The sun rose steadily over the Yu Clan's domain, bathing the vast grounds in golden warmth.
For the male cultivators, this wasn't just sunlight — it was Yang energy, a daily blessing that many took full advantage of by meditating shirtless on rooftops like sweaty sages.
Despite the chaos of the previous night's Awakening Ceremony — a divine vision, a disappearing genius, and the golden light of destiny itself, life within the clan resumed with remarkable composure.
Because today was tournament day.
And nothing stirred youthful cultivators more than the chance to beat each other up with permission.
Across the Outer Hall, the atmosphere was unique.
Dozens of disciples scurried about, setting up formation screens that would act as floating viewing windows for the upcoming matches.
It looked like a dozen open-air theaters were being constructed by junior talisman masters in a frenzy.
Nearby, food stalls were preparing spirit buns, roasted beast skewers, and of course mystery broth with exorbitant prices.
In one corner, a "totally unofficial" betting table was already surrounded by whispering disciples exchanging spirit stones with suspicious efficiency.
Meanwhile, the ten chosen disciples from the Outer Hall had already departed earlier that morning.
Leading them was none other than the sharp-eyed Hall Master, Yu Baishi — a man who if squinted his eyes would look like a villain.
Behind him followed several Outer Hall elders and most importantly, the ten tournament qualifiers.
As they walked toward the designated transportation zone, Yu Baishi turned with a slight squint, which only made his already hawk-like features even more intimidating.
"All right," he said, voice like stone grinding against stone.
"We're heading to the Core Arena. Don't speak unless necessary. When your name is called, step forward. Don't embarrass me. Understood?"
"Yes, Hall Master!" the ten disciples chorused in perfect unison, their backs straightening like someone had just poured cold water down their robes.
Among them, one girl stood out without trying.
Black hair tied in a high tail, delicate yet striking features, and an aura far too calm for someone her age.
Ming Tianmei.
She didn't say a word.
But her eyes flickered as if knowing something.
Yu Baishi gave a curt nod and turned to one of the elders. "Prepare the transport."
The elder nodded and drew his sword, pouring a controlled surge of spiritual energy into it. The blade glowed, then expanded into a wide, floating platform.
A few disciples gasped in admiration.
"Is that… a spirit sword?!"
Though spirit swords were common in the Yu Clan, one that could transform into a transport platform was clearly of higher grade — something rarely seen.
The elder gestured to the disciples. "Get on."
They scrambled aboard with enthusiasm, carefully balancing themselves on the glowing blade.
Other elders followed suit, drawing their own flying swords — sleek, refined, and buzzing faintly with power.
Within moments, the sky shimmered as a dozen spirit swords lifted off and soared through the sky, toward the Core Arena.
As they flew, the disciples gazed down in awe.
Beneath them sprawled a breathtaking landscape: vast mountain ranges, deep valleys carved by time, clear rivers cutting across fertile plains.
They passed floating boulders, ancient trees with golden leaves, and birds that sang spirit melodies as they were flying through the skies.
It was easy to forget they were still within the domain of a single clan.
But this… this was the Yu Clan — one of the great powers.
At nearly the same time, another group took flight.
The Inner Hall disciples, under the watchful eye of Hall Master Yu Fanren, began their journey as well.
Their formation was tighter, more composed.
If the Outer Hall's flight was spirited, the Inner Hall's was ceremonial — perfect in posture, formation, and silence.
Yu Fanren, always the quiet observer, said nothing as they flew. His presence alone was command enough.
Together, both groups — ten Outer Hall disciples and ten from the Inner Hall were on their way.
To the Core Arena.
And to what would be remembered for years as one of the most memorable internal tournaments the Yu Clan had ever witnessed.
Little did they know… the real chaos hadn't even begun yet.
The one to shine was yet to announce his participation.