Journey of true Cultivation

The moment the blond haired judge declared the match to begin, Yuan slowly lifted his sword, his stance awkward, his grip uneven. It was as if he was holding a sword for the first time, unsure of its weight and balance. He took a step forward, almost tripping, his foot placement unstable. The disciples watching raised their brows in confusion.

Wasn't this the same Yuan who had endured three minutes under the Pressuring Will Stones?

Daoist Water Lake, standing firm with his long spear blade, did not attack immediately. His expression remained calm, his grip steady. He was a patient fighter, one who only struck when an opening presented itself. And right now, Yuan was full of openings.

Yet, he didn't attack.

Instead, he observed, his mind analyzing Yuan's movements. A fool? No. His instincts told him that something was off. But instincts alone would not secure victory, so he waited.

Yuan, on the other hand, was internally smirking.

Perfect, he isn't attacking immediately. He thinks he has the time to observe. I'll let him believe that.

He raised his sword in an amateurish stance, his Sword shaking slightly. His feet shuffled awkwardly, and then, without warning, he lunged forward.

A direct charge.

Daoist Water Lake's eyes sharpened. So reckless. A straightforward attack with no feint? He must be desperate to close the distance.

With a simple step to the side, he avoided Yuan's advance and swung the shaft of his spear towards Yuan's back. A clean strike

But it missed.

Somehow, at the last possible moment, Yuan stumbled forward, barely avoiding the attack, his sword wildly swinging back as if he had lost control of it.

CLANG!

The blade of Yuan's sword clashed against Daoist Water Lake's spear, but it wasn't an intentional block. It was pure coincidence,or at least, that's what it seemed like.

The audience murmured among themselves.

"What was that?"

"Did he just get lucky?"

"He can barely hold his sword properly… how is he still standing?"

Daoist Water Lake narrowed his eyes. No, this is too convenient. Could it be…?

But before he could complete the thought, Yuan had already recovered, stumbling back to create distance. His breathing was uneven, his expression showing slight panic.

That should confirm it for him. He thinks I barely dodged.

Daoist Water Lake exhaled through his nose. Fine. If his opponent was going to be this sloppy, then he would end this quickly.

He stepped forward, taking the offensive for the first time.

His spear lashed out like a striking serpent, sharp and precise, aiming for Yuan's shoulder. A clean hit would disable Yuan's arm and end the fight instantly.

Yuan's eyes widened. He panicked. He lifted his sword clumsily, his footing completely off.

Just barely dodge. Make him believe it's luck.

The spear passed mere inches away from his skin as he twisted at the last possible moment, staggering back as if he had barely avoided death. His breathing was erratic, his grip on the sword unsteady.

Daoist Water Lake frowned. His patience was starting to wear thin.

This was ridiculous.

Why did it feel like every attack just barely missed?

No. He was overthinking it. The opponent before him was clearly an amateur. He just needed to stop hesitating.

His grip on the spear tightened. Enough of this. He would end it now.

He lunged forward, launching a series of rapid thrusts.

One. Two. Three. Four. Each strike was swift, calculated, designed to overwhelm.

Yuan stumbled left. Stumbled right. His foot caught on a small crack in the stone, and he fell backward, his sword swinging out wildly

CLANG!

It blocked the spear.

Daoist Water Lake's frustration flared.

That was… luck again?! No. This isn't luck anymore. This

But he couldn't stop. He was already moving forward, his spear swinging downward.

Yuan twisted his body, his sword tilting just slightly to the right

SHING!

Daoist Water Lake's spear missed once more, passing harmlessly by Yuan's side as he fell to the ground with a thud.

Silence filled the training ground.

The disciples watching didn't know whether to laugh or be amazed. This was the sloppiest fight they had ever seen, yet Yuan had yet to be hit even once.

"Is… is Daoist Water Lake really struggling against him?"

"This can't be real."

"He just dodged… by falling?"

Daoist Water Lake, now visibly irritated, gritted his teeth. He was done playing around. He had been treating this fight too carefully, overthinking everything. His opponent was weak. Clumsy. Untrained.

He tightened his grip and raised his spear for the final blow. No more hesitation. No more patience.

