The Tournament of Champions

Several tiger roars shook the very soul, their cries carrying a soul-piercing pressure that awed all who heard them. A few enormous white tigers swept across the sky, descended into the crowd, and transformed into human forms before vanishing in the blink of an eye.

Everyone knew the Tiger Family of the Central Plains had arrived. Their purpose was clear: two of their junior members had been slain by Xiao Shishui, and a demigod tiger had been dismembered, his upper body missing—a grievous insult to the Tiger Family's honor.

Third Princess Yin Ying and the Solar Saintess Zhao Lin'er both frowned but could do little. It would not do to truly offend such an ancient family of unfathomable power.

Dong!

The sound of a bell rang clearly across the arena, gradually quieting the restless crowd. The ultimate duels were about to begin.

After a few ancient elders with hoary white hair and beards finished their speeches—something about "friendly competition" that everyone ignored—the experts from both sides entered the arena.

"Beauties! Peerless beauties!" a commotion rose from the crowd, with many lecherous young men shouting.

The several great religions had sent ten young experts into the arena, including several women. Some were graceful and slender, others petite and charming. Though their faces were shrouded in a hazy mist that hid their true features, their alluring figures suggested they were peerlessly beautiful women.

This stirred another round of boisterous cheers from the young men below. The male experts of the great religions were equally remarkable—some tall and imposing, others elegant and handsome, their golden hair flowing like beams of sunlight, causing many young ladies in the stands to swoon.

Though their faces were also veiled in thin mist, revealing only indistinct features, they all possessed extraordinary auras that demanded attention.

"I like that handsome and refined one."

"Drooling... what a handsome one..."

The conversation between two seven- or eight-year-old aristocratic little girls left the men nearby speechless.

The ten experts trained by the great religions through secret methods were selected from billions across the entire Roman Empire, groomed as future gods. Though still young, their cultivation was already terrifying.

The mist veiling their faces was meant to keep them from being exposed to the world too early; their growth still required time, and this was not yet the moment to truly shock their generation.

The ten experts of the Great Shang Empire entered. Among them were three women who walked with graceful, willow-like steps, shrouded even more thoroughly in mist than their opponents, making it impossible to see their true faces.

Yet this only deepened their mystery, drawing regretful sighs from many young male cultivators who wished they could rush over for a closer look.

"I bet one of those three women is the most outstanding disciple of the Cihang Sword Hall. She must have reached the level of a heart-transparent spirit."

"If the Cihang Sword Hall's celestial maiden is here, then one of them must be the demoness of the Heavenly Demon Palace, heh heh. A demoness against a celestial maiden—their rivalry never ends. But this time, the Third Princess has managed to invite both to fight against the Roman Empire's experts—truly something to look forward to."

The seven male experts of the Great Shang Empire also drew attention, likewise shrouded in mist, clearly reluctant to reveal their identities. Of course, one among them could not hide—the foremost of the Four Heroes of Yin Capital. His presence immediately drew cheers from the noble ladies of Yin Capital.

At the same time, someone seemed to recognize another among them. "Could it be that the strongest Little Li Flying Dagger disciple has also come? If so, today will be lively. A flying dagger that never misses, displayed by the most outstanding inheritor... Just thinking about it is thrilling."

What left everyone most speechless were the two seven- or eight-year-old aristocratic little girls.

"So many handsome guys... I'm drooling again."

"Yeah, several of them are the delicate type. I like them so much, I want to take them home and watch them every day."

The ten experts on both sides silently stared at each other. When the gazes of one or two met, crackling sounds could be heard, and tiny bolts of lightning could be seen dancing in the air—the materialized power of their divine eyes clashing.

Such a horrifying sight made those of the same age draw in cold breaths. Eyes that could almost kill... This was beyond imagination.

Out of courtesy, both sides silently bowed to each other, then the experts withdrew without a sound.

Moments later, a great bell tolled. One of the Roman Empire's ten experts walked to the center of the arena and stood there in silence. His figure was tall and lean, but his face was indistinct, blurry yet seemingly handsome.

"Fight!"

He uttered only that single word.

"I will fight him!" Bo Shi leaped from the crowd, charging into the arena.

