I alone am the Honoured One!

570  The Finals [1]

The Jade Eclipse sect's grand arena was abuzz with anticipation, its towering stone walls humming with the energy of thousands of disciples, and elders, who had gathered for the finals of the Outer disciple tournament. Banners adorned with the sect's emblem—a coiled jade dragon encircling a glowing crescent moon, danced in the crisp, midday breeze, and the golden glow of the sun bathed the arena in a warm radiance. The circular platform in the center gleamed as it was surrounded by formations that were designed to protect the spectators from stray bursts of energy.

Surrounding the platform were rows upon rows of seats, filled with outer and inner court disciples, their excited chatter blending into a steady roar of anticipation.

At the highest vantage point sat the Wing Masters, each representing one of the 13 wings of the sect.  Clad in unique robes signifying their respective wings, they sat on their chairs, their expressions varying from calm observation to keen interest. The Sect Master herself sat at the center, her gaze sweeping through the crowd and a faint sigh escaped Ji Shuang's lips.

Her eyes flickered in nervousness and she closed her eyes to control her increasing heartbeat 'Calm down...'

Yao Jing, who was sitting beside her was confused to see her "Sister Shuang, what happened? You look nervous."

Hm? Ji Shuang turned to her and shook her head "Nothing, Jing'er... who do you think will win the match?"

With a proud smile, Yao Jing confidently replied "Of course, my disciple, who else?"

Eldric Grey who was sitting there, spoke with a little frown "That disciple, Rei Wian also had a fantastic match in the Semi Finals."

Another Wing master, an old man nodded his head "Yeah, he also seemed promising."

"I also agree."

Hearing this, Yao Jing's lips twitched "No matter who, my disciple would win..."

-_-? Velnorah is also there as she sits there silently, her gaze flickering through the arena waiting for Zhao Tian.

"It's a shame there are no female disciples in the top order."

Hearing an enchanting voice, Ji Shuang turned her gaze to the woman sitting beside her, her long white hair cascading down her shoulders, a white veil hiding her facial features, leaving only her heterochromia eyes to be visible.

One of her eyes is blue, while the other is green.

She is the Wing master of Celestial Star wing, Yan Zijin.

Ji Shuang glanced at her and gave a faint nod "Hm, for a wing that only accepts female disciples, that's truly a shame."

A burly man with a beard streaked with gray, the Wing master of the Sable Earth Wing, Rong Shan replied "Well, men are actually stronger than women.. so it is expected."

"Yeah, I agree too."

"Hahaha..."

Yan Zijin's heterochromatic eyes narrowed slightly, a spark of amusement glinting behind her veil. "Stronger, you say?"

Her voice, though soft, carried a sharp edge that silenced the murmurs around her. "Strength comes in many forms. Physical power isn't the only measure; wouldn't you agree?" Rong Shan cleared his throat awkwardly. "I didn't mean to offend, Master Yan. Merely pointing out the natural... disparities." He avoided her gaze, shifting uncomfortably in his chair.

The murmurs of the crowd softened as Ji Shuang raised a hand and signaled the announcer to begin the match.

The crowd hushed as a booming voice echoed across the arena, amplified by the microphone.

 The announcer, a tall man in ceremonial robes, stepped to the edge of the arena platform, "Welcome, disciples and honored elders, to the final match of the Outer Disciple Tournament!"

His voice reverberated through the grand arena, stirring a fresh wave of excitement among the spectators. "Today, two exceptional disciples will face off in a battle that will test their strength, skill, and resolve!"

Qi Nue and Qi Xue were standing in the crowd with excited smiles on their faces.

With a big smile on her face, Qi Nue spoke "I hope Little Brother wins the tournament."

Qi Xue nodded her head, her eyes softening "I sure hope too..."

As she turned her head a little, she saw another woman standing among the disciples 'Li Jia... the rumors about her and little brother being lovers.'

Her gaze condensed and Qi Nue who was beside her, noticed Qi Xue looking in a different direction and followed her gaze.

"It's that woman.. Xue'er."

Hearing her voice, Qi Nue nodded her head "Yeah, I heard they were acting lovey-dovey during the match."

"Hmm.."

At this time, the announcer's voice boomed again "Now let us welcome the first competitor for the finals... Rei Wian."

From the tunnel, Rei Wian stepped out, and reaching the edge of the platform, he paused and his gaze condensed as he met the eyes of the Wing Masters seated above.

The announcer raised his voice again, drawing attention back to the arena. "And his opponent!"

"Zhao Tian!"

Zhao Tian stepped out of the tunnel, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips 'Well, that was such a grand welcome.'

Yao Jing stood up from her seat and waved her hand at Zhao Tian, who was entering the arena.

Noticing her, Zhao Tian waved his hand back at her, his eyes softening.

Meanwhile, Ji Shuang shook her head helplessly, seeing her antics.

Yan Zijin's eyes narrowed slightly looking at Zhao Tian, as she remembers seeing him when Yun Xi caused wreckage in the forest that day. (chap 487)

'I didn't expect that he was the one they were talking about... Zhao Tian.'

Zhao Tian stepped into the arena and glanced at Rei Wian, who was standing opposite to him.

Hm? Zhao Tian raised an eyebrow in surprise as he realized the man standing opposite him is actually more powerful than he expected.

'Well, I am not the only one talented in this world... there surely are many talented geniuses.'

'Rei Wian was his name? I should remember it.'

The announcer stepped back, his voice cutting through the tension. "Contenders, take your positions! This match will determine the strongest among the outer disciples!"

The arena's formations activated, a shimmering dome of protective light forming around the platform.

The audience leaned forward in anticipation, the energy in the air crackling with expectation.

------------------------------------------------

I hope you guys liked this chapter!