Attack without mercy.

Yuan, still on the ground, looked up, his eyes widening in panic as the spear descended.

And that's checkmate.

With a sudden burst of movement, he pushed himself up, twisting his body in an awkward motion, his sword swinging blindly as he tried to regain balance

The tip of his sword collided directly with Daoist Water Lake's shoulder.

THWACK!

A solid hit.

Daoist Water Lake's spear stopped mid-motion. His expression blanked as his body registered the impact. His grip loosened, his balance lost.

And then, slowly, he staggered backward.

He fell.

Silence.

The match was over.

Yuan stared at his opponent on the ground, his eyes wide, his breathing heavy, as if he couldn't believe he had won.

The disciples erupted into chaos.

"What just happened?"

"Did he just win by accident?"

"No way! That was pure luck!"

The blond haired judge, who had been watching the entire time with a bemused expression, simply chuckled.

"Well, that was certainly… interesting." He then raised his hand and declared, "Winner Junior Yuan!"

Daoist Water Lake, still in shock, sat up, staring at Yuan in disbelief. He clenched his fist, shaking his head. "How…?"

Yuan, still catching his breath, looked at his opponent for a moment. Then, ever so subtly, a small smirk formed on his lips.

You never had a chance. From the very start, everything was in my hands.

He took a deep breath, regaining his composure, and then walked back to the other disciples, his clumsy act still perfectly maintained.

As if he truly had no idea how he had won.

And so, after Yuan's fight against Daoist Water Lake, the other matches continued to unfold, leading to the final battle of the first round of the tournament.

The blond haired judge stepped forward, his usual smile still present, as he raised his voice for the last announcement.

"The final match of the first round,Junior Savage and Junior Krieger! Please step forward!"

Two figures stepped forward upon hearing their names, both exuding an overwhelming presence that made the other disciples instinctively take a step back.

The first was Savage, a tall and broad shouldered youth with wild black hair that reached his shoulders, his dark eyes filled with raw aggression. His features were rough, almost barbaric, with a permanent smirk that screamed arrogance. His robe, unlike the refined ones worn by many disciples, was a deep navy blue, lined with golden embroidery,a clear mark of nobility. Yet, the way he carried himself was anything but refined. He stood like a beast, his arms crossed, looking at his opponent with an amused grin.

The second was Krieger, a sharp contrast to Savage. He was of average height, with short blond hair, piercing blue eyes, and a chiseled jawline. His posture was upright and composed, the air around him exuding dignity and discipline. Unlike Savage's wild appearance, Krieger's white and silver robe was pristine, carrying the insignia of the Royal Knight Order embroidered on the chest. Every movement he made was refined, his presence commanding the respect of those who recognized his title.

As both of them stepped forward, whispers broke out among the gathered disciples.

"That's Duke Blue's youngest son! I heard he shattered a fully armored knight's shield with a single punch!"

"And the other one, Krieger… isn't he the prodigy knight? The one who saved Princess Selene from an assassination attempt?"

"This fight is going to be insane. They say Savage fights like a wild beast, while Krieger is an embodiment of the knightly code!"

The excitement in the air was palpable as the two warriors stood before the blond-haired judge, their gazes locked. The judge, still wearing his usual amused smile, turned to Savage first.

"What weapon would you like?"

Savage grinned widely, showing sharp, wolf-like teeth, and cracked his knuckles. "Give me the biggest one ya got, Senior!"

The judge blinked in mild surprise before chuckling. "Biggest one, huh? Alright then, let's see if you can even lift this."

With a casual wave of his hand, he pulled out a massive three-meter-long sword, its blade thick and heavy, resembling a cleaver more than a proper sword. It crashed onto the ground with a heavy THUD, causing dust to rise.

Savage's grin widened as he stepped forward, grabbed the hilt, and with an effortless swing, lifted it onto his shoulder. The crowd gasped at his raw strength.

"Now that's what I'm talkin' about!" He laughed, swinging the colossal blade through the air. "This is a real weapon!"

The judge then turned to Krieger, who barely even reacted to Savage's antics.

"And you?"

