Today's challengers mainly fell into three groups:
First were the students from Chang'an Academy. Some were elites who had accompanied their teachers, while others were heirs of first- and second-tier powers in Chang'an City and the Southern Five Commanderies. Many belonged to both categories.
Second were the students from Heaven Dou Academy, whose strength was likewise considerable.
Last came the heirs of the great clans and distinguished families across the continent that maintained friendly ties with the Chen Clan. They represented the true pinnacle of fighting strength among today's challengers.
Their levels and combat prowess generally surpassed those of the first two groups. They were also leading students at the continent's various advanced academies, with no shortage of illustrious figures from the Heavenly Prodigy Ranking among them.
The earlier challengers had mainly been students from the first two groups. Although some had delivered impressive performances and passed the first round, they often encountered formidable opponents in the second.
When they faced powerful defenders such as Liu Ruyan and Shen Youchu, both at level 47, or Ji Boda, who ranked fifty-sixth on the Heavenly Prodigy Ranking and had reached level 49, they fell in defeat one after another.
The presence of these three high-level fighters had left countless challengers with their halberds broken and buried in the sand, unable to advance any farther.
As for the disciples of the Chen Clan's main lineage, there was still no need for them to take the stage.
Just how strong were they, and when would they finally appear? The Chen Clan's Heaven Dou Seven Stars Swords left much to the imagination.
A young woman slowly stepped onto the arena, her footsteps light, as though she were walking across a frozen lake without making a sound.
She was coldly beautiful and noble, like a