Translator: CinderTL
"Senior Brother, we're heading out now."
"Mm."
In the open area of the metallic arena floor, Chen Feng watched Xu Tingxiao and Zhou Wuren depart for the spectator stands.
A force field shield, controlled by Niduo soldiers, opened a passage for them.
During this brief moment, Chen Feng spotted Shiva in the crowd, just separating from Gert. Her expression was complex, as if she had tried to offer comfort but failed.
Shaking his head silently, Chen Feng surveyed the arena.
Thirty-eight participants stood arrayed before him, the majority being Grandmasters, with fewer than six having reached the Pseudo-Pinnacle Realm.
Their complexions varied—black, white, and yellow—and their attire reflected diverse origins: simple cyan or white robes, loose black or blue martial arts uniforms, and even more unconventional styles.
One man sported crimson hair, a hooded cloak, and pointed leather shoes. Another wore traditional samurai garb with swords at his waist, while a third, clad in tactical gear, carried a wild-looking sniper cannon slung across his back.
"Kagor, Athens," Chen Feng muttered, casually glancing at the two figures as he recalled the information Han Chao had provided earlier.
He paid little attention, but others might misinterpret his nonchalance.
"While the rules of the World Fighting Tournament vary with each iteration, weapons are generally unrestricted as long as fighters can handle their own weapons and avoid prohibited items like energy cannons."
Seemingly mistaking Chen Feng's silence for confusion, a middle-aged man approached him.
Chen Feng turned to see a man of Red Nation descent, slightly plump, dressed in a flowing azure robe.
"This humble one is Sun Donglin. I have long admired Grandmaster Chen's esteemed reputation."
Sun Donglin bowed respectfully, his hands clasped.
Chen Feng's eyes flickered as he sensed the man's Pseudo-Pinnacle Realm aura, instantly recognizing him. According to the information Han Chao had provided, Sun Donglin was one of the Red Nation's two reclusive Pseudo-Pinnacle Realm experts. He was the sole representative from the Red Nation at the tournament, hailing from the Northern Martial World but unaffiliated with the Saint Sect.
"You're too kind," Chen Feng replied with a simple nod, neither rejecting the man nor encouraging further conversation.
"Grandmaster Chen, this must be your first time at the World Tournament, isn't it?" Sun Donglin asked, feigning ignorance. Chen Feng didn't deny it.
"I'm ashamed to admit I've participated twice before," Sun Donglin continued, sounding almost self-deprecating. "Alas, the Pinnacle Realm remains an insurmountable barrier. This may well be my last attempt." His tone carried a hint of regret, yet he spoke with surprising familiarity.
Chen Feng, not particularly inclined to small talk, simply nodded.
Just then, the ground trembled. The spotlights and neon lights overhead were abruptly eclipsed by a looming shadow.
In the distance, Gert and the other participants turned to look, their expressions a mix of emotions, but mostly wariness and fear.
"You're Chen from the Red Nation?"
A deep voice broke the silence as a hulking figure, as massive as a small mountain, strode forward.
The man was dressed as a Hercules, his bronze body rippling with muscle. A black helmet adorned with two menacing bull horns framed a face whose thick folds of flesh squeezed his eyes into narrow slits.
Sun Donglin, who had been about to continue their conversation, subtly stiffened. Chen Feng, standing beside him, remained silent, calmly meeting the giant's condescending gaze.
"I heard you used underhanded tactics yesterday to ambush and injure Hux," the man growled, looming over Chen Feng like an elephant compared to a mouse.
The surrounding crowd tensed. Many were unaware of the previous day's events due to the Niduo Royal Family's information blockade and the fact that not everyone had traveled with the exchange group.
"While I have no particular fondness for Hux, your methods are utterly despicable and shameless," the giant continued. "Forget about winning this tournament."
His narrowed-eyed warning landed like a thunderclap, conjuring an image in everyone's mind of a colossal elephant trampling the earth.
Above the grandstand, a section of the wall silently slid aside, revealing an extended balcony and three indistinct figures silhouetted against the sky.
A wave of malevolent intent washed over Chen Feng, a clear sign that this confrontation was far from over.
Their gazes locked. Chen Feng finally spoke: "Reckless and foolish—those two words suit you perfectly."
Boom!
The moment the words left her lips, Tyne, the hulking strongman before them, glared fiercely, his foot stomping down like thunder.
The entire arena floor seemed to tremble from the impact, and Gert, watching from afar, wore a look of apprehension. Even the Sword Masters and Gun Martial Arts experts, who had briefly unleashed Fifth-Tier power, shared similar expressions, their faces grave as they imagined themselves in the same situation.
In this critical moment—
Buzz... Buzz... Buzz... Buzz...
Beams of spotlights suddenly blazed down from the high platform, illuminating the arena in a sweeping circle!
"They come from different nations, each with their own unique journey!"
"Through countless hours of sweat and relentless training, they have forged formidable physiques and unshakable wills!"
