Tournament

Ruan Yanxi started to space off often. Sometimes he would stop eating and just stared blankly at his food. Other times he would halt his steps and stand in place like a statue. The memories came and left fast. It took a while for him to process them. Sometimes he would feel a sense of sadness and betrayal. Once, it got so bad that he didn't want to leave his bed. White had to cause a ruckus before Ruan Yanxi could muster the strength to stop him. He would also feel an uncontrollable rage that only dissipated after a brutal round of fights with White. It was mostly him attacking ruthlessly and White blocking or evading all of his strikes.

"You said you suppressed the memories," Ruan Yanxi said as he laid on the ground, panting. They were in a secluded spot in the forest. They couldn't hog the training ground forever so White found this place. There was a barrier array that kept them isolated from outside disturbances.

"It should get better after a week." White joined him on the ground. He yawned and stretched. He folded his arms behind his head and went to sleep.

Ruan Yanxi glanced at White who was as carefree as the wind. After breaking the seal, Ruan Yanxi had become more reclusive. Even Nea and Xiao Kanque kept their distance. Only White who still stuck close to him like a very annoying cat. At times he couldn't differentiate if he was angry because of his memories or if White was just being more of a brat than usual. Still, he couldn't deny that when he was almost got lost in his mind, White's voice and touch never failed to bring him back.

Ruan Yanxi regulated his breaths and relaxing his body. From what he gathered, their guess was right. He should be related to the royal family. He had a brother and a mother. He didn't seem to have a good feeling toward the crown prince. And his mother was most likely… dead. Someone he had trusted betrayed him and thrown him into jail.

He wanted to leave the Qing Yang sect and marched into the royal palace and shook the whole place until he found his answer. But that would be extremely idiotic. He hadn't completely remembered everything and jumping back into that tiger's den would only end badly. Not to mention he would break the number one rule in the cultivation world. The Council would immediately dispatch a team to drag him back.

Ruan Yanxi glanced at White. His best bet was still this unreliable guy. His character was questionable but at least he could fight. It was undeniable that Seir had a role in his amnesia. So he had no goodwill towards Seir. If White wanted to kill Seir then Ruan Yanxi would not stop him. In the end, the only thing he could do was to recover and get stronger. He had a feeling that things would be chaotic.

They passed their days training and soon the first day of the tournament came near. Those who participated in the tournament were given one week of self-study. Almost everyone used that precious week to prepare themselves. Only White kept being lazy. He spent the week either bothering Ruan Yanxi or sleeping on a branch of a tree. The Qing Yang sect disciples seemed to already adjust themselves to this one guest disciple's quirkiness. They merely glanced or shook their heads.

A few days before the tournament began, the disciples from other sects arrived. Besides Qing Yang sect there were 7 other sects that participated. In particular, the Qian Jian sect could enter 30 disciples compared to other sects who only get 20. This was because they had a close tie with the Qing Yang sect. Unlike Qing Yang sect who taught other paths besides the martial path. The Qian Jian sect mainly focused on sword cultivation.

When the day of the tournament arrived, they gathered in the Lizhi stadium. It was a massive stadium made out of white stone. There were enough seats for everyone to watch the tournament. The excitement and anticipation seemed to seep into the air. Some disciples made bets over who would win. Others even tried to sell snacks and drinks.

A figure flew over the stadium and landed gracefully in the middle of the arena. The stadium quieted. Han Bingde wore his usual attire. Unlike some elders who wore luxurious garments to show their prestige, Han Bingde didn't bother. Yet despite his humble look, there was a pressure that warned people not to underestimate him.

Han Bingde lightly coughed and said, "Welcome, today we shall begin the tournament to enter the Xuehua secret realm. I shall not bore you with useless words, for our first trial the participants will enter the illusionary world." Han Bingde raised his hand and a massive crystal shaped into a mirror appeared beside him. It glittered majestically. Countless colors swimming within it, beckoning those with weak willpower to come in. Some poor disciples had to be restrained before they jumped off their seats and walked into the arena.

"Those who can't even handle this coercion should not continue to participate," Han Bingde said as he observed the situation. "It is a type of wisdom to know your limit. Those who still dare to participate can enter the arena."

Although there were around 300 people, the arena was massive enough to fit them. White, Ruan Yanxi, Nea, and Xiao Kanque stood near each other. Xiao Kanque messed with the sleeves of his robe to calm his anxiety. Nea stared hard at her father with crossed arms. Ruan Yanxi examined the spiritual tool. White had his eyes closed as if he was about to fall asleep.

Han Bingde had stepped back and stood on top of a raised podium where all of the elders sat. "The path of cultivation is not merely about strength. Strength without wisdom is nothing. And to gain wisdom one must understand oneself. For how can one understand the world if they cannot even understand their own mind?" With that, the mirror began to shine and the arena was filled with bright light.