.

'Hmph, just another incompetent young master,' Xiao Dong thought dismissively, his irritation growing. Xiao Dong decided to defeat this spoiled brat in a single move.

"Hmph, we'll see about that," he retorted, his voice carrying a hint of determination.

The young master's brows twitched with visible irritation, and he lunged at Xiao Dong with flames dancing around his clenched fist.

'Hmph! To challenge me with such trivial skills?'

Xiao Dong swiftly channeled his qi, employing a technique that combined wood and earth elements. Earth qi granted him the stability of mountains, while wood qi bestowed upon him the snake-like flexibility of vines. With these attributes, he easily deflected the young master's attack and launched a counter-attack that sent the arrogant youth flying out of the arena.

"Only talk, no bite, huh?" Xiao Dong taunted, a mocking smirk playing on his lips as he looked down at his defeated opponent.

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With this victory, Xiao Dong secured his position as one of the twelve young stars, ensuring a promising future filled with abundant resources.

The presiding elder came in front of them. (Came... hehe)

"To all the disciples who have reached the rank of twelve stars, I offer my congratulations. You represent the promising future of our sect, and the resources you earn during your time here will undoubtedly aid you in your pursuits. However..." The elder's tone shifted, carrying an air of mystery and anticipation, "There is yet another challenge, an additional opportunity for those who seek glory. This year, our sect has welcomed a special disciple, an exception in every sense. This individual was admitted to the sect without undergoing any of the standard tests, possessing an exceptionally remarkable talent."

Xiao Dong's emotions fluctuated between elation and surprise upon hearing this announcement.

'Hm? Wasn't the Profound Heavens sect known for its strict adherence to rules...? Sigh... it seems they are more corrupt than I thought. I'll have to distance Xiang'er from such hypocrites in the future!'

"This personage is a year younger than most of you and shall serve as a fitting opponent." The elder's voice held a tinge of a mocking tone, challenging all those present, "Whoever can defeat this exceptional disciple will be rewarded tenfold with resources."

The generous reward immediately captured Xiao Dong's attention, immediately dispelling his earlier disappointment.

"Now then, I welcome the young star of the Xin Clan, the unparalleled genius, Xin Jianyu!!"

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As the elder's voice echoed through the arena, an elevated platform materialized before the crowd's gaze. All eyes were drawn to the figure of a young boy, his aura captivating and his appearance exuding a magnetic allure. Dressed in robes of Tyrian purple, his hair as dark as midnight and his eyes as enchanting as amethysts, he emanated an innocent and captivating charm.

With a graceful leap onto the platform, the young prodigy addressed the assembly with a radiant smile,

"I hope we all learn something new from each other today."

A sense of awe swept through the crowd, captivated by Xin Jianyu's presence. However, amidst the fascination and admiration, Xiao Dong's emotions took a different course.

'This Bastard!! Hahaha," A fire of determination and resentment kindled within Xiao Dong, "Looks like I am truly blessed by luck, today I shall humiliate this silk pants bastard in front of the entire sect, to make him pay for humiliating me!!' He saw this encounter as a perfect opportunity to settle his score with Xin Jianyu, to exact revenge for the humiliation he had suffered.

With such fiery resolve, Xiao Dong stepped onto the platform, prepared to challenge Xin Jianyu.

"I am Xiao Dong. I look forward to receiving your guidance," he introduced himself with a respectful bow. However, his courteous gesture was met with something entirely unexpected.

"Pfftt... Ah! Forgive me, it seems I recalled something amusing... Pfftt... Ahem, let us give it our best effort."

Xiao Dong's frustration flared as he witnessed Xin Jianyu struggle to suppress his laughter.

'This Bastard!!!'

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"Pfftt..." A stifled laugh threatened to escape Xin Jianyu's lips, almost choking him as he heard the heaven-blessed's name.

'Ahahaha little dong!! Lol'

However, remembering where he was currently, Jianyu soon followed up,

"Ah! Forgive me, it seems I recalled something amusing... Pfftt... Ahem, let us give it our best effort."

Xiao Dong's irritation grew, his veins practically pulsating with anger as he regarded Xin Jianyu. However, Jianyu's laughter was barely contained, his eyes even watering from the effort of stifling his mirth.

"Are both participants prepared?" The elder inquired, casting a curious glance toward the pair, his intrigue fueled by the exception that he himself only found out about today.

""Yes!"" Both youths responded in unison, though their responses carried vastly differing levels of enthusiasm.

"Well then... Begin!"

"Very well... Begin!"

With the elder's declaration, Xiao Dong assumed a combat stance, his hands poised to strike. Opposite him, Xin Jianyu regarded him with a mixture of curiosity and a touch of mischief, While not even touching his sword.

"...Aren't you planning to draw your sword?" Lil Dong inquired, with brows furrowed in confusion.

Realization dawned upon him as Jianyu remembered that he had forgotten to unsheathe his sword.

"Since you have chosen not to wield a weapon, perhaps I should follow suit to ensure a fair contest," Jianyu replied, with a slight smile.

Xiao Dong gritted his teeth in anger, his irritation palpable.

"Well then, I hope you don't regret those words!!!!"

With these words, Xiao Dong closed the distance between them, his hands imbued with the essence of wood, forming a claw-like attack.

Jianyu smoothly deflected and redirected Xiao Dong's attack with his bare hands, employing techniques from his self-created battle arts.

'Way of Water, First Form: Flow'

Inadvertently launching an attack without even drawing his sword.

"Huh?" Xiao Dong's surprise was evident, though Jianyu's offensive maneuver remained successful, Xiao Dong swiftly initiated another assault, launching a combination of power and agility against his opponent.

However, Jianyu seamlessly countered with his own technique, his hands moving in the opposing direction, heading straight towards Lil Dong as he used the second technique of his self-made battle arts.

'Way of Water, Second Form: Returning Waves.'

Sensing imminent danger, Xiao Dong attempted to evade, but his reaction was too sluggish, resulting in Jianyu's palm connecting with his chest.

'Way of Water, Third Form: Tidal Waves.'

The impact was substantial, forcing Xiao Dong to expel blood from his mouth and stagger back, his determination unbroken despite the blow.

'So, this is the extent of his capabilities?' Jianyu thought, his assessment tinged with a hint of disappointment.

"I am far from finished!" Xiao Dong growled, his eyes burning with unwavering resolve.

Jianyu, recalling the threat posed by the thing in front of him. Recalling that this thing could threaten his current lifestyle, and harm what he holds dear, subconsciously channeled his qi with tremendous precision. Employing his movement arts, he materialized in front of Xiao Dong with remarkable speed.

"Weak," Jianyu pronounced coldly, his icy gaze conveying disdain as he delivered a swift kick to Xiao Dong's chin, sending him hurtling out of the arena.

"...T-the victor is Xin Jianyu!" the elder announced, while the audience struggled to process the display of power and dominance they had just witnessed.

A chill ran through many of them, struck by the intensity of the confrontation.

...

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...

'My public image!' Jianyu inwardly lamented.

Yet he was completely oblivious to the fact that his public image wasn't the only issue caused by his thoughtless actions today, as certain individuals had begun to weave stories in their minds as they saw Jianyu fight.