The vast arena was surrounded by disciples of the Undying Volcano.
Although these disciples were in human form, they bore traces of their respective races, making it obvious at first glance that they were not entirely human.
Even though they had transformed from demonic beasts, it did not hinder their enthusiasm for a good spectacle.
"I wonder who will stand out from this selection?"
"I can't guarantee others, but the Phoenix Young Master is definitely one of them!"
"Isn't that stating the obvious? The Young Master is a powerful martial artist at the fifth level of the Tongtian Realm, the strongest among our Undying Volcano's younger generation. Who could possibly defeat him?"
"That's not necessarily true. Yesterday, I heard that even the Clan Leader himself said that the Young Master is no match for that Taiyi Quasi-Saint Son!"
"Ah? Is that so?"
The surrounding disciples buzzed with discussion, speculating on who would overcome their rivals and claim victory.
Almost everyone believed the Phoenix Young Master would emerge as the champion.
*Dong, dong, dong!*
A series of bell tolls signaled the official commencement of the Phoenix Tomb selection.
*Boom! Boom! Boom!*
Powerful auras surged towards the sky, drawing the attention of all spectators.
In the distance, Feng Sheng, accompanied by a host of elders, appeared on the viewing platform.
On the stage, the finest talents of the Undying Volcano's younger generation were already assembled, awaiting Feng Sheng's command to begin the battles.
*Boom!*
At this very moment, a young man with a resolute face and fiery red hair tore through the void, descending onto the arena with an invincible aura.
His strength was such that none of the disciples watching dared to meet his gaze.
His overwhelming battle intent locked onto everyone present, as if he intended to challenge them all.
With his arrival, the entire Phoenix Valley erupted in excitement.
"He's here! The Phoenix Young Master has arrived!"
"What a formidable aura, what astounding battle intent! I can't even face him directly!"
"Phoenix Young Master is invincible!"
Below the stage, countless disciples cheered and discussed, all due to the Phoenix Young Master's appearance.
On the stage, the other prodigies of the Undying Volcano watched him with solemn expressions.
"He's grown stronger again!"
"Such talent is simply terrifying!"
"I am no match for him!"
Even though their own innate talents and cultivation far surpassed those of other prodigies, they paled in comparison to the Phoenix Young Master, utterly eclipsed.
Such was the fearsome oppressive power of the Phoenix Young Master!
Feng Sheng, observing from the spectator seats, nodded in satisfaction at the Phoenix Young Master's appearance.
This was the junior he had the highest hopes for, and the one he had designated to be the next leader of the Undying Volcano.
The stronger he became, the happier Feng Sheng was!
"Very well. Since everyone is present, I declare the Phoenix Tomb selection tournament to officially begin!"
Feng Sheng's voice was gentle, reaching the ears of everyone around the arena.
"I believe you all know that there are ten spots available. Whoever is the strongest will secure a place!"
"Additionally, there is a special spot reserved for the Taiyi Quasi-Saint Son, Xu Chuan. His strength is too formidable for him to participate in this selection; otherwise, it would be unfair to you all!" Feng Sheng stated frankly.
Upon hearing this, a ripple of astonishment spread throughout the arena.
The prodigies on stage also looked surprised.
After all, they had not been present to welcome Xu Chuan yesterday and were unaware of such a person's presence in Phoenix Valley.
However, since Feng Sheng had spoken, they dared not object and could only accept it silently.
Yet, there were undoubtedly those who felt discontent.
As Feng Sheng's words faded, the Phoenix Young Master stepped forward, his face etched with anger.
"Clan Leader, I believe this is unfair to all of us!"
The Phoenix Young Master declared with righteous indignation.
Being a man of integrity, he detested such preferential treatment.
Otherwise, given his status and strength, would he need to participate in this selection?
Absolutely not!
Yet, he had come nonetheless!
His innate sense of justice would not allow him to act in such a manner!
And now, with someone attempting to subvert the established order, he certainly would not stand for it.
The others around them, witnessing this scene, were accustomed to it.
The Phoenix Young Master was excellent in every regard, save for one flaw: he was too upright, unable to tolerate any form of injustice.
His current righteous outburst was precisely what everyone had expected.
Hearing his words, Feng Sheng also fell into thought, realizing that his statement might have been inappropriate.
He had been so focused on Xu Chuan's immense strength that he had overlooked the feelings of his own disciples.
"Very well."
"In that case, the victor of this tournament will have the right to challenge Xu Chuan. Should they defeat him, they will claim his spot, which they can then allocate freely!"
After a moment of consideration, Feng Sheng announced.
"Xu Chuan, what are your thoughts?" Feng Sheng turned and asked Xu Chuan, who stood beside him.
"I shall abide by your decree!" Xu Chuan replied with a gentle smile.
If they were so eager to spar with him, he would humor the Phoenix Young Master.
Feng Sheng nodded at this, "Excellent. Let the competition commence!"
Since Xu Chuan was willing to participate, he would allow his disciples to witness the strength of the top prodigies of the Eastern Region, and perhaps temper their arrogance a bit.
Especially the Phoenix Young Master, it was time for him to experience the feeling of defeat.
Feng Sheng thought to himself.
As his voice fell, the formations around the arena activated, enveloping the entire stage and clearing the contestants.
*Whoosh, whoosh!*
Two figures leaped onto the stage and, without a word, began their bout.
Both were martial artists at the second level of the Samsara Realm, evenly matched. Their exchange was fierce and back-and-forth.
Ultimately, one made a mistake and was defeated.
The referee declared the victor.
The defeated participant reluctantly left the stage, while the victor proceeded to the waiting area for the next round.
The spectators, witnessing the intense opening match, were greatly enthused.
It was a rare sight to see the top prodigies of the Undying Volcano gathered together, engaging in combat.
Subsequently, several more pairs of contestants took to the stage. All participants possessed cultivation at the Samsara Realm.
The arena became a fiery crucible of battles.
Soon, it was Su Miaoyin's turn to compete.
Her opponent was a martial artist from the Phoenix tribe at the ninth level of the Samsara Realm.
In terms of cultivation, he was four levels higher than Su Miaoyin.
However, Su Miaoyin showed no fear, a look of confidence on her face.
"Forgive my presumption!"
Su Miaoyin uttered a soft cry, raising her long sword and attacking first.
She thrust her sword, aiming directly for her opponent's face.
The opponent was not foolish; he dodged the sword strike and then unleashed a punch towards Su Miaoyin's head.
Su Miaoyin flicked her hand, and her long sword suddenly vibrated, transforming into a screen of sword shadows before her.
*Boom!*
The attack was blocked by Su Miaoyin. Her opponent momentarily stunned, she seized the opportunity and thrust her sword into his chest.
He reacted too slowly. He felt a powerful force strike his chest, emitting a muffled groan as he was sent flying backward, spitting out a mouthful of blood.
Su Miaoyin secured her first victory!