All participants had taken their assigned seats encircling the two massive stages, while the spectators stood behind them, filling the entire square with a sea of anticipation.Before long, a middle-aged man ascended one of the stages. Judging by his regal attire, it was clear he was one of the high-ranking officials of the Galuh Dynasty.“Welcome, all participants,” he began, his voice loud and authoritative. “Today, the grand tournament to determine the new Supreme Commander shall begin! One hundred and forty participants from various regions and sects will compete here, all with a single goal — to serve the Galuh Dynasty.”He paused, sweeping his gaze across the crowded square before continuing.“Without further delay, I, Prime Minister Meng Ki, on behalf of Emperor Wan Fei, officially declare this tournament open!”Thunderous applause and spirited cheers erupted from the crowd. Shouts of confidence and mockery rang out between rival sects, each trying to outdo the other in enthusi

Fang Yun smiled warmly at Da Wen. “You’re welcome,” he replied.After Cao Feng and Da Wen stepped down from the stage, the announcer called out the names of the next contestants who would compete on Stage Two.“Representing the Flying Eagle Sect, Fang Yun, versus Gao Jun from the Black Tiger Sect!”When his name was announced, Fang Yun glanced toward Stage Two. “You may surrender later if you feel you can’t continue,” Barda whispered softly.“All right,” Fang Yun answered, a grin curling on his lips.Meanwhile, among the Black Tiger Sect contestants, Arya leaned toward Gao Jun and whispered, “Break his bones — kill him if you have to! Don’t worry if they disqualify you from this contest. If I become Grand Commander, I’ll make you an official in the Dynasty.”Gao Jun nodded. “Don’t worry about that. I’ll kill him!”After saying that, Gao Jun demonstrated his skill by leaping onto the slightly raised stage and landing lightly.Fang Yun walked slowly up the steps and stopped directly in

“We must find out who killed Gao Jun! No matter who the culprit is, he must take responsibility!” Arya slammed his fist onto the wooden table in his room, shattering it into pieces.The four other members of the Black Tiger Sect stood in silence, unable to calm the furious young master of their sect.The first round of the grand martial tournament had finally come to an end after three days. Each victor from the first round earned the right to advance to the second stage. Out of seventy winners, they were again paired into thirty-five matches, the pairings to be announced just before the second round began.Five members of the Black Tiger Sect had made it through. From the Flying Eagle Sect, four had advanced — including Fang Yun.It was, in truth, a surprise. The Flying Eagle Sect was relatively small compared to the mighty Water Core Sect or the prestigious Black Tiger Sect.After the first-round battles ended, the tournament committee announced a schedule change: the participants w

On the other side of the arena, Fang Yun noticed that Sin Po was beginning to lose strength. Yet the young man, likely around the same age as him, showed no sign of fatigue. For a martial artist of Fang Yun’s level, it was not unusual to perceive the aura radiating from another fighter’s body—and that was exactly what he sensed from Arya. “This is dangerous. He could die,” Fang Yun thought. With a deep breath, Arya suddenly darted forward to unleash his next strike. “Bone-Crushing Claws!” he shouted. Sin Po tried his best to dodge the incoming attack, but his slowing movements doomed him. Arya’s right claw tore through his arm, followed by a deep slash across his abdomen. “Aaaargh!” The young man staggered backward, using what little inner energy remained in him to defend his vital points. Arya didn’t waste the opportunity to finish the match. He delivered another powerful strike—just as Sin Po raised his hand in surrender. But Arya had already launched the attack, and it wa

“It seems difficult to study it here, Mei. We need to find a waterfall, for its medium requires the energy that flows from the falling water,” said Fang Yun, placing the ancient scripture and the vessel of sacred water into the Oblivion Space.“Now, get some rest. I’ll go out and gather information about the nearest waterfall.”“I’m not sleepy yet. I want to go with you,” Mei Hwa replied with a soft pout.Fang Yun smiled warmly at the beautiful young woman. “Alright then. We’ll go together—and perhaps find some dinner along the way.”They left the inn and headed toward the most crowded eatery in the royal capital of Galuh Dynasty.“Sit over there. I’ll speak with the owner and order our meal,” Fang Yun said gently.The eatery was dimly lit, illuminated only by a few small lanterns. The soft golden light cast flickering shadows across the wooden floor. Unbeknownst to Fang Yun, five pairs of eyes were fixed upon him from a nearby table.“That’s the young man who defeated Gao Jun, Master