NOVEL WEB Chapter 179: Selection Phase Begins!
They talked with each other until the selection phase was to begin.
DONG!
The gong sounded again, signaling that the selection phase would soon be announced.
Yuan Ling glanced at the Feng Clan participants.
"Looks like it's about to begin. Let's see where fate places us."
"Indeed," Feng Jianhong said, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"Let's hope it's not against each other. At least, not yet."
The group shared a brief smile before turning their attention to the raised platform, where the regal man from earlier reappeared, ready to announce the selection phase.
His commanding presence and formidable aura left no doubt about his status as a powerful cultivator.
Since this was the biggest competition for the genius in the Azure Sky Empire, the one overseeing the event needed to be at least in the Three Elements Divine Realm.
"Welcome, participants, to the Selection Phase of the Dragon and Phoenix Competition!" he announced, his voice resonating through the hall.
"You stand here as representatives of your clans. This is your opportunity to prove your worth and carve your name into history."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in.
"The selection phase is simple: The one with the same number on their token would enter the arena at the same time and then battle with each other. The one to survive until the end will qualify to enter the Dragon and Phoenix Competition!"
Fast and Simple!
The participants exchanged glances, their expressions shifting between excitement and determination.
And the one with the same number began to be wary of each other and also started to assess their opponents.
"Now, then everyone holding the number 1 token should come to the stage!"
As the announcement echoed through the hall, participants began clutching their tokens, inspecting the numbers engraved upon them.
A wave of anticipation swept through the room as those holding the number "1" exchanged glances, their faces a mixture of confidence and caution.
From Feng Clan's side, none of their participants held the number "1," allowing them to observe the first battle as spectators.
Yuan Ling and his companions also remained in place, their gazes fixed on the stage.
One by one, individuals with the number "1" token stepped forward.
There were six in total, each radiating an aura of strength.
Among them, two stood out—a tall young man with piercing eyes and a cold demeanor, and a petite woman with fiery red hair and a confident smirk.
Their cultivation levels, both at the Peak Core Formation Stage, drew murmurs of interest from the crowd.
Although the group didn't have any Grand Qi Condensation Realm, it was okay as there weren't many at least at this part of the competition.
As the battle began, Yuan Ling leaned closer to Feng Jianhong and Feng Liang, his voice low and informative.
"That tall one is Xue Wei from the Northern Frost Clan. He's known for his mastery over frost techniques. That woman with the red hair is Yan Qing from the Southern Flame Clan. She's an aggressive fighter, rumored to have exceptional control over flame-based techniques."
Feng Liang raised an eyebrow.
"So, the frost and flame clash, huh? This should be interesting."
The battle erupted in a flurry of action. Xue Wei unleashed a wave of icy shards, forcing his opponents to scatter.
Yan Qing retaliated with bursts of searing flames, her attacks cutting through the cold like a hot knife through butter.
The other four participants struggled to keep up, their techniques overshadowed by the raw power of Xue Wei and Yan Qing.
One by one, they were forced to surrender, stepping back to avoid further injury.
Feng Liang observed keenly.
"Xue Wei's frost techniques are precise, but he seems to lack the stamina for prolonged battles." Find adventures at empire
"Yan Qing, on the other hand," Yuan Ling added, "thrives in drawn-out fights. Her flames grow more intense the longer she battles. If Xue Wei doesn't end this quickly, he'll lose."
As if on cue, Xue Wei gathered his energy for a final attack.
He raised his hands, summoning a massive spike of ice that glistened with deadly intent.
With a shout, he hurled it toward Yan Qing, the attack slicing through the air with chilling speed.
Yan Qing smirked, unfazed.
She twirled her hands, conjuring a swirling vortex of flames that engulfed the spike, melting it into harmless vapor.
Before Xue Wei could recover, Yan Qing closed the distance between them, delivering a decisive strike that sent him sprawling to the ground.
The regal man overseeing the event raised his hand.
"The winner is Yan Qing from the Southern Flame Clan!"
