NOVEL NEXT Chapter 23: Chapter 23
A total of 500 powers were set to compete in the Ancient Dragon Tomb Tournament. Each faction had already held its own internal tournaments to ensure they sent only their strongest and most talented representatives. This wasn't just a battle of strength, it was a showcase of the very best each power had to offer, the culmination of rigorous selection and preparation.
In the heart of the forest, floating stairs led to small, elevated stages, each large enough to accommodate ten people in combat. A total of fifty such stages hovered above the ground, glowing faintly with a mystical aura.
Below the stages, the forest floor had been cleared, revealing an arrangement of intricately crafted benches and chairs for spectators. The branches of ancient trees provided a natural canopy, creating a unique blend of nature and artifice for the tournament's grand setting.
All the powers had gathered, their representatives poised and ready for the first phase of the tournament, the elimination round. With over 5,000 participants signed up, this initial stage would serve to drastically narrow the field, reducing the competitors to a more manageable 100.
The tension was palpable, the air thick with anticipation. For many, this was their first chance to size up the competition, to witness who would rise above the masses and who would falter under the pressure. The stakes were high, and the atmosphere crackled with the promise of fierce battles ahead.
The rules for the elimination round were simple: reach the floating stages. Once only two people remained on each stage, the elimination phase would officially end.
From there, the tournament would shift focus, transitioning into a series of battles to determine the top 100 cultivators of the younger generation. It was a brutal and straightforward process, one that left no room for hesitation or mercy.
Lianchen sat in his wheelchair amidst the sea of 5,000 participants, his presence impossible to ignore. While most of the competitors were in their early twenties, his youth alone made him stand out. Add to that the sight of him in a wheelchair, and it was no surprise that whispers and curious glances followed wherever he went.
His expression remained calm, unaffected by the attention, as if this entire spectacle was beneath his notice. Yet, the intensity of the gazes fixed on him hinted at a mix of curiosity, skepticism, and intrigue.
Lianchen ignored the stares and whispers, closing his eyes as he waited for the tournament to begin. He wanted this to be over quickly so he could move on with his day, but a nagging unease refused to let him fully relax.
Deep down, he was afraid, afraid of what might happen if he fought again. What if he lost control? What if the transformation overtook him once more? The memory of that excruciating pain lingered, a shadow in the back of his mind. Even now, phantom sensations crept through his body, a cruel reminder of the trauma he hadn't yet escaped.
'What a powerful life force,' a petite girl thought, her sharp eyes fixed on Lianchen. Her nose twitched subtly as she took in the faint scent of his vitality. It was intoxicating, unlike anything she had ever encountered before.
She swallowed hard, her throat tightening as her instincts stirred. Her lips parted slightly, revealing sharp, gleaming canine teeth that seemed to glow with a menacing sheen. The hunger in her gaze was unmistakable, her thoughts consumed by the allure of his extraordinary life force.
Sensing something was off, Lianchen opened his eyes and turned his gaze toward the loli. His sharp eyes narrowed as he effortlessly saw through her secrets, peeling away the layers of her hidden nature with casual ease.
Instead of being alarmed or unnerved by her predatory gaze, he looked at her with mild interest, his expression calm and unbothered.
'A physique centered around absorbing life force?' Lianchen mused, his gaze lingering on the loli for a moment longer. 'In other words, a curse disguised as a gift, she remains a loli, her growth permanently stunted the more life force she takes.'
His curiosity piqued, Lianchen shifted his attention to a few others in the crowd. It didn't take long for him to pick out others with unique physiques, each one standing out like a bright star amidst the ordinary.
There were many unique physiques among the participants. With the Zhou Empire's vast population, it wasn't surprising that hundreds of thousands of individuals in every generation were born with exceptional physiques.
But among them, one stood out above the rest, a woman from the renowned 9 Yin Lotus Sect, an all-female sect. Though her face was obscured by a delicate cloth, her figure alone hinted at unparalleled beauty, her presence radiating an icy allure.
The cold air surrounding her wasn't just demeanor, it was the manifestation of her powerful physique. It was clear she possessed a physique of extraordinary potency, one that commanded attention and respect without her needing to utter a single word.
Lianchen couldn't discern the exact name of her physique, he'd never bothered to memorize the countless physiques out there. But from his understanding, her physique granted her an unusual gift: absolute calmness.
It wasn't just a blessing; it was also a curse. She could feel emotions, but they would never dominate her or push her into irrationality. Her feelings were muted, and subdued to the point where they could never overpower her reasoning or lead her into error. She existed in a constant state of clarity, immune to the storms of passion or rage that so often clouded judgment.
'Wouldn't it be nice if I had such a physique?' Lianchen thought with narrowed eyes
Her physique wasn't just about calmness, it also granted her an unparalleled affinity for ice, water, darkness, and anything else steeped in Yin nature. It was a gift that elevated her potential to incredible heights. However, it came with a deadly drawback.
By all rights, she should have died. The overwhelming Yin energy of her physique was too extreme for any mortal body to handle. Yet, somehow, someone had saved her, likely giving her a pill that counteracted the imbalance. This stabilized her physique, allowing it to fully awaken and thrive rather than consume her.
'The person who takes her first time will gain the attributes of her physique. Note to self…' Lianchen mused, his gaze lingering on the girl. She remained unaware of his scrutiny, her focus elsewhere, her cold demeanor unbroken.
He sighed slightly, filing away the information for future consideration. It wasn't something to act on now, but knowing the potential rewards of her physique added another layer of intrigue to her presence.
By chance, she glanced over, her gaze locking with Lianchen's. For a moment, neither of them looked away, their eyes meeting in a silent exchange.
By chance, she looked over, her gaze locking with Lianchen's. For a moment, neither of them moved, their eyes meeting in an unspoken exchange that felt longer than it was.
Lianchen's expression remained calm and unreadable, but his gaze carried an intensity that made her uneasy. She looked away first, her composure faltering ever so slightly. A flicker of discomfort passed over her face as she tried to dismiss the strange feeling the child's piercing eyes had stirred within her.