Zelek matched each of Vitu`s moves with his own. Without waste, Zelek dodged, blocked, and deflected. He relied on pure speed and strength to make his moves, unlike Enril who had relied on technical skills to retaliate. Zelek`s footsteps stayed in a contained region while Vitu hopped around. Vitu was erratic and wild, while Zelek moved with grace and precision.

　　Vitu furrowed his brow as sweat dripped down. He couldn`t stand the special treatment that the two newcomers had received. The thought of the ruby red pill Zelek had consumed burned in his heart. His father had told stories of these miracle pills. Any child who received one would have a great future at one of the five great sects of Heaven`s Vale. His father had toiled night and day trying to save for one to give Vitu when he came of age. When the time had come, there was no WindGrace pill for Vitu.

　　Vitu had to endure the embarrassment of watching Zelek consume the very pill his father toiled so hard over. And Zelek had done nothing to earn it. When Vitu came of age, his Filter was blessed with a singular two. He was inferior to even Enril, who had been blessed with a pair of twos. Vitu`s lifeblood was training. A day didn`t go by that he didn`t chase the dream of standing equal to the Patriarch.

　　The bitter sting of defeat struck when Enril and Zelek both achieved the Second-Step in just ten days. He had taken thirty. A moon passed, and the two entered Third-Step, whereas it took him three months. His anger and jealousy raged within him. He let out a wild roar and the intensity of his attacks increased.

　　Zelek`s graceful movements were interrupted by the ferocity of Vitu. Dodges turned to blows that glanced by. Those glancing strikes turned to solid attacks a short while later. The damage grew and wore Zelek down. Desperate, Zelek mustered what he had left and met Vitu head-on.

　　Their fists clashed and a small vortex of wind blew out from them. Their knuckles ground against one another. Small scrapes and cuts caused blood to trickle between their fingers.

　　Zelek collapsed to the ground, his white aura faded away. Vitu stood over him, clinging to maintain his breathing technique as his chest heaved. Vitu pushed his Stream to circulate his riken as fast as possible, and his foot began to take on a more solid glow.

　　Before Vitu could finish gathering his strength; a slow clap came from the head of the arena.

　　"Marvelous. What a splendid display of strength from our youth." Xing stood and continued his slow and exaggerated applause.

　　Vitu stiffened and released his breathing technique. He bowed and ran off. A shiver rushed down his spine as he felt Xing`s scornful gaze land on him.

　　Shinu approached Zelek and nudged his ribs. As he woke, Zelek sprung to his feet in a panicked daze. "What happened?" He scanned side to side and noticed Enril in the arena. He hung his head.

　　"You almost had him, that was amazing Zelek," Enril cheered.

　　Zelek tried to wipe his eyes dry. "I still lost&"

　　"There`s nothing to be ashamed of, Junior Zelek." Xing had approached the arena. "As far as I`m concerned, the future has never looked brighter for our clan. I`ve seen nothing but great talent today." Xing gave a hardy laugh.

　　"There`s still more matches, would the Patriarch have time to further bless us with his presence?" Shinu asked.

　　"I wouldn`t dare miss it. Please, continue to show this Patriarch your talents." Xing and Shinu returned to their seats as Enril and Zelek cleared the arena.

　　The other matches were far more simple. While Vitu`s matches with Enril and Zelek had lasted minutes, and multiple moves from each party, the other students couldn`t perform to the same level. Each match ended in less than five moves.

　　Xing didn`t give appropriate attention to the matches after Zelek`s. He couldn`t figure out what had happened to Zelek that made his fighting style so different. The Winds of the King Schema described a battle style focused on overwhelming strength. Zelek focused on agile movements until he could deliver a powerful blow. He couldn`t help but wonder if Zelek was influenced by Enril`s incredible technical skills. Above all, an overwhelming sense of pride formed in his heart. Both boys had stood up to a Fifth-Step even though they were only Third-Step themselves. A feat any Seeker would be proud of.

