Round One Finals

"I'm not?" I questioned, turning to face the elder. "In the previous Blue Wind Ranking Tournaments, there was no limit to how young you could be. Merely… no one would send anyone that young because they just wouldn't get any good results."

"Even so, you must understand that these are the rules that I had laid out for this specific session." Ling Wugou countered, floating above me. Part of me wanted to grab his collar and slam him in the ground… but I digress. "As such, unfortunately, you will be kicked out immediately."

"Perhaps you wish to kick the bucket early, old man," Beatrice remarked, grinning slightly. "I can make that-"

"Chi-ling, relax." I smiled, shaking my head. "My sixteenth birthday is less than two months away. While I do understand one's age going over twenty years… being younger is not that big of sin, is it? I've looked forward to this Blue Wind Ranking Tournament for the entirety of the last three years."

"... It is truly-" Ling Wugou's voice wavered for a moment.

"I've grinded myself to the bone, dedicating every single hour of my existence for this very moment. I've spared no effort; I've used every resource available to me despite being a victim of the Black Day. I've travelled the land, earned my own fortune, discovered miraculous recipes, and found powerful allies… all for this day!" I spoke with a tone of the highest passion, looking up at Ling Wugou. "Every day, I heard the sneers of the world, how the Blue Wind Imperial Family was a joke, how weak our disciples were and how little influence we had. No one ever believed that we would be able to crack the top one hundred, let alone shock the world… until I, Cang Chao, did!"

Ling Wugou stopped trying to interrupt me and just let a young man cook. 

"It isn't just about winning the tournament to me, either. Three years ago, when I heard that someone aged seventeen had won the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament… I was beyond inspired. My heart raged with determination and the goal of sharing the same stage as this prodigy." I placed my hand against my chest, closing my eyes briefly. "This person is, of course, none other than Ling Yun. My greatest inspiration!"

"In this lifetime, this is the only time that I could possibly have that honour… and so, I must make the selfish request of asking senior to allow me to participate."

"..." Ling Wugou furrowed his brows, observing me with serious eyes.

A silence that felt like it lasted a century washed over the hall.

"I implore that Elder Wugou permits Cang Chao to participate." Ling Yun shattered it, looking at me. "Three years ago, we promised to face each other in the next Blue Wind Ranking Tournament. I don't believe that he should be disqualified simply because he is fifty or so days too young. That would be unjust."

I was a little surprised.

In his eyes, me getting kicked away would secure his victory… yet he was the first to defend my participation.

Is it that he was touched by my brilliant acting… or is he acting on arrogance? He did, after all, defeat a half-step Earth Profound Realm participant in the last tournament while only in the ninth stage of the Spirit Profound Realm.

Even if we are on the same level, he has every reason to believe that he would defeat me. How could I possibly possess profound arts on the level of the Heavenly Sword Villa?

"Even though I have no authority to question an elder as wise as senior Ling Wugou, I plead that you change your decision." Feng Juecheng added, making me raise a slight eyebrow. Even him? "His Royal Highness has been working tirelessly for this specific Blue Wind Ranking Tournament, I know that much more than most."

Networking is quite the skill…

"What difference does a few days make since he is under the requirement… and not over?" Chu Yuechan added. "Since Cang Chao is the only person in the same realm of power as Ling Yun, it would make others believe that the Heavenly Sword Villa is afraid of losing, and so it would only stain any sort of victory Ling Yun would earn during this session of the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament."

Would you look at that, Wuxin? Even your mommy is backing me… I might just blush.

"... I would have to agree with my son and the Fairy of Frozen Beauty." The Sword Villa Master, Ling Yuefeng, nodded. Clearly Chu Yuechan's words had affected him. "However, on this matter, I would like the wisdom of Senior Ling. What should be done about this anomaly?"

"If Ling Yun finds it acceptable, I do not see a reason not to make the exception. If Cang Chao is, indeed, almost sixteen… it would be quite unfair to send him away, especially considering his talent and strength." Ling Kun smiled slightly. "This old man won't rob the eyes of the masses from witnessing two great prodigies face each other. Elder Wugou, would you?"

"... An exception will be made." He closed his eyes for a moment, nodding. How could a simple elder deny someone from the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region? "Cang Chao will be allowed to participate as if he were sixteen."

"Thank you, seniors." I performed a gentleman's bow. "I promise to put on a worthwhile showing for all."

I looked at Ling Yun, and we exchanged nods. 

After that, Fen Juechen and I made our way back to the Blue Wind Imperial Family's placement. I made eye contact with Xia Qingyue along the way and smiled slightly. It was hard to see anything past her veil, which was practically like a whole carpet's worth of coverage. 

