Circle of Energy

Xiao Tian learned about the warrior realms from the books he read.

The levels of warriors were measured by the number of internal energy circles they possessed.

A first-class warrior: had 30 circles of internal energy.

A second-class warrior: had 100 circles of internal energy.

A third-class warrior: had 200 circles of internal energy.

A fourth-class warrior: had 300 circles of internal energy.

After that, they progressed to the realm of king warriors.

King warriors were divided into earth king warriors, sky king warriors, and martial king warriors.

An earth king warrior had levels from one to nine.

Level 1: had 500 circles of internal energy.

Level 2: had 700 circles of internal energy.

Level 3: had 900 circles of internal energy.

Level 4: had 1,100 circles.

Level 5: had 1,300 circles.

Level 6: had 1,500 circles.

Level 7: had 1,700 circles.

Level 8: had 1,900 circles.

Level 9: had 2,100 circles.

Sky king warriors also had levels from 1 to 9.

Level 1: had 2,400 circles of internal energy, and each level added 300 circles.

Martial king warriors also had 9 levels. However, they no longer referred to it as internal energy; those who managed to become martial king warriors had transformed their internal energy into Qi.

‘My uncle Wang Chong is at the level of a sixth-rank martial king warrior. Rumor has it that even people in the empire have achieved the level of a half-martial emperor. My journey is still long. Right now, I only have 430 circles of internal energy; I need 70 more circles to break through to an earth king warrior. Currently, I’m still a fourth-class warrior. It seems I no longer need to hide my strength, as the best resources of the sect are only given to the strongest disciples. After this event, I’ll speak to Grandfather so I can start training with the other disciples!’

While Xiao Tian was contemplating various things, Liu Qingyun announced the final match. “Now, we enter the final round. Whoever wins will be the best disciple of our Supreme Sword Sect. Use all your abilities, but killing each other is forbidden. Daniel, Lu Xuan, step forward and show your strength!”

Daniel and Lu Xuan were the disciples who had made it to the final; they were the most talented disciples under the age of 17 in the Supreme Sword Sect.

Both immediately entered the martial arena.

Daniel cupped his hands towards Lu Xuan. “Brother Lu Xuan, please guide me.”

“Hahaha, I will.”

Bhuzz—

Xiao Tian noticed that the disciple named Lu Xuan was also hiding his true strength; he had 210 circles of internal energy but only showed 140 circles. “Hmm, this is really interesting.”

Xiao Tian’s murmur was heard by Ziyan Rouxi. “Brother Tian, are you now interested in becoming a warrior?”

Hearing Ziyan Rouxi’s question, Xiao Tian smiled slightly. “Sister, you must train diligently! Otherwise, when I start training, I will surpass you immediately.”

“Hahaha, I look forward to it. Start training soon.” Ziyan Rouxi did not get angry; instead, she smiled sweetly.

Fa Wa felt happy seeing his biological granddaughter so close to his adopted grandson. He hoped both would grow and become pillars for the Supreme Sword Sect in the future.

****

In the center of the vast martial arena, Lu Xuan and Daniel stood facing each other with their swords drawn, ready to fight. The audience around the arena held their breath, waiting for the exciting duel between these two warriors to begin.

"BEGIN!" shouted Liu Qingyun. As soon as his voice was heard, Lu Xuan and Daniel immediately launched their attacks.

Both warriors moved swiftly, their swordplay displaying high skill and cunning. The sound of clashing swords between Lu Xuan and Daniel echoed through the arena, captivating the audience even more.

After several exchanges of blows, Lu Xuan began to feel something was wrong. Daniel’s internal energy seemed endless, and each of his attacks grew stronger. Lu Xuan realized he had to use his full strength if he wanted to defeat his opponent.

“I can’t hide my power any longer!” Lu Xuan murmured to himself. With resolute determination, he unleashed his internal energy that he had been holding back. A strong aura enveloped his body, surprising the audience and eliciting cheers of admiration.

Now ready to face Daniel with his full strength, the battle between these two warriors grew fiercer. They fought tirelessly, each trying to prove their prowess in front of the cheering spectators.

When the people felt Lu Xuan’s internal energy, the elders began to praise him.

“Brother Lu Xuan, defeat Daniel. Only brother Lu Xuan deserves to win this competition.”

Many disciples cheered for Lu Xuan, especially the female disciples. Lu Xuan, at 15 years old, was very handsome, causing many of the female disciples to idolize him.

Daniel was not as handsome as Lu Xuan, but he had a firm face and the aura of an expert. His face always looked relaxed, and a slight smile always adorned his lips.

Hearing the praise he received, Lu Xuan’s spirit burned even brighter. He swiftly enveloped his sword with a bright yellow energy. Meanwhile, Daniel enveloped his sword with a mysterious purple energy. They exchanged fierce glances, ready to unleash their best abilities in this fight.

This time, Daniel decided to take the initiative to attack. With quick movements, he launched a slash of his sword towards Lu Xuan. However, Lu Xuan deftly avoided the attack and immediately countered with a retaliatory strike. But, who would have thought, Daniel had another plan. When his sword slash missed Lu Xuan, Daniel immediately took advantage of the momentum to spin his body nimbly. In an instant, he delivered a powerful kick that hit its target accurately. Lu Xuan was taken aback; he didn’t expect Daniel to attack in such a manner.

