“Heh, Chen Xiaoren must think he can fight above his level and defeat Wei Tao. But Wei Tao’s no different, and with a lower cultivation, this fight’s outcome is already decided.”
At the table of prodigies from the two empires, a nineteen-year-old in a royal palace robe spoke lightly, raising his glass with a chuckle.
“The strength of the Lanlan Empire’s younger generation is probably just this,” said another youth in his twenties, dressed in the Moyu Empire’s ornate palace attire.
On the arena, Wei Tao’s powerful aura surged as he sneered, “Three moves. If I don’t finish you in three, I lose!”
“So arrogant!”
Wei Tao’s words sparked outrage among the Lanlan Empire’s youths. His statement dismissed Chen Xiaoren, belittled their empire’s talents, and insulted every youth present.
“Chen Xiaoren, take him down! Knock that cocky guy off the stage!”
“Make that arrogant punk pay!”
Some couldn’t hold back their curses, and waves of jeers followed.
But Wei Tao, unfazed, found it increasingly amusing. With so many supporting Chen Xiaoren and trusting in the Lanlan Empire’s talents, he’d defeat him in three moves, and their expressions would be priceless.
“Heh!” Wei Tao grinned, “Whether I’ve got the right to be arrogant, you’ll see soon enough.”
With that, he drew a large club, gripping it with both hands. A powerful ripple emanated from it.
Feeling the surge, Chen Xiaoren’s face grew serious, channelling his energy into his longsword.
“First move!”
With a loud cry, Wei Tao charged like a beast, his club brimming with immense force, swinging fiercely at Chen Xiaoren with overwhelming momentum.
Chen Xiaoren didn’t back down, unleashing a powerful sword strike to meet it.
Clang!
A piercing clash rang out, and the terrifying force sent Chen Xiaoren staggering back five steps, his face darkening.
Wei Tao stood unmoved, showing no sign of being affected by the recoil.
In that moment, the crowd’s expressions turned grim.
Knocking Chen Xiaoren back in one move was proof enough of Wei Tao’s strength.
“Just a fraction of my strength, and you’re already this weak!” Wei Tao mocked, seeing Chen Xiaoren retreat. He stomped the ground and charged again, swinging his club with the same simple move, but twice as powerful.
Chen Xiaoren’s expression hardened, his yuan force surging as he unleashed the Chen family’s core martial technique, a formidable sword strike.
“Second move!”
With Wei Tao’s shout, their weapons clashed again, the collision echoing. The crowd watched as Chen Xiaoren was forced back ten steps, nearly stumbling.
“Xiaoren, don’t fight up close!” an elder from the Chen family shouted, warning him.
They could see Wei Tao was a physically dominant youth. Going head-to-head was a losing battle.
Chen Xiaoren understood, realising he needed to keep his distance and fight with yuan force and techniques.
“Hey, too late!” Wei Tao grinned, charging with ferocious momentum, raising his club to strike again.
Chen Xiaoren didn’t meet the attack, dodging swiftly and countering with a sword slash, pouring all his strength into the Chen family’s strongest technique.
This strike, even if Wei Tao reacted, would likely lead to his defeat.
But Wei Tao’s swing didn’t miss. He turned, redirecting his club to smash toward Chen Xiaoren.
He had clearly anticipated Chen Xiaoren’s move.
Clang!
Their weapons collided for the third time.
This was the third move. If Chen Xiaoren held on, Wei Tao would lose.
But in the crowd’s view, Chen Xiaoren spat blood, his body flying back, crashing out of the arena.
The crowd froze. The first match between the Lanlan and Dongyang Empires was decided.
The Lanlan Empire lost, and it took only three moves.
Chen Xiaoren, though not heavily injured, stood up, glaring coldly at Wei Tao.
He was the Chen family’s most nurtured talent, renowned in the capital.
Yet, he’d lost to a Dongyang Empire youth in just three moves, costing the Lanlan Empire significant face.
He couldn’t accept it.
“Three moves, as promised. Still don’t believe it?” Wei Tao taunted, looking down at Chen Xiaoren with disdain.
Chen Xiaoren nearly spat blood again from rage.
“Xiaoren, you lost. Step down!” Chen Wendao spoke, his face grim.
Chen Xiaoren clenched his fists and retreated.
“The Dongyang Empire’s youths have some skill,” Feng Yuntian said to Dongyang Tian, his tone calm.
“Heh, this youth’s strength is far from just that!” Dongyang Tian chuckled, glancing at Wei Tao on the arena.
Wei Tao’s gaze swept over the Lanlan Empire’s prodigy table and nearby seats, calling out, “Who’s next?”
The Lanlan Empire’s attendees frowned. Wei Tao’s tone suggested he intended to fight again.
This meant the four matches weren’t one-on-one but consecutive, with the winner continuing until one side prevailed.
Both sides had only agreed on four fighters each, not specifying individual matches, so refusing now was difficult.
With the Dongyang Empire winning the first match, even if the Lanlan Empire won the second, it would come at a great cost, potentially exposing their trump cards, putting them at a disadvantage for the remaining fights.
The Dongyang Empire had gained the upper hand from the start.
As hosts, suggesting a change to individual matches would cost the Lanlan Empire face.
They had no choice but to follow Wei Tao’s lead.
Feng Yuntian remained calm, as if this was his intention, glancing at Zhou Moyi.
Zhou Moyi turned to the Zhou family’s seats, saying, “Zhou Yan, go face him.”
