Above the High Platform

At the summit of Spirit Sword Peak, atop the former Sword Trial Platform, several arenas had risen from the ground, shrouded beneath exquisite protective formations as light flowed across them.

Within the formations, the Foundation Establishment Realm disciples' matches were in full swing. The faint sounds of sword light, talisman shadows, and colliding magical artifacts carried through. Though the grand formations had blocked most of the power and noise, the fierce flashes and surging spiritual energy still tugged at the hearts of countless spectators.

Though the Foundation Establishment group's contests appeared somewhat unpolished in the eyes of high-level cultivators, that did not mean they had fewer viewers. For one thing, not every sect attending the Hundred Sects Tournament was a great power overflowing with talent. Even if their focus was on the Golden Core group, they could not simply dismiss the Foundation Establishment matches as unimportant.

And besides... whose sect did not have a few treasured junior brothers and sisters? When their own precious juniors were competing in the arena, could their senior brothers and sisters truly stand by without a care?

More importantly, to the great sects and aristocratic families, high-level cultivators were the pillars supporting the present, while these young faces fighting desperately in the arenas were the seeds that carried the future.

The outcome of this moment might be insignificant, but the temperament, comprehension, and potential displayed within were worth the careful scrutiny of any far-sighted power.

Disciples of such cultivation and age were the least capable of hiding their shortcomings. To these sharp-eyed old fellows, a single glance was enough to see through them, making it convenient to form an initial assessment of every side's future potential.

Several zhang above the Sword Trial Platform, around a dozen viewing platforms floated quietly in the air, held aloft