Bang—

“Aah…” Lu Xuan screamed in pain. He clutched his ribs, which felt broken.

He looked at Daniel approaching him. However, he was very puzzled because now Daniel’s aura felt different.

DANIEL

“Daniel, have you been hiding your strength?”

Daniel smiled slightly. “If you can hide yours, why can’t I?”

“Daniel, don’t rejoice yet. I haven’t lost to you!” Lu Xuan tried to stand up, but Daniel didn’t give him the chance. He moved very quickly and stood before Lu Xuan, placing his sword at Lu Xuan’s neck.

“You’ve lost!” Daniel smiled, seeing Lu Xuan’s face that could not accept this reality.

“How could I lose to you? Please explain to me how you can be stronger than me? I’m not just a talented disciple, but I also come from a strong background. While you, you have no background, so how can you be stronger than me?”

Daniel didn’t answer. He just smiled as usual. However, when Liu Qingyun was about to announce the winner, an old man’s voice suddenly rang out.

“Fa Wa, why didn’t you tell me there was such excitement happening at your place?”

Fa Wa immediately stood up, frowning. He saw an old man coming with two middle-aged men and a young man about Lu Xuan’s age.

Fa Wa recognized the man; he was the patriarch of the Endless Valley. “Gan Feng, what are you doing here?”

Gan Feng sneered. “I came specifically to see who the winner of your sect’s competition would be. Now let the champion fight my disciple! Xing Han, face him.”

“Yes, Patriarch.” Xing Han did not wait for Fa Wa’s approval; he immediately went to the martial arena.

Fa Wa was very angry. However, Gan Feng stared at him sharply. “Fa Wa, are you afraid your disciple will lose? If you’re scared, just say that your sect’s disciples are incompetent and admit defeat.”

Fa Wa cursed the old man in his heart. ‘Damn, if this old bastard didn’t have a son working in the empire, he wouldn’t dare to cause trouble in my place. I can’t refuse this challenge; if I do, I’ll lose face.’

Fa Wa was stronger than Gan Feng. The difference was, Gan Feng had someone in the She Empire, so he acted arrogantly wherever he went in the She Dynasty.

“Daniel, face him and show your abilities!” Fa Wa shouted to Daniel.

Xiao Tian furrowed his brow at the scene. "Daniel is no match for him; that man has 280 inner strength circles, almost breaking through to a fourth-class warrior."

Ziyan Rouxi seemed to mishear; since when did her adopted brother become a keen observer?

Daniel cupped his hands. "Patriarch, I will fight him!"

Xing Han sneered coldly. "Trash, step forward!" he taunted fearlessly.

Without hesitation, Daniel leaped forward, swinging the sword he held. The blade glowed with a mysterious purple energy.

With swift and agile movements, Daniel launched a series of attacks, both slashes and thrusts. However, Xing Han seemed unperturbed. He dodged Daniel's attacks easily as if dancing among the rain of swords.

Clang—

Daniel executed a fast and decisive strike with his sword, but Xing Han calmly and deftly used his scabbard to block the attack. Xing Han didn't even draw his sword, as if mocking Daniel's efforts to wound him.

On the other side, Xiao Tian felt anxious about the situation. He turned to FA Wa and said, "Grandfather, Daniel is not his match. From Xing Han's attacks, he intends to launch a surprise attack and incapacitate Daniel. This can't be allowed." Xiao Tian's expression was worried while FA Wa pondered momentarily, observing the ongoing fight between Daniel and Xing Han.

"Tian, I know that. But no other student can compete with him under the age of 17. I hope Daniel surrenders before he gets hurt.” Fa Wa smiled bitterly at this one-sided fight. The boy named Xing Han wasn't even attacking despite clearly having greater inner strength; he was merely toying with Daniel.

"Grandfather, let me fight him! I won't let that old man humiliate you in your own Sect."

"Tian, you haven't even trained. How can you fight?"

Xiao Tian looked at his grandfather with sincere eyes, his face full of determination. "Grandfather, Tian will be honest. I often trained without your knowledge. My strength is enough to drive out that uninvited guest!" he said firmly.

Seeing Xiao Tian's serious face, Fa Wa was slightly confused, unsure whether to believe him. His brows knitted together as he observed every detail of Xiao Tian's expression.

After a few moments of contemplation, Fa Wa made up his mind, deciding to trust Xiao Tian. After all, he knew his adopted grandson's character; he wasn't one to joke, especially in such a situation.

Fa Wa nodded slowly, then patted Xiao Tian's shoulder with confidence. "Go ahead! But, if you can't fight him, admit defeat immediately." Fa Wa was very worried; even though others hid their strength, he could see everything. However, he couldn't see Xiao Tian's strength.

****

"Trash, it's time for me to end this fight!" Xing Han suddenly drew his sword and moved swiftly, intending to kill Daniel; he didn't want just to injure him.

