The grand announcer's voice thundered across the coliseum-like stadium.
"The hosting city for this grand tournament is none other than… Blue Stone City!"
Magical amplifiers carried his voice to every corner of the arena, igniting a massive wave of cheers from the crowd.
"Now, let us welcome the proud City Lord of Blue Stone City!"
Amid the roaring applause, a dignified figure clad in majestic blue-and-silver robes stepped forward. His aura was calm yet commanding. The City Lord walked to the central podium and greeted the audience with a gentle smile.
"It is my great honor to host such a monumental event," he said. "May the flames of youth burn brightly, and may the strongest sect rise in glory."
The announcer raised his voice once more.
"Representing Blue Stone City—the Sanatan Flame Sect!"
Suddenly—
A figure descended from the sky with explosive momentum.
BOOM!
Dust scattered as Shaurya landed at the center of the arena, one knee on the ground, fist slammed into the floor—executing a perfect superhero landing.
The crowd gasped in awe.
Moments later, his disciples entered… casually.
They strolled in as if they were walking into a tea shop.
Shaurya turned slowly, his eyebrow twitching.
"HEY!" he shouted. "Why are you ruining my heroic entry?! Why didn't you do the same thing?!"
Luo Chen, calm and slightly cheeky as always, replied with a straight face,
"Master, you didn't tell us to do something like that."
Shaurya cracked his knuckles.
"Tch. Looks like yesterday's beating wasn't enough for you."
Luo Chen immediately covered his mouth.
Wang Tian burst out laughing.
The announcer coughed awkwardly and adjusted his collar.
"Ahem! This is the Sanatan Flame Sect, a Level Twelve Sect, proudly representing Blue Stone City!"
Before he could continue, Shaurya suddenly snatched the microphone from his hand.
"Yo, yo, public!" Shaurya shouted. "The strongest sect leader is here!"
Silence fell over the arena.
Every eye locked onto him.
Other sect leaders scowled, their expressions twitching in disbelief.
Whispers spread through the crowd.
"How dare he call himself the strongest?"
"Isn't he just the leader of a Level Twelve sect?"
Shaurya grinned.
"I know you're shocked," he said confidently. "But remember my words—when this competition ends, all of you who mocked and doubted my sect will be the ones clapping and cheering for us."
He paused.
"And listen carefully… if my sect loses this competition—I will disband it."
Gasps erupted.
Even the City Lord's jaw dropped.
Behind Shaurya, Su Quan and Xu Ran stared at him in disbelief.
Back at the Sanatan Flame Sect's stands, Elder Wu was equally stunned.
"What is our Sect Master saying…?" Xiao Lian whispered anxiously.
Xiao Rui placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry. If Master said this, then he definitely has a plan."
Elder Wu sighed, eyes narrowed.
"I truly hope so."
Back in the arena, Shaurya's grin deepened.
"But don't think too much," he added casually. "That scenario will never happen. We will definitely win."
"And once we win, I'll be recruiting new disciples—so anyone interested should come quickly!"
He tossed the microphone back to the stunned announcer and turned to his disciples, flashing a terrifying yet playful smile.
"Hey, disciples… I hope you'll win."
He corrected himself.
"No—you have to win."
They nodded in unison.
"Yes, Master!"
The announcer swallowed and continued.
"Now introducing the next sect—White Jade City's Crimson Beast Sect!"
Shaurya's eyes narrowed as he looked toward the opposite side of the arena.
A towering figure—nearly seven feet tall—with striking red-and-black hair stood proudly. His aura radiated dominance.
Wie Lu.
Sect Master of the Crimson Beast Sect.
Beside him stood his daughter, Wie Lia, glaring venomously at Shaurya's disciples. She leaned close and whispered something into her father's ear.
Wie Lu's gaze snapped toward Shaurya.
Shaurya casually whistled, completely ignoring him.
More sects were announced—Serpent Green Sect, Blazing Thunder Sect, Roaring Sky Sect, and many others.
Shaurya scanned them briefly, then took his seat beside Xu Ran and Muo Qian.
