Moonwatch Mountain, the summit square.
On the arena, eight hundred and ninety-six competing martial artists stood in their respective squares, their auras rising and falling.
Layers of martial energy from the young competitors enveloped the entire bluestone arena. A fierce, charged atmosphere spread before the competition, compelling the tens of thousands of spectators to hold their breath and focus.
Yang Jing stood at the center of his square, his true qi contained within him, without the slightest edge leaking out.
He slowly raised his gaze and surveyed the vast arena, his eyes calm and untroubled as he took in the expressions of the martial artists around him.
Everywhere he looked, he saw young faces.
Some had tense eyes and clenched jaws, their brows betraying nervousness they could not conceal. Perhaps this was their first time attending such a prestigious gathering, leaving them unable to settle their minds.
Some had blazing anticipation in their eyes, their blood and qi stirring faintly, as though they could hardly wait for the preliminary round to begin and demonstrate the fruits of their arduous cultivation.
Others looked composed and indifferent, their auras as still as ancient wells, as though they were already accustomed to such grand occasions and merely awaited the start.
Eight hundred and ninety-six people, eight hundred and ninety-six states of mind, all gathered on this arena to await the preliminary round.
After surveying his surroundings, Yang Jing drew a gentle breath. The cool mountain breeze filled his lungs, instantly washing away every stray thought in his heart.
He slowly withdrew his gaze and half closed his eyes, focusing his mind and calming his breathing. He adjusted his muscles, meridians, and true qi to their steadiest, most relaxed state, quietly awaiting the official start of the Jintai Grand Tournament's preliminary round.
For him,