That morning, the world of Murim awoke to a thick sense of anticipation. Towering mountains were draped in morning mist, gradually fading as sunlight poured into the surrounding valleys. The main roads near the Tianyin World arena were already filling with martial artists, sect disciples, and visitors from across the world. Excitement buzzed in the air as large tents stood tall and proud, ready to host the battles to come.
Banners bearing the symbols of the great sects waved boldly throughout the arena. The Tianyin Sect, with all its grandeur, had prepared everything meticulously. Yet, behind the flawless preparations, a quiet tension stirred within every participant's heart. No one truly knew what awaited them. Each step toward the battle arena carried the weight of pride and honor for their respective sects.
In one corner of the arena, a group of disciples from the Ten Thousand Sword Sect gathered, ready for battle. Chen Tiamo, the young leader of the sect, brimmed with enthusiasm. Every now and then, he patted the shoulder of his friend Da Zhong with a booming laugh.
"Da Zhong, I'm sure our disciples will show incredible strength this season!" Chen Tiamo exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with confidence.
Da Zhong, a burly man with a muscular build, merely sighed. "Hmph, this season you should be the one showing strength. I'm tired of always winning." He chuckled, though his gaze remained sharp and serious toward the arena.
"It's not about winning or losing anymore, Da Zhong," Chen Tiamo said, watching his disciples warm up. "It's about proving to the world just how powerful the Ten Thousand Sword Sect truly is."
On the other side, the Water Star Sect disciples were equally spirited. Namjo Kim, Qin Xian, and Peng Yi were doing light training near the edge of the arena, dressed in their signature ocean-blue uniforms. Namjo Kim, a large man with a wide grin, cast a casual yet confident glance at Da Zhong and Chen Tiamo.
"Ten Thousand Sword Sect? We're ready to give them a little surprise," Namjo said with a deep, assured voice.
Qin Xian, slender and soft-spoken, added, "Don't underestimate us just because our sect is younger."
Peng Yi, the quietest of the three, merely nodded while observing the unfolding scene.
Moments later, a large gong sounded—signaling the beginning of the first battle of the Tianyin World tournament. All eyes turned toward the arena. Chen Tiamo eagerly led the Ten Thousand Sword Sect disciples to their positions, while Da Zhong, towering and solid, looked impatient to begin.
"Du Zuan! Xia Tian! Murong Nam!" Chen Tiamo commanded.
Three young disciples from the Ten Thousand Sword Sect stepped forward, clad in radiant silver robes emblazoned with their sect's emblem. Du Zuan, a tall, lean man with sharp eyes, nodded confidently. Xia Tian, wearing a stern expression, checked his weapon, while Murong Nam, a woman with long, gleaming black hair, smiled brightly with energy.
Meanwhile, Namjo Kim called out his own team from the Water Star Sect. "Qin Xian, Peng Yi!" Qin Xian calmly stepped forward, while Peng Yi hesitated slightly before following to the center of the arena.
The first match was about to begin.
---
Match 1: Du Zuan vs Qin Xian
Du Zuan strode forward with confidence, immediately unleashing his lethal sword technique—Jade Phantom Slash. Qin Xian dodged swiftly, his body flowing like water, using a gentle yet deadly water-based style. Du Zuan frowned. "You're pretty agile," he muttered.
Qin Xian offered a faint smile. "Water never strikes directly, Du Zuan. You'll understand soon."
Their battle lasted for minutes, blades and movements blending at dizzying speeds. At one point, Du Zuan seemed to corner Qin Xian. But with his Ripple Force technique, Qin Xian redirected the blow using the force of water, throwing Du Zuan off balance. In a graceful yet surprising finish, Qin Xian claimed victory.
---
Match 2: Xia Tian vs Peng Yi
Xia Tian, relying on brute force, rained down a barrage of heavy strikes at Peng Yi. But Peng Yi, an expert in water-based defense, moved calmly, conjuring water barriers to block every hit.
"Too slow," Peng Yi said coolly.
Frustrated, Xia Tian launched even fiercer attacks, but each was neutralized. With a swift maneuver, Peng Yi flipped the tide using Water Tidal Crush, shattering Xia Tian's defenses and securing the win.
---
Match 3: Murong Nam vs Namjo Kim
The most intense match of the day. Murong Nam danced gracefully with her long sword, attacking with elegance and speed. Namjo Kim, smiling broadly, fought barehanded with raw strength. Though seemingly slow, he parried each strike with astonishing power.
"Come on, Murong Nam! Don't hold back!" Chen Tiamo shouted from the sidelines.
"Relax, Master! I'm waiting for the right moment!" Murong Nam snapped back, annoyed.
Namjo Kim laughed heartily, "You better be faster, Murong! Or I'll crush all your hopes!"
After a series of exchanges, Murong Nam found an opening and landed a critical blow, causing Namjo to stagger. But in a sudden burst of strength, Namjo turned the tables and delivered a finishing move, winning the fight.
On the sidelines, Da Zhong burst into laughter. "Haha! I told you, this season is our season!"
Chen Tiamo groaned, "Oh come on, Da Zhong! Don't let us lose so easily!"
They both laughed loudly, as other martial artists prepared for the next round.
---