Chapter 25: sect competition
The grand hall of the Thunder Dragon Family was alive with energy, a palpable anticipation filling the air as the sect's elders gathered for a momentous occasion. The hall itself was a testament to the power and influence of the family—a vast chamber with high vaulted ceilings supported by intricately carved pillars. Each pillar was adorned with sculptures of dragons, their sinuous forms winding around the stone as though ready to spring to life. Flickering torches cast long, dancing shadows on the walls, where ancient tapestries depicted battles of legend and the ancestors of the sect in their full glory. Everything in the hall exuded an aura of grandeur and authority.
At the head of the long, ornately crafted table stood Sect Master Han Jisoo, his presence commanding the room. Dressed in deep crimson robes embroidered with silver threads that seemed to shimmer in the dim light, his figure emanated a quiet, resolute power. His long, jet-black hair was pulled back in a single braid, accentuating the sharp lines of his face and the intensity of his gaze. There was a silence that had fallen over the room, a silence born not from fear, but from the weight of expectation. The elders, each a seasoned warrior or master in their own right, waited for him to speak, knowing that whatever words came from Han Jisoo's mouth would determine the future of their sect.
"Esteemed elders," Han Jisoo began, his voice resonating with authority, cutting through the tension that had settled over the room. He paused for a moment, letting his words sink in, as his sharp gaze moved from one elder to another. Each one met his eyes with equal solemnity. "Today marks a turning point in the history of our Red Thunder Dragon Family. We are at a crossroads, a pivotal moment that will define our future. The time has come for us to participate in the Sect Ranking Competition."
The elders stirred, their murmurs barely audible yet filled with the gravity of the statement. For decades, the Red Thunder Dragon Family had built a reputation as a powerful yet reclusive sect. They were known for their formidable martial skills and secret techniques, but they had always chosen to remain on the fringes of the larger conflicts between the other sects, content to guard their strength in the shadows. The Sect Ranking Competition was a different matter entirely—it was an event that drew the eyes of the entire continent.
The competition, held once every five years, was not just a display of strength—it was a spectacle that showcased the martial prowess, strategy, and leadership of the most powerful sects across the land. For the Red Thunder Dragon Family to finally enter this arena would be to declare themselves as contenders on the largest stage of all, putting their reputation and strength to the ultimate test. The stakes were immense. Victory in the competition meant not only prestige and respect, but resources, influence, and territory. The power balance of the continent itself would shift based on the outcome.
"This will be our first time entering the competition," Han Jisoo continued, his voice calm but carrying an undercurrent of anticipation. "I predict that,we will secure the fourth position. While this may seem like a respectable achievement, it does not reflect the true power and potential of our sect."
The elders exchanged glances, some surprised by his directness. Fourth place was not insignificant—many sects would be more than satisfied with such a standing—but they all knew that the Red Thunder Dragon Family aimed higher. Their potential was far greater than what had been revealed to the outside world. They had hidden their true strength for years, cultivating an elite group of disciples and elders whose skills surpassed that of most other sects. The family had always believed in patience, in waiting for the right moment to strike. But now, it seemed, that moment had arrived.
"It is time," Han Jisoo declared, his voice firm, "for the world to see our strength."
His words lingered in the air, charged with a sense of inevitability. The room, which had moments earlier been filled with the soft murmur of whispers, now fell into complete silence. The elders were all seasoned veterans, having lived through countless battles, yet this moment felt different. There was something monumental about it. For the first time, the Red Thunder Dragon Family would step out of the shadows and into the spotlight. Han Jisoo's sharp eyes scanned the room, his expression unreadable.
"To ensure our success," he said, "I have devised a plan. We will send only our two Doulou-level elders as representatives in the competition."
At this, the room erupted into murmurs once again, the elder's voices now filled with both awe and concern. The Doulou-level elders were the highest-ranking members of the sect, individuals whose strength had been honed to perfection over decades, if not centuries. Their powers were legendary, their skills far surpassing those of ordinary martial artists. It was a bold decision, one that sent a clear message to the other sects: the Red Thunder Dragon Family would not hold back. They were prepared to reveal the might of their strongest warriors, challenging any sect that dared to stand in their way.
"By sending only our Doulou-level elders," Han Jisoo continued, "we will show the world that we are not to be trifled with. Our enemies will see our strength and understand the futility of opposing us."
The elders nodded in agreement. It was a calculated move, one that would intimidate the competition and give them a psychological advantage before the first strike was even made. The Red Thunder Dragon Family was not a sect to be taken lightly, and now the world would know.
"The venue for the Sect Ranking Competition," Han Jisoo went on, "will be the neutral border between the Star Luo Empire and the Heaven Dou Empire. This location has been chosen to ensure a fair and impartial contest."
The elders nodded, acknowledging the wisdom in the choice of location. The border between the Star Luo Empire and the Heaven Dou Empire was a sacred ground, a place where treaties were signed and disputes were resolved without bloodshed. It was the ideal setting for such a prestigious competition, a place where even the greatest powers on the continent would be forced to adhere to the rules of honor and fairness.
