"Look, that's Jian Piaomiao, the senior sister of Soaring Sword Peak! Rumor says she was once an orphan, taken in by the peak master and brought to the Azure Cloud Sect. At just eight years old, she awakened the Piaomiao Sword King Body!"
"Since then, she's been known as Jian Piaomiao, vowing to reach the pinnacle of swordsmanship! She's ranked second on the Azure Cloud Ranking—second only to Senior Brother Jun Han from Azure Cloud Peak! I never thought she'd join this competition!"
"I heard she recently broke through in soul cultivation—condensed her Sword Soul! She wants to challenge Senior Brother Jun Han! This'll be exciting!"
"Hiss… Not even a hundred years old, yet she's already condensed her soul… Unbelievable!"
"That's the power of a King's Body for you."
Whispers filled the air as disciples stared in awe at the true disciples hovering above.
Among them, two figures stood out:
Jian Piaomiao, clad in white, her aura ethereal as drifting snow.
Jun Han, draped in violet robes, golden lotuses blooming at his feet, auspicious signs swirling around him.
Beside these two, the other true disciples seemed like mere background characters.
Chen Ye observed them and nodded appreciatively. "Both condensed their Divine Souls before a hundred. Truly exceptional talents—the future pillars of the Azure Cloud Sect!"
Xiao Qingluan, however, pursed her lips.
How could these people compare to her senior brother?
Senior brother was the real future.
And with her Phoenix Body, she'd surpass them all eventually.
The Favor of the Strong
Suddenly, Jun Han and Jian Piaomiao's gazes locked onto Xiao Qingluan.
"The Holy Phoenix Body…"
"A rare saintly physique. She'll undoubtedly become a supreme powerhouse."
"No harm in currying favor early."
With that, the two descended gracefully before her.
Jun Han smiled. "I am Jun Han of Azure Cloud Peak. A pleasure, Junior Sister Qingluan."
Jian Piaomiao, ever prepared, retrieved a storage ring filled with spirit fruits. "Junior Sister, this is a small gift. Visit Soaring Sword Peak whenever you wish."
Jun Han's eye twitched.
Damn. She came prepared.
Clearing his throat, he added, "My apologies for arriving empty-handed. I'll make it up to you later."
The surrounding disciples gaped.
This was the privilege of a Holy Body!
Even the sect's top talents sought to win her over!
Notably, both ignored Chen Ye entirely. To them, he was still just a mortal.
Xiao Qingluan, however, hesitated, glancing at Chen Ye for approval.
Chen Ye chuckled. "Thank Senior Sister properly."
"Thank you, Senior Sister." She accepted the ring.
Jun Han and Jian Piaomiao finally noticed Chen Ye, baffled.
How could a Holy Body be so obedient to a mortal?
They dismissed it—youthful naivety. Once she matured, she'd realize the insurmountable gap between them.
Jun Han smirked. "Junior Brother Chen Ye, I look forward to your 'guidance' in the competition."
The crowd erupted in laughter.
"Guidance? From a mortal? Hah!"
"Even if he's hiding power, he's no match for Senior Brother Jun Han!"
Chen Ye's recent feats had earned him some reputation, but in their eyes, he'd never compare to the Azure Cloud Ranking's #1.
The Draw
The competition commenced with lot-drawing for matchups.
Xiao Qingluan drew an inner disciple at the 9th-level Spirit Spring—one step from Golden Core. Though outmatched in realm, her Holy Body made her fearless.
"Senior brother, who'd you get?" she asked.
Chen Ye revealed his slip:
"Soaring Sword Peak, Luo Tian—Ranked #7, Void Shattering Realm!"
Xiao Qingluan's jaw dropped.
This… was terrible luck.
With thousands of participants, how had he drawn one of the few Void Shattering experts?!
Murmurs spread like wildfire.
"Hah! This guy's doomed!"
"Luo Tian won't even need to move to crush him!"
Nearby, a true disciple teased Luo Tian: "Lucky you! An easy win."
Luo Tian, however, remained solemn. "Don't underestimate him."
His past encounters with Chen Ye left him uneasy—the man's depth was unfathomable.
The First Battle
The tournament began, disciples clashing in dazzling displays.
Chen Ye, a first-time participant, lounged in the stands, sipping wine from his gourd.
"Martial arts and wine—a perfect pairing."
When Xiao Qingluan's turn came, she flashed him a confident smile before leaping onto the stage.
Her opponent, the 9th-level Spirit Spring disciple, attacked fiercely, his heavy sword stirring earthen spiritual energy.
Xiao Qingluan didn't even activate her Holy Body. With fluid footwork and a single strike of her Phoenix Sword Art, she sent him flying off the platform.
The announcer declared: "Winner—Xiao Qingluan of Jade Bamboo Peak! Next match: Chen Ye of Jade Bamboo Peak versus Luo Tian of Soaring Sword Peak!"