"They are the participants of this grand tournament! Let us welcome these thirty-eight Grandmaster-Level martial artists!!"
The female announcer's voice, tinged with fervor, stirred the crowd into a frenzy.
A thunderous wave of cheers and applause erupted like a tidal wave, momentarily startling all the contestants.
Only Chen Feng remained unfazed. He slightly raised his gaze, his eyes gliding past Tyne's restrained fury to focus on the fiberglass booth suspended high above.
"The rules of this year's tournament are unprecedented!"
"All participants must first engage in a chaotic free-for-all. Only after the final eight survivors are determined will they advance to the second stage!"
"Challenging our defending champions are three Pinnacle Realm martial artists from the Platinum Federation and the Dotan Kingdom!"
The electrifying announcement reverberated through the arena, and all eyes followed the spotlights upward once more, converging on the elevated platform opposite the royal box.
The new platform continued to extend outward, its metallic surface constantly shifting and transforming until it coalesced into four levitating thrones.
One throne remained empty, while the other three black thrones were occupied by imposing figures.
The first wore a blue silk ceremonial robe, silver boots reflecting the spotlights, and a massive sapphire-encrusted greatsword slung across her back. Her long golden hair cascaded freely down her back, and her emerald eyes coldly surveyed the arena. It was none other than Iphia, Hux's companion from the previous day.
To her left and right sat two men: one towering and muscular, the other lean and wiry.
The towering man occupied his throne with casual authority, his buzz-cut hair framing a bronze-skinned face etched with power. Clad in a simple, tight-fitting combat uniform, he rested his elbow on the armrest and propped his chin in his hand, radiating regal composure.
The wiry man, encased in full medieval silver armor, leaned back against his throne, his hands resting on the armrests and his legs dangling freely in the air.
As if sensing the multitude of gazes upon them, the trio unleashed their combined might.
Buzz!!!
Their overwhelming aura erupted into a tempestuous storm, sweeping across the arena. Spotlights swayed violently, and drones struggled to stay airborne. The brightly lit arena flickered between illumination and shadow, while the Force Field Shields lining the stands rippled with intense energy. Panic-stricken cries erupted from the crowd, suffocated by the oppressive pressure.
"Pinnacle Intent... Three Star Palace Pinnacle Realm experts," Zhou Wuren murmured in the audience, his face paling slightly. In the competitors' waiting area, Gert, the Sword Master, and the other contestants tensed, feeling an immeasurable weight bearing down on them.
Chen Feng narrowed his eyes at the three figures a hundred meters away, sensing an intense malice radiating from them.
Buzz!
In the next instant, however, everything vanished without a trace.
The Pinnacle Intent dissipated as if it had been a mere illusion.
Only three pairs of indifferent eyes remained, gazing down upon the arena, or perhaps locking onto his own.
Oblivious to the undercurrents, the female host on the platform continued to explain the rules under the crisscrossing beams of light.
Crack! Crack! Crack!
Suddenly, the ground trembled violently.
A thin black line appeared on the vast arena floor, stretching to the horizon.
Upon closer inspection, it proved to be a fissure, widening rapidly in both directions.
"What's that?"
"What is that thing?!"
Whispered gasps rippled through the stands as dozens of Grandmaster-level Martial Artists inhaled sharply.
Even Hercules Tyne, who had been demanding answers from Chen Feng, froze mid-sentence, his gaze snapping toward the phenomenon.
Hardened concrete streets, windows reflecting the stadium lights, tiered staircases, and abandoned cars lining the roadside.
Concrete buildings and low-rise houses.
One, five, twenty, a hundred...
Hundreds of structures materialized, forming a miniature urban district that rose slowly from beneath the arena floor, propelled by some massive subterranean mechanism, seeking to level with the ground.
"Arena City!"
"Behold the special arena meticulously prepared by the Niduo Royal Family for this year's World Fighting Tournament!"
The host's voice boomed through the loudspeakers, echoing across the crowd. Chen Feng's pupils reflected the rising Arena City and the three figures seated upon their thrones.
"All participants must enter Arena City for the first round. Rankings and points will be awarded for defeating opponents."
"Any weapon is permitted. Those who surrender, are defeated, or leave Arena City will be eliminated."
"The final eight survivors will exit Arena City and earn the chance to challenge the Three Throne Keepers. The participant with the highest score will be crowned champion of the World Tournament and claim the grand prize!"
Whoa!
The announcement sent a ripple of excitement through the crowd.
Clearly, no one had anticipated such a spectacular spectacle from the Niduo Royal Family's tournament.
"Such extravagance... This is outrageous," Zhou Wuren muttered, equally astonished. Xu Tingxiao and Shiva, standing nearby, echoed his sentiments.
The cost of constructing such an arena must have been astronomical. And once these powerful Martial Artists entered, the entire structure would inevitably be reduced to rubble.
"Intriguing!"
