The Selection Tournament Begins

"Rumble, rumble..."

Under the blazing sun, a massive waterfall plunged down through the lush forest, producing a thunderous roar.

At that moment, Liu Xi sat cross-legged atop a protruding boulder in the river. He had carefully selected this spot within the academy specifically to practice the Pill Fire Technique; he feared that if the flames went out of control elsewhere, he might burn down a building.

A bright yellow flame, catalyzed by Dou Qi, blazed fiercely above Liu Xi's outstretched right hand. Under his control, however, the flame continuously changed shape.

One moment, it became a flaming sword; the next, a flaming whip; then a flaming shield.

"The power is decent enough, but against an enemy at the same level, it won't be enough as a killing move."

"Before I obtain Heavenly Flames, I still need to find some Beast Fire to increase my strength."

"Perhaps I can also try more precise control to enhance its lethality."

Looking at the flaming sword in his hand, Liu Xi muttered to himself.

Under Liu Xi's control, the flaming sword in his hand first reverted into a ball of fire, then began to form a head, body, limbs, and ears. The fur over its body became increasingly distinct, especially the king character on its forehead, which looked vividly lifelike.

The flames had transformed into a fire tiger, though it was only the size of a cat.

Liu Xi rose to his feet and flung the "fire cat" out. It expanded in the wind, and by the time it landed on the water, it had become a true fire tiger over two meters long.

"Roar~"

The fire tiger howled toward the sky, its savage aura spreading in every direction—the majesty of the king of beasts.

Liu Xi looked at the imposing fire tiger and nodded with satisfaction.

Three months later

The Inner Court Selection Tournament officially began. During this period, Liu Xi had spent his days cultivating, refining pills, and practicing the Pill Fire Technique. His life had been quite fulfilling, and his Dou Qi cultivation had reached the level of a four-star Da Dou Shi.

On the day of the tournament, the academy had set up a gigantic arena in the plaza, which was now packed to the brim with people.

Once Hu Gan, the Outer Court Vice Principal, announced the start, the atmosphere reached its peak.

"First match: Wu Da of Yellow Tier Class One versus Du Hao of Yellow Tier Class Two. Contestants, take the stage!"

"Second match: Hu Yun of Yellow Tier Class Two versus Lu Liezhuo of Xuan Rank Class Three. Prepare yourselves!"

"Fourteenth match: Liu Xi of Yellow Tier Class One versus Zhao Zonggen of Xuan Rank Class Two. Contestants, take the stage!"

Liu Xi, who had been watching with sleepy eyes, immediately perked up upon hearing his name. Activating the Soaring Swan Steps, he leaped onto the arena.

Cheers immediately erupted from below. Liu Xi was already well-known throughout the academy, so naturally, he had no shortage of supporters.

As Liu Xi's opponent, Zhao Zonggen had broken through to the level of an eight-star Dou Shi at the age of eighteen or nineteen, making him quite a promising young talent.

Yet when he saw that his first opponent was Liu Xi, his expression changed.

"Master Liu Xi, I know I can't defeat you, but since I've taken the stage, I still have to give it a try." Zhao Zonggen wore a bitter expression, but his voice remained firm.

"In that case, make your move." Liu Xi said seriously.

"The match begins!"

At the referee's command, Zhao Zonggen rushed forward with his blade raised. It had to be said that, as a cultivator of Wind Attribute Dou Qi, his attack speed was indeed quite fast.

"Storm Slash!"

But while he was fast, Liu Xi was faster. Even with the enhancement of Wind Attribute Dou Qi, Zhao Zonggen could not overcome the gap in their realms.

Liu Xi effortlessly dodged his attack. Then, seizing the moment when Zhao Zonggen's old force had yet to fade and his new force had yet to arise, Liu Xi struck Zhao Zonggen's chest with the sheathed sword in his hand, sending him flying.

After being knocked away, Zhao Zonggen rubbed his struck chest and stared at Liu Xi in shock.

Not only had Liu Xi evaded his fastest attack, but he had also sent him flying back with just a sword sheath. In other words, if Liu Xi had drawn his sword just now, he could have easily killed him.

Zhao Zonggen fell silent. But he was still unwilling to concede defeat just like that.

"Ahh~"

Zhao Zonggen gritted his teeth and roared, unleashing another Dou Technique in an attempt to attack even faster than before.

"Storm Consecutive Slash!"

Liu Xi was slightly surprised as he watched Zhao Zonggen slash at him again.

It is a little faster than before, but for me, the outcome won't change in the slightest. The confident smile on Liu Xi's face did not change.

Zhao Zonggen's attacks became faster, but Liu Xi's evasive speed increased as well. He had already moved into the blind spot of Zhao Zonggen's blade.

Once again, Liu Xi seized an opening between Zhao Zonggen's attacks, when he had no time to defend himself, and swung his sword sheath. This time, however, he did not strike Zhao Zonggen's chest. Instead, he smacked the wrist holding the blade, then directly rested the sheath against Zhao Zonggen's throat.

"You've lost." Liu Xi still wore the same confident smile as before.

"Thank you for showing mercy, Master Liu Xi!" Zhao Zonggen looked somewhat dejected, but he understood in his heart that Liu Xi had not even drawn his sword. He forced a smile as he spoke.

Liu Xi's supporters beneath the stage immediately burst into cheers. They had all seen how fast Zhao Zonggen's blade was, yet Liu Xi had still dodged with effortless ease. Especially at the end, when he placed his sword against his opponent's throat—it was simply cool beyond words!

Quite a few female students could not help but gaze at the handsome Liu Xi onstage with starry eyes.

Liu Xi did not feel much after defeating Zhao Zonggen. The gap in their realms was there for all to see, and he had not even used any of his many trump cards. With such an overwhelming advantage, how could he possibly lose?

Thus, when Liu Xi stepped down from the arena, his expression remained as calm and unruffled as ever.

This scene was also witnessed by the Vice Principal and the Outer Court elders in the stands, drawing a chorus of praise.

"Even after winning, this boy remains unfazed by honor or disgrace. He has great potential!"

"His temperament is excellent. His future is limitless!"

I'm a bit stuck. I haven't decided whether to introduce some opponents or have him charge straight into the Inner Court.