　　When the matches concluded, Xing rose. "Well done, all of you. This Patriarch has an announcement. The Mid-Summer Festival is a moon away." The childrens squealed in joy and excitement. "As you are all Seekers, you have a duty to display your talent at the festival. A scout from each of the five sects will be present," Xing paused. A shadow overtook his eyes. "Perform your best, and do not disappoint me." The smiles of the students dropped. "If you show them your skills, they may adopt you into their sects upon reaching the Wandering Realm. This is an unrivaled chance for growth." Xing swept a hand out from his chest, "Go forth and prepare to bring honor and glory to our Foon Clan. Thank you for allowing me to observe today. I enjoyed my time." He left without another word. Shinu dismissed the children after their daily cultivation.

　　For a moon`s worth of time, Enril and Zelek took to practicing extra after Shinu`s daily training.

　　"You requested me, Madam Yun?" A young woman knelt before the platinum-haired Seeker. Yun stroked her hair as she stared into the distance from atop the cliff.

　　"Rise, Ying Yue."

　　At the command, fresh snow crunched under the woman`s feet. She tipped her head down to avoid eye contact.

　　Yun tossed her hair over her shoulder. "The Council has discovered a mysterious and unrefined power exists in the West Sector. It is up to you to find it and nurture it. I trust you can handle this?" Yun turned to Ying Yue.

　　She fidgeted under Yun`s icy gaze. "Yes. Vice Master Ling and I will tend to the festivals of the Phizen, Foon, Baroe, and Taurun clans." She bowed.

　　Yun nodded and descended from the cliff. The stone wall of the mountain formed an entrance. She retreated inside, and the stone sealed itself after.

　　Ying Yue departed from the mountain, her shoulders slumped with a sigh as she felt free of a phantom weight.

　　"Welcome one and all to the Foon`s Midsummer Festival." A tall and gaunt man stood in the center of a square-tiled arena. His voice boomed with the wind, across the arena, and to the spectator stands. "To begin, our Foundation Formation Realm Seekers will exemplify their skills. Before they take the stage, the Foon Clan would like to welcome five venerable guests to the festival. First, from Raging Ember Sect, Venerable Jun Chi." The man pointed to a woman in the stands. Short with orange-tipped hair. She stood, bowed, and sat while applause from the Foons roared through the crowd. "From Quaking Rock Sect, Venerable Shu." An older gentleman with a well-groomed goatee stood and bowed. After the applause died down, "Next, we welcome Venerable Mora Yun of Miraculous Liquid Sect." A woman clad in sky-blue robes stood. Her hair, black as onyx, flowed down to her ankles. She gave a small wave and bowed. "Returning home for the first time in seven years, from Whipping Winds Sect, our very own Foon Jun!" The crowd erupted into its loudest cheers yet. Screaming and whistling filled the air. A young man stood, the sun glinting off his emerald eyes. Like his father, his black hair was tied in a tail and flowed down his back. "Last, but certainly not least, we welc-" If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

　　A bald man sporting a chest-length mustache stood and held a hand to the announcer. "I am Ling of Boundless Heaven Sect. I`m honored to be here today." He gave a deep bow, fists behind his back, then sat with a smile. His bald head reflected the sun.

　　The crowd waited in silence after Ling`s introduction. A third-rank clan never garnered the attention of a high-rank official of a sect. His presence alone could be considered a gift from Heaven.

　　"T-Thank you, Vice Master Ling, for joining us today. Onto the matches." The announcer removed himself from the stage. He walked to an adjacent row of seats that held the seven Foon Elders as well as the Patriarch and Matriarch. "First, we have one of our youngest Seekers. In the Fourth-Step, Junior Foon Zelek." With his name announced, Zelek hopped into the arena. His hair had grown to his shoulders and was now tied in a small tail. He bowed to each of the Venerables before bowing to his clan`s honored members. As he waited, he held his head high. "And for his opponent, in the Fifth step, Foon Vi-."

　　"Wait!" Zelek shouted. "Pardon Junior`s rudeness, but he would like to make a request." Zelek bowed in half to Xing and Di Yu.

