20. The Three Clans Tournament (2)
The day of the tournament had fully dawned. The grand arena stood ready, its stone walls rising high above the surrounding buildings. Banners from the three great sects fluttered in the morning breeze. The crowd had grown significantly, filling the stands with excited spectators, vendors, and gamblers placing bets on the outcomes.
Jiu Ping stood close to her children as they waited with the other selected youths. She leaned in and spoke quietly to Jiu Yin. “The empire has many kingdoms within it. Our kingdom is one of the lowest level ones. Even then, our city is considered third rate at best. The kingdom itself has roughly seven major sects. They often send observers to recruit promising youths from places like this.”
Jiu Yin listened carefully, taking in every word. The scale of this world continued to impress him.
The first sect observer to step forward was from Thousand Peaks Mountain Sect. The man was a hulk of a figure with massive broad shoulders and deeply tanned skin. His presence alone commanded attention. He wore simple but sturdy robes that showed off his powerful physique. Jiu Yin considered that his natural durability as a Sanguinari might fit well with their body tempering and defensive focus. However, the man’s tanned skin gave him a bad premonition. They likely used techniques that required a lot of time in the sun. That would be a big problem for him.
The second observer was from Jade Valley Sect. She was a stoic woman, heavily veiled, showing only her penetrating green eyes that seemed almost like polished jade. Even with the veil, it was obvious she was very pretty. Her presence was calm and refined. The sect was known for being heavily female leaning, though not exclusively. She stood with quiet dignity, observing the gathered youths.
The last observer was from Crimson Moon Valley Sect. This was the first time they had sent someone to their city. The man was the complete opposite of the hulking Thousand Peaks representative. He had dark hair and pale skin, with an enigmatic, almost scholarly air. His eyes were sharp and calm. The sect was known for being quiet and reclusive, but powerful. This one immediately piqued Jiu Yin’s interest the most.
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The City Lord of Snow Wind City stepped onto the central platform and raised his hands for silence. The crowd gradually quieted.
“Honored guests from the three great sects,” he announced, his voice carrying across the arena with the help of a sound-amplifying talisman. “We welcome you to our humble city. Today, the selected youths from the three main clans will compete to show their potential. Each clan will choose a challenger. They will fight until one is defeated. The victor will continue against the next challenger. This will continue until no more challengers remain. After each knockout, the sect observers may choose to offer a position to any youth who has shown promise.”
The crowd erupted in excited murmurs. Bets were already being placed heavily.
“From the Lu Clan, we have Lu Hei at Iron Warrior rank 10. Exceptional talent!”
“Shi Mei from the Shi Clan is said to be the number one beauty and a limitless talent. Rank 9!”
“Yin Zhao from the Yin Clan is a monster in close combat. Rank 8!”
Jiu Yin listened to the crowd’s speculation as the observers exchanged brief greetings on the platform.
The hulking man from Thousand Peaks Mountain Sect spoke first. “It has been some time since we bothered with such a remote backwater. Still, we need fresh blood to fill our ranks. Body tempering requires dedication.”
The veiled woman from Jade Valley gave a slight nod. “The same for us. Our valley prefers those with elegant techniques, but talent is talent. Even in a third-rate city, one or two may prove useful.”
The pale man from Crimson Moon Valley smiled faintly. “We rarely send observers this far. But filling out the ranks is necessary. Let us see what this small city has to offer.”
The three observers did not show strong disdain for one another. Their sects seemed to be on mutually okay terms. Polite, if slightly competitive.
The City Lord raised his hands again. “Let the tournament begin!”
The first match was called. A young man from the Lu Clan stepped onto the fighting platform. The crowd roared in anticipation.