A booming voice suddenly echoed across the arena, magnified by spiritual transmission techniques.
It rolled through the air like thunder, silencing the last murmurs of conversation and laughter.
"Welcome, cultivators, nobles, and honored guests to the 137th Dragon and Phoenix Competition!"
The crowd erupted into cheers and applause.
The voice belonged to a tall, imposing man clad in silver-blue robes embroidered with the emblem of the Imperial Tournament Office—a roaring dragon curled around a blazing phoenix.
He floated midair atop a flying jade platform that hovered over the center of the arena, his presence commanding and authoritative.
"I am Yan Minglan, Referee and Overseer for this year’s competition."
His cultivation was at the Spirit Severing Realm, which was appropriate for overseeing a competition between geniuses in the Soul Formation Realm.
If someone weaker presided over the matches, they might not be able to intervene when necessary.
There were also several guards stationed to prevent interference from outsiders.
Additionally, a protective formation barrier had been erected to ensure the audience wouldn’t be harmed by stray attacks from the participants.
The referee raised a hand, and golden light spread from his sleeve, forming a shimmering screen in the sky—an array projection displaying all the names of the registered participants.
Hundreds of them. Each one glowing faintly with qi.
"As you all know, this event is held once every three years. A tradition older than many sects, where the youth of our Empire and beyond compete for glory, opportunity, and legacy."
He let the words sink in.
"Now... allow me to explain the rules."
The array in the sky changed.
Dozens of circular brackets emerged, each one representing a battle pairing.
"This year’s competition will follow a knockout format. Participants will be randomly assigned an opponent at the start of each round."
A ripple of excitement passed through the crowd.
"Victory means advancement. Defeat means elimination. Only those who stand at the top of their generation will reach the final rounds."
He extended a hand, and streaks of light burst from the array, spinning rapidly.
"The first round matchups will now be determined!"
The projection swirled with speed before slowing... names began to lock into place.
Gasps and excited murmurs rippled through the crowd as each pairing formed.
"What? My opponent is Bai Xueqing? Why is my luck so bad!"
"Hehe... My opponent is just in the Early Nascent Soul Realm. This is going to be easy!"
"Damn! I got Lei Zhensheng as my opponent."
"Jin Yuanzhan vs Lin Xuan? Lin Xuan really got unlucky."
For most of the first-round matches, it was easy to guess who the victor would be—including the Lin Xuan match, which most believed would be won by Jin Yuanzhan of the Azure Sun Holy Sect.
Nie Fengzhuo looked at the draw and was disappointed to find that his opponent wasn’t Bai Xueqing.
Moreover, it seemed that to fight Bai Xueqing, he would need to win all seven matches and reach the final, as she was on the other side of the bracket.
Bai Xueqing also noticed this—and her ex-fiancé’s name—but felt certain that he would never make it to the final.
Rather, she looked at other competitors who she thought were more worthy of her attention, especially Shui Lian’er of the Celestial Jade Hall.
Shui Lian’er was said to possess mysterious abilities—able to see through one’s nature and exploit it to win with ease.
Most of her past opponents had nothing to say and didn’t even know how they were defeated.
So, she was definitely one of the opponents to look out for.
The referee’s voice rang out once more, loud and clear.
"Match One—Bai Xueqing of the Bai Clan versus Yi Mingyu of the Crimson Thunder Palace. Step forward!"
One of the top contenders was about to fight. While few expected the match to be exciting—her opponent was clearly outmatched—there was still a sense of anticipation.
After all, they were about to witness one of the most talented cultivators in the entire Desolate Heaven Empire in action.
And beyond her strength, there was no denying it—her beauty was in a league of its own.
From the Heaven Sword Sect’s side, Bai Xueqing rose calmly, her white and silver robes fluttering in the breeze.
On the opposite side, a youth from the Crimson Thunder Palace stepped up, his red-gold uniform stiff with tension.
Yi Mingyu. Mid Nascent Soul Realm!
He was tall and broad-shouldered, his aura not weak—but even now, sweat had begun to bead along his temples.
His grip on his spear was tight.
He muttered under his breath nervously.
Based on strength alone, he was certain he ranked among the top 20 participants—but with Bai Xueqing as his opponent, he might not even make it past the first round.
(No! I can do it! I just need to find the right opportunity!)
Having come this far, he wasn’t going to give up without a fight.
Regaining his determination, he took his stance with a spear in hand.
The referee gave the signal.
What followed wasn’t a battle.
Yi Mingyu surged forward with full strength, lightning qi crackling around his spear as he aimed straight at Bai Xueqing.
The spear thrust out—fast, powerful, well-practiced.
With a flick of her wrist, Bai Xueqing’s sword met the spear.
Not clashed—brushed it aside.
The spear twisted from its trajectory like it had been slapped by a divine hand.
And in that same instant, before Yi Mingyu could react—
Her sword was already at his throat.
The cold edge kissed the thin skin beneath his jaw.
His legs buckled. His eyes went wide.
He dropped his spear.
He fell to his knees, clutching his chest, barely able to breathe. Tears rimmed his eyes—not from pain, but humiliation.
He felt delusional for even thinking he had a chance. The moment his name was drawn against Bai Xueqing, he should’ve given up.
Some applauded. Others fell silent.
So quick. So clean. Not even a second had passed.
She hadn’t even moved her feet.
Bai Xueqing retracted her sword.
She didn’t look proud. Or amused. Or victorious.
She simply turned around and walked off the platform, sword sliding back into its sheath with a soft click.
Onn the Bai Clan’s side, even her elders said nothing. They’d expected this.
It was the same for Bai Zihan, who lazily closed his eyes again. The result was exactly as expected.
The referee’s voice echoed again—
"Winner: Bai Xueqing!"