"The competition itself," Han Jisoo explained, his voice growing more intense, "will consist of a series of challenges. These challenges will test only the participants' martial prowess the strongest fighter. Victory will go to the sect that can beat all ."
There was a pause as the significance of his words sank in. It would be enough for the two Doulou-level elders to rely on their strength alone. .
"The sect that emerges victorious," Han Jisoo continued, "will be crowned as the strongest on the continent and awarded resources beyond anything we have ever dreamed of."
As he finished speaking, the hall erupted in applause. The tension that had gripped the room just moments earlier was now replaced with a renewed sense of purpose. The elders, once somber and reflective, were now brimming with determination. They had spent their lives preparing for this moment, and they would not let it slip away.
"The competition will take place in two months," Han Jisoo added, his voice cutting through the applause. "This gives us time—time to prepare, time to train, and time to perfect our strategy. We will use every moment wisely."I would request all elders to increase their level as much you can will also distribute resources for body tempering and soul power increase as after the competition their can be unexpected events.
Two months might seem like a long time, but for those preparing for the greatest challenge of their lives, it was barely enough. The Doulou-level elders would need to train day and night, pushing their bodies and minds to the very limit. Every detail of their strategy would need to be meticulously planned, every possible scenario anticipated.
As the meeting drew to a close, Han Jisoo's gaze softened just slightly. He looked out at the assembled elders, his expression filled with a quiet confidence. "I have full confidence in your abilities," he said, his voice filled with resolve. "You are the pillars of our sect. Represent us with honor, and bring glory to the Red Thunder Dragon Family."
The elders responded with solemn nods, their expressions hardening in resolve. They knew the path ahead would not be easy. By revealing even a fraction of the sect's strength, they would attract attention—attention from rivals, from enemies, and from those who sought to undermine them. The Red Thunder Dragon Family had lived in relative peace for years, hidden from the prying eyes of the other sects. But now, their time of seclusion was over.
"We must be prepared," Han Jisoo continued, "for the challenges that will come, not just from the competition, but from outside forces. As our power is revealed, so too will we attract attention from those who would seek to destroy us. But we will be ready."
His words were met with nods of agreement. The elders knew well the dangers that came with power. There would be plots, betrayals, and intrigue. Dark forces would move in the shadows, watching their every step. But they were prepared. The Red Thunder Dragon Family had faced threats before, and they would face them again.
"Though we have more than ten Title Doulou," Han Jisoo continued, "we do not possess a Level 99 Title Doulou, the highest level of power in the current era. Even if we had one, it would not match the strength of those who can borrow power from their worshiped gods, elevating their might even further. This is why we are setting up multiple defensive formations around the sect, preventing any spying or infiltration attempts. Anyone who dares to enter will be closely monitored by our disciples and elders."
The defensive formations were a necessary precaution. The Red Thunder Dragon Family had many secrets, and they could not afford to have them revealed to the outside world. The disciples would be vigilant, watching for any signs of intruders, and the elders would be ready to defend the sect at a moment's notice.
In the two months that followed, the Red Thunder Dragon Family was a whirlwind of activity. The Doulou-level elders trained relentlessly, pushing themselves harder than they ever had before. Every day, they practiced their techniques, refining their skills and perfecting their battle strategies. The atmosphere within the sect was one of fierce focus and unyielding determination. Each member of the family knew what was at stake, and none were willing to let this opportunity slip through their fingers.
In addition to their rigorous training, the sect's security was tightened. The defensive formations were activated, creating a nearly impenetrable barrier around the family estate. The elders oversaw the construction of additional barriers, ensuring that no outsider could spy on their preparations or infiltrate their ranks.
The Blue Tyrant Academy than is now Red Thunder Dragon academy, an institution founded by the family, was also placed under heavy protection. Han Jisoo sent several Title Doulou to guard the academy's branches, ensuring that no harm would come to the students or teachers. The rest of the sect's forces were called back to the main family compound, where they would be ready to defend the family in case of attack.
As the day of the Sect Ranking Competition drew closer, the tension within the Red Thunder Dragon Family grew. Every day, the elders could feel the weight of expectation pressing down on them. They knew that the eyes of the world were upon them, and they could not afford to fail. But despite the pressure, they remained resolute. They had trained for this moment their entire lives, and they were ready.
Finally, after weeks of intense preparation, the day of the Sect Ranking Competition arrived. The atmosphere within the family was electric, the air charged with anticipation. The elders, dressed in their finest robes, gathered in the grand hall once more. Each one was a living legend, their names spoken in hushed tones throughout the continent. They were ready to show the world what the Red Thunder Dragon Family was capable of.
As they prepared to leave for the competition, Han Jisoo stood before them one last time. His expression was calm, his eyes filled with quiet determination.
"This is our moment," he said. "Go forth and bring glory to the Red Thunder Dragon Family."
With that, the elders departed, their hearts filled with the fire of determination. The Sect Ranking Competition awaited, and the Red Thunder Dragon Family would not be found wanting.