Suddenly, from among the dozens of participants, a voice cut through the air.
As Arena City ascended and stabilized, Athens, a master of Gun Martial Arts, watched with gleaming eyes, burning with anticipation.
This environment was perfect for her to unleash the full potential of his martial skills. With victory points awarded for defeating opponents, even if she couldn't overcome the three arena champions, she still had a chance to claim the championship.
Thud!
Athens stomped his foot and surged forward, becoming the first to charge into the massive city.
Buzz!
As if triggering a scanning device, a giant blue light screen suddenly appeared high above the arena. The name "Athens" and his corresponding score materialized on it.
"Interesting... Now this is getting interesting," Kagor, a samurai-clad Sword Master, muttered, his eyes flicking sideways at Chen Feng and Hercules Tyne.
This terrain, impassable even for Pinnacle Realm martial artists, would buy him valuable time.
In that case...
Tap-tap-tap-tap!
One after another, similar-minded contestants rushed into the city like spring bamboo shoots after the rain, each seeking a hidden spot or the best vantage point.
Within moments, most of the dozens of participants had scattered, including Gert and Sun Donglin, who also swiftly departed.
"I'll give you one chance for a fair fight," Hercules Tyne said, his deep voice echoing as he narrowed his eyes at Chen Feng. "But don't come crawling back and begging for mercy when the time comes."
Thud!
With that, he strode toward Arena City. The oppressive black bull-horned helmet amplified the heavy thud of each step, announcing the hunter's arrival to everyone within the city walls.
Thud!
The sound reverberated again, and Grandmasters and Pseudo-Pinnacle Realm experts hidden in buildings and behind walls grew tense, their expressions grave. Gert, cloaked in shadows, clenched his fist, his eyes icy. A Sword Master in samurai attire pressed himself against a corner, his hand tightening on his sword hilt.
The World Tournament hadn't officially begun yet; scoring wouldn't commence until the final participant entered the arena.
But then...
"What's he doing?" Athens, aiming his sniper cannon at the city entrance, frowned in puzzlement. Why hadn't the Pinnacle Realm youth from the Red Nation entered yet?
"What's going on here?"
"Why is he just standing there? Why hasn't he gone in yet?"
The spectators in the stands, with their unobstructed view, could see clearly. The young man in the black trench coat remained rooted to the spot, barely a dozen meters from Arena City's gate, yet unwilling to take a single step forward.
Was he... afraid?
"Senior Brother?"
Xu Tingxiao frowned in confusion, while Zhou Wuren beside him and Shiva further away also furrowed their brows.
"Is he scared?" The Three Throne Keepers, perched high above on their thrones, wore varying expressions. The tall man, leaning on his elbow, scoffed mockingly. "He knows the three of us are guarding the arena and that Tyne is hostile. Is he worried about being ganged up on and badly beaten?"
The silver-armored man beside him chuckled softly, tapping a silver-clad finger against the side of the throne. "Looks like this rule is working perfectly."
"And Tyne... what a simpleton. He swallowed those lies hook, line, and sinker."
As the two exchanged quips, Iphia narrowed her eyes, sensing something amiss.
"Iphia?"
"Something's wrong."
She shook her head, about to voice her concern.
But before she could speak, a staff member approached the arena entrance and urged Mr. Chen through the communicator.
"Mr. Chen, you have only five minutes left for preparation. If you don't enter the city now, you'll be disqualified."
The announcement echoed through the fiberglass observation room high above. Eleanor and her cyborg security team stared at the youth a hundred meters below, their confusion deepening as they sought answers.
"Mr. Chen?"
The staff member spoke again, and the crowd in Arena City finally sensed something was amiss.
"Are you afraid?" Tyne scoffed, shaking his head dismissively. He turned away, abandoning his wait to hunt for his own prey.
But then...
"These rules are such a hassle," a deep, calm voice suddenly echoed through the arena.
Though the voice carried little discernible force, it silenced the cacophony, reverberating through the minds of the bewildered and scornful onlookers.
"Hmm?"
The Three Throne Keepers, perched high above on their thrones, froze. From their hundred-meter vantage point, they saw the youth in the black trench coat looking up, meeting their gazes with indifference.
"First you have to enter the city, then you have to issue a challenge..." Chen Feng waved his hand, sending the staff member beside him gliding backward ten meters with a gentle Force.
"Complicated, tedious..."
"Only the weak need such convoluted schemes."
The deep voice continued as Chen Feng stepped forward, surveying the grandstands and Arena City itself.
"I have no patience to waste time here."
"You, you, and you..." He pointed at every gaze in the arena before glancing up at the Three Throne Keepers above.
"Come at me all at once."
"The match ends now."
(End of the Chapter)
---
📖Read (MF) on Pa.treon@CinderTL - c484. [+6.9k]
🔑Early Access at $5.
✍Translated (6) Series, (3.6K+) Chapters, (5.1M+) Words.