My Brother's the Protagonist? Good Thing I Awakened My System!

His words, spoken with quiet confidence, sent a ripple of unease through his opponents.

One of them, a burly man with a hammer-like weapon, growled, "Don't get cocky just because you're in the Grand Qi Condensation Realm! Numbers matter too!"

With that, the battle began.

The five opponents moved in unison, their attacks coordinated as they tried to overwhelm Feng Liang with sheer numbers.

Fireballs, wind blades, and even a flurry of arrows rained down upon him in a synchronized assault.

Feng Liang didn't flinch.

He effortlessly dodged the attacks leaving the opponents in shock.

The crowd also erupted in awe.

"Even for the Grand Qi Condensation Realm cultivator, he seemed too fast!"

"That's the power of the Grand Qi Condensation Realm…"

"How did five people in the Core Formation Stage fail to even hit Feng Liang? Is there really such a big difference?"

…

The five opponents regrouped, their expressions grim.

Although they didn't think their attacks could defeat Feng Liang, they at least hoped that Feng Liang would use some kind of technique or at least be hit.

"Let's try again!"

One of them said.

They launched another assault, this time attempting to flank him.

Two charged from the front, while the other three circled around to attack from behind.

Feng Liang smirked.

"Too slow!"

With a burst of speed, he disappeared from his position, reappearing behind the three who had tried to flank him.

Before they could react, he delivered a precise palm strike to each of them, sending them flying off the stage in quick succession.

The remaining two froze in shock, their confidence wavering.

One of them, a woman with a whip-like weapon, gritted her teeth and charged, her weapon lashing out like a serpent.

The other hesitated but followed suit, attempting to coordinate their attacks.

Feng Liang raised his hand as he caught the whip mid-strike and yanked it from the woman's grasp.

With a swift kick, he sent her tumbling out of the arena.

The last opponent, realizing the futility of resistance, dropped his weapon and raised his hands in surrender.

The regal overseer raised his hand.

"The winner is Feng Liang of the Feng Clan!"

The hall erupted in cheers and applause, though some remained stunned by the sheer dominance displayed by Feng Liang.

Yuan Ling chuckled.

"I almost feel bad for them. Almost!"

Feng Jianhong grinned.

"That's Feng Liang for you. Always making it look easy."

As Feng Liang stepped down from the stage, the whispers in the crowd grew louder.

"Damn! The Core Formation Stage stood no chance!"

"Well, Grand Qi Condensation Realm cultivator deserved to advance to the next round."

"Feng Liang, we should remember this name. Looks like the Feng Clan has given birth to another monster!"

…

Feng Liang rejoined his companions, his expression calm despite the excitement around him.

As the rounds continued, the battles became increasingly intense.

DONG!

The gong sounded again, signaling the next match.

Participants from various clans displayed their unique techniques, each striving to outshine the others.

Feng Clan members were easily able to win and proceed as their opponents were just in the Core Formation Stage.

Looks like the official has intentionally separated Grand Qi Condensation Realm genius from each other or that could merely be a coincidence.

Though it was more likely intentionally as they would want a genius who could reach Grand Qi Condensation Realm to be able to advance and participate in the real events with other geniuses from the Sect.

That's why the most exciting fights were between the Core Formation Stage who had equal strength.

Of course, not all Core Formation Stages were equal.

Some geniuses comprehended much more powerful techniques and had stronger artifacts while the others didn't which made the fight one sided.

From the Yuan Clan, only Yuan Ling was able to progress to the next round.

Although his companion's strength wasn't bad but not bad, their opponent happened to be in the Grand Qi Condensation Realm.

While his companions were dejected after their losses, Yuan Ling offered them words of encouragement, trying to lift their spirits.

"Don't dwell on it too much," Yuan Ling said, his tone calm yet firm.

"You've done your best, and that's what matters. Losing to someone stronger isn't shameful—it's part of the journey. Use this as a lesson to grow stronger."

His companions nodded, though their disappointment lingered.

Yuan Ling's words helped ease the tension, and they began to discuss strategies and training methods for the future.

However, Yuan Ling's attention soon shifted to the Feng Clan.

Despite their complete success in advancing, their participants seemed uneasy.

Feng Jianhong and Feng Liang, usually brimming with confidence, exchanged worried glances.