According to the original rules, this was a clash between the ten strongest from each side. But after negotiations, last-minute changes allowed outsiders to challenge, though each of the ten could only be challenged three times at most.

Xiao Chen had already arrived and witnessed the Tiger Family's experts sweeping through the sky. He did not fear them, but now he watched the duel with rapt attention.

Bo Shi had already begun fighting the Roman Empire's Number One, moving like flowing light and phantom shadows, his speed so extreme that ordinary people could barely track him.

There was no need to announce names; both sides' top ten were simply numbered as Number One, Number Two, and so on—unrelated to their actual strength.

In just a few exchanges, Bo Shi was forced to unleash his ultimate art, the Violet Prison Space, as his other techniques could not shake his opponent in the slightest.

Purple qi came from the east, a vast mist enveloping heaven and earth. But at that moment, Number One spoke calmly, a faint smile on his handsome, indistinct features. "God said, 'Let there be light.'"

With a tranquil, unhurried gesture, he waved his hand, and a radiant brilliance descended, flooding into the purple mist. The Violet Prison Space was frozen in place, unable to form properly.

"God said, you are defeated." The vague, faint smile crystallized in Bo Shi's eyes as he saw golden characters hurtling toward him.

The words that Number One spoke had transformed into tangible, table-sized golden runes, crashing down like boulders.

Pfft! Bo Shi coughed blood and was sent flying.

Disciples from the rear rushed forward to support him away.

Such a bizarre divine ability stunned everyone present. It was unheard of and unseen. Though it did not radiate overwhelming energy, its power was terrifying—all the force concentrated within a few runes, acting in a confined space, instantly defeating Bo Shi. It was monstrously powerful.

Number One appeared light and breezy, a faint smile on his indistinct, handsome face.

"Has Xiao Shishui come? I still have two challenges remaining, and I truly wish for Xiao Shishui to step up," Number One said with a brilliant smile. Though his true face was hidden, a strange phenomenon occurred—his smile seemed visible like the morning glow. This was an illusion, a projection of his emotions made hazy enough to be perceived.

Xiao Shishui was not among the Great Shang Empire's top ten, yet Number One called out his name specifically, drawing murmurs from the crowd.

Now, Xiao Shishui's name was renowned throughout Yin Capital. He had fought several battles without a single defeat. Not long ago, he had slain an invincible Buddha and the Solar Religion's Ninth Expert. Being called out now was no mystery.

Many speculated that Xiao Shishui's cultivation might truly be worthy of a spot among the top ten.

Xiao Chen did not react, continuing to watch calmly.

Chu Xingkuang soared into the air and landed in the center of the arena. His battle armor gleamed, his murderous aura soaring into the heavens—he was a true warrior who had been on the battlefield, possessing a martial spirit rarely seen among ordinary cultivators.

"Chu Xingkuang requests instruction!" With that, the Fate Twins directly manifested beside him.

Though Chu Xingkuang had lost twice recently, his prestige had not diminished. The people of Yin Capital knew his true strength. His defeats were only because he had faced stronger opponents; he himself was no weakling. After all, the foremost of the Four Heroes of Yin Capital was counted among the Great Shang Empire's top ten.

"Rise up, Chu Xingkuang!"

"Show them your ultimate strength!"

Cheers erupted from the crowd.

The Fate Twins had already materialized. The Good Child held the Heavenly Buddha Wheel over his head, his face bearing an expression of compassion, staring intently at Number One from the front. The Evil Child wielded the massive Death Scythe, glaring at Number One from behind, forming a pincer formation.

In a flash of light, the Good and Evil Twins charged forward, striking at Number One with the Heavenly Buddha Wheel and the Death Scythe.

"God said, 'Let there be light'!" Number One spoke calmly, his face full of smiles, and as he uttered those words, a sacred brilliance shone forth, rays of blinding light bursting out, instantly holding back the two great killing implements. The pitch-black Death Scythe with its white blade was frozen in place! The radiant Buddha wheel radiating holy light was also immobilized.

Number One's incantations did not cease. A stream of enormous golden characters, as if cast from pure gold, crashed down upon the two great artifacts, threatening to shatter them.

These massive golden characters then pressed down upon the Twins themselves, impossible to dodge or escape, directly smashing them into nothingness, scattering them completely into the air.

