9: The competition begins

The two sides in the first battle were Ji Ming of the Ji Family and Wang Hongfei of the Wang Family.

The Ji Family and the Wang Family generally maintained a harmonious relationship, with no private grudges or enmity between the families.

The moment Ji Ming and Wang Hongfei stepped into the arena, the crowd below instantly became boisterous.

The Disciples of the Ji Family shouted at the top of their lungs to cheer for Ji Ming, their voices so loud they seemed capable of piercing the heavens:

"Ji Ming, come on! Ji Ming, you must win!"

The Disciples of the Wang Family were not to be outdone, chanting Nalan Hongfei's name in unison:

"Hongfei, rise up! Hongfei, invincible!"

These cheers seemed to serve as a prelude to the fierce duel about to unfold.

Ji Ming tightened his grip on his longsword, its blade shimmering with a cold light, as if it too were anticipating the coming battle.

Nalan Hongfei, on the other hand, remained calm and composed, quietly waiting for the match to begin.

At the referee's command, the battle in the arena commenced.

"Brother Hongfei, be careful!"

Ji Ming let out a clear shout. His cultivation was at the 5th Grade, and he had practiced the formidable "Gale Sword" to the realm of Major Achievement.

Ji Ming let out a sudden, low roar, and the longsword in his hand began to spin rapidly.

In an instant, a dazzling silver sword shadow appeared out of thin air, resembling a nimble silver Dragon.

At the same time, his figure moved like lightning, so fast that it was almost impossible to track.

In the blink of an eye, the sword shadow, carrying a sharp gale, lunged directly at Wang Hongfei.

"Well come!"

Seeing this, Wang Hongfei showed no fear. With a calm expression, he held his broadsword horizontally, blocking steadily in front of him, ready to meet Ji Ming's fierce strike.

The spectators around them couldn't help but hold their breath, afraid of missing any exciting moment.

Ji Ming's Gale Sword grew faster with every Move, perfectly showcasing the profound essence of this sword technique!

Wang Hongfei, for his part, executed his Family's 'Gale Blade' technique with magnificent grandeur.

Two figures moved rapidly across the arena, their Moves and counter-Moves clashing in a struggle that was hard to call!

On the referee's platform, the two envoys from the Peerless Sect smiled and sipped their tea; a struggle of this level could hardly capture their attention.

In the end, Ji Ming's talent proved superior. After nearly a hundred exchanges with Wang Hongfei, he delivered a thrust that wounded Wang Hongfei's arm, causing his broadsword to fall to the ground.

"I admit defeat!" Wang Hongfei said, his face flushed red, his eyes filled with dejection as he leaped backward, his voice trembling.

Ji Ming, in high spirits, sheathed his sword, bowed to the referee's platform, and returned to the Ji Family's seating area to recover his spiritual power while awaiting his next opponent.

In the subsequent matches, Ji Yu, Ji Qin, and Ji Juan successively entered the arena to compete against Disciples from other families, but ultimately fell short by a single Move and were eliminated, much to their regret.

Of the Ji Family, only Ji Fei and Ji Ruoxi had yet to compete.

Below the arena, in the Ji Family camp, the Clan Leader's face—which had been full of joy—gradually darkened as he watched the three of them lose one after another.

The Clan Leader called the two of them to his side, "Currently, only Ming'er has qualified for the next round for the Ji Family, while several other families have at least two, or even three or more, people qualified. The situation is unfavorable for our Family! In the upcoming matches, both of you must advance."

Ji Fei stood tall and straight, his black hair tied back, exuding a heroic spirit. He nodded slightly, "Grandfather, I understand. I will certainly not let you down!"

Ji Ruoxi, dressed in white with a cold and aloof expression, had a glint of determination in her beautiful eyes. She replied softly, "Rest assured, Grandfather, I will give it my all."

This Family tournament concerned the Ji Family's future status in Wind City. Now, the defeat of the others had left the Ji Family's situation precarious.

