The sun was starting its slow ascent into the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the Grand Competition Grounds. A mix of dust and spirit energy lingered in the air like a shimmering curtain, carrying the distinct aroma of burnt essence and blood. The crowd's cheers surged and receded, creating a living wave of excitement and restless anticipation.

The Grey Shadow Hall elder raised his arm once more, and the arena fell into silence. The fabric of his robes swayed gently in the wind, while his voice resonated across the wide-open field like a rumble of thunder.

"Number Seven."

Five jade cards pulsed faintly in response across the gathering of disciples. From the ranks of each clan, five young cultivators stepped forward—each one radiating a distinct aura of strength and pride.

Adam Walker of the Walker Clan was the first to step forward, exuding confidence. His spirit root energy burned with a fierce, white light. At Spirit Root Level Three—Peak Stage, every stride he took felt like it was drawing the air in around him.

From the Brooks Clan, Max Brooks followed, equally strong and sharp-eyed, his presence calm but dangerous—a quiet storm before eruption. His cultivation radiated with intensity, standing at Spirit Root Level Three—Peak Stage, the same as Adam Walker. The surrounding air seemed to hum with sharp pressure, like invisible blades tracing the edges of his aura.

Harry Clark, the representative for the Clark Clan, offered a respectful bow to the elders. His qi glimmered gently around him, calm but not too intense, showing that he was a cultivator at Spirit Root Level Three—Mid Stage.

Then there was Lean Brown from the Brown Clan, his golden aura flowing gently like molten light, a perfect mix of control and strength. The way he held himself hinted at a strong foundation and relentless endurance. Spirit Root Level Three, Mid Stage—radiated a calm energy.

Finally, a young man from the Osborn Clan made his entrance—Emer Osborn. His spirit energy started off softly, but soon it surged with a subtle power, revealing his cultivation level—Spirit Root Level Three, Mid Stage.

Although his aura lacked the force of Adam's or Max's, it carried a sharp, disciplined calm, and his eyes shone like tempered steel beneath dark brows. Like a blade waiting for the right moment to strike, the surrounding air seemed to be steadily and deliberately brought into balance with each breath.

The elder's gaze swept over them all. "The matches will proceed as follows—Brown Clan versus Osborn Clan. Walker Clan versus Brooks Clan."

The stands buzzed. Even among the spectators, people leaned forward, sensing the undercurrent of rivalry building.

On the second stage, Emer Osborn faced Lean Brown. Both men bowed briefly, and then the signal came.

A sharp hum of qi split the silence.

Lean Brown moved first—his palms slammed together, sending a wave of earth energy rippling outward. The ground surged, forming jagged stone walls that advanced like a rolling tide.

Emer's eyes narrowed. His sword flickered with azure light.

He took a single step forward, and his movement blurred—Windstrider Technique. His form vanished, reappearing just beyond the reach of the crushing wave.

His blade danced through the air, arcs of blue light tracing his path—Sword Skill: Azure Petal Flow—Blooming Form: Crescent Bloom Arc. The motion was elegant yet lethal, a fluid slash that sliced through the air like petals carried on a storm.

Lean Brown gritted his teeth, raising an earthen wall before him, but the arc met it in midair.

Crack!

The barrier split cleanly down the middle, the force shattering it into dust.

Emer continued to move with the flow, transforming his subsequent blow into a broad crescent. His sword's subtle hum carried a melancholic tune, the echo of a skill refined by loss and discipline.

The relentless rhythm of wind and steel caused the Brown disciple's defenses to waver, and he staggered back. Emer sent all of his qi into the sword with a last surge, then spun in a flurry of movement that ended in silence.

When the dust settled, Lean Brown stood frozen for a breath… then fell to one knee, his chestplate split cleanly in two.

"Victory—Osborn Clan!"

The crowd erupted, their cheers like thunder. For the first time that day, the Osborn banner rose proudly amid the roars of Celestial Brook.

Robert Osborn watched from the stands, a rare smile flickering on his lips. It was not just a win—it was proof that even from the Magical City's weaker roots, the Osborn flame still burned.

And somewhere in the stands, Lady Paige Lee's gaze lingered on the young swordsman below.

"A calm wind before the storm," she murmured.

The next battle—between Adam Walker and Max Brooks—was about to begin.

The arena hummed with energy as Adam Walker and Max Brooks stepped forward onto the stage. Their qi collided before a single strike was thrown—lightning and wind pressing against each other in silent dominance.

Max's sword flashed first, a blur of pale silver wind.With blinding speed, he slashed toward Adam, using his Gale Edge Technique to cut the air into curving shapes.. But Adam did not retreat. With a calm grin, he lifted his hand, golden qi spiralling up his arm.

"Too slow," he said softly.

His fist met the wind blades head on. The air cracked. Energy rippled outward like a shockwave, shattering the ground beneath them. In a blink, Adam's form blurred—his movement near instantaneous—and his next strike landed squarely in Max's chest. The Brooks cultivator crashed backward, his sword clattering to the stage.

"Victory—Walker Clan!" the elder's voice rang out.

The stands roared, chants of "Walker! Walker!" Echoing like thunder.

Moments later, Emer Osborn stepped up to face Harry Clark. Fire met wind in a dazzling storm of sparks and azure light. Emer's sword danced, each motion smooth and deliberate, Windstrider carrying him through fiery thrusts with ease. His blade shimmered once more—Azure Petal Flow: Crescent Bloom Arc!—cleaving through Harry's defense.

"Victory—Osborn Clan!"

And so, the final match for Number Seven began—Adam Walker versus Emer Osborn.

The clash was brutal. Emer's mid-stage foundation was overtaken by Adam's cultivation at Spirit Root Level 3, Peak Stage. Emer fought with precision and courage, but each strike of Adam's golden qi broke through his defense until his sword fell from his grasp.

"Victory—Walker Clan!"

As the cheers rose again, Robert watched quietly. The gap was clear—but so was the fire of defiance in Osborn's eyes. The storm of Celestial Brook had only begun.

Next chapter will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.