He declared, his voice resonating through the hall.
The audience erupted into applause, the intensity of the battle leaving them in awe.
As Yan Qing stepped off the stage, Yuan Ling turned to the Feng Clan participants.
"That's the level of competition we're dealing with," he said, his tone serious.
"And this is just the beginning. The selection phase will separate the truly strong from the rest!"
Feng Jianhong nodded, a glint of excitement in his eyes.
"Good. The tougher, the better. It wouldn't be worth it otherwise."
The gong sounded again, signaling the next group to step forward.
The Feng Clan participants exchanged glances, their anticipation building. Their turn was drawing closer.
The second round also proceeded in a similar manner and the battle was exciting for the spectators.
Of course, those who are truly strong would only see this as a childish fight but for others, it was the battle among experts.
For many who came from remote areas, the Grand Qi Condensation Realm could be considered the strongest.
So a fight between the Core Formation Stage was like the fight between their second strongest people.
In any case, Feng Clan participants only had to make an appearance on the third round and it was Feng Liang who was the first among the Feng Clan to participate.
"I will go then!"
Feng Liang said.
"Good Luck!"
"Brother Liang, show them the strength of our Feng Clan."
"We believe in you!"
The other Feng participants said with full confidence.
Although Feng Liang was no longer the strongest genius of the Feng Clan as he was before, his presence still instilled confidence in the clan members.
This time, the air was thick with anticipation as the crowd whispered among themselves.
The name "Feng Liang" rippled through the hall, drawing curious glances and hushed conversations.
"Is it true? Feng Liang from the Feng Clan is in the Grand Qi Condensation Realm?"
"Grand Qi Condensation Realm at his age? Just how is this Feng Clan so capable!?"
"Ridiculous! The Feng Clan should be using the same trick as when Feng Yun cheated to reach the 18th step on Pillar Of Aptitude!"
"We will find out soon enough!"
…
The murmurs grew louder as Feng Liang stepped forward, his calm demeanor exuding confidence.
His sharp features and steady gaze silenced many of the doubters, but his cultivation aura left no room for disbelief.
Of course, not everyone was against Feng Liang. With his talent and handsome looks, there were also many people, especially girls, cheering for Feng Liang.
After all, there are always people who despite not having any reputation would gain fans just because of their looks.
Feng Liang was such an existence!
"Feng Liang! You're so handsome!" one of them shouted, her voice filled with excitement.
Another girl, clutching her friend's arm, exclaimed, "He's not just strong; he's a dream come true! I wish I could meet him in person!"
A bolder voice from among the group rang out, drawing laughter and surprise from those nearby.
"Feng Liang! I'm willing to give birth to ten children for you! Marry me!"
The declaration caused a ripple of laughter and astonishment in the audience, with some shaking their heads in amusement while others chuckled at her audacity.
Even Feng Liang, who was known for his composed nature, raised an eyebrow at the outburst.
But he quickly composed himself as he looked at his opponents.
The other five participants also made their way to the stage, their expressions a mix of wariness and determination.
Unlike the previous rounds, where participants had scattered to fight independently, these five seemed to have an unspoken agreement.
They moved closer together, forming a loose formation as they faced Feng Liang.
The regal overseer's gaze sharpened as he observed the unusual dynamic but said nothing.
The rules allowed for alliances, though such tactics were rare as without trust, there was no way for one to form alliances.
And the officials always try to separate people who belong to the same clan.
Yuan Ling leaned toward Feng Jianhong, whispering, "Looks like they've decided to gang up on Feng Liang. Can't blame them. Facing a Grand Qi Condensation cultivator alone would be suicide for them."
Feng Jianhong smirked.
"They'll regret it. Feng Liang isn't someone they can handle, even if they work together."
On the stage, Feng Liang stood at ease, his hands resting lightly at his sides.
He didn't seem the least bit perturbed by the alliance against him.
Instead, he offered a faint smile, his voice calm and steady.
"Five against one? Very well, come at me!"