On a sunny afternoon,
in a secretive underwater base of Futu, the Sky Net Exchange Tournant was held on ti.
The entire base covered a vast area of ten thousand square ters and was divided into eighteen levels. This competition was set on the eighteenth floor underground, infamously known as Hell, the significance of which was self-evident.
In the very center of the eighteenth floor, there was a huge Martial Arts Arena, divided into several rings. Many people gathered around, all young and skilled fighters from Huaxia, each with an attitude that only seconded to themselves, none acknowledging the prowess of others.
Surrounding the arena were spectator stands, which had already filled with thousands of attendees. These individuals were all of exceptional status, either rich or noble, each possessing an invitation from Futu.
This level of competition was completely disconnected from ordinary citizens. Everyone present had intricate connections with Futu, be they from the military, the police force, or the civilian martial arts community, each had their rightful place.
Just as the crowd was bubbling with excitent and the noise reached the skies, three young n approached from the outskirts of the crowd. The leader was exceptionally handso, his sharp features composed with a calm elegance, exuding the deanor of a master.
To his left rear was a robust young man, carrying a pitch-black battle-axe on his shoulder. His face bore an arrogant expression, occasionally smirking, and he would shake his head in slight disdain, clearly dissatisfied with everything around him.
The man on the right was a classic figure, towering over two ters tall, clad in steel armor on his hands and arms, muscles coiled tightly around his fra, looking every bit the part of a lovable giant simpleton.
Indeed, they were Xiao Zheng, Long Qie, and Titan.
As the three walked, they carried an imnse authority with them, causing other accomplished fighters to willingly step aside and watch from a distance.
There were also those who disliked their air of superiority. These were young masters from various factions, eager to pick fights. However, Futu mbers weren’t pushovers and quickly pulled these challengers aside to dissuade them.
"Listen here, mate, do you know who that leader is? He’s the expert who KO’ed Yang Cheng with just one move. You can’t afford to offend him."
"Damn, no way! We know Yang Cheng’s strength, ferociously proud and powerful. Could he really be defeated by that harmless-looking youngster?"
"I saw it with my own eyes, man. I was there when he thrashed Yang Cheng. Honestly, in front of him, Yang Cheng really didn’t stand a chance."
"Hiss..."
As they were talking, mbers of Futu who recognized Xiao Zheng ca over to greet him, extrely respectful and enthusiastic, their smiles blooming like lotus flowers.
And Xiao Zheng just nodded slightly in acknowledgent without any intention of speaking; Long Qie and Titan followed his lead, nodding as well. In short, everyone looked to Xiao Zheng for guidance.
The young competitors who had co to participate were utterly confused, wondering who these imposing characters were, with such influence and connections, unmatched by others.
They were curious to see what skills they possessed. As long as they weren’t just boasting, it might indeed be worthwhile to make their acquaintance.
The mbers of Futu were also impressed, as the civilian fighters who had co this year were stronger than those in previous years, and they couldn’t help but marvel quietly.
"Darn it, did you see, did you see? That’s Chen Dahai, the World Karate Champion. His skill is unmatched worldwide."
"Hehe, quick, look at that fat guy—that’s Lu Yifa, who has been the Ju-Jitsu Champion for many years. I heard his jujitsu integrates Chinese martial arts, and he even challenged fighters in Baxi, sweeping through all opponents unbeaten."
"Karate, Ju-Jitsu, what’s the big deal? Look at that short and sturdy Little Black. He’s a disciple of Grandmaster Wang, a master of Iron Sand Palm. A simple push from those aty palms could break wood, shatter stone, make you spit blood, and suffer internal injuries."
"This is just external martial arts. We Huaxia possess the true internal martial arts, starting with Tai Chi Boxing. I heard that Zhang Xiaotian from Wudang Mountain has also arrived. That guy, using softness to defeat hardness, can move a thousand pounds with just four ounces."
"The Northern Spear King’s disciple is here too, that’s the Silver Spear King—Xu Sandai. Don’t be fooled by his dopey appearance; once he stands in his spear stance, he can do so for three days and nights without closing his eyes. His dedication to training has reached the level of obsession. You know ’a stick for a month, a saber for a year, a lifeti with the spear,’ right?"
"Still, nothing beats the thrill of slicing with the Ghost Head Blade. That pretty boy is the South Sea Saber Madman’s head disciple, known as One Slash. No matter how formidable soone is, with just a light slash, he cuts them right in two."
"..."
Just then, with Zhu Chanji’s brief speech, the competition officially began.
Xiao Zheng looked at the chaotic Martial Arts Arena, checked the invitation in his hand, and was surprised to find it was number 2. He looked around and saw Zhu Chanji sitting in seat number 1.
It seed that Old Zhu was quite sincere.
He walked over with Long Qie and Titan, gave Zhu Chanji a slight nod, and finally took his seat.
The seats of Long Qie and Titan were also strategically placed, right behind Xiao Zheng like two guarding statues.
To Xiao Zheng’s left sat Black Rose, and to the right of Zhu Chanji sat Bai Mudan.
Anyone discerning could see, the Black and White Beauties of Futu were ant to guard Zhu Chanji. Yet now, Xiao Zheng had been inserted between them, a clear sign of his high status.
Bai Mudan gave Xiao Zheng a light smile, which surprisingly contained a mix of wariness and hostility.
Xiao Zheng simply nodded back at her lightly and then turned his attention to the duels in the Martial Arts Arena.
First ca the duels between various folk martial artists. The rule was simple: split into several small platforms, then one by one, civilians would co up to face each other in duels.
This was undoubtedly unfair for those who were first on stage, tantamount to a gauntlet. If you defeated your opponent, you would beco the champion, and others would challenge you. If you lost, you were obliged to step down gracefully; if you were lucky enough to win, you had to face yet another challenger.
Yet, this style was very much Futu’s, suiting their criteria for selecting fighters. Anyone chosen to join Futu needed the ability to fight continuously; of course, if you could beat many people, that was even better.
Zhu Chanji turned and said in a subdued voice, "Do these young people catch the eye of the Evil God?"
"Not bad, all young elites!" Xiao Zheng whispered back, though rather uninterested, clearly just making polite conversation.
These young martial artists were on par with the elites of Sky Net, or even less capable.
Not to ntion comparing them with Ten Killings. As for Long Qie and Titan, either one could take on a group of them single-handedly.
Zhu Chanji sensed his indifference, stopped talking, and just shook his head and continued watching the match.
Black Rose was quite displeased with his deanor. It was as if he were disrespecting Futu. We kindly invited you, and this is the attitude you show? That really lacks grace.
Xiao Zheng didn’t notice her mood, instead watching with great interest a young martial artist on the stage, the Silver Spear King—Xu Sandai.
This guy had an incredibly stable stance, and his spear skills had reached the pinnacle. He had already won six consecutive matches. Currently, he was fighting with One Slash—Guan Xiaobai.
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