As the Twins were annihilated, the Death Scythe and Heavenly Buddha Wheel were also ground to dust by the golden spell runes.

Nearby, the Fate Twins and their two supreme treasures materialized once more. Number One smiled faintly and strode forward.

"God said, 'Destroy'!"

The Fate Twins, who had only just condensed, were killed again, dissipating from the world. Shortly after, they appeared from another direction.

Number One frowned slightly and sighed. "A truly rare divine ability. Unfortunately, your realm is below mine, and my divine art is not one you can easily counter. Though I cannot destroy you, I can suppress you with ease."

The Golden Spellmaster murmured his incantations. Golden spell symbols leapt from his lips, each the size of a house. A cluster of golden runes gathered together like a sky-covering golden cloud, engulfing Chu Xingkuang. Finally, they condensed into a Six-Pointed Star Formation!

Above the arena, six massive golden stars blazed. The Fate Twins were trapped within the Six-Pointed Star Formation, firmly bound in place. Wisps of multicolored light continuously flowed out of the Twins, surging into the formation. The six golden stars gradually grew more brilliant.

Everyone outside gasped. This was a method of drawing out Chu Xingkuang's own power to seal him with his own strength.

Though it could not kill the Fate Twins, Number One's extraordinary divine ability gave everyone a true demonstration of the might of the so-called "top ten."

Not long ago, Xiao Chen had also defeated Chu Xingkuang, but with far more difficulty. Now that Number One of the Roman Empire displayed such skill, it inspired awe and reverence in all who witnessed it.

"Concede!" Someone from the rear shouted those words on Chu Xingkuang's behalf. Number One revealed a faint smile, murmured his incantations, and the massive Six-Pointed Star Formation slowly faded away.

Chu Xingkuang staggered as he returned step by step to his own camp, his demeanor desolate and crestfallen.

"I ask one more time: has Xiao Shishui come? I truly wish to fight him for my third battle." Number One called out several times.

Xiao Chen remained calm in the crowd. He did not wish to act now. He knew several Tiger Family experts were waiting for him to appear.

No one else stepped up to challenge Number One. At this moment, a figure emerged from the Great Shang Empire's top ten. If no one challenged, the ten champions would have to fight.

This was a young man in white robes, his posture straight, moving with the vigor of a dragon or tiger. Though his face was indistinct, his bearing marked him as an extraordinary youth.

Just as the Great Shang Empire's Number One was about to duel the Roman Empire's Number One, a figure charged out from the Religious Alliance camp, shouting, "Hold! I challenge Great Shang's Number One!"

The newcomer rode a giant wolf, wielding a two-meter-long greatsword in both hands. He accelerated as he approached, the giant wolf sprinting like the wind. The greatsword, like a bolt of lightning, rent the void as it slashed forward.

Great Shang's Number One stood like a divine pine, unmoving. When the snow-white, lightning-like blade was less than a meter away, his eyes suddenly shot out two terrifying beams of light.

Pfft! Ah...!

Blood sprayed, and a scream echoed. Number One's divine gaze had pierced the knight's chest and abdomen. Though not fatal, it was grievous. The knight toppled from the wolf's back, blood gushing.

As for the fierce giant wolf, when it met those icy, killing gazes, it became as docile as a mongrel, tucked its tail, and fled.

All were horrified. Such cultivation was truly astonishing. Eyes that could kill. An aura that could frighten away a ferocious giant wolf. Such an expert might not even lose against a demigod!

Throughout, the Roman Empire's Number One watched coldly from the sidelines without any reaction.

"Has Xiao Shishui come?" The white-robed youth walked a circle around the arena like a dragon or tiger, his gaze sweeping over everyone, as if searching for Xiao Shishui's whereabouts. "Come out and fight, Xiao Shishui!"

"Who is this? Why does he also want to fight Xiao Shishui?" Many asked this question.

Great Shang's Third Princess, Yin Ying, frowned but said nothing.

"That seems to be... the Little Li Flying Dagger inheritor!"

"It's him! No wonder his eyes can kill—that's the Flying Dagger's divine light!"

Someone had recognized the white-robed youth. The arena buzzed with excitement. He was undoubtedly one of the truly pinnacle figures among the Great Shang Empire's younger generation.