An elderly man with a composed aura sat beside him.
"I am Zia Han," the old man said politely. "Sect Leader of the Howling Abyss Sect."
Shaurya nodded.
"Shaurya. Sanatan Flame Sect."
The announcer's voice boomed again.
"Let the long-awaited Fifty Cities Disciple Tournament… BEGIN!"
The stadium exploded with cheers.
"The first battle—Crimson Beast Sect versus Serpent Green Sect!"
Wie Lia stepped into the arena with deadly calm.
What followed was a massacre.
She tore through her opponents with merciless precision.
Back at the Sanatan Flame Sect's seats, Su Quan clenched her fists.
Luo Chen leaned over.
"Don't worry. We'll take your revenge."
Wang Tian added quietly,
"Look…"
They watched as Wie Lia finished her opponent brutally. Both flinched.
More battles followed.
Finally—
"Next match: Sanatan Flame Sect versus Kong Rock Sect!"
Wang Tian entered the arena, smirking.
A Kong Rock disciple stepped forward.
"Just you?" Wang Tian asked lazily.
The disciple frowned.
"What do you mean—"
"You can all come at once," Wang Tian interrupted. "I don't want to waste time."
Enraged, the disciple charged.
Wang Tian sidestepped, grabbed him mid-air, and hurled him across the arena. The man landed face-first near his own Sect Leader.
Shaurya covered his face.
"This guy… When I wanted a dramatic entry, he refused. Now he's acting like a movie star."
Two more disciples charged.
One punch. One spinning kick.
Both were knocked unconscious.
The announcer stammered,
"S-Sanatan Flame Sect wins!"
Wang Tian returned. His teammates grinned.
"Good job."
He smiled proudly.
Next—
"Sanatan Flame Sect versus Cloud Mist Sect!"
Luo Chen stepped into the ring.
"All three of you," he said calmly. "Come."
They launched a coordinated aerial attack.
Luo Chen used aerial steps, striking mid-air with perfect timing.
One by one, they were sent flying off the stage.
"Incredible!" the announcer shouted. "They were knocked out before even landing!"
Su Quan cheered loudly.
"Senior Luo, you're amazing!"
Luo Chen puffed his chest proudly.
Finally—
"Misty Peak Sect versus Sanatan Flame Sect!"
Su Quan stepped forward confidently.
"Do you want to challenge all three?" the announcer asked.
She smiled.
"Is that even a question?"
Three opponents attacked.
One was kicked into a wall.
The other two were blasted out by her Vacuum Palm.
She walked back proudly.
Luo Chen praised her. She blushed.
Back at the sect stands—
"She's strong," one disciple said.
"And beautiful!" another added.
Xiao Rui smirked.
"There's definitely something going on between Luo Chen and Su Quan."
"Nooo!" another cried. "She was my goddess! My heart is broken!"
Laughter erupted.
Back in the arena—
"The preliminary rounds are over!" the announcer declared.
"The semi-finalists are—Crimson Beast Sect, Howling Abyss Sect, Sanatan Flame Sect, and Blood Hound Sect!"
Shaurya congratulated Zia Han.
"First semi-final: Sanatan Flame Sect versus Howling Abyss Sect!"
Luo Chen entered.
Three opponents attacked.
He defeated two instantly.
The third resisted.
"What's your name?" Luo Chen asked.
"Zia Bailey," the boy replied nervously. "Grandson of Sect Master Zia Han."
Shaurya nodded.
"He has potential."
Zia Han bowed.
"Thank you."
Luo Chen smiled.
"But this ends now."
Bizarre Fist!
Bailey countered with Howling Palm, but Luo Chen overpowered him.
"Sanatan Flame Sect advances to the finals!"
Luo Chen helped Bailey up.
"You're good."
"Next time, I'll win," Bailey replied.
They fist-bumped.
Then—
"Final match… Sanatan Flame Sect versus Crimson Beast Sect!"
Shaurya and Wie Lu locked eyes.
Su Quan and Wie Lia stared at each other—pure fury.
TO BE CONTINUED