After two days of practice, a sound similar to that of a small bell resonated in my mind.
Flowing River Rock (Beginner 31/50) (mortal)
After practicing for a total of six hours, I acquired a mastery point in the Flowing River Rock technique. It may seem like nothing has changed, but it should be noted that the difficulty of practicing high-level combat manuals or techniques is usually more difficult and takes longer to train.
This difficulty increased further with the range of the technique, having increased a mastery point of the Flowing River Rock technique with the same speed as the boxing methods was already a great achievement in itself.
During these two days I didn't neglect my physical practice either, I didn't have to worry about neglecting part of my training, as soon as I advanced to the bone refining stage, I decided to try an expert quality pill again, although the amount of energy stored in it was still uncomfortable and painful for my body, I no longer ran the risk of my body ending up exploding from excess energy.
Unfortunately, my savings are almost gone, I only have 22 gold coins left, which is only enough for an expert-grade pill; below expert-grade, they were no longer that useful to me.
At the thought of performing in the circus, I couldn't help but laugh; it would be strange if I performed at a third-stage strength level, two stages higher than my previous strength level.
There are still three days left before the event starts, so I should be fine. I might well make some significant progress during that time. Of course, I wouldn't aim for Stage 3 just yet.
. . . .
In the central square, large crowds of people gathered near the circus; today was the day the circus event would take place.
Large wooden signs were plastered everywhere, on which were written the event instructions.
-Teams will be formed through a lottery system.
-The first event consists of a large-scale team battle, only half of the teams will be eligible to advance to the next round.
-The second event will consist of a defense game. Those who manage to defend the objects assigned during the event for the longest possible time will be able to advance to the final stage. Only half of the teams will be able to advance to the final round.
-The final stage will involve passing through the great labyrinth, a system built with spiritual energy. Of the remaining teams, only the first three teams to complete the labyrinth will be able to receive the event rewards.
-Reminder: Individual ability and development will be considered when awarding rewards.
—Please, those who are participating in the event, come closer to me! —
Looking at where the voice was coming from, it was the same employee who invited him to participate.
Approaching her, she greeted me with a smile. "It's good to see you're in attendance, Mr. White Fist."
The employee waited a bit until all the participants arrived. "The number of participants should be exactly one hundred people, by order of the organizers, each team will consist of a group of five people, giving us a total of twenty teams. As you should know, the teams will be decided by lottery."
Once she finished her explanation, the employee gestured for them to follow her down the halls.
Upon reaching the interior of the circus, the familiar fighting rings that towered high were nowhere to be seen. This surprised many. To be able to remove all the fighting rings in such a short time, the mechanism behind them must be exquisite, perhaps crafted by some high-level spirit blacksmith.
In the middle of the circus was placed a strange vessel that, by its appearance, seemed to be made of spiritual copper or something similar to avoid possible traps.
Pointing her hand at the vessel, the employee explained, "The vessel has stored one hundred pieces of paper with a number inscribed on it, the number that comes out corresponds to the team they belong to."
—Please line up and announce your role to the audience, I will make your numbers public so that viewers can be aware of what is happening —
With the employee's instructions, everyone seemed to somehow reach a silent agreement; those who were at the fourth or fifth stage of body refinement were the ones who took the initiative to go first.
As I watched the first one walk by and pick out a number, someone tapped me on the back. Looking behind me, I was surprised to see the red-haired girl I had fought with earlier.
"Hey, remember me?" I asked with a big smile as I held out my hand.
Without thinking much I accepted her greeting, however, the girl began to tighten her grip, although it took me by surprise, my strength did not yield to hers, I also tightened my grip, only then did her smile disappear and change to a face of surprise.
Letting go of my hand, the red-haired woman praised with excitement, "Amazing! You managed to advance to the second stage of body refinement after our fight."
—You also managed to advance — I mentioned while holding my hand, if I hadn't acted in time or if my strength hadn't improved, I could have broken my hand, his strength was incredible for someone who had just made a small advance.
She nodded. "Yes, I made my breakthrough the day after I confronted you." The woman looked at me slyly. "You know something? So far, no man has been able to do to me what you did."
Looking at her without understanding, she ignored him and coughed a little, she extended her hand again, the woman mentioned —My name is Talia, by the way, when you want to train with someone, just ask for me at the ticket windows, but only for this month, I will leave the city next month —
Seeing that this time the woman named Talia was being honest, I accepted her greeting and asked curiously, "Talia, aren't you from this city by any chance?"
The reason for my question is that as far as I know, only those outside of Andrew City can come and go without restrictions, the reason for this is to prevent other cities from trying to find an excuse to attack Andrew City and in the process prevent Baron Andrew from taking over Azure City.
—Yes, I'm from a city far north of Andrés City, you should know it, it's the city of the giant blacksmiths —
Hearing this name, many of the immortal practitioners couldn't help but exclaim.
—Hey, did he say "the city of giant blacksmiths"?
—He said it! It is said that it is a city that Emperor Kefla himself attends to have his weapons forged, it is one of the highest level and most prestigious cities in the empire! —
—And many rumors are circulating about Duke Aldrich, who is said to have stolen the secret forging arts from the giants of the Dagon Empire—
Listening to the various conversations that were taking place, I couldn't help but praise, "It seems that the city you come from has a very interesting history."
Talia didn't seem surprised by the others' reaction, as if she had already expected it to happen. At my mention, she said, "With your talent, I'm sure you'll be able to visit it someday . I'll give you a personal tour when you do, just ask for me."
"Are you famous there?" I asked, confused, but she just smiled and changed the subject. Seeing her reluctance to explain, I didn't press the issue either; she must have had her reasons.
Talia was quite talkative and for someone who seemed like a savage combat addict, she was very well-versed in various subjects, leaving me impressed by her knowledge, at times I even felt unable to keep up with her.
After a while, we had to stop talking because it was both our turn.
As I passed the copper vessel, I put my hand in and took out a piece of paper with the number seven on it.
"It's a lucky number," the employee commented from the side. She didn't believe much in superstitions, but she hoped he was right.
—So luck is on my side, that's a relief —
Showing a small smile, the woman looked at the audience and through what looked like a metal sphere, shouted to the audience —The white fist contestant will join team seven —
Stepping aside to give Talia a chance, I couldn't help but stop in my tracks when I heard the employee's scream echo throughout the arena — Participant Scarlet Meteor, you will be joining team number seven —
Talia approached me, the paper waving in her hand. "Looks like fate wants us together, huh, White Fist?"
It seems to be the case, either way, I'm glad I don't have to fight her again, images of her large mace swinging around with lightning speed flashed through my mind making me unconsciously stagger a little.
"It will be a pleasure to work with you, Talia," I said with an awkward smile.
She nodded without noticing my discomfort and said the same words —I think the same, it will be fun to see who is stronger now—