Lin Xiao sneered inwardly. Forced to bow to someone?
What kind of martial path would they have left? Let alone Zhao Jing—even if the top of the Human Star, Earth Star, or Heaven Star Rankings stood before him, he wouldn’t lower his head.
If Lin Xiao didn’t bow, Ba Hu naturally wouldn’t either. The two stood silently, watching the group without a word.
Seeing Lin Xiao’s lack of response, Jia Zhao grew excited and shouted, “Hmph, Lin Xiao, you dare disrespect Senior Brother Zhao? Are you ignoring him?”
Lin Xiao chuckled, “Pathetic, living like dogs. Do any of you deserve the title of genius?”
The group’s expressions darkened, Lin Xiao’s words hitting them like a heavy blow.
Jia Zhao was especially furious, the remark a blatant attack on him.
But he wasn’t the only one enraged. Before Jia Zhao could speak, the third-level Martial King youth snapped, “Hmph, who are you to talk like that?”
Calling others dogs—wasn’t that including him? How could he tolerate it?
“Dare to disrespect Senior Brother Zhao? You’ll pay for it soon!” the youth growled.
Zhao Jing was briefly surprised, not quite angry, but sneered disdainfully, “Heh, if you think you’re a genius, once the group stage starts, I’ll show you whether you are.”
“Someone like you? In front of me, you’re less than trash!” Zhao Jing added.
The third-level Martial King youth chimed in, “No need for Senior Brother Zhao to act. I could crush you with one hand!”
“No need for Brother Fang Yang to step in. I, Jia Zhao, can handle him!” Jia Zhao joined in, thrilled that Lin Xiao had offended both Fang Yang and Zhao Jing.
Lin Xiao had already crossed him and Yu Xiang, and now Zhao Jing. With Xiahou Jing also gunning for him, Lin Xiao had provoked two top-ranked powerhouses. His days ahead would be rough.
In the tournament, no matter whose faction he faced, Lin Xiao would be in for a bad time.
Ba Hu clenched his fists, anger on his face. These people truly saw them as trash. If his cultivation were lower, he’d want to teach them a lesson himself.
“Heh, just a couple of lapdogs. Ignore them,” Lin Xiao said with a faint laugh that infuriated Fang Yang and Jia Zhao.
Then he turned to Zhao Jing, calmly saying, “Genius or trash isn’t decided by words. If you, Zhao Jing, want to teach me a lesson, we’ll meet on the battlefield.”
Zhao Jing’s strength was evidently formidable, but while others feared him, Lin Xiao didn’t.
“Exactly. Who’s the genius, who’s the trash? We’ll know after the fight. Let them see the boss’s power!” Ba Hu nodded, ignoring the group’s remarks.
After a short wait, the tenth member of Arena 40 arrived, an unremarkable first-level Martial King.
With all ten present, they began drawing lots.
The bamboo sticks were numbered one to ten. The number drawn determined the order, starting with number one, who drew again to pick an opponent. Each fought eight matches.
Lin Xiao drew number ten, Ba Hu number five.
After drawing, “neighbour” Hu Yue approached Lin Xiao and Ba Hu. As long as they stayed near the arena, it wouldn’t delay the fights.
Lin Xiao noticed the crowd around Arena 39, where Hu Yue’s group was. A few familiar faces stood out: the sharp-faced man from the First Alliance, Huan Die, and Yu Hong, the top disciple of the Fourth Outer Court.
Both Huan Die and Hu Yue wielded illusion techniques. Hu Yue was at eighth-level Heavenly Martial, while Huan Die had been a first-level Martial King for some time. It was hard to say whose illusions were stronger.
Their illusion duel drew plenty of attention.
“That lass has been eyeing my illusions. I’ll show her who’s boss!” Hu Yue pointed at Huan Die across the way, pursing her lips.
“Be careful. Huan Die’s illusions aren’t simple,” Lin Xiao warned, recounting his encounter with her to Hu Yue.
Hu Yue nodded, understanding Huan Die’s techniques and brimming with confidence.
“And that ugly First Alliance guy. He killed several Heaven Gate disciples. I’ll teach him a lesson!” Hu Yue glared at the sharp-faced man, clenching her fists.
“The First Alliance will face us sooner or later!” Lin Xiao nodded, his eyes flashing coldly at the man.
Enemies of Heaven Gate wouldn’t be let off easily.
“Group forty, first match: Number one, Dao Yi, versus number seven, Yu Ning.”
As the referee’s voice rang out, Lin Xiao’s gaze turned to Arena 40, where the fights began. The first was Dao Yi against Yu Ning, a ninth-level Heavenly Martial disciple.
“Please advise!” Yu Ning, perhaps due to his lower cultivation, was polite and reserved, bowing courteously to Dao Yi upon entering the arena.
“Good, I’ll advise you then. Three moves to defeat you!”
Dao Yi was blunt. As he spoke, his first-level Martial King aura surged, and he drew his long sabre. Gripping it, ferocious sabre energy radiated, flooding the arena. Dazzling golden light erupted from the blade.
Yu Ning’s expression grew solemn. He could feel Dao Yi’s strength. He hadn’t expected such a tough opponent in the first match.
“Slash!” Dao Yi moved, his sabre slashing down. A brilliant golden light formed a radiant blade, whipping up a gust of fierce wind, slicing straight at Yu Ning.
Yu Ning’s face changed. He channelled his full strength, forming a white sword beam to counter.
Boom!
A loud clash erupted, and a massive shockwave spread. Yu Ning’s powerful strike was shattered, and he was knocked back several metres.
Boom!
Dao Yi slashed twice more, the strikes seeming casual. The first carried overwhelming force, brimming with unmatched power.
Boom!
Blinding white light filled Yu Ning’s vision. He unleashed his strongest technique, but with a loud crash, he coughed up blood.
As the next sabre beam struck, no matter how Yu Ning defended, it was futile. Another gush of blood, and his body was sent flying out of Arena 40.