Even the other Feng Clan members, who had no reason to feel defeated, appeared nervous.

Curiosity got the better of Yuan Ling. He approached Feng Liang, his voice low but laced with concern.

"Feng Liang, what's going on? You all won your matches, yet you seem… troubled. Is something wrong?"

Feng Liang hesitated, glancing at Feng Jianhong before responding.

"Sigh… It is about Brother Yun! He still hasn't made his appearance."

Feng Liang replied.

"Brother Yun? You mean Feng Yun?"

Yuan Ling echoed, confused.

Feng Liang nodded.

"I, for sure, thought that he must have joined a sect and would directly join the competition."

Yuan Ling said.

After all, with Feng Yun's talent, he could join any sect he wanted.

Even if Feng Yun has conflict with the Mystic Flame Sect, many sects would still be willing to take him in as a disciple.

"No! Brother Yun didn't join any sects. He must take part in the selection phase if he wishes to take part in the Dragon and Phoenix Competition!"

Yuan Ling then understood why they looked so worried despite such victories.

It was because their best and strongest genius hadn't made his appearance.

The atmosphere grew tense as the final fight of the selection phase approached.

The crowd buzzed with anticipation, eager to see how the match would unfold.

The participants for the last battle were announced, and the stage was filled with cultivators, most of whom were in the Core Formation Stage.

Among them stood one individual in the Grand Qi Condensation Realm, his confidence radiating like a beacon.

The Grand Qi Condensation Realm cultivator smirked as he surveyed the competition.

His name was Hao Ye, a prodigy from the Ye Clan. Experience tales at empire

His voice carried a hint of arrogance as he addressed the other contestants.

"Let's not waste time," Hao Ye said, his tone dripping with disdain.

"You all know how this will end. I'm not here to toy with Core Formation weaklings. Surrender now, and I'll spare you the humiliation."

The other participants exchanged uncertain glances.

Some clenched their fists, while others hesitated, clearly intimidated by Hao Ye's overwhelming aura.

The crowd murmured in disapproval at his arrogance, but no one could deny the gap in power between Hao Ye and the others.

Just as it seemed no one would step forward to challenge him, a hooded figure emerged from the shadows.

The man's face was obscured, but his calm and steady gait commanded attention.

His robes were plain, devoid of any clan insignia or decoration, yet there was an undeniable aura of strength about him.

The crowd fell silent as the hooded man stepped onto the stage.

Hao Ye raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening.

"And who might you be?"

Hao Ye asked mockingly.

"Another lamb to the slaughter?"

The hooded man said nothing, merely raising his hand in a gesture that indicated he was ready to fight.

His silence only fueled Hao Ye's amusement.

"Very well," Hao Ye said, his tone laced with condescension.

"I'll give you the honor of being defeated by me. Let's make this quick!"

WHOOSH!

Hao Ye moved first, his figure blurring as he closed the distance between himself and the hooded man.

His palm ignited with crimson flames as he struck, aiming to end the fight in a single blow.

But to everyone's shock, the hooded man didn't dodge.

Instead, he raised his hand and caught Hao Ye's flaming strike with ease.

The flames dissipated as if extinguished by an invisible force.

Hao Ye's smirk faltered.

"What?!"

Before he could react, the hooded man countered with a swift palm strike to Hao Ye's chest.

BANG!

The force of the blow sent Hao Ye stumbling backward, his expression a mix of pain and disbelief.

The crowd erupted in astonishment.

"Who is this guy?!"

"Did he just overpower Hao Ye's attack?"

Hao Ye gritted his teeth, his arrogance replaced by fury.

"You dare?! Fine! I'll show you my true power!"

He unleashed a flurry of attacks, each more ferocious than the last.

Flames roared, the air crackled with energy, and the stage trembled under the force of his techniques.

Yet, the hooded man moved with precision, evading Hao Ye's attacks with minimal effort.

His movements were fluid, almost effortless as if he were toying with his opponent.

Amidst their fight, other participants have already jumped out of the stage.

If they stayed, they would only get injured by the fight between the two.

Hao Ye attacked with his full power, giving it all but the hooded man easily blocked or dodged his attacks.

"Y-YOU! You are also in the Grand Qi Condensation Realm!?"