Jian Li had never seen a situation like this before and her mind was still reeling from the surprise of it all. She knew that the tournament was a big event in the city, but she had not realized that there was so much to it than the actual fighting. She had assumed that the tournament would be mostly about changing pointers with other peers.

Judging by the things He Yu and Meng Liang were saying, it was more of a flexing contest than a tournament. Even the prizes were not mentioned a single time.

But Jian Li also found that she enjoyed the idea. She loved to watch the fights between strong opponents and she was looking forward to it. Jian Li had been told that the tournament was very hard to win, which only added to her enthusiasm.

"I have arranged everything for us. All that remains is for you to train your best during the rest of the week and be ready. Do your best." He Yu said, giving Jian Li a comforting look.

"Okay... Thank you for taking care of things. I'll be able to handle everything else." Jian Li replied, trying her best to sound confident.

"I know you will. Remember, the key is to focus. If you get caught up in too much thinking, then you won't be ready." He Yu reminded her gently as she watched Jian Li leave.

As the tournament drew closer, Jian Li continued to practice her swordplay with her master He Yu and her older brother Jian Chen. She had also started practicing some of the more advanced moves that her brother had taught her. They went even as far as to spar each other and the other sect members whenever they had any free time.

She had practiced all sorts of combinations and she had started to feel the difference in her body. Her muscles had adapted to the new moves, becoming stronger and more agile. Her movements were smooth and most of it felt like it came together surprisingly well.

When Jian Li would fight in the tournament, she would be fighting more experienced people than herself. They would be stronger and quicker than she was. No matter how much she had improved, Jian Li would never allow herself to grow complacent.

She felt prepared though.

On the day of the tournament, Jian Li and Jian Chen were lead by He Yu as they began their walk through Banmian. Jian Li felt a thrill of excitement as she walked down the steps into the city center. It had been months since she had last left the sect headquarters and it was all a bit strange to her.

The city was bustling with even more people than she had ever seen, and Jian Li could see that the city was preparing for the competition. People had begun setting up smaller venues, gathering food and drink to be served during the festivities and even arranging seating for people. Giant transmission tablets were being setup and although they were off, adults and children alike were flocking to the best spots. It was a sight that Jian Li had never seen before in her current life.

They passed through the crowded streets and finally reached the main venue for the tournament. Jian Chen took in the atmosphere at the entrance, smiling as Jian Li and He Yu stepped into the arena. Jian Li was feeling slightly fidgety, but was still excited to see what the tournament was like.

"Be careful. The fights will start soon", He Yu said, putting a hand on Jian Li's back as he led her forward.

"I know.", Jian Li responded.

There were many different stands that had been set up at the edge of the arena for the audience to sit in. The stands had been decorated with banners and signs that read things like "Come See The True Sword Sect's Most Talented" or "Watch The Youngest In The Yu Family Fight".

Many of the seats in the arena were filled. There were many spectators that came to see the tournament, both men and women.

But the thing that mainly caught Jian Li's attention, was the fact that the spectators up close irradiated a stronger aura then most in the streets.

'They got to be the ones that have their own faction taking part in the tournament just like Meng Liang said earlier.', Jian Li said, cautiously eyeing the possibly important spectators.

Meng Liang was waiting at the front of the stage. She had her hands folded together as she waited. A mix of important looking older men and women had gathered, sitting on the right and left sides of Meng Liang. Jian Li couldn't help but notice how many there were, as well as how similar each one of them had dressed.

Each of them had their hair tied back with cloth, if they had any, and were wearing white robes with the insignias of their respective sects on them. Their eyes seemed to stare off into the distance as they were also getting ready for the tournament.

Jian Li had been told that they were the sect leaders of the various sects in Banmian, and that Meng Liang was the main host of the tournament.

The stage he sat on was already lit, with large spotlights made of glowing stones on it that were pointed towards the ground. Many of the spectators that were closest to the stage began to cheer and clap as Meng Liang, stood up and stepped forward.

Being the host of the tournament and the most important person around, Meng Liang had a bright smile on his face, standing proudly as he waited for everyone to calm down.