tinued...

Chapter 4: Stepping into Martial Cultivation (Part 3)

“Enough chit-chat, everyone take your seats.”

The arena, neither too big nor too small, was now empty, but below it sat a group of lively children. They were playing, shouting, and causing quite a commotion.

Long Ba slammed the table forcefully.

“Everyone, sit back in your places.”

The children, frightened by Long Ba’s imposing presence, quickly returned to their seats.

“Today, I'm here to preside over your justice. If any of you don’t comply, I won’t be lenient. You’ll all go home, shovel manure, and train hard. Understand the rules and come back in three years to compete properly.”

One brave child pointed at Long Ba and said, “Who do you think you are to chastise us?”

This daring child was the third disciple of the Asura Sect, continuing, “Even our sect master doesn’t speak like that.”

“Such courage,” remarked, not even finished, as Xiu Wushang flew off the stage, grabbed the child by the neck like a lamb, and gave him two hard slaps.

“How dare you speak like that? Don’t you know to respect your elders? Do I need to teach you?”

The child, slapped twice, was then told, “Go shovel manure for three months.”

In the sect, he was a little lord, backed by his grandfather, the Asura Sect’s punishment elder, and his father, an academy elder. Plus, both of his brothers were prominent young talents.

Today, however, just one sentence earned him two slaps from the sect master and the chore of shoveling manure. It was a bitter pill for him to swallow.

The disciples on stage then looked carefully at the seven in the seat of honor. Long Ba sat in the center, flanked on the left by Xiu Wushang, Hui Duanchang, Si Xingtian, and on the right by Ye Tianxiang, Huan Tianyu, and Feather Dust.

“Hmph, everyone knows what happens if you don’t follow the rules now, right? I’ll emphasize again, on stage, just touch briefly. Clinging, rolling around, or biting means you're still children, not warriors. Understood?”

“Understood.”

“Good. Now draw lots. Each sect must send out who they believe are their two strongest representatives.”

The Asura Sect sent out Xiu Xinxu and Xiu Xinhu, two brothers. Xiu Xinxu was at the fourth level, and Xiu Xinhu was just entering the first level, one aged eleven, the other nine. The Ru Hui Sect chose Hui Yisheng and Hui Qingren, both at the second level, eleven and ten respectively. The Executioner Sect sent out Si Yunsan and Si Wufei, with Si Yunsan at the fourth level and Si Wufei at the third, both aged nine.

This scene surprised the children below the stage. The Junior disciples of the Executioner Sect had such accomplishments, indicating heavy investments for future potential. The Falling Leaves Sect similarly sent out a fourth level and third level, Ye Wuqing 

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