"This tournament is a difficult trial for our Ji Family, but it is also an opportunity for you. Fei'er, Xi'er, both of your sword techniques are among the best of our Ji Family. If you can stand out in this competition, the Ji Family will be able to restore its prestige!"

At this moment, on the arena, matches between Disciples of other families were proceeding fiercely. The sounds of shouting and clashing swords rang out all around, and the cheers of the audience rose and fell one after another.

Ji Fei and Ji Ruoxi's eyes were drawn to the battles on the stage, and they carefully observed the opponents' Moves, attempting to find flaws and weaknesses to prepare for their own upcoming matches.

The Clan Leader stood by, watching the two children's focused expressions, feeling a slight sense of comfort in his heart. He prayed silently, hoping that Ji Fei and Ji Ruoxi could create a miracle in the upcoming matches, allowing the Ji Family to make a comeback from this predicament.

Finally, it was Ji Fei's turn. He held his longsword and walked onto the arena with steady steps.

Ji Fei's opponent was Huang Hai of the Huang Family. Huang Hai was burly, and the broadsword in his hand emitted a cold light.

He looked at Ji Fei, his mouth curling into a sneer: "The Ji Family only has you left to hold up the scene, but today, you too shall fall beneath my blade!"

Ji Fei ignored Huang Hai's provocation. With a calm expression, he slowly raised his longsword and assumed the starting stance of the Ji Family sword technique.

At the referee's command, Huang Hai launched the first attack. He let out a loud shout, and his broadsword slashed towards Ji Fei like a fierce tiger descending a mountain, the wind of the blade whistling with an astonishing Aura.

Ji Fei tapped his feet lightly, his figure retreating like lightning, easily dodging the fierce strike.

At the same time, he flicked his longsword, the sword tip shimmering as he thrust directly at Huang Hai's throat.

Seeing Ji Fei's counterattack Move so quickly, Huang Hai was startled and hurriedly blocked with his broadsword. With a "clang," the blade and sword met, sending sparks flying.

Using the force of the collision, Huang Hai pushed hard, attempting to force Ji Fei back.

However, Ji Fei spun his body with the momentum, his longsword winding around Huang Hai's broadsword like a nimble snake, thrusting toward his chest.

Huang Hai's expression changed drastically, and he hurriedly turned to dodge. Ji Fei's sword grazed past his clothes.

Huang Hai secretly seethed with hatred; he hadn't expected Ji Fei's sword technique to be so flexible and varied. He steadied himself and launched another attack. This time, his blade technique was even more rapid, each strike carrying the weight of a thousand jun, attempting to force Ji Fei into a desperate situation.

Ji Fei wove through Huang Hai's curtain of blades, skillfully utilizing the footwork of the Ji Family sword technique to circle around him.

Huang Hai's blade technique was rigid and fierce; if he were to meet it head-on, he might not necessarily gain an advantage. He had been searching for a flaw in Huang Hai's blade technique all along.

After a fierce exchange, Ji Fei finally discovered that every time Huang Hai struck, his left shoulder would slightly sink—this was the precursor to his exertion of force.

Ji Fei felt a joy in his heart. He deliberately exposed a flaw to lure Huang Hai into attacking.

Seeing Ji Fei expose a flaw, Huang Hai was overjoyed and brought his broadsword down with full force.

Just as the broadsword was about to strike Ji Fei, his figure flashed, appearing like a phantom on Huang Hai's left side, and he thrust his longsword toward Huang Hai's left shoulder without hesitation.

Unable to dodge in time, Huang Hai was struck by Ji Fei's sword. He let out a muffled groan, and his broadsword clattered to the ground. Ji Fei had achieved victory.

The audience below was silent for a moment, then erupted into thunderous cheers.

In the Ji Family camp, the Clan Leader finally revealed a smile, and Ji Ruoxi was also happy for Ji Fei's victory.

Ji Fei walked off the arena and came to the Clan Leader and Ji Ruoxi. The Clan Leader patted him on the shoulder: "Fei'er, well done! However, the upcoming matches will be even more difficult; you must not let your guard down."

Ji Fei nodded and replied: "Grandfather, rest assured, I will continue to work hard."