However, just as Xing Han's sword was about to reach Daniel's neck and take his life, a shadow suddenly flashed by with incredible speed. Xiao Tian was already standing before Daniel, protecting him from Xing Han's attack. With extraordinary strength, he pinched Xing Han's sword with two fingers, stopping the lethal attack in Daniel's face.

"That's enough! Or I'll teach you a lesson!" Xiao Tian said with a bone-chilling tone.

Everyone in the room was shocked by the young man's sudden appearance. The elders and disciples were stunned; even Fa Wa, Xiao Tian's adopted grandfather, was utterly astonished.

Xing Han furrowed his brow, puzzled by the figure who dared to stop him. He stared at Xiao Tian, who appeared younger than him. But what intrigued Xing Han was the cold aura from Xiao Tian as if it could freeze every soul that approached him.

XIAO TIAN

"Do you intend to join the fight? If you want to fight, I don't mind taking on both of you simultaneously!" Although Xiao Tian had stopped his attack, Xing Han still did not take Xiao Tian seriously.

Xiao Tian shook his head. "Do you not understand my meaning? If you don't, then fine, I'll make you understand."

Xiao Tian looked sharply at the Patriarch of the Boundless Valley. "Old man, I don't know where you come from. But your actions in our Sect don't reflect those of a master. If you want a fight between disciples, this isn't the way. My Supreme Sword Sect will satisfy your desire for a battle."

Hearing the sharp comments from a child, Gan Feng's face turned red, anger rising in his expression. As a patriarch of the Boundless Valley, how could he tolerate the words of a child who didn't understand the martial world? But before he could unleash his fury, Fa Wa, standing beside him, spoke first.

"Gan Feng, don't you feel ashamed of your childish behavior? Tian's words are true! If you want to see the strength between Boundless Valley and our Supreme Sword Sect's disciples, I'd be happy to fulfill your wish," Fa Wa said teasingly as if challenging Gan Feng. "But for now, sit here, and we will watch the battle between our disciples peacefully," he continued, pointing to the chair prepared beside him.

Gan Feng held back his anger. The two disciples from the Boundless Valley and the Supreme Sword Sect began preparing for the fight.

Everyone present could feel the tension in the air; they were not only shocked by Xiao Tian's actions but also by Fa Wa's words as their patriarch.

"Will the patriarch let Tian fight that person?"

"I don't know! But from the patriarch's words, it seems so. But you know, Tian's daily activities only involve sweeping the yard; he has never trained. So how could Tian have the ability to fight that person?"

People began questioning Xiao Tian's actions and Fa Wa's words. In their judgment, Xiao Tian was a child uninterested in martial arts. This was evident because the child was never seen training.

****

Gan Feng restrained his anger and reluctantly sat beside Fa Wa. "If that's your opinion, it would be better. I can see who the true genius of your Sect is?"

Fa Wa looked at Xiao Tian. "Tian, are you sure you want to fight?"

Xiao Tian smiled faintly. "Grandfather, Tian doesn't want to fight because this person doesn't interest me. But his actions in our Sect are too arrogant, so I can't remain silent."

Xiao Tian looked at Daniel. "Senior Daniel, you can step down; let this person be my concern."

Daniel hesitated a bit because he shared the same thoughts as others. But Xiao Tian's strength in stopping Xing Han's attack made him think otherwise. "Alright, junior brother, be careful. This person is still hiding his strength."

"Senior doesn't need to worry; leave this to me." Xiao Tian smiled warmly at Daniel.

Xing Han snorted coldly. "Are you done with the pleasantries?"

Xiao Tian smiled slightly. But within his smile hid a ferocity unknown to Xing Han.

Daniel exited the martial arts arena, leaving Xiao Tian to face Xing Han.

Now, all eyes were on him. They wanted to see if the lazy boy had any martial arts skills.

Xiao Tian stood tall in the middle of the arena, his sharp gaze fixed on Xing Han, who mocked him with a sneering tone. "Boy, don't blame me for being ruthless! Swords have no eyes, so don't blame me if you get seriously injured," Xing Han taunted while gripping his sword tightly.

The people around the arena suddenly realized that Xiao Tian was weaponless, and they began to murmur with concern. At a critical moment, Daniel moved quickly. "Junior brother, take this!" Daniel shouted as he threw his sword towards Xiao Tian.

Xiao Tian swiftly caught the sword Daniel threw. He nodded, "Thank you, senior." His words were full of respect, but his tone remained calm and confident.

After Xiao Tian held a weapon, Xing Han looked at Fa Wa. "Can the fight begin now?"

Fa Wa nodded in agreement, then raised his hand as a signal that the match could start. After receiving Fa Wa's approval, Xing Han didn't want to waste time. He tried to humiliate the boy in front of him.

Xing Han immediately unsheathed his sword, leaping at high speed.

Xiao Tian didn't move; he still stood calmly. When Xing Han made a slash, Xiao Tian only lifted his sword, still in its sheath.

The sound of clashing weapons echoed through everyone. However, seeing Xiao Tian easily block the attack, people were convinced that Xiao Tian had the skills and wasn't just boasting to seek attention.