Translator: CinderTL
"The rules of the World Fighting Tournament change with each iteration, but we've already gathered some intelligence," Han Chao said during dinner, presenting Chen Feng with a gesture of goodwill from the Military.
"Over thirty contestants will participate this year. Disregarding the majority, four individuals warrant your attention, Grandmaster Chen."
Han Chao handed Chen Feng a wristband, projecting a virtual display of images and text.
"Kagor, a Pseudo-Pinnacle Realm Martial Artist from Luoyue Nation, specializes in swordsmanship and is known as the Sword Master."
"He can briefly unleash Fifth-Tier combat power and ranked third in the previous World Fighting Tournament. He's no pushover—we don't know if he's improved since then."
"Athena, a Pseudo-Pinnacle Realm Gun Martial Arts expert from Niduo, once eliminated two powerful Fifth-Tier Cyborgs using a Medium Sniper Cannon."
Han Chao spoke earnestly, handing over the wristband.
Though confident in Chen Feng's current strength, Han Chao remained wary of potential upsets. This intelligence, specially compiled by the Military, surprised Chen Feng, as it wasn't part of their formal collaboration.
"The Military also hopes you'll secure victory, Grandmaster Chen," Han Chao added subtly. "This isn't just our personal wish, but the collective aspiration of many."
Chen Feng immediately understood. This was about showcasing the Red Nation's martial arts prowess on the world stage.
Unbothered, Chen Feng simply accepted the bracelet and glanced at the data it contained.
It identified a Pseudo-Pinnacle Realm expert capable of barely unleashing Fifth-Tier strength, a Sword Master, and a Gun Martial Arts expert.
While they possessed some talent and skill, they ultimately fell short, and Chen Feng paid them little mind.
The third participant, however, caught his attention.
"Tyne? The Platinum Federation's new Pinnacle Realm expert?"
"Correct," Han Chao confirmed with a nod. Old Leader Zhang, standing beside him, looked surprised.
"Tyne? I didn't expect him to enter the competition."
"Oh, Senior Zhang, you know him?"
"Yes, I met him once before," Old Leader Zhang replied. "He's known as a powerhouse in the Platinum Federation, renowned for his immense strength. He reached the Pseudo-Pinnacle Realm long ago and gained considerable fame."
"Later, after his breakthrough, he killed a peak Fifth-Tier Cyborg during a riot."
His account matched the data. Then, Old Leader Zhang added a specific warning.
"I heard Iphia and the others specifically invited him to join Star Palace half a year ago, promising him access to the Pinnacle of Strength cultivation method."
"The outcome is unknown, but Tyne has a reckless temperament—some might even call him foolish. Grandmaster Chen, it wouldn't hurt to keep an eye on him."
Chen Feng nodded, appreciating the well-intentioned advice.
After a few more casual exchanges, Dean Qin, Fang Mocuan, and the rest of the exchange group prepared to depart for the upcoming academic conference.
"Grandmaster Chen, I wish you success in the tournament," Old Leader Zhang said with a smile. He explained that he, along with Han Chao and other military personnel, would be responsible for the experts' safety and wouldn't be attending the Martial Arts Tournament at the arena.
"Thank you," Chen Feng replied with a slight nod before turning to Xu Tingxiao and Zhou Wuren beside him. "You two..."
"I want to go watch the spectacle," Zhou Wuren said with a grin, eager to experience the tournament as a spectator. The World Fighting Tournament would feature powerful martial artists from across Earth, including several Pseudo-Pinnacle Realm experts. Observing their clashes might offer valuable insights.
"Me too, Senior Brother," Xu Tingxiao added, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Alright then," Chen Feng said, ending the discussion. He and the two others remained in place as other members of the exchange group who wished to attend the Fighting Tournament gradually gathered around.
Among them were a Grandmaster from Moguo, a Pseudo-Pinnacle Realm expert from Luoyue Nation, and Gert from Suro. In total, nearly ten people stayed behind, mostly Grandmasters.
Many discreetly watched Chen Feng, their gazes filled with awe rather than malice. He ignored them as a massive Flying Car descended from the sky.
The vehicle had twenty passenger seats, a driver in a suit and white gloves, and a bionic robot named Dora standing at the entrance, dressed in a short skirt and suit jacket.
"Hello, everyone. I am Dora."
"I will now guide you to the Martial Arts Tournament arena. Please feel free to ask me any questions along the way," a synthesized female voice announced from the bionic robot Dora. Her moving lips, bright eyes, and fair skin gave her a strikingly lifelike appearance.
