Dawn crept over Celestial Brook City like a slow breath, brushing soft gold across the rooftops and thinning the night's lingering chill. The first rays caught the tiled roofs, the stone walls, and the flags hanging limp from tall wooden poles—little by little waking the city from its restless sleep.
This morning was different. Everyone felt it. Today was the day the Top Five would fight. Today was the day the city would learn who deserved to stand above all others.
By the ti the first sunlight touched the Osborn lodging, the small courtyard was already full. Robert stepped out of his room just as Essie arrived from the opposite side, both looking refreshed despite the pressure waiting for them today.
Essie grinned the mont she saw him. "Good morning, brother. You look… bright." Robert nodded lightly. "You too." She did not know about his breakthrough last night. No one did.
But she sensed sothing. A small shift. A sharper presence. A steadier breath. She did not press the matter. There was enough to worry about today. John Osborn ca out monts later with two elders behind him. His eyes scanned his children once and softened.
"You both look ready," he said. "Good. Today is important, but rember—no matter the result, the Osborn Clan already earned respect." Everyone nodded.
They left together, walking through the still-waking streets, where vendors were just now pulling open shutters and early birds whispered excited predictions.
So people stopped and stared as the Osborn group passed. A few even bowed slightly. That alone felt unreal. For decades, the Osborn na had ant nothing. Today, people spoke of them with curiosity… and respect.
Robert kept his gaze forward, silent, controlled. He felt the weight of every expectation—his clan's pride, his sister's hopes, and the system's threat. All of it pressed against him, but he carried it without showing a crack.
When they reached the competition grounds, they found themselves the first clan to arrive.
The stands were already half full, countless voices humming like a beehive preparing itself for a storm. The sll of morning dew mixed with the dust of the arena was strangely calming.
Essie whispered, "We really got here early." Robert shrugged. "Better than being late."
The clan took their seats—humble seats, placed far from the luxurious sections owned by powerful families—but today, many turned their eyes toward them first.
Monts later, the Brown Clan arrived, cheerful and noisy, with Conner Brown wearing a smile bigger than his team. The Brooks Clan followed, more composed but equally confident.
Then the Clark Clan entered. Their faces were pale. Quiet. It was like watching a defeated army walk through familiar streets they no longer recognised. Their clan head did not glance to either side. He simply led them to their section and sat without a word.
Essie looked down, sympathy in her expression. Robert felt the tension twist in the air. Last. The Walker Clan entered.
A wave of loud cheers welcod them—especially Harvey, who walked with his usual cold, composed attitude. Aaden walked slightly behind him, his expression like a shadow cast across his pride.
The Walker Clan leader, Zilton Walker, scanned the arena with a gaze sharp enough to cut stone. When his eyes passed over the Osborn pavilion, he paused—just long enough for Robert to feel the killing intent he tried to hide.
But the rules still protected them. For now. Lady Page of Grey Shadow Hall appeared next, elegant as always, her steps soft yet authoritative. Dozens of uniford Grey Shadow disciples followed her, forming a protective circle the arena.
But again, the Hall Master did not appear. Whispers spread quickly: "Why is he absent again?" "Is sothing happening in the Hall Master?" "No idea… but Lady Page alone is terrifying enough."
When the stands were finally bursting with people, all shouting, all buzzing with anticipation, the elder rose slowly into the sky.
Silence fell beneath him like a curtain.
His presence had no flash, no aura ant to intimidate. Yet the air beneath him felt charged, as if the very stones of the arena were listening.
He looked down at the five participants—Robert, Essie, Conner, Miller, and Harvey—standing in separate corners like dormant flas waiting to ignite.
"Today begins the final stage of the Celestial Brook Youth Competition," the elder announced. His voice carried through the entire grounds effortlessly.
"Before the first battle, all participants must hear the rules." The crowd leaned forward as one. The elder glanced at Harvey Walker first, then at Robert, then at the others.
"According to tradition," he continued, "the clan of last year's champion shall not participate in the first round." Gasps broke through the crowd.
Walker Clan disciples straightened proudly. "That ans," the elder said clearly, "the Walker Clan will step aside for the opening match." Harvey did not react, but Aaden smirked, arms crossed. The elder stretched out a hand, indicating the other three.
"The first round will be between the Brown Clan, the Brooks Clan, and the Osborn Clan. Only two of these Four will advance to the second round."
The tension felt like a tightening rope.
Essie's breath hitched. Conner and Miller exchanged determined glances. Robert remained expressionless. "The second round will follow the three-way format as well," the elder said. "The remaining three fighters will battle one another. Their results will determine the Top Three ranking."
He paused.
The entire arena was silent. Then he lifted a small jade scroll, and shimring words floated into the air above him. "Now… the rewards." Even the wind stopped to listen.
Champion Rewards
First Place Rewards
15 High-Grade Spirit Stones
Essence Refining Pill ×1
Second Place Rewards
8 Mid-Grade Spirit Stones
Qi Recovery Pill ×1
Third Place Rewards
5 Low-Grade Spirit Stones
Minor Healing Pill ×1
The crowd exploded. "Fifteen high-grade stones?!" "That's wealth enough to push soone an entire realm further!" "Essence Refining Pill… that's a treasure only nobles get!"
"This year's rewards are insane!" Even so elders murmured approval.
The atmosphere surged higher than ever. The elder lowered his hand, letting the glowing rewards fade into shimring dust.
"Participants," he said, "prepare yourselves." His voice struck the arena like a drumbeat. "Today, the strongest youth of Celestial Brook City will be chosen." The clamor that followed was overwhelming.
Brown Clan supporters shouted Conner's na. Brooks Clan mbers raised banners for Miller. Walker Clan disciples chanted for Harvey with thunderous force. And soplace between disbelief and awe, more and more voices whispered:
"Robert Osborn…
Can he do it again?"
Robert's grip tightened slightly on his sword. Essie glanced at him, worry flickering in her eyes, though she tried to hide it behind a brave smile. Their father sat completely still—yet his trembling fingers betrayed how much this day ant.
The elder raised his arm one final ti. "Let the Top Five battles…"
He paused, letting the tension reach its peak. "…begin shortly."
The crowd surged to its feet. The sound was like a living storm. Every heart pounded. Every breath trembled. Everyone waited.
The first match of the day was monts away.
The arena held its breath.
User Comments
0 comments from readers