With City Lord Su's approval given, all eyes naturally turned to the host, Patriarch Lin Zhen. The old man's face was calm, betraying no concern. He took a slow sip of his wine before setting the cup down with a soft click.
"Naturally, I have no objection," Lin Zhen said, his voice carrying easily. "It is an excellent opportunity for the younger generation to learn from each other."
Rumble—
The moment he gave his consent, a low rumbling sound echoed through the avenue. The stone tiles at the very center of the open space began to shift and rise, propelled by hidden formation mechanisms.
In less than a minute, a massive, circular battle stage, fifty meters in diameter and elevated half a meter off the ground, stood ready. A faint, shimmering barrier flickered into existence around its perimeter, a protective measure to contain the spiritual energy of the clashes within.
Patriarch Nangong Yi, having proposed the event, stood up again with a smile. "Since this old man was the one to suggest it, then the disciples of my Nangong Clan shall have the honor of starting first."
He turned to his delegation and called out a name. "Nangong Hao, step forward."
A young man of about seventeen or eighteen, dressed in the Nangong Clan's signature blue robes, immediately stood up. He had sharp features and a confident, almost arrogant set to his jaw. He bowed to his patriarch and then, with a light leap, landed gracefully in the center of the stage.
He swept his gaze across the assembled clans, his eyes lingering particularly on the Lin Clan's section with a hint of provocation. He cupped his fists in a perfunctory salute.
"This junior is Nangong Hao, at the 5th Level of the Qi Condensation Realm," he announced, his voice loud and clear. "I wonder who from the other esteemed clans would like to be my first opponent?"
On the Lin Clan's side, Lin Canghai exchanged a quick, silent glance with his father, Lin Zhen. He was about to call out the name of one of their own promising disciples to answer the challenge.
But before he could speak, a warm, steady voice intervened.
"Since the Nangong Clan has taken the initiative, my Hua Clan would be happy to join in the fun."
It was Patriarch Hua Peng. He smiled at Lin Canghai and Lin Zhen, a look of understanding passing between them. The Hua Clan, as allies, was stepping up to take the first pressure off the Lin Clan. It was a supportive move, allowing the hosts to observe the Nangong Clan's tactics first.
Hua Peng called out, "Hua Ming, you go."
A young man from the Hua Clan's contingent stood up. He was dressed in simple, earthy-toned robes and had a humble, polite demeanor. He bowed deeply to his patriarch and then to the stage. "This junior will do his best."
He leaped onto the stage, his movements steady and grounded, a contrast to Nangong Hao's flashy entrance. He cupped his fists respectfully towards his opponent. "Hua Ming, 5th Level of the Qi Condensation Realm. Please advise me, Brother Nangong."
Nangong Hao smirked, not bothering with formalities. "Let's see if you can advise me!"
The battle began instantly. Nangong Hao was aggressive from the start. He shot forward, his palm glowing with blue spiritual energy as he executed a palm technique aimed directly at Hua Ming's chest. The air whistled around his strike.
Hua Ming, true to his calm nature, did not meet the attack head-on. He shifted his weight, his feet moving in a smooth, evasive pattern, narrowly avoiding the palm. As he moved, he gathered his own energy, a brown, earthy glow enveloping his fist, and aimed a counter-punch at Nangong Hao's exposed side.
The two young men, both at the same cultivation level, became a blur of motion on the stage. Nangong Hao's style was offensive and relentless, a series of sharp, piercing palm strikes and quick kicks. Hua Ming's style was defensive and reactive, using clever footwork to evade and looking for precise openings to counter.
Bam! Thud!
The sounds of their spiritual energy colliding echoed within the barrier. It was a swift, intense exchange. While they were both limited by the Qi Condensation Realm, unable to project energy or use high-level techniques, their mastery of basic martial skills and energy application was on full display.
Lin Yun watched from his seat, his eyes fixed intently on the battle. This was his first time seeing cultivators of this world fight in a formal setting. His mind, analytical as ever, was working overtime.
He noted Nangong Hao's aggressive patterns, his tendency to over-commit to his attacks. He observed Hua Ming's efficient footwork, how he conserved energy and waited for his moment. He was learning. This was real-time data on the combat styles and capabilities of his peers.
The fight reached its climax after several more exchanges. Nangong Hao, growing impatient, launched a furious flurry of attacks, pushing Hua Ming towards the edge of the barrier. Seeing his opponent cornered, Nangong Hao put all his energy into a final, powerful palm strike.
But it was a feint. Hua Ming, who had been conserving his energy, saw the opening he had been waiting for. Instead of trying to block the powerful-looking strike, he dropped low, sweeping his leg in a wide arc.
Thump!
Nangong Hao, caught off balance by the sudden low attack, stumbled. In that split second of vulnerability, Hua Ming surged upward, his palm striking Nangong Hao squarely in the chest, sending him stumbling back several steps, gasping for air.
The fight was over.
Hua Ming immediately stepped back and cupped his fists again. "I concede the victory to Brother Nangong. Your offensive prowess is formidable."
It was a graceful way to end the match. He had clearly won the exchange, but by "conceding," he allowed the Nangong Clan to save face.
Nangong Hao, his face red with a mixture of exertion and humiliation, could only grunt in response before quickly jumping off the stage.
Nangong Yi didn't seem to concern about the loss much. He'd already expected this outcome.
This was just an appetizer, the main course had yet to come…