The crowd was roaring as the academy's grand individual matches finally began. The arena stood tall under the morning sun, banners fluttering with every cheer. Patriarchs from noble families, disciples, and elders gathered in the audience, their eyes fixed on the stage. Today wasn't just about combat—it was about name, glory, and alliance.
The first match was between Chen Fan and a mid-fourth level disciple. The moment the referee called the start, Chen Fan dashed forward with terrifying speed. Two swift strikes—clean, powerful, precise—and the match was over before the dust could settle.
"Winner: Chen Fan!" the umpire declared.
Chu Fu and Chu Ming beamed with pride, clapping fiercely from the stands. "As expected from our Chen Fan!" Chu Fu said with a smug smile.
Next came Chu Ming. Her swordplay was graceful, and her opponent barely lasted longer than Chen Fan's had. With one fluid motion, she disarmed her opponent and claimed victory.
Following them, Yun Li and Yun Mu both entered the arena in turn, making short work of their challengers. Their combined strength and coordination were clear, and the crowd whispered about the power of Lu Chen's companions.
Chu Su's match, however, was far more intense. Her opponent was skilled and ruthless. The clash echoed with sparks and grunts, each move met with resistance. After a grueling battle, she stood victorious, but not without injuries. Sweat streamed down her brow, and her arm bled from a gash.
Lu Chen, who had been silently watching from a shaded corner, narrowed his eyes slightly. He made a mental note to give Chu Su a healing elixir later.
Then came the most anticipated bout of the round.
Lu Chen stepped into the arena, his aura calm and commanding. His opponent was Wing Shi, the treasured daughter of the Wing family—known both for her beauty and her cultivation prowess.
The crowd murmured excitedly. "A strong match," they whispered. "Will Lu Chen finally need to show his full power?"
The referee signaled the start.
But Wing Shi made no move to attack.
She stood still, her gaze soft, and then slowly smiled.
"Young Master Lu Chen," she said, her voice ringing across the silent arena, "I have always admired you. I've watched you from afar, witnessed your rise, your power, your poise… and I've fallen for you. I cannot bring myself to raise a blade against the one I love. That's why—I forfeit."
A collective gasp swept through the stadium.
"She… she quit the match?"
"Did she just confess to Lu Chen?!"
The referee was stunned, but after a brief pause, raised his hand. "Wing Shi has forfeited. Victory goes to Lu Chen."
In the Wing family's VIP seats, Patriarch Wing chuckled softly. "Smart girl," he murmured. "This isn't just surrender—it's a gesture of goodwill to the Lu family. She's showing where her heart lies… and forging a tie with power."
Lu Chen, still standing on the arena floor, gave Wing Shi a gentle nod. He neither accepted nor rejected her confession—his expression unreadable. But the crowd had seen enough.
The arena was abuzz.
{ In this novel men harem power divide like
Wife
Royal concubine
Concubine
Consort
Maid}