　　"What is the meaning of this?" Di Yu shouted. "How dare you inter-."

　　Xing stood and held a palm toward her. "Junior Zelek, you know it`s shameful to interrupt like this. Since we`re already here, I`m willing to hear you out, but I cannot guarantee your request." Xing`s eyes fixed on the boy.

　　"Thank you, Honored Patriarch. Junior would like to request a change to his match." Zelek paused and straightened his back. "I would like to face a First-Step Wandering Realm Seeker."

　　The crowd whispered in confusion.

　　"That is a strange request, Junior. You are aware that Wanderers can utilize a technique where you cannot. It would be a futile endeavor. Why request this?" Xing asked, hiding his hands behind his back before anyone could catch them shaking. He couldn`t tell if Zelek`s potential had gone to his head or if he was just simple.

　　Zelek shot a sly grin to the side of the arena. "Yes, Junior understands. That`s why I wish to be joined by my brother."

　　Xing followed Zelek`s gaze and questioned, "Junior Enril, what say you to this?" He prayed that Enril had more sense.

　　"Junior Enril would be honored to fight alongside his brother." Enril bowed in half, fists behind his back.

　　Panic struck Xing. Regardless of fairness, he had the power to arrange the matches as he saw fit. To deprive a Seeker of challenge would be akin to saying they are unworthy of life. A Seeker must face adversity and challenges head-on. To seek a path to Heaven, no matter the obstacle. To deny Zelek`s request in front of the Venerables would be a greater dishonor than allowing Zelek`s swift loss to a power beyond his own.

　　"Juniors are audacious. Are you certain this is what you desire?" Cold sweat flooded down Xing`s neck.

　　"Yes, Junior desires this." Both boys responded together.

　　"So be it." Xing hung his head for a moment. "Elder Wanu, could you please designate a suitable opponent?"

　　Xing returned to his seat as Wanu stood, and said, "Yes, I believe Junior Di Don can fit that role. Di Don, come forward please." Wanu`s tone was wistful.

　　A young boy emerged from the opposite side of the arena. He was eleven years and a head taller than Enril and Zelek. "Junior Di Don greets the Elders, the Matriarch, and the Patriarch," he said with a bow.

　　Xing stood again, "Junior Di Don, I`d like you to exchange pointers with Juniors Enril and Zelek. The three of you will provide a magnificent display, no doubt." Xing swooshed his hand from left to right.

　　"Junior understands." Di Don bowed again, then faced Zelek. Enril clamored into the arena next to Zelek. The three boys bowed.

　　"Al-alright, with that settled, our first match will commence. Junior Enril and Zelek in the Fourth-Step facing Di Don, a First-Step Wanderer. This match is decided by ring out, knock out, or verbal submission." The announcer tried to recapture his former moxie. The crowd waited in silence for the command to begin. All eyes were glued on the three boys. The whistle of the wind passed over the silent crowd.

　　"Alright, Juniors, your match begins now." At the announcer`s mark, Enril and Zelek retreated five steps. Shoulder to shoulder, they angled toward one another and crouched low. With a quick flick, they raised and crossed their front arms. Last, they swiveled their heads forward, toward Di Don.

　　Xing was befuddled by their tangled stance. While it was unorthodox, it was well-planned. With only a single point of cross-over, they could remain untangled but provide cover for the other. A sense of eagerness crept into Xing`s heart to replace some of his worries.

　　The boys wagged their hands at Di Don. He accepted the invitation and charged toward the boys. He poised a right fist at Zelek. Enril extended his hand and stepped low and braced for the fist. Di Don celebrated in his head. He swapped from a right hook to a left kick aimed for Enril who was over-extended.

　　The boys grinned.

　　With the ducking step, Zelek had enough room to swing his rear fist into Di Don`s shin. A solid thwack resounded before Di Don backed off. He dropped to a knee and rubbed his left leg. "What the hell was that?" he complained.

