My Brother's the Protagonist? Good Thing I Awakened My System!

The crowd erupted in excitement as the first match was announced.

Nobody expected the competition's favorite to win to appear in the very first match.

It was like going to watch a movie and being hit by the climax scene in the first minute.

Ling Meiyu's name alone was enough to send waves of chatter rippling through the spectators, while Zhao Min's reputation as a fierce and relentless fighter added to the anticipation.

Zhao Min, one of the strongest competitors, had recently broken through to the Grand Qi Condensation Realm.

It was widely expected that he would secure a high ranking in the Dragon and Phoenix Ranking.

However, fate had dealt him an unfortunate hand—his opponent was Ling Meiyu.

"Who could have thought that Ling Meiyu would be fighting in the first match? This is going to be exciting!"

"Ling Meiyu's up first! She'll crush this Zhao Min in no time. Zhao Min sure is unlucky!"

"Don't underestimate Zhao Min! He's from the Iron Fist Sect—There is a good chance that he could clench in the victory!"

"Dammit! I had bet on Zhao Min reaching the top 10!"

…

"Ling Meiyu…"

Feng Yun muttered quietly.

Unexpectedly, the first match turned out to be the one he had been eagerly waiting for.

Although he felt it was a pity that her opponent wasn't him, he wasn't going to miss a chance to observe her strength.

Other Feng Clan participants shared the same sentiment.

This was an opportunity to study a potential enemy and gain an advantage if they faced her in the coming matches.

Amid the clamor, Ling Meiyu prepared to go to the arena, her expression calm and composed.

Yuan Ziyan gave her a reassuring nod.

"Best of luck, Meiyu!"

The other disciples quickly chimed in, their voices filled with encouragement.

"Show them the strength of the Mystic Flame Sect!"

"You've got this, Junior Sister!"

"We'll be cheering for you!"

Ling Meiyu gave a faint smile and nodded in acknowledgment before stepping into the arena.

Her movements were fluid and controlled, drawing admiration from the audience.

"So, she is Ling Meiyu. So beautiful!"

"No wonder she is considered a beauty. Give her a few years and she will definitely sit in the Top of the Beauty List."

"Having talent and beauty… so envious!"

For those from outside the capital, it was rare to see Ling Meiyu in person.

But even those who had, like the Feng Clan, hadn't seen her for many years and she has grown in many ways.

However, her appearance was secondary to the curiosity surrounding her strength.

After all, her reputation as the most talented person in the Azure Sky Empire is well-known and people couldn't wait to know whether it is true or just a rumor.

On the opposite side, Zhao Min marched into the arena with a determined expression.

His broad frame and the iron gauntlets he wore on both hands gave him an imposing presence.

The crowd cheered for him as well, though their enthusiasm was slightly tempered by the overwhelming reputation of his opponent.

The announcer's voice boomed again.

"The rules are simple! Victory is declared when one participant admits defeat, is incapacitated, or is unable to continue fighting. Both participants, are you ready?"

Ling Meiyu gave a small nod, her gaze unwavering as she glanced at Zhao Min.

Zhao Min clenched his fists, his gauntlets glinting menacingly.

"I'm ready!"

He declared, his voice filled with resolve.

"Then let the match begin!"

The moment the announcer's voice faded, Zhao Min charged forward like a raging bull.

He didn't hold back, displaying the full might of his Early Grand Qi Condensation Realm power.

His fists glowed with a metallic sheen as he activated his Iron Fist Technique, a signature skill of his sect.

"Take this!"

He roared, swinging a devastating punch aimed directly at Ling Meiyu.

The crowd gasped as the force of his punch sent shockwaves through the air.

But Ling Meiyu remained calm.

With a graceful sidestep, she evaded the attack effortlessly.

Her movements were so smooth that it seemed as if she were dancing rather than fighting.

Zhao Min's punch struck the ground, creating a small crater.

He quickly pivoted and launched another attack, but Ling Meiyu continued to dodge with ease, her expression unchanging.

"Stop dodging and fight me!"

He bellowed in frustration, pouring more power into his attacks.

Ling Meiyu sighed softly, her expression tinged with mild disappointment.

As expected, even a genius in Grand Qi Condensation Realm was no match for her current self.

Even if she were to use 50 % of her power, she could easily defeat someone like Zhao Min.

Zhao Min's relentless attacks were powerful, but they lacked precision and control.

