The first snowfall of winter had long melted, leaving behind a crisp chill that lingered throughout the Blood Heaven Sect. Frost clung to rooftops and stone pathways as the morning sun cast a pale golden glow across the mountains.
A deep bell rang.
Dong!
Dong!
Dong!
The sound echoed through every peak and valley of the sect within moments, disciples emerged from their residences. Outer disciples, inner disciples, and even a few core disciples made their way toward the largest arena in the sect.
Today was the day the outer disciple tournament had finally begun streams of disciples dressed in black-and-red robes gathered before the massive fighting platform at the center of the sect.
The arena was built from dark stone, its surface covered in countless scars left behind by generations of battles high above the arena, elders sat upon elevated platforms while disciples crowded the surrounding seats.
Among the crowd walked Zhou yu the completely black sword he had obtained a month ago rested in his treasure bag. The blade had no scabbard. From hilt to tip it was as dark as night sky this tournament was not merely a competition.
The victor would receive resources personally provided by the sect to break through to the earth realm as more disciples arrived, excited discussions filled the air.
"I heard Senior Brother Fang is already at the peak of the beginning Realm."
"Peak? I heard he can already challenge Earth realm cultivators."
"Then who can stop him?"
Suddenly, a powerful pressure descended over the arena the noisy crowd immediately fell silent several figures appeared on the elders' platform at the center sat the Blood Heaven Sect Master.
His handsome face remained calm as his gaze swept across the thousands of gathered disciples the moment his eyes passed over the crowd, many disciples lowered their heads instinctively the Sect Master slowly rose to his feet.
"Today marks the beginning of the annual Outer Disciple Tournament."
His voice wasn't loud, yet every disciple heard it clearly.
"Strength determines one's fate. Opportunity belongs to those capable of seizing it."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"The rules are simple victory grants advancement defeat ends your journey."
A wave of excitement spread through the crowd the Sect Master's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Now the blood heaven sect tournament begin."
The instant his words fell, a thunderous roar erupted from thousands of disciples the roar of the crowd had yet to fade when an elder stepped forward from the platform he unfurled a crimson scroll.
With a wave of his sleeve, countless names appeared in the air above the arena, shining with a blood-red glow.
"The first round shall be conducted through elimination matches , those whose names are called will immediately enter the arena."
Pairs of names began forming one after another disciples nervously searched for their own names some looked excited others looked pale for many of them, this would be their first true battle since entering the sect.
Soon, two disciples leaped onto the arena the elder struck a bronze bell.
Dong!
The match began spiritual energy erupted as the two disciples rushed forward. Fists collided. Techniques flashed. The crowd cheered whenever a powerful strike landed within ten exchanges, one disciple was sent flying off the platform.
The elder nodded.
"Winner."
The defeated disciple clenched his fists in frustration but still bowed before leaving.
The tournament continued one battle after another unfolded some ended in moments others lasted long enough for both sides to exhaust their spiritual energy.
Hours passed as the sun climbed higher into the sky, the atmosphere grew increasingly intense then anew pair of names appeared the moment one of them appeared, whispers spread through the crowd.
"Zhou Yu , So that's him , the disciple who offended the Celestial Heaven Sect i heard he joined only a month ago does he really think he can compete against us?"
Countless gazes turned toward him zhou Yu remained expressionless.
He brought out the black sword from his treasure bag as he calmly stepped toward the arena opposite him stood a broad-shouldered disciple carrying a heavy saber the disciple sneered.
"I was hoping for a good match."
The crowd laughed zhou Yu did not reply the elder glanced at both of them before raising his hand.
"Begin."
Dong the bell rang the saber disciple immediately exploded forward his spiritual energy surged as he swung his weapon downward with enough force to split stone.
Many disciples expected Zhou Yu to retreat but when the saber disciple reached where Zhou yu was he was pushed back by Zhou yu aura alone Zhou yu used his divine sense on him halting him in place he strolled up to him and put his sword on his neck he said
" Do you want to continue "
The saber disciples
" Continue ?, unless you intend to move that sword away from my neck, I don't see how this fight continues."
He looked at the elder and the elder could not believe what he was seeing he hurriedly announced the winner of the match was Zhou yu both opponents were supposed to leave the stage as the matches were arranged
But what happened afterwards came as a shock to everyone Zhou yu did not leave the stage the elder took a glance at the sect master and he allowed it Zhou yu was aiming for status disciples and any other actions would make him look mediocre
He alone would fight against every other outer disciples the second match came and it was the same the third fourth and fifth it was the same it reached the thirtieth match and he won easily disciples began complaining they said
" If you dare don't use your divine sense fight us directly "
Throughout the entire match Zhou yu had remained expressionless only to this comment did he laugh he said
" Everyone strength is different , if my divine sense can hold all of you together why should I use something different "
He meant your all weak so why should I use a technique or skill and all the outer disciples could tell what he meant they raged.