I wonder… who would give me a better fight if we fought at the same level?

Ling Yun would be the easy pick, but the Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace was seemingly confident in Xia Qingyue before my shenanigans of buffing her up… there has to be a good reason for that.

"My little brother truly is a brilliant genius beyond words." Cang Yue remarked, her eyes looking upon me with a certain reverence. "There is no doubt in my heart that you will win."

"How could I have doubted His Royal Highness?" Dongfang Xiu laughed. "The Earth Profound Realm at the age of fifteen… not even the Heavenly Sword Villa could boast about having a youth with that talent across its entire history."

"I'm not competing with Blue Wind Empire's standards," I remarked, smiling slightly. "I'm chasing something far greater. I want to be the strongest in the world."

"..." Dongfang Xiu smiled, nodding. "A worthy ambition, indeed… one that many chase for their entire lifetimes yet only few can claim."

'Only one can truly claim it…'

'And that one person will be me.'

~

The first two rounds were just qualifiers, lasting six days in total. I had Itachi observe the disciples of the Four Major Sects and take note of their techniques… mainly the Burning Heaven Clan, Heavenly Sword Villa and Xiao Sect, for obvious reasons.

During this six-day period, I breezed through all twenty-seven of my fights. Most of my opponents conceded immediately, while those who showed some spirit were rewarded with a wind ball to the face. I did encounter some decently strong (relative to the rest) people from the four major sects… but they didn't amount to much. Even when I lowered myself to their level, I won easily.

In the end, I didn't find much time to train since these fights were happening constantly. I had to stand around like an idiot and wait for my turn. However, this period was one that was perfect for talking to all the big shots… which I sort of took advantage of. I took the time to get to know the Xiao Sect's participants between fights.

…

"Yo, Ling Yun." I approached him after he finished his final fight, where his opponent conceded. "I've been meaning to thank you for standing up for me. I really do appreciate it. I mean… it goes without saying that I wouldn't even be here."

"It is what I thought was right." Ling Yun replied. "The Blue Wind Ranking Tournament has always been a contest of the Blue Wind Empire's strongest and most talented youths. If you had been sent away… it would not have lived up to its name, for you are the greatest genius the Blue Wind Empire has ever known."

"..." I acted baffled. "Really?"

"Really." Ling Yun chuckled. "It shouldn't be a shocking revelation to you, Cang Chao. I am five years your senior, yet we stand on the same level of profound strength. All my life, I have been described as a shocking talent… yet you… truly have eclipsed me."

"My genius doesn't take away from yours, Ling Yun." I smiled, shaking my head. "You are still a shocking talent."

"In that case, you are a heaven-defying one." 

"Heh…" I chuckled. "I look forward to our match, whenever it is. Don't you dare lose to anyone before me."

"I don't intend to." Ling Yun smiled slightly, turning away.

I was pretty tempted to walk over to the Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace's representatives, but I decided to chill for now and stay in my lane. There were many people around, and talking might have led to some unwanted things slipping out. 

Fen Juechen did not disappoint me in the qualifiers, winning all of his matches. He had a lucky draw and didn't have to fight anyone from the four major sects… so, honestly, it was expected. If he couldn't beat those trashcans, what would be the use of investing in him further?

~

In the morning, after the qualifiers.

Even though dawn was hardly breaking, the Sword Discourse Arena was already buzzing. At the centre of the arena was a large profound stone, presenting all of the top thirty-two participants who would be participating in the Final Tournament. All twelve disciples from the Four Major Sects had made it, of course. 

The order for the Final Tournament… would be 'randomly' selected from the number each contestant drew. However, in truth, it was not random at all. It was completely rigged by the Heavenly Sword Villa, and not a single individual could do anything about it.

"Participating disciples of the Round of Thirty-Two, please come to the stage and draw the lot for the battle order!"

After all thirty-two people had selected their numbers, the battle order appeared on the profound stone. The moment it did so… the entire arena was in an uproar. The very first match was the most shocking result of all. 

James couldn't believe it when he saw it.

The First Fight of the Round of 32…

Blue Wind Imperial Family's Cang Chao (1) vs Heavenly Sword Villa's Ling Yun (2).

'Whoever set this shit up needs to get fired.' James cracked a smile. 'Though, if that's how they want it… Ling Yun will just have to be a first-round exit.'

"It is far too great of a coincidence," Eleonora stated. "They know that the longer the tournament persists, the stronger our liege becomes."