It was clear to her that he was relying solely on brute strength—a futile effort against her.

As he charged at her again, his fists brimming with qi, Ling Meiyu finally decided to end the farce.

With a single, fluid motion, she unsheathed her sword.

The blade gleamed in the sunlight, its edge so sharp it seemed to hum with anticipation.

Zhao Min roared and launched another punch, putting all his strength into the attack.

Ling Meiyu's gaze remained steady.

She took a single step forward, her sword moving with an elegance that belied its deadly intent.

Slash!

The sound was soft, almost imperceptible, but the effect was immediate.

Zhao Min froze mid-strike, his eyes wide with disbelief.

The qi surrounding his fists dissipated, and his gauntlets cracked, falling to the ground in pieces.

A thin line of qi flickered across his chest, his robes sliced cleanly without drawing blood.

The force of Ling Meiyu's strike sent a wave of energy rippling through the arena, causing the dust to settle and the air to still.

Zhao Min staggered backward, his legs trembling as he struggled to remain standing.

"I… I lost…"

He muttered, his voice barely audible. His knees buckled, and he collapsed to the ground, unable to continue.

The crowd erupted in a mix of awe and disbelief.

"One strike! She defeated him with just one strike!"

"Incredible! Too strong! Zhao Min could even get a single hit!"

"Is this the power of Ling Meiyu? She didn't even use a technique!"

…

Although the fight was anticlimactic and the outcome predictable, the sheer power Ling Meiyu displayed was overwhelming.

The match ended in less than a minute with Ling Meiyu defeating Zhao Min with a single swing of her sword.

Yet, no one looked down on Zhao Min.

On the contrary, his strength was undeniable—it was simply his misfortune to face an opponent as overwhelmingly powerful as Ling Meiyu at such an early stage of the competition.

Ling Meiyu calmly sheathed her sword, her expression unchanging.

She turned to the announcer, who seemed momentarily stunned before raising his voice.

"Victory goes to Ling Meiyu of the Mystic Flame Sect!"

The crowd roared, their cheers echoing throughout the arena.

Ling Meiyu gave a slight nod to the spectators before walking back toward her sect's seating area.

Yuan Ziyan was the first to greet her, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Meiyu, that was amazing! As expected!"

The other disciples quickly joined in, their admiration evident.

"As expected of Junior Sister! That was perfection!"

"Zhao Min didn't stand a chance!"

Elder Chi also nodded in satisfaction.

As Ling Meiyu returned to her seat, her gaze briefly swept over the other competitors.

Many of them were watching her intently, their expressions a mix of wariness and respect.

( Hmph! Did you see this? This is just a fraction of my strength.)

Ling Meiyu thought.

She knows that Feng Yun was present here and knows that he must have witnessed her fight.

She even began to think that Feng Yun might already be regretting making that Three Year Promise to her.

Indeed, Feng Yun was watching intently although it is unknown whether he would regret it or not.

"She's strong,"

Feng Liang muttered.

Other Feng Clan's participants nodded with worried faces.

They all knew that Ling Meiyu would be a tough opponent but never did they realize that she was powerful to this extent.

And it wasn't even her full strength either.

"But Brother Yun is stronger!"

Feng Mei said with confidence.

"Oh! How did you know that?"

Feng Yun asked teasingly.

Feng Mei's cheeks flushed slightly as she straightened her posture, her eyes sparkling with confidence.

"Because I believe in you," she said firmly, her tone carrying a hint of shyness but also unwavering conviction.

"No matter how strong she is, Brother Yun, you're stronger. I know it."

Feng Yun didn't say anything and just smiled.

Well, sure he can also do what Ling Meiyu did but he can't say that he was stronger than her until he sees her full strength.

Although Feng Mei's reasoning wasn't exactly convincing, to many members of the Feng Clan, it resonated deeply.

They had witnessed the miracles Feng Yun had achieved—rising from a so-called "trash" to a peerless genius.

Overcoming countless challenges that seemed insurmountable, he had earned their unwavering faith.

In their hearts, they too believed that Feng Yun was stronger than Ling Meiyu.

The artifact in the sky began shuffling names again, preparing for the next match.

The artifact slowed and finally stopped, revealing the second pair of contestants:

"Feng Yun of the Feng Clan vs. Jian Xian of the Spirit Wind Palace!"