My Brother's the Protagonist? Good Thing I Awakened My System!

Chapter 207 Dragon and Phoenix Competition - Semi-Final Begins

Chapter 207  Dragon and Phoenix Competition - Semi-Final Begins

The capital of the Azure Sky Empire was alive with anticipation.

The Dragon and Phoenix Competition had always been the most prestigious event, but this year, the excitement was unparalleled.

Two of the participants were in the Peak Grand Qi Condensation Realm, while the other two were former fiancés with three-year promises.

With Ling Meiyu's reputation, there was no way that anyone wouldn't know what transpired three years ago and the agreement the two of them made.

During that time, many, like Ling Meiyu, considered Feng Yun's words bold and thoughtless.

However, now here he was to fulfill his promise, and people couldn't help but wonder who would come out on top.

"So, who do you think will win?"

"It's hard to say. Everyone seemed to have surpassed their limit and showed power beyond their cultivation realm."

"Tsk! Tsk! It isn't hard at all. Miss Ling Meiyu is sure to win. I didn't see her struggle against anyone in this competition."

"If that is the reason, then Feng Yun should be the one to win. At least, Ling Meiyu has to fight a bit harder against those Feng Clan's participants. Whereas Feng Yun still has to use any technique."

"I think it will either be Gao Mingrui or Feng Mei who are in the Peak Grand Qi Condensation Realm. Ling Meiyu and Feng Yun are overrated!"

…

The capital buzzed with speculation and anticipation more than ever, as today was the day when everything would come to an end.

The roar of the crowd grew deafening as the Feng Clan entered the arena.

Leading the group were Feng Yun and Feng Mei, their confident strides drawing cheers from the audience.

Both had become the pride of the Feng Clan, and their performances in the competition were nothing short of extraordinary.

"Feng Yun! Feng Mei!"

The crowd erupted into chants, their voices carrying a mixture of admiration and awe.

Behind them, the other participants from the Feng Clan followed, their expressions a mix of pride and embarrassment.

Feng Jianhong, Feng Liang, and others, who had been eliminated earlier in the competition, found themselves unexpectedly showered with cheers and applause.

"Feng Jianhong! Feng Liang! You were amazing!"

"Feng Ruolan! Feng Qiyue! Look here!"

They exchanged awkward glances, their faces flushing red as they waved hesitantly to the crowd.

Though they had lost in earlier rounds, their battles had been nothing short of spectacular, showcasing the strength and depth of the Feng Clan.

They had made many fans because of their performance.

But something like this was new for them, and they couldn't help but be embarrassed at the sudden increase in their fame and reputation.

As the sun climbed higher into the sky, casting its golden rays across the grand arena, the atmosphere grew even more electric.

The crowd's excitement surged when the announcer's voice echoed across the massive structure, signaling the arrival of the final competitors.

Ling Meiyu and Gao Mingrui entered the arena alongside their respective sects, their presence commanding respect and awe.

The arena fell into a hushed silence as a figure clad in ceremonial robes stepped forward to the center of the stage.

The referee raised his hand to address the crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed cultivators from across the empire, today marks an auspicious and historic occasion!" His voice boomed, amplified by qi.

"Not only do we witness the culmination of this year's Dragon and Phoenix Competition, but we are graced by the presence of none other than His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of the Azure Sky Empire!"

The crowd erupted into thunderous applause and cheers as the Emperor's arrival was announced.

All eyes turned toward the imperial box, where a regal figure clad in flowing azure robes adorned with golden embroidery stepped forward.

The Emperor, said to be gravely ill and on the brink of death, stood tall and proud, his piercing gaze sweeping over the arena.

His presence alone radiated authority and vitality, dispelling any rumors of his frailty.

The whispers among the crowd were almost deafening.

"Is the Emperor himself here? He hasn't appeared in public for years!"

"Look at him! He doesn't seem sick at all!"

"Could the rumors about his illness have been exaggerated?"

…

Beside the Emperor stood the crown prince and princess, their expressions composed yet tinged with excitement.

Normally, they observed the competition from their private VIP rooms, but today, they stood by their father's side.

They also looked at each other's faces with caution and weariness, though they acted to get along with each other in front of the Emperor.

The referee cleared his throat, his voice carrying a tone of reverence and excitement.

"Today, we are honored beyond measure. His Majesty, the Emperor of the Azure Sky Empire, has chosen to grace us with his presence and will now bestow upon us his words of wisdom and encouragement!"

The atmosphere was heavy with anticipation as the Emperor stepped forward, his regal aura commanding the attention of all.

After all, it had indeed been many years since the Emperor showed his face or did something like this.

It was also the first time Feng Chen had seen the Emperor.

Although the Emperor might look alright to normal people, it couldn't escape Feng Chen's eyes.

