Chapter 31: Arena Beckons
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Yin Zhe's eyes narrowed as he observed the judge's cold glare. He thought inwardly, "What the actual f*ck… how can a professional judge just… hate a contestant this obviously?"
He carefully scanned the panel. Their uniforms were sharp, disciplined, and intimidating. The distinctive logo of the Iron Vein Spiritual Law Enforcers were attached to their uniforms. These weren't just judges. They were like the corps, the law enforcers of the iron vein sect. Their job wasn't just to observe. They were there to uphold order, punish misconduct, and ensure that no one bent the rules. They could crush a reckless cultivator with a flick of their spiritual technique if they wanted to.
Yin Zhe dragged forward his still-sensitive body, he stepped onto the arena floor with a Thud… The transparent sound array barrier shimmered faintly as he crossed its boundary. The subtle hum of energy pressed against his skin. Crackle… His system panel stopped notifying him about the reactions of the crowds that were outside the barrier. "Hhhmm.. I guess this barrier blocks their reactions…"Yin Zhe muttered inwardly. "Meh, bad thing indeed.. what a drag"
But Still, the arena contained over a hundred competitors, all chattering nervously. Yin Zhe's sharp mind calculated the possibilities. "I don't need the crowd outside. I can farm Reactive Points here. All I need to do is. To Just catch the attention of the other contestants." A sly smile crept onto his face.
A judge rose from the panel, and extended his palm. Spiritual energy rippled from the hand, amplifying his voice across the arena like a drum echoing in a valley. The sound reverberated against the transparent walls. Crackle…
"Listen closely!" the judge bellowed. "It was Elder Xuan Yi, the renowned alchemist." The crowd said in astonishment. Xuan Yi's voice commanded both respect and fear. "The competition is not a place for recklessness! Even the strongest cultivators may falter if their focus slips, an inch too far, a misstep or even a fart… and you may die. The judges cannot always intervene if your opponent strikes at the perfect moment.. as you can see We're starting with twenty different arenas. Each arena has two hundred participants each. That means: Twenty times two hundred. And that equals four thousand cultivators in total, at the start of this event. Now hear this part clearly. Only the TOP FIVE from each arena moves on to the next stage. Everybody else?, Knocked out. Finished. Just Go home. So: Twenty arenas time five winners equals to one hundred cultivators advancement. And three thousand, nine hundred cultivators will be eliminated in the first stage. There will be no arguments. Or pity. Only the arena will decide."
The crowd froze after hearing the announcement. Murmurs erupted. Young cultivators whispered to one another. "Wait… a fart?" one voice hissed incredulously. Chatter… "An inch too far? Are you joking?" another murmured. Chatter. The noise grew. Yin Zhe was surprised by what the crowd decided to talk about after all that info dumb.
Elder Xuan Yi's sharp eyes scanned the audience. A faint smile curled at the corner of his lips. "Hpmh…" He sipped from a porcelain cup, the aroma of strong tea filling the air, mingling with the subtle scent of incense that hovered over the arena.
His calm demeanor contrasted sharply with his words. He was planting fear. Calculated and deliberate fear.
"These children must understand… Elder Xuan Yi thought, The world is not a place of cupcakes and rainbows. This is a dog eat dog world. Kill or be killed. Retreat, and you may live… but fight again, and you must fight smart."
Yin Zhe carefully watched, as his mind began cataloging every expression, and every subtle tone from the judge. The audience's attention, even in this enclosed arena, was something he could use. He flexed his fingers on the hilt of Roaring Tiger.
The judge continued speaking, his voice rising, and projecting authority across the arena. "Know your limits! Take each step carefully. The Shattered Star Competition is no game. You will face opponents of varying skill and cunning. Underestimate even the smallest challenger, and you may never rise again."
The competitors listened nervously. Beads of Sweat rolled along some of the foreheads of some of the nervous competitors. Their weapons glinted faintly in the morning light, the weight of anticipation could be felt pressing down on every shoulder.
Yin Zhe's inner monologue ticked like a clock. "this judge is trying to make them doubt themselves. Kill the mind before the body" He adjusted his posture, shifting the Roaring Cat slightly so that the sunlight can hit its polished edge. The subtle shine of the 12th Grade Sword caught the peripheral vision of several nearby competitors.
He allowed himself a tiny inward chuckle. "Attention. The system will surely love this."
Elder Xuan Yi lowered the cup, placing it carefully on the table beside him. Clink.. His gaze swept the arena again, settling briefly on each contestant. "This competition is not about luck. Neither is it about courage. It is about calculation, skill, and survivability. Respect your opponents, and respect your limits."🌱
The murmurs around Yin Zhe rose again. A few competitors glanced at him, their eyes flickering between curiosity and suspicion. Crackle… Some of them whispered about his 12th grade sword. The sword costs a lot.
"Heh… they'll react to me soon enough, Yin Zhe thought. Just u wait… I'll get my points whether this barrier blocks the crowd or not. Attention from these fools is more than enough."
Elder Xuan Yi leaned back, while resting comfortably. His face was calm, but his words were already at work. Panic and fear rippled subtly through the arena, leaving the younger cultivators unsettled, jittery, and more alerted.
"Yes… this is actually good" Yin Zhe's mind ticked over the plan he had formed in his head, now perfectly aligned with this moment. He would use the reactions of his fellow contestants to gain more Reactive Points, even within the barrier. He would have to manipulate, provoke, and farm as many reaction points as possible.
Then the elder voice rang out louder and clearer, carrying over the hum of anxious whispers. "May the competition begin!"
Booooom.