Chapter 024: The Tournament Begins

  **Crack!**

  Rage—an overwhelming, all-consuming rage—engulfed Wang Long. For years, he had lived a life of peace, his hands clean of bloodshed. But now, he could no longer control himself. The teacup in his hand began to crack under the pressure of his grip.

  "Yang Tian, you must die!" A bone-chilling killing intent seeped from Wang Long's body. The ferocity in his eyes intensified. Not only had his plan failed, but he had also suffered a significant loss. He wanted nothing more than to tear Yang Tian apart with his bare hands.

  With Wang Feng dead and the chief instructor gone, the strength of the Starry Sky Martial Hall would undoubtedly plummet. The once-thriving martial hall would likely be crushed by its rivals, its former glory forever lost.

  "Huh? What's gotten into this old man?" The two men beside Wang Long glanced at him, their eyes filled with confusion. Wang Long was known for his cunning and composure, having built his empire in Kuangyun City through careful planning. Yet now, he seemed to have lost control of his emotions.

  At the same time, a hint of wariness crept into their hearts. The faint aura of blood energy emanating from Wang Long was far stronger than theirs.

  "What's this old fox up to?" Kuang Lang frowned slightly, his gaze shifting to Yang Tian and Lin Yuan. He had heard of the feud between them, but Wang Long's reaction seemed excessive.

  "How is this possible? The ninth level of Blood Refinement!" When Kuang Lang's eyes fell on Lin Yuan, his heart skipped a beat. For someone of Lin Yuan's age to reach the ninth level of Blood Refinement, he must have encountered a great opportunity.

  **Thud… thud…**

  Yang Tian stepped forward, his mocking gaze fixed on Wang Xing's stunned expression. Then, he turned to the official on the stage, cupped his hands, and said, "Sir, I represent the Dragon Star Martial Hall and am here to compete!"

  The official, who had been interrupted earlier, was visibly displeased. However, upon sensing the blood energy radiating from Lin Yuan, he dared not make things difficult. He nodded and announced, "Today, a total of fifty-six martial halls are participating. The tournament for those under twenty years of age begins now!"

  **Boom! Boom!**

  The war drums sounded, and as the official called out the names, the tournament officially commenced!

  Yang Tian and Lin Yuan found a spot to sit. Lin Yuan glanced at Yang Tian's calm expression, a sense of pride swelling in his chest. From Qing Stone Town to Kuangyun City, the journey spanned over a hundred miles.

  Throughout the journey, Yang Tian had not only kept up but had done so with ease. Lin Yuan knew that Yang Tian's cultivation had already surpassed his own.

  In just over a year, Yang Tian had reached such a level. Lin Yuan couldn't help but feel immense pride.

  Noticing a venomous gaze, Yang Tian glanced toward the spectator stands. His eyes met Wang Long's livid face, and the two exchanged a sinister smile, their killing intent palpable in the air.

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  "He must die. He must die!" Wang Long roared inwardly. Beneath Yang Tian's smile, he sensed an overwhelming threat. In just a year of cultivation, Yang Tian had killed Wang Feng. The thought sent a chill down Wang Long's spine.

  Several miles away, three men's eyes were fixed on Yang Tian.

  "This young man is quite remarkable. Not only is his blood energy incredibly solid, but his cultivation is also stronger than the man beside him," the man in white remarked, nodding in approval.

  "Indeed. For such a talent to emerge from a small place like this is quite impressive. Blood Refinement emphasizes the foundation, not speed," another man agreed.

  "By the way, has the Second Prince returned from his secret outing?" the man in white asked.

  "Sigh, I hadn't heard anything before I left. What a pity…" The man shook his head, a look of regret on his face.

  The scorching sun hung high in the sky, nearing noon. The heat was unbearable, and Yang Tian couldn't help but shake his body, his bored eyes scanning the fighters on the stage. To him, their battles were like children playing house.

  **Boom!** Hua Die struck with a palm, sending a jade-green blade of energy toward her opponent. Her lithe body swayed gracefully in the wind, her tight clothing accentuating her alluring figure.

  "Tsk tsk, perfection," the burly man muttered, his eyes glued to her as he swallowed hard.

  "What a talent," Yang Tian muttered under his breath, noticing the man's not-so-subtle actions. He rolled his eyes and shook his head.

  "Get down!" Hua Die suddenly shouted, her jade-like foot kicking out. A fierce burst of energy erupted, causing the air to crackle. Her opponent was sent flying off the stage.

  "Seventeenth match: Hua Die wins! Next match, number thirty-five versus number thirty-six!"

  "My turn," Yang Tian said, cracking his neck as he stood up.

  "Xiao Tian, be careful," Lin Yuan said, patting Yang Tian's shoulder.

  "Don't worry, Father," Yang Tian nodded and walked toward the stage.

  As Yang Tian walked away, Lin Yuan clenched his fists, his gaze shifting to Wang Long. Having raised Yang Tian since childhood, Lin Yuan knew his son's temperament well. Today, Yang Tian would undoubtedly turn the world upside down.

  **Whoosh!**

  As soon as Yang Tian stepped onto the stage, a figure in yellow leaped onto the platform with a flashy display of movement. When his eyes fell on Yang Tian, a look of disdain crossed his face.

  "Kid, you haven't even mastered basic movement techniques, yet you dare to participate in this tournament? I'll give you a chance to surrender. Get lost."

  "Idiot," Yang Tian muttered, rolling his eyes at the yellow-clad youth's arrogance.

  "You…" The youth's face darkened, his eyes narrowing as he glared at Yang Tian. He then strode forward with an air of superiority.

  **Ha!** Suddenly, the yellow-clad youth stomped his foot, his body shooting forward like a gust of wind.

  "Uh…" The abrupt change left the audience stunned.

  The youth's fist closed in, the sharp wind pressure spreading outward. The spectators below the stage, seeing Yang Tian standing motionless as if frozen, couldn't help but close their eyes, anticipating a bloody scene.

  "Die!" The yellow-clad youth grinned viciously, his fist aimed at Yang Tian's head.

  **Boom!**

  Yang Tian took a step forward, the stage trembling beneath him. At the same time, the blood energy within him surged like wild horses. Under the force of this energy, the yellow-clad youth was sent flying, crashing heavily off the stage.

  "Gasp…" The crowd below the stage stared in shock at the coughing, bloodied youth. A look of horror crept onto their faces.

  A first-level, seventh-stage cultivator—defeated in a single move!

  "Heh," Lin Yuan chuckled, scratching his head.

  "Who is this guy?" Hua Die frowned, her delicate brows knitting together as she stared at Yang Tian's youthful face. He was younger than her, yet his strength was on par with hers, and his control was even more refined.

  "Miss, he's from the Dragon Star Martial Hall. It's said he has a deep grudge against the Starry Sky Martial Hall," a maid whispered in her ear.

  "Then there's going to be quite a show," Hua Die murmured, her eyes flicking to Wang Xing's expression. Compared to his usual calm demeanor, he now looked extremely uncomfortable, the veins on his forehead throbbing.

  The official swallowed hard, staring at the groaning youth on the ground. After a moment of stunned silence, he turned to Yang Tian with a look of astonishment. "Eighteenth match: Dragon Star Martial Hall wins! Next match…"