Ding! Ding! Ding! ... ...
Once all the disciples gathered at the Martial Arts Square, the bell rang six times. The bell was so huge
that when it rang, it rolled through the square echoing on the walls, windows and anything that could
conduct sound. It was a sound that no one could ignore!
Hearing the bell, all eyes focused at the center of the Martial Arts Square, where the fighting court was
located. Everyone was expectant since this was a sign that the ceremony was about to begin.
An old wrinkled man who looked like he was thousands of years old although no one could guess his
exact age, gabbed in an ankle length white flowing gown, walked into the fighting court in a few short
strides. Because of his towering height, he always gave the impression that he put no effort in his
walking yet he covered huge distances in an abnormally short time.
It was Elder Xing.
He was one of the six Elders from the Sun Sect, Fair Xing.
Each year as was the tradition, the Top Ten Outer Disciples Ranking Challenge was directed by one
steward of the Sun Sect. But this year everyone was astonished since instead of a mere steward
directing the challenge, they sent an Elder to be in charge of the challenge. Murmurs could be heard
around the square with everyone speculating on the change.
"Everyone, quiet, please. Before the challenge begins, I'd like to say something," Elder Xing said loudly.
Elder Xing spoke loudly in an authoritative voice. Despite not using a microphone, his voice vibrated
through the spacious Martial Arts Square which was full of noise, since everyone was talking. It could
be heard clearly over the noise effortlessly, each word conveyed to every corner of the Martial Arts
Square and each person could clearly hear his message.
Immediately he spoke, all the disciples stopped talking and the whole Martial Arts Square went quiet,
such that someone could hear a pin drop.
The Elder held the second highest ranking position next to the Sect Leader. To an ordinary disciple, the
elders were close to a god and they enjoyed high respect from ordinary beings. So no one wanted to
be caught misbehaving or on the wrong side of matters.
"Today's Top Ten Outer Disciples Ranking Challenge will maintain the same rules as previously done. I
will therefore not bother to dwell too much into that.
However, this year's challenge will have a slight difference that I would like to clarify. After lengthy
discussions, the whole sect has decided that the top three disciples of this challenge will be promoted
to principal disciples," clarified Elder Xing.
What the elder said immediately set the quiet square into an uproar. Instantly, all the disciples
whispered and murmured among themselves.
It was the norm for principal disciples to be chosen from the inner disciples. It was therefore
unimaginable that an outer disciple would get a direct promotion to principle disciple. The younger
disciples were excited at such an opportunity while the more experienced disciples were not impressed
by this decision since most of them had worked for years to be principle disciples.
"Be quiet, everybody! The reason why we made this decision is to encourage all the disciples and to let
you know that no matter which level you are at, and as long as you are strong enough, our sect will
never waste your talent.
Okay. I now declare the Top Ten Outer Disciples Ranking Challenge officially open!
To begin with, let's welcome the top ten disciples of the last Challenge!"
After Elder Xing ended his speech, he made some gestures then pressed his hands down as if
suppressing a heavy object. Immediately, the whole square became quiet and the only sounds that
could be heard were the anxious heavy breathing of all the outer disciples, who were quite excited and
still could not believe that this day had finally arrived and to top it off they had a chance, however slim it
may be, to be directly promoted to principal disciples without the usual hurdles.
Soughing, rustling, soughing... ... ...
Some sounds could be heard while ten figures catapulted from the crowd as if an unseen force had
pushed them out of their seats. They immediately headed towards the left-hand side of the crowd
where a tent was erected. Inside the tent, there were ten chairs. The chairs were for the best
performers from the previous challenge as they were the reigning top ten outer disciples.
The ten outer disciples found their seats and sat down with arrogant expressions. After all, they were
the best among their peers. They all looked down at the recent crop of outer disciples humbly lined up
before the fighting court.
The ten figures were the top outer disciples from the previous ranking challenge; they, therefore, felt
superior since they were the best from their competition.
"Okay then, if an outer disciple wants to challenge any member from the top ten candidates, he must
take part in the competition first. The winner will then qualify to challenge the top ten."
The low, old, hoarse voice of the elder could be heard clearly by everyone inside the square.
As usual, there were huddles and stages for one to qualify in the Top Ten Outer Disciples Ranking
Challenge.
The first stage was divided into two small sections. The first section required that all the disciples who
wanted to challenge the top ten should compete against each other and a clear winner must emerge.
The second section required the winner to fight against the previous top-ten disciple that they wanted
to challenge. If the new outer disciple won, he would take the place of that top-ten disciple and replace
him. If the new outer disciple failed, the challenged disciple would maintain his position.
The second stage of the Challenge allowed the newest ten disciples to challenge a disciple who ranked
higher if he thought he was strong enough. Each disciple must accept the challenge at least once.
As soon as Elder Xing finished his speech, one figure jumped onto the platform.
"I am Tanner Lei. I am certain I will get the tenth place this time. If anyone does not believe me, they
can come and compete against me!"
The first competitor to come on the platform was an outer disciple with a bold demeanor. His weapon of
choice was an enormous broadsword with a long handle. To demonstrate his strength, he erratically
waved his weapon while talking. Instantly, a strong wind emerged from his weapon and cut in the air
above the platform almost lifting the tent from its hooks.
He looked like a formidable foe and powerful. Considering the amount of energy he displayed, Tanner
was at about level seven of the Energy Gathering Realm.
"Hmm! There are more and more outer disciples who think too highly of themselves," a young man
slumped on his seat in the top ten area said unhappily.
He was wearing a black gown and sat at the end of the line, which meant he was the previous top
tenth.
Hearing how Tanner boasted that he was sure to get the top tenth place. He felt as if Tanner was
directly looking down on him.
"Ha ha! Dan Tang. Please relax. Don't get angry. We are just here to watch them and rubberstamp their
failure. Soon this guy will learn the hard way that the top ten positions are not reached by just anyone,"
stated another disciple who was seated beside him. He seemed unaffected by the whole show of
bravado and just smiled calmly.
After hearing what he said, Dan's sour expression turned better.
"Ha ha! It is easy to say such big words, yet it is more important to be strong enough to survive. If you
speak too highly of yourself, you will be humiliated later when you are defeated. Let me, Farr Hou,
teach you a lesson." A voice dripping with mockery was heard just after Tanner finished his speech.
Farr drifted to the arena lightly. He had chiseled facial features which many considered handsome; with
a steel fan in his hand, being so young and well-built with wide naturally tanned shoulders and chest,
Farr was a dashing gentleman.
Regardless of the young man's strength, seeing his good-looks and the deliberately packaged
appearance, many young girls had fallen at his feet in weakness; they were all attracted to him like
bees to pollen. The girls looked at the man with admiration and passion.
"You, a young buck who looks like a pretty girl. How dare you come to the arena? You better admit
defeat immediately as it will be a pity to hurt your pretty face. Someone will definitely get injured during
the fight. I am telling you that things like that could happen. Don't blame me that I didn't warn you!"
Hearing Farr's hurtful words, Tanner was furious and responded in the best way he knew how.
Both sides wasted no more time in baseless talk before they rushed towards each other and the fight
began in earnest.
Tanner's weapon whirled suddenly. A strong wind appeared, and the sword seemed attached to an
extremely thick, vital energy force. The constantly turning sword formed a cyclone with its swift speed.
The cyclone was aimed and charged at Farr's head!
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