20: Chapter 20 The Grand Competition Begins

Over the next few days, Ye Tian's life was extremely routine.

He went to the Ancestral Hall during the day, working while using the aura there and the chaos bead to Cultivate.

Ye Zhong still spent most of his time dozing, occasionally opening his eyes to glance at him, a trace of something imperceptible flashing in his murky eyes, yet he never said much.

At night, he would return home to Cultivate the incomplete technique with all his might, consolidating his Realm and refining his Overlapping Wave Fist.

As he grew more proficient with the guidance technique of the chaos bead, he discovered that his control over the Qi within his body was becoming increasingly precise, the force of his Overlapping Wave Fist flowed more smoothly, and its power had vaguely improved once more.

News of his battle with Lin Hao and his suspected Breakthrough continued to ferment within the Family.

Those who had previously looked down on him either turned to silent observation or remained disdainful, but the blatant mockery had diminished significantly.

When Ye Hao, Ye Ming, and others saw him, although their gazes remained venomous, they no longer dared to provoke him proactively, only coldly snorting from afar.

On this day, just as Ye Tian returned to the vicinity of his small courtyard from the Ancestral Hall, he saw his mother standing at the entrance, speaking with an unfamiliar middle-aged deacon.

The deacon's attitude could not be called enthusiastic, but it lacked the previous disdain.

"Young Master Ye Tian," the deacon said upon seeing him, "By the order of the Second Elder, as the Family Grand Competition is imminent, a portion of 'Qi-Boosting Powder' is being distributed to all participating disciples to help you regulate your Qi and prepare for battle."

As he spoke, he handed over a small paper packet.

Ye Tian was slightly taken aback as he took the paper packet.

The Qi-Boosting Powder was the most common Yellow Rank Low Grade Medicinal Pill, which had a slight auxiliary effect on those at the Early Stage of the Qi Gathering Realm, but its value was not high.

However, this was the first time the Family had proactively distributed Cultivation resources to him.

"Please thank the Second Elder on my behalf," Ye Tian said calmly.

The deacon nodded, said nothing more, and turned to leave.

Looking at the medicinal packet in Ye Tian's hand, his mother's face revealed a trace of complex relief: "Tian'er, the Family has finally..."

Ye Tian understood his mother's meaning; this small resource represented a slight shift in the Family's attitude; at the very least, they no longer completely ignored his existence.

But this was far from enough.

He put the medicinal packet away; this Qi-Boosting Powder had little effect on him now, but it could be used to regulate his mother's health.

"Mother, it's windy outside, let's go inside."

He knew that all these subtle changes stemmed from the strength and potential he had displayed.

And if he wanted to truly change his fate and let his mother live a stable life, he had to win at the Family Grand Competition!

As the days passed, only three days remained until the Family Grand Competition.

Ye Tian could feel that his condition had been adjusted to its Peak.

His Qi Gathering Stage 4 Realm was stable, his Body Refining Level 3 Physical Body contained explosive power, and his Overlapping Wave Fist was even more proficient.

That night, he finished his Cultivation, stood in the courtyard, and gazed towards the core area of the Ye Family.

In the night, those courtyards were brightly lit, and one could vaguely feel a powerful aura lurking and surging within them.

That was Ye Long's aura.

It was more condensed than before, as if he were truly only a step away from Qi Gathering Level 6.

Ye Tian slowly clenched his fists, his eyes devoid of any fear, filled only with boiling Battle Intent.

On the eve of the Family Grand Competition, Ye Tian ended a day of arduous training and returned home.

His mother served the warmed meal as usual, a trace of worry on her face.

Tomorrow was the Family Grand Competition that would determine their fate; how could she not be worried?

"Tian'er, eat more, be careful tomorrow," his mother urged softly.

"Mn, Mother, don't worry," Ye Tian nodded, taking the rice bowl.

Although he felt pressure in his heart, there was more of a sharp spirit ready to be unleashed.

Qi Gathering Stage 4, Body Refining Level 3, and a refined Overlapping Wave Fist; he had the confidence to fight Ye Long!

The food entered his mouth, no different from usual.

Ye Tian did not notice that a trace of colorless and odorless strange aura had quietly mixed into it.

Late at night, Ye Tian sat cross-legged to regulate his breathing, adjusting his condition to the best.

However, at midnight, he suddenly felt an extremely obscure sensation of stagnation in his Dantian, and his blood and Qi seemed to circulate a fraction slower than usual.

"Hmm?" He frowned slightly, sensing carefully, but the feeling had already vanished.

"Is it tension before the battle?" He did not think deeply, assuming it was just his own restlessness, and refocused his mind and calmed his spirit.

The next day, the Ye Family's Martial Arts Arena was bustling with noise, with banners fluttering.

The annual Family Grand Competition was one of the most important events for the Ye Family; it not only concerned the resource allocation of the younger generation but also symbolized the future of the Family.

On the high platform, Clan Chief Ye Qingtian sat in the center, his face dignified.

