The Death Match Begins

When the dance concluded, thunderous applause and cheers erupted throughout the arena! Luo Chen clapped until his palms were stinging red. This was Gu Caiyi, the older sister living right across from him! He felt proud to share in her glory! Murong Qinglian smiled and applauded as well. "Caiyi's dancing has grown even more magnificent. For a solo performance to be this breathtaking, I'm afraid her renown will soon surpass Lady Xiangxiang's, making her name known across all of Dahe Market." The rest of the audience showered her with endless praise as well. The splendid spectacle created by weaving spells into dance was almost beyond imagination. For rogue cultivators who struggled day in and day out merely to survive and cultivate, such graceful beauty was something they might not behold even once in their entire lives. The white mist gradually dispersed. Before anyone realized it, a figure stood upon the Dao Discussion Platform. Dressed in a golden-yellow robe, his dignified face bore cold, piercing eyes. He cupped his fists toward all four directions. "I am Pang Renxiong. I thank everyone for attending the grand opening ceremony of the Dahe Market Dao Discussion Platform." The entire arena fell dead silent, no one knowing for a moment how to react. This man radiated a towering aura, sharp as a drawn sword. He was an authentic sword cultivator through and through—a Jade Cauldron sword cultivator! Before such an esteemed figure, a crowd of low-level cultivators feared offending him no matter how they responded. Pang Renxiong seemed unconcerned with their reactions. After a few brief words, he formed a sword gesture with his fingers and struck the hundred-zhang stele behind him with a beam of spiritual power. Stimulated by the spiritual power, the Dao Discussion Platform gave off a deep rumbling. Power drawn from the grand formation channeled the spirit vein to disperse spiritual energy, fully awakening the colossal stele. The three gilded characters—*Prodigy Roll*—glowed with brilliant splendor. Blurry names flickered faintly into view, gradually sharpening into clarity. "First in Core Formation: Ren Pingsheng of the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect." "First in Foundation Establishment: Lin Qingxuan of the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect." "First in Qi Refinement: Han Zheng of the Luoyun Sect." Looking at the three brightest names, the ten thousand spectators broke into an uproar. Commotion and chatter immediately followed. Particularly for cultivators who had long resided in a remote corner like Dahe Market, this was their first glimpse of the prodigies from the outside world. Just how formidable were these figures hailed as number one in their respective realms? They could hardly imagine. In the next moment, Pang Renxiong's voice rang out once more. "The Dao Discussion Platform is open, and the Prodigy Roll is raised! Anyone who aspires to contend upon the Great Dao may step onto the platform to debate the Dao and etch their name upon the roll. "In every bout, the victor may claim a designated item from the loser as a battle trophy, along with an appearance fee corresponding to their cultivation realm. "At the end of each year, the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect will also bestow handsome rewards upon those holding higher ranks. "Rogue cultivators may contend as well. Those who distinguish themselves may even join our Jade Cauldron Sword Sect, receiving treatment equal to that of sect disciples." ... Under his introduction, everyone came to understand the Dao Discussion Platform far better. Likewise, they learned the purpose of the Prodigy Roll. By casting the Spiritual Eye Art, one could peer through the Prodigy Roll to inspect the hidden battle records of those inscribed upon it. Many instinctively checked and cried out in shock. Luo Chen was also curious about what kind of person could be acclaimed as the foremost in Qi Refinement. Thus, he specifically looked into the record of Han Zheng from the Luoyun Sect. When he saw it, he drew in a sharp breath. "Thirty-two battles against peers of the same realm, without a single defeat. "Engaged in Foundation Establishment battles: three victories, five defeats. "If someone like this isn't the number one in Qi Refinement, who else could possibly be?" While he marveled, Mi Shuhua, seated right in the center beside them, shook his head with a soft sigh. "We cultivators pursue and contend for nothing other than longevity. Championing martial prowess alone in this manner leans somewhat toward the demonic path." Luo Chen blinked, and the excitement in his chest cooled considerably. Fighting too much indeed took a heavy toll on a cultivator's progress, and in the long run, it did not favor longevity. Still, there was another way to look at it. To rogue cultivators, this was also an avenue for upward advancement. As long as one made a name and showed exceptional flair, not only could they earn rewards, but there was also a strong chance of catching the eye of the major sects. If they could join a sect, they might break free from the hardships of a rogue cultivator, gaining a sect's backing and the guidance of senior masters from then on. Even if that failed, becoming an enshrined elder in a cultivation clan was far better than struggling alone. Provided, of course, that one had formidable combat strength. Up on the platform, Pang Renxiong did not linger. In his capacity as a Core Formation Master, he proclaimed the commencement of the grand opening ceremony. The prepared performances were showcased one after another. Among them, three matches pitting Foundation Establishment cultivators against Tier 2 demon beasts set everyone's blood boiling. It was said that in the future, the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect would deliberately capture Tier 1 and Tier 2 demon beasts to