"That would make sense." Dongfang Xiu sighed, shaking his head. "No matter the result, Cang Chao, you've brought great prestige and glory to the Blue Wind Imperial Family. No longer is it the laughing stock it was for all these years-"

"Palace Chief, you act as if I've already lost." James interrupted, raising an eyebrow.

"Certainly, you are of the same profound strength as Ling Yun… but he possesses the strongest of the Heavenly Sword Villa's arts, which are all many times superior to anything you could find in the Blue Wind Profound Palace. It goes without saying that he is more experienced due to age. Even among the Four Major Sects, his battlepower is monstrous." Dongfang Xiu added. "It truly is regrettable…"

"Palace Chief… the only truly regrettable thing is that Ling Yun will be a first-round exit!" James cracked a smile, shaking his head. "I don't care how good his profound arts are, how many opponents he has sparred, how much older he is… I'm going to WIN! That is what I promised to do the last time I stepped foot in this place… and that is the promise that I intend to keep, no matter what it takes."

"... I see."

"Don't you remember my outrage, big sister?" James glanced at Cang Yue. "How I berated those poor disciples into oblivion for their lack of spirit…"

"It is not a memory that has left me." Cang Yue smiled.

"Well, this is the perfect stage to show those who laughed at me what I was talking about," James stated, his wild golden hair flowing majestically with the wind like a lion's mane. "The dauntless spirit of a winner… something the disciples of the Blue Wind Profound Palace have been lacking. Something the Blue Wind Empire has a whole lacks, for that matter."

James turned away, his cape dramatically waving to his side. 

"A new age begins right here… with my victory."

"Such a showoff…" Beatrice smiled, shaking her head. 'He could squash that bug with a single glance, yet he entertains the prospect of fighting him on even ground…'

"His Royal Highness has never been one to lack spirit." Dongfang Xiu remarked. "It is rather strange… his confidence is infectious. If he truly believes that he can win with such confidence, then I find it hard to see him lose."

"I have no doubts…" Cang Yue shook her head. "If anything, I believe that Chao'er is far stronger than Ling Yun and is simply playing to the crowd."

Dongfang Xiu smiled slightly. "That does sound like something he would do."

…

"All I can do is hope for the best, Your Royal Highness." Fen Juecheng managed a smile. "It goes without saying, Ling Yun is the worst first-round match-up you could've gotten."

"That's right…" James nodded and kept walking. "It's a shame, really. The best fight in the tournament might just be in the first round. It sets a horrible standard for the rest of the matches… a standard that would be impossibly hard to reach."

"No doubt they wanted to get rid of you early." Fen Juecheng sighed. "If you take a look at the other side of the bracket, it's all too easy… why is that? Well, clearly, Ling Jie is on that side of the bracket alongside Ling Feiyu."

"Wanting the brothers to face each other in the Finals… it would make a good story, I suppose." I chuckled, shrugging my shoulders. "Too bad it won't happen. Ling Yun will have to settle for being ranked top 17."

"... Heh." Fen Juecheng chuckled. "Now that would be an amusing result… I do hope you humble him. Even though Ling Yun acts like he isn't arrogant, truthfully, he is the most arrogant of his generation. His act of 'lacking' arrogance is truly sickening."

"The most arrogant of his generation?" I raised an eyebrow. "That's funny."

"How so?"

"I am part of that generation."

"..."

Without saying anything else, I continued to the main stage and met Ling Yun face-to-face.

"I didn't imagine that I'd be facing you in the first round," I stated, sighing. "I had hoped that this fight would occur in the finals."

"The draws are entirely random…" Ling Yun remarked, drawing his sword. "There is nothing that can be done about it."

'Right… do you think I'm an idiot?'

"Yeah, I suppose it is fate's hand at work." I chuckled. "Who would truly want the biggest fight of the tournament in the first round? It wouldn't make sense."

Ling Wugou knitted his eyebrows slightly as I smiled at him.

Ling Yun seemed very focused. Even though he and I were both aware that my talent eclipsed his… this would be the one time he could claim victory over me. We were equals in profound strength, and his pride would most certainly not allow him to lose easily.

I drew Zabimaru in its sealed state.

The sixty breaths before the match officially began slowly passed as we silently exchanged eye contact.

The absolute confidence of two prodigies…

Alas, one was quite unlike the other.

"Good luck, Ling Yun. May this be a fight for the ages." I smiled.

Ling Yun firmly nodded. 

"First Match of the Round of Thirty-Two… Heavenly Sword Villa's Ling Yun against Blue Wind Imperial Family's Cang Chao…"

"Battle start!!!"

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