On both sides were several Family Elders, including the Second Elder, each with a profound aura.

Below the platform, the Ye Family disciples gathered, heads moving in a crowd, the atmosphere intense and nervous.

The Family Grand Competition adopted a lottery elimination system.

Although there were some highlights in the first few rounds of the competition, most were within everyone's expectations.

Disciples with decent strength, such as Ye Ming and Ye Hao, advanced one after another, drawing bursts of cheers.

Ye Hao, relying on some decent swordsmanship, defeated an opponent at Qi Gathering Level 3, winning quite a bit of attention; when he stepped off the stage, he cast a provocative glance at Ye Tian in the waiting area, a trace of an imperceptible sinister smile on his lips.

Ye Tian closed his eyes to rest, turning a deaf ear to the surrounding clamor.

His matches were in the later stages, and his opponents were not strong; they were quickly defeated by his concise and effective Moves, without causing much of a stir.

However, that composure made some observant people nod secretly.

Finally, the moment everyone was waiting for arrived.

"Next match, Ye Tian, versus, Ye Long!"

The referee announced loudly, and the entire Martial Arts Arena instantly boiled over!

Everyone's gaze focused on the two people slowly walking onto the ring.

Ye Long wore luxurious clothes, his posture upright, his eyes arrogant, and the Fifth Stage Peak of Qi Gathering aura was unreservedly emitted, carrying a powerful sense of oppression.

His gaze towards Ye Tian was full of disdain, as if he were looking at an ant that could be crushed at will.

Ye Tian was still wearing old clothes, his expression calm, his gaze steady.

His aura was restrained, but the composed temperament honed through life and death could not be ignored.

"I've finally waited for you, trash," Ye Long's lips curled into a cold arc, "Today, I will let you know that an ant is an ant after all!"

Ye Tian did not speak, only slowly setting up the starting stance of the Overlapping Wave Fist.

Actions speak louder than words.

"Begin!"

As soon as the referee's voice fell, Ye Long moved!

He took the initiative to attack!

As soon as he struck, it was the Stone-Splitting Palm, one of the Ye Family's ultimate skills; the palm wind whistled, fierce and unmatched, striking directly at Ye Tian's face!

He wanted to use absolute power to instantly crush his opponent!

Exclamations rang out from below the stage!

Ye Long used a killing Move as soon as he came up, clearly not wanting to give Ye Tian any chance!

However, Ye Tian advanced instead of retreating!

The Body Refining Level 3 Physical Body power exploded, his footwork slipped strangely, narrowly avoiding the strongest part of the palm wind, while his right fist struck out like a venomous snake leaving its hole; the first layer of force of the Overlapping Wave Fist was fiercely launched, striking directly at the opening under Ye Long's ribs!

Bang!

Fist and palm collided, Qi energy overflowing!

Ye Long's figure swayed, actually being shaken back half a step!

And Ye Tian's body only trembled slightly before stabilizing his figure!

"What?!"

"Ye Tian actually blocked it?"

"And forced Ye Long back half a step?!"

The crowd below was in an uproar!

The Elders on the high platform also revealed expressions of surprise.

A flash of light appeared in the Second Elder's eyes, and he nodded slightly.

A trace of shock and anger flashed across Ye Long's face; he did not expect Ye Tian's strength and grasp of timing to be so precise!

"A bit interesting! But it's not enough!"

He let out a low roar, the Qi flow in his body surged wildly, his palm technique changed again, attacking Ye Tian even more fiercely and ruthlessly!

Ye Tian's eyes were sharp, bringing the Overlapping Wave Fist and Body Refining power to the extreme.

He did not clash with Ye Long's strength head-on, but instead relied on superior reaction speed and Physical Body resilience, constantly maneuvering and looking for flaws, every punch he threw was tricky and ruthless, forcing Ye Long to defend.

For a time, figures crossed on the ring, and the sound of fists and palms colliding was endless.

Ye Tian was actually fighting Ye Long to a stalemate, not losing the upper hand at all!

"This... when did this Ye Tian become so strong?"

"His fist technique is so strange, the force seems to get stronger with every punch!"

"Could he really win?"

There was much discussion below the stage, and many who had originally favored Ye Long began to waver.

Ye Hao in the crowd had a face that became extremely ugly, his hands tightly clenched.

On the high platform, Clan Chief Ye Qingtian had a deep gaze and said slowly: "This child has progressed rapidly; could this fist technique be..."

Several Elders also looked at each other, their eyes filled with uncertainty.

Ye Long could not win after attacking for a long time, becoming increasingly irritable.

He was a Ye Family Genius; how could he be forced to such a state by a former trash?

Amidst an angry roar, he no longer held back, his Fifth Stage Peak of Qi Gathering Cultivation erupted completely, and he unleashed his ultimate Martial Skill, Gale Sword Finger!

His fingers joined like a sword, the Sword Qi tearing through the air, stabbing directly at Ye Tian's throat!

This was a Martial Skill comparable to a Yellow Rank High Grade!