Xiao Chen was speechless. Both sides' Number One had called him out by name... They certainly thought highly of him. But he knew why the white-robed youth sought him: on Dragon Island, he and Liu Mu had killed a Flying Dagger inheritor named Wang Tong.

The Religious Alliance fell silent, no one daring to step forward. The top ten were living up to their reputation, each possessing unimaginable divine abilities. It seemed the duel between both sides' Number One would finally commence.

"So handsome! That guy is so handsome!"

"I want to take that guy home and stare at him all day!"

At some point, the two seven- or eight-year-old little girls had squeezed next to Xiao Chen, waving at the white-robed youth in the arena and shouting, "Handsome... handsome..."

"Eh, there's another handsome one beside us!"

The two little girls seemed to have just noticed Xiao Chen. They both tilted their small faces up at him, their tender cheeks pink, long eyelashes fluttering, and cunning light gleaming in their big eyes.

"Handsome, you're Xiao Shishui. I recognize you. I'm going to take you home!"

"No, no, he's Xiao Chen. I like him. I'm going to catch you and watch you every day."

The two soft, tender little girls hugged Xiao Chen's arms, one on each side. The surrounding crowd was greatly alarmed.

Xiao Shishui... Xiao Chen... This was unimaginable!

From the moment these two sweet, adorable little girls hugged Xiao Chen's arms, he knew they were no ordinary mortals. A strange divine force had frozen his arms!

Most importantly, they knew that Xiao Shishui was Xiao Chen. These two angelic little girls were extraordinary!

"What? Xiao Shishui is Xiao Chen?"

"Xiao Shishui is Xiao Chen!" It was like a meteor striking the earth, tearing across the sky and illuminating the land. Everyone was shaken!

He was exposed. In this moment, Xiao Chen's identity was revealed!

"Roar..." Tiger roars came from the west.

At the same time, several dozen powerful divine senses swept in from all directions.

In the arena, Number One of the Roman Empire, who could speak golden characters, brightened. And the white-robed youth recognized as a Little Li Flying Dagger inheritor—two bolts of lightning shot from his eyes, brilliant divine beams firing toward Xiao Chen!

Xiao Chen was unafraid. His own eyes shot out two beams of divine light!

Crack!

Lightning danced across the sky. A web of electricity appeared in the air, born from the clash between Xiao Chen and the white-robed youth, the murderous intent in their gazes having fully materialized into tangible blades!

At the same time, the crowd immediately scattered, leaving a large empty space. Only the two little girls remained, clinging to Xiao Chen's arms on each side as he stood proudly in the clearing.

Crack!

With one final flash of lightning from their gazes, Xiao Chen and the white-robed youth exchanged one last look before both withdrew their tangible divine light and murderous intent.

He was evenly matched with one of the Great Shang Empire's top ten—a Little Li Flying Dagger inheritor. In that instant, Xiao Chen became the focus of the arena!

Shua! Shua! Shua!

All eyes turned to Xiao Chen. The Great Shang Empire's top ten all showed expressions of surprise. The celestial maiden of Cihang Sword Hall, the demoness of Heavenly Demon Palace, and the other unknown peak experts stared unblinkingly at Xiao Chen.

On the other side, the ten experts cultivated by the great religions through secret arts also watched him with cool, steady gazes.

Even the old generation experts swept their divine senses over him.

Zhao Lin'er seemed helpless. Third Princess Yin Ying's eyes shone with strange light. "It's him," she murmured.

Qilao, Yuwen Feng, A Bing, A Shui, and Fire Bird all wore expressions of disbelief.

The beautiful Yan Qingcheng was stunned. She had never imagined that Xiao Shishui, who had once shared a table with her, was actually the same person from three years ago. Her eyes were filled with incredulity.

White tigers roared, shaking the skies. Several enormous white shadows swept across the sky and disappeared into the crowd not far away, forming a siege to seal off this area.

"Return to my true form!"

With a soft cry, Xiao Chen's appearance transformed dramatically. Bones crackled and popped, and in an instant, he resumed his original features—long brows like swords, eyes like stars, his tall figure standing proudly in the arena.

Only... those two little girls were like little tails, stubbornly clinging to his arms, refusing to let go.

"Drooling... I like this kind of handsome guy..."