Chapter 15: Preparing for the TournamentThe Azure Kingdom Royal Academy was alive with frenzied energy.

    Disciples trained harder than ever, refining their techniques in preparation for the upcoming tournament.

    For many, this was their one chance to rise in status.

    For others, it was a battlefield where they could crush their enemies.

    And for Xiao Li…

    "It’s just another opportunity."

    The Academy Elders gathered in the Grand Hall, standing before hundreds of disciples.

    One elder, dressed in deep blue robes, raised his hand for silence.

    "The Azure Kingdom Royal Academy Tournament will have three stages."

    A massive golden scroll floated in the air, displaying the rules.

    ???? First Round – Survival Battle

    "All participants will be thrown into the Misty Cloud Battlefield, a spirit realm where you must fight for survival."

    "Only the top 100 participants will advance."

    ???? Second Round – Arena Duels

    "The remaining 100 disciples will face off in direct combat. Winners will advance, losers will be eliminated."

    ???? Final Round – King’s Challenge

    "Only 10 participants will make it to the final round, where they will battle before the Academy’s Elders and the Royal Family."

    A murmur spread through the crowd.

    "This is different from previous tournaments!"

    "A survival battle in the first round? That’s brutal!"

    Xiao Li simply smirked.

    "Looks like things just got interesting."

    That night, Xiao Li returned to his courtyard and sat cross-legged, activating his cultivation.

    [1000x Cultivation Speed Activated]

    [Qi Refining Stage 7 → Qi Refining Stage 8]

    A wave of powerful energy surged through his body, reinforcing his foundation.

    Then—he opened his palm.

    A golden flame flickered into existence, dancing between his fingers.

    "It’s time to refine my techniques."

    He stood up and threw a punch—

    BOOM!

    A massive shockwave split the ground, carving a crater into the stone.

    His physical strength alone was enough to obliterate Qi Refining cultivators.

    "Still not enough."

    He moved into a new stance, focusing his Qi into his fingertips.

    "Heaven-Sealing Palm—Second Form."

    A golden palm imprint formed in the air, growing larger and denser with each passing second.

    Xiao Li’s eyes sharpened as he launched it forward.

    BOOOOOM!

    The impact shattered a nearby boulder into dust.

    "Better. But still not perfect."

    He clenched his fists.

    "I need to push beyond my limits before the tournament begins."

    "I need to become… unstoppable."

    Unbeknownst to Xiao Li, someone was watching him.

    A shadowy figure stood on a distant rooftop, his gaze locked onto Xiao Li’s movements.

    His long gray hair swayed in the night breeze, and his eyes gleamed with interest.

    "This boy… he’s different."

    "Perhaps… he is the one I have been waiting for."

    The elder’s lips curled into a mysterious smile before he vanished into the night. Sёarch* The n?vel_Fire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Xiao Li had no idea that a powerful figure within the Academy had taken notice of him.

    And soon…

    That would change everything.