32 Liu Jun

"He emerged victorious, just as you predicted," Li Wei stated, an undercurrent of bewilderment lacing his voice. He was still grappling with the realization of Yi Tian's foresight.

Yi Tian offered a modest nod in response. He had accurately foreseen the outcome, thanks to his understanding of the combat techniques employed by both fighters. The crucial determinant, he knew, had been Tang Mu's adaptable strategy which exploited the weakness of his opponent's weapon. If two unarmed martial artists had been pitted against each other, then physical strength would have been the decisive factor. This competition appeared to be a test of martial dedication more than anything else, as none of the young competitors seemed to have unlocked their Blood Qi.

The subsequent duel was announced, the resounding gong once again capturing the attention of both Yi Tian and Li Wei as they refocused their gaze onto the stage.

...

Elsewhere on the second floor, Yi Hua and Liu Yue sat close to the edge of the balcony, providing an excellent view of the stage below. Yi Hua's mood had brightened noticeably, the melancholy that had previously overshadowed her seeming to have dissipated.

As the showdown between Tang Mu and Yan Bo drew to a close, their attention was seized by the announcement of the upcoming match.

"Numbers 10 and 11, please step forth onto the stage."

A youthful figure, noticeably younger than the previous competitors and clutching a pair of butterfly swords, began his ascent towards the stage. His gaze met that of his opponent, a young woman brandishing a short sword.

"My brother is up next!" Liu Yue exclaimed, rising from her seat in excitement and clutching the finely carved guard rail.

Yi Hua, joining her at the rail, added her voice to Liu Yue's cheer. "Let's root for him together."

With a joint cry of "Good luck, Jun'er!" the pair cheered enthusiastically for the young boy. Their show of support seemed to be contagious, eliciting cheers from those nearby.

On hearing their cheers, Liu Jun turned towards them, his face youthful with a touch of femininity that belied his gender. He waved back at them, his smile brimming with determination before he refocused on the upcoming duel.

...

Ascending the stage steps, Liu Jun could feel the unflinching scrutiny of his opponent, Wan Lijuan. Stern, composed, and garbed in a martial hanfu that flowed past her ankles, Wan Lijuan presented an intimidating image. Meeting her gaze with an acknowledging nod, Liu Jun steeled himself for the impending duel.

They faced each other in the ring. Liu Jun extended his hand in a formal salute, "I am Liu Jun. May we engage in a fair fight." He clasped his hands in a sign of respect.

"Wan Lijuan," she replied, returning his gesture.

With the introductions concluded, the announcer's voice cut through the silence, "Begin!" The gong echoed throughout the arena, accompanied by the rise of tranquil music.

Wan Lijuan unsheathed her short sword, its azure blade gleaming under the stage lights. A murmur of surprise rippled through the crowd. Yet, a few informed spectators recognized the distinct hue.

"Isn't that blue sand iron?" a young man in the audience queried his companion, his eyes fixated on the unfolding match.

His companion nodded, "Indeed, I saw one at Seven River Antiquities. It went for a staggering 32k gold taels." The astronomical price drew a gasp from the young man. The value of blue sand iron stemmed from its rarity, typically found in the proximity of diamonds. Its light weight coupled with the remarkable strength that could withstand high-level blood qi martial arts made it a symbol of grand wealth and a serious investment in martial arts training.

With a flourish, Wan Lijuan expertly twirled her blade and commenced her advance. A lump formed in Liu Jun's throat; this was his maiden festival duel, and his opponent was no less than Wan Lijuan.

Pushing down his anxiety, Liu Jun cautiously closed the gap between them. Once within striking distance, he lunged, aiming his right sword at Wan Lijuan's shoulder. An effortless parry thwarted his attack, but Liu Jun was prepared. This was a feint to divert attention from his left sword that jabbed forward.

However, Wan Lijuan was a step ahead. Swiftly twirling to her right, her short sword extended, she left a stinging cut across Liu Jun's cheek. Taken aback, Liu Jun hastily retreated.

Undeterred, Wan Lijuan continued her rotation, her short sword descending towards him. Liu Jun managed to cross his blades overhead to block her attack, but a swift kick to his stomach sent him sprawling on the ground.

Scrambling to his feet, Liu Jun found Wan Lijuan's sword pointed at his throat. "I concede!" he declared, his voice shaky but resolute.

...

"Nonsense!" Liu Yue seethed from her spot on the second floor, angered by her younger brother's defeat. She irrationally believed that Wan Lijuan should have been gentler since it was his first festival competition, failing to consider that his opponent had no reason to know this.

"Yue, don't worry. This was a vital lesson for your brother," Yi Hua offered a more rational perspective, "In the martial world, lack of skill can swiftly lead to defeat."

With a sigh of resignation, Liu Yue nodded, "I suppose you're right." Her concern for her younger sibling, however, lingered undiminished.