One disciple defeated opponents with speed. Upon entering the arena, he unleashed astonishing velocity, sending nine opponents flying out of the field in succession. Those with weaker strength couldn’t even see how he struck.
This disciple, named Po Feng, dispatched nine opponents almost instantly, his speed terrifying.
Another disciple, named Tu Bubai, was equally remarkable, excelling in defence. He raised an impregnable light shield that the nine opponents, even attacking together, couldn’t breach. As their energy depleted and they gasped for breath, Tu Bubai effortlessly defeated them all.
After all battles concluded, 680 disciples remained, mostly at the eighth or ninth level of Tianwu. These were elite fighters capable of taking on ten peers, their combat strength formidable.
Among Tianmen’s disciples, only three Tianwu-level disciples advanced to the second round: Hu Yue, Ba Hu, and Gou Shi.
The rest were eliminated, highlighting the brutal elimination rate.
Among the victors, Lin Xiao noticed one familiar face—Yu Jingge, a youth he had met in Junzang.
Now at the ninth level of Tianwu, Yu Jingge fought steadily and advanced to the next round.
“For the second round, the Martial King challenge, all participating Martial King disciples, enter the field. First-level Martial Kings stand on one side, second-level on another, and third-level on the other,” Baili He announced. “Tianwu disciples may freely choose their opponents. As a reminder, each Tianwu disciple has two chances, while a challenged Martial King can only be challenged five times if undefeated. One loss means elimination.”
Guided by the referees, the Martial King disciples moved toward the field below the Life-and-Death Platform.
Lin Xiao and Wang Long joined the crowd.
The number of Martial Kings was far fewer than Tianwu disciples, totalling only 400 participants.
Though the number seemed small, it was staggering. Four hundred Martial Kings, led by a master and acting together, could sweep countless regions. What force could withstand the combined might of 400 Martial King prodigies?
Moreover, these were young geniuses, a testament to the immense foundation of the Holy City and Shengyuan Academy, a truly colossal alliance.
The three areas were divided: first-level Martial Kings numbered 200, second-level 120, and third-level 80.
No Martial Kings above third-level appeared in this ranking competition.
Most of these 400 Martial Kings were senior disciples. Except for Hong Feng, all third-level Martial Kings were seniors. For newcomers to reach third-level Martial King was exceedingly rare.
No wonder new disciples struggled to break into the top 100.
With 80 third-level Martial King prodigies and over 100 second-level senior Martial Kings, the odds of entering the top 100 were slim.
Even senior first-level Martial Kings were generally stronger than their newcomer counterparts.
Thus, for new disciples to reach the top 100 was unimaginably difficult, achievable only by the most exceptional prodigies.
“Now, Tianwu disciples who passed the first round, step forward, choose your opponents, and enter the battlefield,” Baili He said, addressing the Tianwu disciples who had advanced.
Matches weren’t sequential. With 50 arenas, any arena that finished could host another match. Tianwu disciples could select any Martial King and enter an arena.
If a Tianwu disciple lost once, they could choose another opponent.
Of course, they needed to be capable of fighting again.
Theoretically, there could be 1,316 matches.
But the actual number would be far lower.
Overall, Martial Kings were stronger than Tianwu disciples. All were geniuses—otherwise, they wouldn’t have reached Martial King at such a young age. Only the most extraordinary Tianwu geniuses could defeat a Martial King prodigy.
Such individuals were undoubtedly rare.
Martial King prodigies were inherently proud. Being chosen for a challenge was already a slight, and they wouldn’t hold back. Weaker Tianwu disciples would struggle, some barely able to leave the arena standing.
Such disciples were unlikely to fight a second match.
Challenged Martial King youths also dreaded being targeted by five challengers, either because they were seen as the weakest or because they were forced to reveal their strength.
Many Martial King youths displayed fierce expressions, warning that anyone who dared choose them would regret it.
Of course, no threat could deter the 680 Tianwu prodigies, none willing to give up such a competition.
With only 50 arenas, the first batch of matches could involve up to 50 Tianwu disciples.
There was no set order, ensuring fairness.
Those who stepped up first could size up opponents. If they faced a weaker one, they could win outright, denying others the chance to challenge that opponent.
But if they met a strong opponent, they’d be unlucky. Later challengers could observe the first batch’s battles, assess strengths, and choose opponents, increasing their odds of victory.
Thus, going first or later had both advantages and disadvantages.
Most would choose lower-level opponents. Few, if any, would dare challenge a third-level Martial King.
Third-level Martial Kings had little to do in this round.
Even second-level Martial Kings would rarely be challenged.
This round was primarily a contest between first-level Martial Kings and Tianwu disciples.
Many would prioritise targeting new disciples, making it even harder for newcomers to achieve high rankings.
Some had studied opponents beforehand and would choose them immediately.
Others, driven by grudges, would select specific rivals.
“Liao Renhao, come out and fight!” The defensively dominant Tianwu peak disciple, Tu Bubai, pointed at a first-level Martial King youth and shouted.
“Tu Bubai, since you’re courting death, I’ll oblige!” The named Martial King youth, his face darkening, flew angrily from the crowd into an arena.
Tu Bubai leaped into the arena as well.
Simultaneously, other Tianwu disciples began selecting opponents.
“You, come out!”
“You, the guy in white. I just don’t like you. Get out here and fight!”
“That pretty boy, come out. Today, I’ll show you looks don’t matter for a man!”
Voices rang out as Tian Ascending the arenas, Tianwu disciples pointed at opponents, their words sharp. Though not yet Martial Kings, they were confident in their strength.
Many had previously defeated Martial Kings.
“What’s that? You dare challenge me? Since you’re asking for trouble, I’ll grant your wish.”
“I’ll show you what it means to be blind!”
“Not only will I prove looks matter, I’ll show ugly men are even more useless.”
The Martial King youths, refusing to be outdone, felt insulted by the challenges. Those called out flew into the arenas, ready to face their opponents.
“You, the ugliest one, come out and fight,” someone shouted, pointing at Ma Bi near Lin Xiao.
But Ma Bi seemed deaf to the insult. Who’s the ugliest? I’m dashing and suave!
