Chapter 49
'The annual competition has arrived, hasn't it?' Ji Wuye dismissed his lingering disappointment and regret over forgoing the potion purchase. As he pushed open the creaking courtyard door, he was met with an eerie emptiness, the space devoid of its usual hustle and bustle.
Typically, fellow disciples within the sect would conscientiously remind each other of significant events like this. Even the most junior members were considered part of the extended martial arts family and were not exempt from such communal responsibilities.
Yet, this time, not only did they fail to rouse him from his slumber, but they also neglected the customary polite greetings exchanged among sect practitioners.
In retrospect, he realized that his martial brothers might not have been motivated by jealousy, as he once believed, but rather...
'I'm the one who failed to recognize my own behavior,' Ji Wuye grinned, reflecting on the time when one of his Senior Brothers had candidly pointed it out.
Much like a preening peacock, he had incessantly boasted and measured his allure against others. The subtle arrogance had eluded him until now.
...
In the heart of the Central Courtyard, a congregation of disciples formed a solemn assembly. What should have been a gathering of over 5,000 had dwindled dramatically to less than 3,000, casualties of the enigmatic third-floor challenge or the sudden emergence of the Tower.
A pervasive sense of gloom enveloped the courtyard, particularly among those who mourned the loss of comrades.
Tear-streaked eyes betrayed the grief, most notably among the Outer Disciples who, lacking the defensive prowess of their counterparts, found themselves more vulnerable to the Tower's unpredictable challenges.
"Hey, Brother, what skill did you bring this time?" A contrasting tone resonated from the other side, where Inner Disciples and Official Disciples huddled together with an air of relative ease.
Their established foundations for survival bred a confidence that bordered on the cocky regarding the impending challenges.
The Tower's challenges posed no overwhelming difficulty for them.
While Outer Disciples grappled with basic maneuvers and unopened Upper Dantians, the Official and Inner Disciples wielded a spectrum of defensive and offensive martial arts, along with advanced techniques.
"Me? I brought a little something called the Nine Star Hegemony Art. Sounds impressive, right?" Laughter and mutual compliments momentarily lightened the atmosphere, but the levity dissipated as they noticed the somber countenances of the Outer Disciples.
"But I don't think this is the right time to revel in our survival." Despite the hierarchical distinctions, a sense of shared camaraderie persisted. Morning, day, and night, they were a family—meeting, joking, and facing challenges together.
Approaching the group of Outer Disciples, an Inner Disciple extended a gentle greeting, met with clasped hands and expressions far removed from the previous merriment.
"Sigh... Junior Brothers and Sisters, please raise your heads," the Inner Disciple spoke with a soft sincerity, capturing the attention of both Outer and Official Disciples.
"We've all endured the mysteries of this Tower, losing many of our Martial Brothers and Sisters. It's natural to grieve, but we mustn't relinquish hope."
A warm smile played on his lips as he addressed the disheartened disciples. "Look at how far you've come just to reach this stage. Each of you possesses untapped strength and potential.
"Those who have passed away wouldn't want to see us in despair. Even if they didn't conquer the challenge, they were human beings with whom we shared conversations and laughter."
"We must honor their memory and aspirations by persevering with courage and determination to keep on living."
"The road ahead is long, but together, we will traverse it. In the end, we are all disciples, united in the struggle for survival within the Tower, regardless of our backgrounds."
"Even the Elders and the Patriarch are not exempt. To forestall future sorrows, we must live for the future. As the saying goes, 'For those lacking confidence, have faith that through unity and diligence, your talents will blossom.'"
His words injected life back into their eyes, reigniting extinguished spirits.
"Now, release the grip of sadness. Wipe away your tears and commence your training with renewed determination—not just to survive, but to carry on the dreams of your loved ones!"
Claps and joyful shouts resounded through the air as he spoke.
"That was a remarkable speech," one of the disciples remarked. Then, an Elder appeared and ascended the upper stairs, smiling down at all the disciples.
"Great spirit! Keep it up!" The Elder's words prompted all the disciples to bow their heads in respect.
"Greetings, Elder!"
The Elder waved his hand and calmly surveyed the entire courtyard. His gaze flickered, revealing grief in his expression.
'The numbers are dropping again. Should we consider halting the competition?' he pondered, shaking his head.
'But that is not the Patriarch's order.' His countenance shifted to seriousness, masking the anguish buried within. Despite his efforts, he couldn't locate the renowned disciple he sought. 'Did that brat meet his end?'
"Outer Disciple Ji Wuye! Come to the Central Courtyard immediately!" His command echoed through the disciples, inciting murmurs and grumbles.
"I wonder if that person survived this time," a male Outer Disciple muttered, his expression laden with disdain.
"Hey, Brother, you can't say that. He might poke fun at you, claiming your nose is too sizable and twitches when you speak," another mocked, provoking the disciple who had sneered earlier.
The corners of the disciples' mouths twitched. 'Wasn't it you who wanted to mock him? Why are you making Brother Ji the scapegoat now?'
As expected, the disciple with the large nose, who had previously sneered, now glared at the one mocking him. "Do you think I'm foolish enough not to notice your intention?!"
"Heh, try me!" The mocking disciple goaded, his hands enveloped in a dark aura, leaving the others astonished.
"That's martial art... or, well, that skill..."
It appeared that the Inner Disciple's earlier speech and the Elder's subsequent remarks had successfully dispelled the gloom, transforming the atmosphere into a familiar blend of youth and competition.
As they readied themselves for conflict, nearby disciples attempted to diffuse the situation. "Shh... Brothers, maintain composure or risk punishment from the Elder."
They needed to conserve their energy for the impending test. Hearing these cautionary remarks, the two disciples preparing to fight paused and sighed.
The Central Courtyard lay scattered with various tools, some areas partitioned into smaller arenas. This marked the annual competition for all Outer Disciples—a pivotal day.
Yet, uncertainties lingered in the air...
"Darn! Where is that person?" The discontent of the disciples echoed, but just as their voices reached a crescendo, a hush fell over the crowd as a man approached from a distance.
His calm, crimson eyes and expressionless demeanor silenced the murmurs among the disciples searching for him, creating an urge to shout.
"Apologies for the delay, and thank you for waiting for me, Seniors, Brothers, and Sisters."
*Song Jia, Lian Rougang illustrations uploaded! Tired of waiting? Purchase a membership on my Patreon.com/dragonknov! that costs very cheap! 28 members have already become patrons!