serve as combat opponents for cultivators. Add to that the steadily growing number of prisoners in Chizhu Prison, and the Dao Discussion Platform would have no shortage of martial shows in its early stages. As long as it continued operating and fostered a belligerent spirit among the cultivators, a place like the Dao Discussion Platform was guaranteed to rake in spirit stones. While watching the performances, Luo Chen also observed the expressions of the Mountain Breaker Gang members around him. Though they also marveled at the thrilling exhibitions, there remained a guarded tension between their brows. Sure enough, their own affair was still what mattered most to them. And that affair was the grand finale of today's opening ceremony. The Eighteen-Fighter Death Match! A familiar figure mounted a flying sword and ascended to the Dao Discussion Platform. Miao Zhen, outer sect deacon of the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect and current master of the Jade Cauldron Sword Pavilion. He was an old acquaintance by now; he had been the one to introduce the contenders in the preceding matches as well. His appearance this time announced that the final—and bloodiest—spectacle was about to commence. "The Mountain Breaker Gang and the Great River Gang of Dahe Market share a minor dispute. Today, they borrow the Dao Discussion Platform to settle it once and for all, with our fellow Daoists serving as witnesses. "Each gang fields nine combatants, all beneath Foundation Establishment, with no restrictions on methods. "Unlike ordinary Dao discussions, this contest is decided by life and death alone! "Heh heh, should any of you have disputes in the future, you may also contact the Dao Discussion Platforms our sect maintains across various markets and major cities. We will surely arrange everything properly for you." After slipping in that brief promotion, Miao Zhen's expression turned stern. "Now, let the first battle begin! "Han Dang of the Mountain Breaker Gang versus Min Longyu of the Great River Gang!" With those words, he withdrew from the platform. On opposite sides of the massive stone platform, two figures slowly emerged. A light barrier brimming with immense spiritual energy descended like an inverted bowl, sealing the platform entirely. Only the victor could walk down from the Dao Discussion Platform. In the stands, members of both gangs cast aside all restraint and roared cheers for their comrades. The Mountain Breaker Gang members were especially vociferous; having known Han Dang best, their shouts shook the very air. "Hall Master Han, kill him!" "Slaughter that bastard! The Heart-Devouring Tiger is invincible!" The racket outside could not penetrate the barrier in the slightest. The two combatants locked eyes, exchanged no pleasantries, and immediately unleashed their methods. The battle erupted in an instant! In the stands, Luo Chen stared unblinkingly at the clash, eager to see how late-stage Qi Refinement cultivators fought their battles. He had made a point of looking into the name of Han Dang, the Heart-Devouring Tiger. The Mountain Breaker Gang's seven halls were held by seven late-stage Qi Refinement cultivators. Over the years, the cultivators of Dahe Market had passed many judgments on these seven men. Among them, Han Dang possessed the highest cultivation and the most ruthless methods of the Seven Tigers. Fielding him in the first bout demonstrated just how deeply Mi Shuhua trusted him. Yet as soon as the battle commenced, events defied everyone's expectations. Min Longyu, whose background was unknown, turned out to be a formation master! He leisurely activated a defensive talisman before hurling formation flags in all directions. Han Dang launched a barrage of attacks against the talisman's barrier, battering it until it trembled violently, yet he could not touch his opponent. He turned to destroy the formation flags instead, and with his ferocious methods, he tore through the dozens of banners, demolishing most of them in the blink of an eye. Just as he believed the outcome was settled and turned back to shatter that turtle shell, disaster struck. The shattered formation flags gleamed with golden light, and over a hundred crisscrossing golden blades converged, relentlessly slashing at him. Han Dang deployed his own defensive dharma artifact, but against those golden blades, it did little more than prolong his death throes. Anyone could see that before long, he would fail to hold out. The genial smile on Mi Shuhua's face vanished, replaced by an expression as dark as still water, as he glared toward the Great River Gang. By coincidence, Wang Haichao looked over at that very moment. "Is this truly one of your Great River Gang's men?" "Brother Mi, didn't you know already? Why act like such a sore loser?" "Hmph! Who wins and who loses is yet to be determined!" Brave words, but the bloodcurdling screams Han Dang let out on the platform made Mi Shuhua's eyelids twitch violently. Hacked into ten thousand pieces, flesh and blood flying. Such was the end of the once-renowned Heart-Devouring Tiger. The hundreds of Mountain Breaker Gang members were struck dumb, utterly silent. In stark contrast, cheers of feverish excitement echoed through the arena like a mountain-toppling tidal wave. The joys and sorrows of men, after all, were never shared. Sitting in his seat, Luo Chen felt his scalp tingle with dread. Han Dang's cultivation at Qi Refinement Great Perfection was genuine, backed by a high-grade flying sword, a high-grade defensive dharma artifact, and vast spiritual power—an undeniably solid foundation. His combat tactics had been flawless as well. Yet in that bizarre contest, aside from his initial upper hand, he had been left nearly powerless to fight back. Was this the terrifying strength of a formation master? Amid his awe and apprehension, he noticed Murong Qinglian beside him, her fingers clenched white.