Most of the passengers were accustomed to such sights and quickly boarded the flying car, leaving the academy behind.
"The World Fighting Tournament is being hosted by our Niduo Royal Family," Dora continued, acting as a tour guide. "The arena has been repurposed from the former Royal Capital Martial Arts Arena. It covers 107,000 square meters and can accommodate over 20,000 spectators."
The flying car gradually ascended into the sky. Chen Feng glanced at the redwood-towered Upper City, where repairs were underway to fix the damage from his recent battle with Hux.
In the distance, numerous other flying cars rose into the air, all heading in the same direction. The chatter of Niduo nobles, presumably on their way to the tournament, filled the air.
"I heard there are many formidable martial artists competing this time."
"Me too. They're said to be quite strong—on par with cyborgs."
"Oh? That impressive? Can they measure up to our Lion King, Master?"
"Well..."
Chen Feng scanned the surroundings briefly before noticing a sudden change in the view outside the car.
Following his gaze, he saw a colossal structure dominating the horizon beyond Redwood Plaza.
A colossal tower of gray-black stone, resembling a giant's fortress, rose from the Lower City, piercing through the neon projections and Upper City structures alike. It stretched hundreds of meters into the sky, its surface shimmering with red and blue lights. Dozens of neon lines cascaded down like straight waterfalls.
Flying cars swarmed around the tower, landing on a platform midway up its height. Armed soldiers and suited cyborgs patrolled the perimeter, while transparent elevator shafts sealed off the vertical transports. Figures entered the building and plummeted rapidly downward as the neon lines flashed.
Four massive external screens wrapped around the tower, making the entire Lower City appear to cower at its feet. Niduo citizens paused to gaze upward, their faces a mixture of envy and awe.
"No wonder this is the venue for the World Fighting Tournament—it truly has a grand presence!"
"This isn't just any arena. The Niduo Royal Family reveres both martial arts and technology, hosting a major tournament here every year."
"Must cost a fortune."
"Did you see the corporate ads on the screens? That revenue alone must be staggering."
Excited voices filled the flying cars, a blend of wonder and anticipation.
Despite minimal promotion, the World Fighting Tournament had captured the attention of many across Earth.
Under such intense scrutiny, each participant felt like a dazzling protagonist about to take the stage, radiant and in the spotlight.
Excitement was the norm; composure, the rare exception.
Buzz!
Just as the flying car was about to arrive, Chen Feng's phone vibrated. A quick glance revealed a message:
[Lin Hao: Rooting for you! Victory is yours!]
Chen Feng smiled faintly, unsurprised. Although he hadn't explicitly told Lin Hao, Mei Li was still with the Flame Tiger Sect and would undoubtedly have shared the news.
But then...
[Meng Anran: Wishing you martial prowess and a triumphant start.]
Meng Anran's message arrived almost simultaneously with Lin Hao's. Soon, a series of buzzes filled the air. Grandmasters Ju Xiang, Jing Liu, and Flying Eagle, even Master Cao Tong and the others, all sent similar blessings.
Seeing this, Chen Feng fell silent.
When the flying car reached the arena's landing platform, Xu Tingxiao and Zhou Wuren turned to him in unison.
"Let's go," Chen Feng said. His smile faded gradually, replaced by a profound sense of peace. His formidable will was slowly stripping away any extraneous emotions, leaving him enveloped in an unprecedented calmness that permeated both body and mind.
"Alright," Xu Tingxiao replied, likely sensing the shift in Chen Feng's demeanor. He pocketed his phone and nodded with a smile.
Zhou Wuren, unaware of anything amiss, joined them. The trio quickly merged into the crowd, passed through security checks by Niduo soldiers and cyborgs, and entered the arena's fighting tower.
Whoa!!!
"Welcome everyone to the World Fighting Tournament!"
A clear, resonant voice echoed through the vast arena, its centerpiece a colossal platform.
A dazzling fountain of neon projections erupted as the radiant female host, microphone in hand, stood above the arena, her bright smile energizing the crowd.
"This grand Martial Arts Tournament is hosted by the Niduo Royal Family and features thirty-eight competitors!"
"All spectators are protected by our Force Field Shields, ensuring your safety throughout the event!"
Her voice reverberated through the arena as beams of light converged from the ceiling, illuminating the royal dais.
The massive arena glowed brilliantly, revealing elliptical grandstands that spiraled upward on both sides of the central platform, teeming with tens of thousands of spectators.
