Chapter 21: The Tournament Begins
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.