　　The boys returned to their original stance before Zelek answered, "Just a punch to block your kick, Senior."

　　"Cheap tricks," Di Don scoffed and brought his palms together. He spread them apart as a thin strand of riken formed between them. He held one hand straight out and drew the other back. A second line of riken formed from the tips of the first and traced back into Di Don`s hand like an archer nocking an arrow.

　　Xing turned to Wanu, "What Schema does he study?"

　　"The WindFall Hunter Schema," Wanu whispered. Xing released his breath. His worry washed away. The WindFall Hunter Schema was popular within the clan. It teaches great versatility in power and application but is designed to track animals and beasts. The Schema may not be weak, but it isn`t designed with the intent of combat.

　　A glint appeared in the center of the strand of riken. "I hope you`re ready," Di Don chuckled.

　　The glint gave a final sparkle before it launched at the boys. Zelek stepped forward this time, his left hand covered with a solid-white aura. With an exaggerated flick, the glint of light soared skyward. Di Don`s eyes grew wide. He shook his head and readied his technique again. A glint of riken flashed and fired off once more, and Zelek deflected the arrow-shaped riken. A small plume of smoke rose from his hand.

　　Di Don`s anger boiled over. He would become a laughing stock if he was unable to take down two Foundation Formation Seekers. His chance to be recruited would slip away. Di Don rushed toward the boys. They were ready, though. In all their training together they had conceived a plan for many different techniques they might have had to face. The size of their Reserve against a Wanderer`s was their primary worry, though. The disparity was dependent upon time spent in the Wandering Realm. They had prayed their opponent would be someone who had not been in the realm long. Di Don fit the bill at only six weeks. If they could force him to make a mistake and waste riken, then hope existed to secure victory.

　　Di Don attacked, and Enril stepped out to deflect. Until this moment, the two had always crossed one another for defense. Di Don was shocked and vulnerable. Zelek seized the moment and delivered a punch to Di Don`s stomach. Enril followed up with a leg sweep that sent Di Don tumbling to his back.

　　Di Don managed to recover with a backward roll. As though he felt nothing from the exchange, he charged and continued his attack. The two boys took turns distracting Di Don and creating openings. Even when a solid strike landed, Di Don got right back up and continued as though his stamina was endless. As the fight dragged on, the boys started to falter and allow strikes to land. Some small cuts and bruises began to appear on their bodies.

　　"Zelek," Enril panted as he struggled to hold his breathing pattern, "I don`t&have much left&" Zelek kept his eyes on Di Don and confirmed with a nod. Though Di Don had begun to sweat, no more than five bruises and a scrape were present on his body.

　　With another shout, Di Don swooped in. Throughout the entire fight, he had not been able to separate the boys a single time. His face had reddened.

　　Instead of blocking the next punch, Enril wrapped his arms around Di Don`s forearm. Di Don tried in vain to shake him loose. In the moment of distraction, Zelek slipped to the side to assault Di Don. Twenty-eight punches later, Zelek dropped to his knees panting. Enril joined him, finally shaken free of the arm. Both boys were left in puddles of sweat.

　　"Junior surrenders to Senior`s awesome might," they said together.

　　Di Don`s temper had risen above boiling and blocked the words from reaching his ears. His embarrassment had peaked over the fifteen-minute match which displayed none of his talents. With riken charged in both fists, he raised them high and prepared to strike.

　　A torrent of wind knocked him off his feet. Xing stood in front of the two boys with teeth bared. "What is the meaning of this? They admitted defeat to your superior skill."

　　Di Don scrambled to kowtow at Xing`s feet. "Junior lost sight of himself in the match. Junior begs forgiveness." Xing huffed a grunt and turned to the boys. Zelek helped Enril to his feet and together they bowed to Xing.

　　"I hope that the Venerables were not displeased with this display. The matches after this shall be our standard. Please excuse this Patriarch for a moment." Xing bowed to each of the Venerables before grabbing the boys by the back of their robes. He vaulted from the arena with the two in hand.