Among them were Niduo Nobles and wealthy clans, as well as dignitaries who had traveled from distant lands specifically to witness the spectacle.
The electromagnetic shields were already active, projecting a blue light Barrier from special devices that enveloped the entire seating area in a protective glow.
Amidst the electrifying atmosphere, a dozen small drones zipped through the air, trailing rainbow-colored plumes of smoke and vapor in a celebratory display.
Click-clack!
Simultaneously, a series of elevators descended smoothly to the arena floor.
Chen Feng and his group stepped out of the metal doors and were immediately greeted by the vast expanse of the arena.
Whoosh!
The circular grandstands on either side of the arena were packed with spectators, their deafening roar audible even through the force field barrier, sounding like crashing waves.
Spotlights and neon lights converged into luminous beams, illuminating the impeccably smooth central arena. This vast expanse, spanning tens of thousands of square meters, was entirely covered in a resilient white material.
Beyond the contestants' designated area, nearly a hundred Niduo soldiers and cyborgs lined the perimeter of the arena, guarding the force field generators and maintaining order.
The spectacle left many Grandmaster-level competitors, especially those visiting for the first time, visibly shaken and awestruck.
But before they could fully process the scene:
"Ladies and gentlemen, in addition to our esteemed audience and competitors, we have a special guest joining us for this tournament!"
"Let us welcome our revered and beautiful Princess Eleanor!"
Whoa!!!
A thunderous cheer erupted as all eyes followed the spotlight to a VIP box high above the arena's grandstands.
Behind a fiberglass partition, the luxurious chamber featured plush leather sofas and rustic wooden furniture. Surrounded by cyborg guards, a royal woman stood by the window, waving to the crowd with regal grace.
"I heard Princess Eleanor is the Lion King's niece."
"Though young, she oversees many affairs in the Niduo Kingdom's Capital."
Xu Tingxiao recognized her immediately; her long gown, embroidered with golden floral patterns, was strikingly eye-catching.
Chen Feng glanced at her briefly, unfazed, as Arena staff arrived to escort them to a private waiting area.
The deliberately diffused lighting created an atmosphere of anticipation, reminiscent of the final preparations for a grand ceremony about to begin backstage.
The female announcer's booming voice continued to electrify the crowd.
Witnessing this spectacle, the audience in the upper tiers reacted with either feverish excitement or restrained amusement.
Meanwhile, in the Royal Family's private box, someone leaned over and quietly inquired, "Is Uncle Wang not planning to make an appearance?"
The golden crown emblem on Eleanor's left breast shimmered as she continued to observe the contestants below.
"Your Highness, the Lion King is still in seclusion," a retainer replied. "And since yesterday, he has forbidden any disturbances."
Eleanor's eyes flickered with thought, but she nodded and refrained from pressing further.
"Who do you think will win this tournament?" she asked.
"Chen of the Red Nation is exceptionally strong," one of the Modified Human security personnel stated gravely.
Eleanor nodded slightly in agreement.
"But unfortunately, he severely injured Mr. Hux, incurring the wrath of the Star Palace."
Another security guard shook his head, offering a rational analysis. "The tournament rules revolve around the challenge holders. Even with his strength, Chen will struggle against their combined assault."
"Conversely, I believe Tyne of the Platinum Federation has a better chance."
"They're both at the Pinnacle Realm, and Tyne seems to have already accepted the Star Palace's early invitation. The challenge holders are unlikely to target him too aggressively."
As the words faded, Eleanor, standing by the window, noticed a figure among the dozens of martial artists gathered a hundred meters below.
The man's physique was extraordinary, towering over two and a half meters tall.
He stood on the metal floor like a modern Hercules, his head adorned with a black helmet bearing bull horns. His bullhide vest and gauntlets were studded with tiny iron spikes.
His mere presence radiated immense pressure, causing nearby Pseudo-Pinnacle Realm experts to frown and maintain a respectful distance.
In stark contrast, the black-robed youth on the opposite side exuded quiet restraint.
"What a pity," Eleanor murmured, shaking her head.
New members of the Star Palace typically gain entry by winning the World Fighting Tournament, a prestigious honor that serves as their ticket to join and showcases their power and prestige.
Adding to the spectacle were the reigning champions who would defend their titles in the arena.
Withdrawing her gaze, she turned and settled back into the genuine leather sofa.
If Uncle Wang was truly involved and had tacitly approved of the Star Palace's actions, the outcome of this Martial Arts Tournament might already be predetermined.
(End of the Chapter)
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