[Oho, quite the romantic one you are, huh? Good, you should spend more time with them since your family has already given the green signal.]
"My family was never a problem; I knew they would agree as my choices are not that bad." He shrugged and went to sit beneath the cherry tree on the meditation mat.
"Now, all there is left is to wait for the competition." He rubbed his chin, thinking about something. "Hmm... might as well visit Ling Mei and the others in this time as well."
He closed his eyes to meditate as the cherry blossoms fell peacefully around him, their gentle descent adding to the serene atmosphere.
The days passed swiftly, and soon the day of the tournament arrived. The Radiant Lotus Sacred Sect was abuzz with activity as disciples gathered from all corners of the sect, their voices filling the air with excitement and anticipation.
Back at Shen Yuan's mansion, he slowly opened his eyes. "It's finally here, huh."
He rose from his mat while stretching his body. "Umm~ It will be a fun day," he mused aloud.
[So much will happen today, especially since the entire competition will end in a single day,] Yue Lan chimed in.
"Of course, it will be chaotic; one of the biggest clans in the surrounding region is about to get dragged through the mud due to me," he smirked and said confidently.
[So you plan to demolish the competition alone?] she inquired.
Shen Yuan shook his head softly. "No fun in that. I will let the disciples of the sect handle them, and if everything goes according to plan, then there will be no need for me to fight," he explained.
[But?] Yue Lan prompted.
"But if they ask for reinforcements, then that leaves me with no choice but to crush their spirits right there." He revealed a cruel smile, his eyes flashing momentarily.
[Shen Yuan?] she questioned, a hint of concern in her voice.
He paused as his mind swirled with thoughts. 'Did that dream affect me more than I initially thought?' he pondered silently.
"Ah, nothing, but this doesn't change what I said; I need to teach them a good lesson. I will just consider this as a favor for the sect. I'm not sure whether they will ask for reinforcements or not, and neither is the sect master sure; that's why she asked me for this," Shen Yuan said before walking towards the exit.
Zhao Lian's expression turned serious. "Our first Inner Sect disciple is currently battling Mu Chen of the Ironwood Mountain Clan," she informed him.
Shen Yuan raised an eyebrow. "Mu Chen, huh? So they brought out their top disciple in the eighth round? Looks like what I feared will happen," he commented thoughtfully.
Chen Yue crossed her arms, a hint of concern in her voice. "Only Elder Yun Lan is present from our side. The rest of the elders didn't come. But the Ironwood Mountain Clan brought quite a few elders and even some of their stronger core elders," she said, her tone laced with apprehension.
Shen Yuan's gaze turned playful. "Seems they're trying to intimidate us poor disciples," he joked lightly.
'Whatever will happen if I invite my family over?' he inwardly thought in amusement, a sly smile playing on his lips.
Wan Ling sighed softly. "It appears that way. But Senior Sister is holding her own so far well enough against him," she added, her eyes filled with hope.
"Well then, what are you guys doing outside? Let's head inside to see how it is going for them," Shen Yuan suggested.
They all agreed and made their way into the arena.
The atmosphere inside was bubbling with excitement, with spectators watching the ongoing battle intently, their cheers and gasps filling the air.
On the arena in the center, Mu Chen stood facing off against the first Inner Sect disciple, Liu Fei.
Mu Chen exuded a formidable aura, his muscles taut and eyes sharp like a predator's gaze fixed on its prey.
He wielded a massive ironwood spear that gleamed ominously as if it came from hell itself. Liu Fei, on the other hand, held her ground with grace, her dual swords emitting a soft, radiant glow that contrasted sharply with Mu Chen's dark presence.
Shen Yuan took the four of them to the special area prepared for the disciples who would be participating; there they found seats to sit down, yet their eyes remained fixed on the fierce battle unfolding before them.
Liu Fei launched herself forward, her swords dancing gracefully as she unleashed a flurry of attacks towards Mu Chen. Each strike was precise, filled with Light Intent aiming for his vital points, her movements fluid and determined.
Mu Chen deflected her blows, his spear moving like a whirlwind, effortlessly parrying her attacks.
"She's struggling," Chen Yue whispered, worry evident in her tone.