The Clan Grand Tournament proceeded very smoothly. The youth tournament had the most participants—well over a hundred—but most were simply there to gain experience. As a result, the semifinals to determine the final three were completed in just three days, advancing the competition to the final round.

The Song Clan had been established for nearly five hundred years. The fourth generation of "Xian" Cultivators had gradually dwindled until fewer than ten remained.

The fifth "Lu" and sixth "Chang" generations had become the clan’s backbone, gradually entering the core leadership, while the seventh "Qing" generation below them was also flourishing.

The clan’s young Cultivators were also mostly from the "Chang" and "Qing" generations, and the three who reached the finals of this tournament were the absolute cream of the crop from these two groups.

Aside from Song Qingxi, who was a cut above the rest, the other participants’ performances were quite impressive, some even exceeding Song Changsheng’s expectations—especially Song Qingxia, who was only at the Qi Refining Fifth Layer.

Song Changsheng had originally thought it would be impressive if she just made it into the top ten. He never expected her to surprise him again by defeating a clan brother at the Qi Refining Sixth Layer to advance to the final three.

Besides this impressive dark horse, the appearance of another contestant took everyone by surprise: Song Muqing, the son of Song Yulong. At only fifteen years of age, he was already at the Qi Refining Seventh Layer and was considered Song Qingxi’s greatest rival in the tournament.

Although Song Yulong and Song Yushi were both born in the Ancestral Vein, their names were recorded in the Song Clan’s official registers, and the same was true for Song Muqing. In essence, they were all one family.

So when Song Muqing expressed his desire to compete, Song Changsheng agreed without a second thought. It was partly to demonstrate the clan’s welcoming stance, and partly to put some pressure on Song Qingxi. After all, her path had been far too easy.

"Fifth Uncle, in your opinion, who’s stronger? Muqing or Qingxia?" Song Changsheng asked with a smile, watching the two face off on the arena stage.

Song Luzhou slouched unceremoniously in his seat. Hearing the question, he answered without hesitation, "Although Muqing lacks combat experience, he has the advantage in Cultivation. It all comes down to how far Qingxia can push him."

Song Changsheng silently nodded in agreement with the analysis. Song Qingxia was certainly a dark horse, but her starting point was just too low. ’If only she’d had access to the same resources as the other two,’ he thought, ’her Cultivation would be every bit as high as theirs.’

But true talent will always shine through. Song Qingxia had already proven her worth with her skill. Regardless of this battle’s outcome, she had already captured the attention of the Song Clan’s leadership and would undoubtedly receive more resources in the future.

Everyone assumed Song Muqing had this fight in the bag, but he, as one of the combatants, felt an immense amount of pressure.

Song Qingxia was at a disadvantage in terms of Cultivation, so she abandoned defense entirely to focus on offense. Her moves were fierce, her angles unpredictable, and for a time, she had Song Muqing completely flustered.

But he was no fool. He gradually found his footing on the arena stage, began to seize the offensive initiative, and turned the tide of battle, ultimately defeating her.

"You win." Though defeated, Song Qingxia’s expression was completely calm. She gave a serene bow, then turned and walked off the stage.

Many in the crowd felt it was a shame. After all, anyone could tell that Song Qingxia had lost simply because of her lower Cultivation.

Song Qingxia naturally heard the murmurs, but she paid them no mind. ’A loss is a loss,’ she thought. ’His Cultivation is part of his strength. In a real battle, there are no what-ifs.’

’Defeat won’t break me. It will only make me stronger!’

Song Muqing watched the spirited young woman’s retreating back and scratched his head in embarrassment. ’If our Cultivation levels were the same,’ he thought, ’I would’ve been the one to lose.’

"Hey, she’s long gone and you’re still staring." Song Qingxi had appeared on the stage without him noticing. Seeing him still in a daze, she teased him.

Song Muqing snapped out of his trance, his cheeks flushing hot.

"Do you want to rest for a bit?" Song Qingxi had been a spectator for so long that she was itching for a fight. However, considering Song Muqing had just finished a match, she decided it was only fair to let him recover first.

Though the previous battle had been intense, Song Muqing hadn’t expended much energy. Hearing her offer, he composed himself and gave a cupped-fist salute. "There’s no need. Let’s begin now!"

"Then I won’t hold back."

...

A moment later, Song Muqing was lying on the stage like a dead pig.

From the stands, Song Yushi couldn’t help but press a hand to her forehead. It was a complete thrashing, utterly one-sided. Song Muqing had been completely powerless against the girl, defeated in a mere instant.

She had originally been against Song Muqing participating in the tournament. After all, he’d been nurtured with immense resources since childhood; he and the other Song Clan disciples were not even on the same starting line.

And that had been true. While these young Song Clan disciples were considered outstanding among those from a Foundation Establishment Influence, they were leagues behind the disciples of a Golden Core Major Clan.

But who could have predicted that Song Qingxi would come out of nowhere and defeat Song Muqing with such overwhelming force? It gave Song Yushi a whole new appreciation for the Song Clan’s hidden depths.

Song Changsheng wasn’t surprised by this outcome. Song Qingxi’s combat experience was vastly superior to Song Muqing’s—they weren’t even comparable. Getting thrashed was to be expected. ’Still, the process was a bit too simple and brutal,’ he mused. ’It might just leave the young man with some psychological scars.’

’But, he’s young. A small setback like this is nothing to worry about.’

With Song Qingxi’s dominant victory, the youth tournament officially concluded. Next up was the adult division, composed entirely of clan members between the ages of eighteen and thirty.