The Emperor was indeed a step away from death, and his condition right now might be thanks to external aids.

The reason he made an appearance on this occasion must be to deter the fact that he was dying and to deceive everyone that he could still live for a few more years.

The Emperor raised a hand, signaling for everyone to keep quiet.

His voice, deep and resonant, carried effortlessly across the arena.

"Citizens of the Azure Sky Empire, cultivators from every corner of our lands, I greet you!"

"This competition," the Emperor continued, his gaze sweeping over the arena, "has always been a testament to the strength and future of our Azure Sky Empire. I am happy to know that so many powerful young ones have emerged from my Azure Sky Empire!"

"To you, the finalists who stand here today, I offer my heartfelt congratulations. Your journey to this stage has been one of perseverance and growth, and your efforts have brought pride not only to your clans and sects but to the entire Azure Sky Empire."

"I wish you the best of luck. May your efforts today bring glory to yourselves and to our empire!"

With those final words, the Emperor stepped back, nodding to the referee to proceed.

CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!

The crowd erupted into thunderous cheers, their voices echoing across the grand arena.

The referee, his face alight with excitement, raised his arms to quiet the crowd.

"With His Majesty's blessing, let the semi-finals of the Dragon and Phoenix Competition officially begin!"

The stage was set, the stakes higher than ever.

The artifact began to spin for the last time. After this, all the matchups would be automatically selected.

"Ling Meiyu of the Mystic Flame Sect vs. Feng Mei of the Feng Clan!"

The air buzzed with energy as the first matchups were announced, and the crowd leaned forward in anticipation of the battles that would soon unfold.

The crowd erupted into an uproar as the first matchup was announced.

"Ling Meiyu versus Feng Mei? This is going to be intense!"

"I'm betting on Ling Meiyu. She's been unstoppable so far. Did you see how easily she handled her last opponent?"

"Hmph, don't underestimate Feng Mei. She's in the Peak Grand Qi Condensation Realm, just like Gao Mingrui. Ling Meiyu will have a tough time."

"Ling Meiyu should also have Peak Grand Qi Condensation Realm cultivation although we have yet to see that!"

…

While the crowd debated, the Royal Family was also looking at the arena with excitement.

At that moment, the Emperor asked, "I know Ling Meiyu but I seem to have never heard of this Feng Mei. Can any of you tell me?"

The First Prince stepped forward, his expression respectful yet eager to impress.

"Your Majesty," he began, his voice steady and clear, "Feng Mei is a rising star from the Feng Clan. Though she has not garnered the same level of fame as Ling Meiyu, her talent is undeniable. She reached the Peak Grand Qi Condensation Realm at 19 years old and climbed the same step as Ling Meiyu on the Pillar of Aptitude. Her performance in this competition has been nothing short of extraordinary."

Other princes couldn't help but snort at the First Prince who beat them to it. Although they still had their smile and didn't appear dissatisfied.

The Emperor listened intently, his piercing gaze fixed on the First Prince. His expression betrayed no emotion, but his silence was enough to command the attention of everyone in the imperial box.

After a moment, he stroked his beard thoughtfully, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"Feng Mei…"

He murmured, his voice low but carrying a weight that made even the princes stiffen.

"A talent like hers is rare indeed. To reach the Peak Grand Qi Condensation Realm at her age and to match Ling Meiyu's achievements on the Pillar of Aptitude... it speaks of potential that could greatly benefit the empire."

The Emperor's words hung in the air, and the princes exchanged subtle glances. They knew their father well enough to sense where this might be leading.

The First Prince, emboldened by his earlier success, decided to push his luck.

"Your Majesty, it is true that the Feng Clan has nurtured a remarkable individual in Feng Mei. Perhaps such talent could be further cultivated if she were to forge closer ties with the imperial family," he suggested, his tone measured but carrying a hint of ambition.

The Emperor's lips curled into a faint smile, though his eyes remained sharp.

"You speak wisely, my son. A union between the imperial family and such talent from the Feng Clan would indeed strengthen the empire's foundation."

The Second Prince, unwilling to let the First Prince dominate the conversation, chimed in with a smooth tone.

"Your Majesty, I agree. However, one must also consider the individual's temperament and character. It is not merely about talent but about loyalty and compatibility with the royal family."

The Emperor nodded slowly, his gaze sweeping over his sons.

"True. Loyalty and character are as important as strength and talent. Yet, it is also the duty of the imperial family to guide such individuals, to ensure their potential is not squandered."

While they were conversing, Wang Zhiqing couldn't help but shake her head.

She knew most things about the Feng Clan as her potential ally and backer.

That also included Feng Mei and her relationship and feelings.

She knew that there was no way that Feng Mei would agree to marry someone from the Royal Family.

What her father and brother were talking about was just wishful thinking without any qualms about the other person.