Krieger remained calm, his tone polite yet unwavering. "A sword. A normal one."

The judge simply nodded, tossing a refined long sword to Krieger, who caught it with ease. Unlike Savage, who swung his weapon recklessly, Krieger inspected his blade carefully before assuming a perfect knightly stance.

With both fighters armed, the judge raised his hand.

"Alright, begin!"

Savage wasted no time.

With a wild roar, he charged forward, swinging his massive sword in a wide arc, the sheer force creating a gust of wind.

With a wild roar, he charged forward, swinging his massive sword in a wide arc, the sheer force creating a gust of wind.

Krieger narrowed his eyes, stepping back just in time to avoid the devastating blow. A single hit from that sword would shatter his ribs.

Savage laughed, his movements erratic and unpredictable. "What's the matter, Knight Boy? Scared of a lil' brute force?"

Krieger didn't reply. Instead, he countered, dashing forward with precise footwork, slashing at Savage's exposed side.

But Savage's instincts were sharp.

Rather than blocking properly, he used his raw strength, lifting his giant sword with one arm and bashing it against Krieger's attack, sending sparks flying.

Krieger frowned at the unorthodox defense. "Reckless fool. You wield your weapon like a club."

Savage grinned. "And yet, you're struggling to land a hit on me!"

Their battle continued, a stark contrast of styles.

Savage fought like a raging storm, swinging his massive blade in unpredictable patterns, his overwhelming power making it hard for Krieger to close in.

Krieger, however, fought with discipline and precision, dodging and parrying, looking for an opening in Savage's relentless assault.

The problem was,there were no openings.

Savage's attacks were so wild and forceful that it was impossible to predict when or where the next strike would come.

"Tch…" Krieger clicked his tongue in irritation. "Mindless brute."

"Knightly idiot," Savage spat back.

The crowd watched in awe.

One disciple whispered, "Savage is a monster. He fights like a beast, but somehow, it's working!"

Another added, "Yeah, but Krieger's footwork is perfect. If he can just keep dodging, he'll wear Savage down!"

The problem was… Savage wasn't slowing down.

And Krieger was running out of time.

"Damn it…" Krieger muttered. His breathing grew heavier. He was faster, but he wasn't stronger.

Savage grinned, noticing the exhaustion in Krieger's movements.

"What's wrong, Knight Boy? Getting tired?"

Krieger scowled but refused to answer. He needed a strategy,fast.

Then, in a moment of desperation, something awakened within him.

His grip on the sword tightened. His breathing steadied.

And then

A white glow enveloped his sword.

The moment it appeared, the entire crowd fell silent.

Even the blond haired judge's eyes widened slightly.

And Yuan, who had been watching silently, finally reacted, his expression shifting from indifference to pure shock.

"Impossible," Yuan muttered under his breath. "A mortal awakening stage cultivator… has unlocked sword aura?"

Savage, however, wasn't fazed.

"Ooooh? So you got some fancy glow now, huh?" He grinned. "So what? You still ain't strong enough to beat me!"

Krieger exhaled slowly, raising his sword. "You have no idea what you're up against."

And then,he moved.

Faster than before.

Much faster.

With a single flash of white, Krieger dashed forward, his sword aura cutting through the air like lightning.

Savage instinctively tried to block with his giant sword.

Too slow.

Krieger's sword met Savage's chestplate.

And in an instant,Savage was sent flying.

The massive warrior crashed into the ground, his giant sword falling beside him with a deafening THUD.

Silence.

Then, the judge smiled.

"Winner Junior Krieger."

For a moment, no one moved.

The disciples erupted in whispers.

"What is that light?Have you ever heard of this?"

"No,I have never seen anything like that"

Meanwhile, Yuan simply narrowed his eyes, deep in thought.

Heaven defying talent indeed… this one is dangerous.

Krieger lowered his sword, his aura fading. He turned to Savage, who sat up, rubbing his chest.

The brute grinned. "Tch… you got me, Knight Boy. But next time, I'll crush you."

Krieger didn't answer. Instead, he simply nodded.

As the match ended, one thought remained in everyone's mind.

A monster had been born in the Howling Wind Sect.