Chapter 024: The Tournament Begins

"Crack!"

Rage—endless rage surged through his body. Wang Long had cultivated in seclusion for years, his hands untouched by blood for a long time. Yet at this moment, he could not control himself; fine cracks appeared in the teacup he held.

"Yang Tian, you must die!" A chilling, bone-piercing killing intent seeped from within him. The malice in Wang Long's eyes rose continuously. He had tried to steal a chicken only to lose the rice, and he wished he could skin Yang Tian alive.

Wang Feng was dead, the chief instructor was dead. The Star Martial Hall's power would surely plummet, likely suppressed by the other two houses, and its former prosperity would be no more.

"Eh? What's this old man going on about?" The two beside him turned their heads, casting puzzled glances at Wang Long. Wang Long was deep and calculating, having built a foundation in Mad Cloud City, yet now he couldn't control his emotions.

At the same time, a trace of wariness arose in their hearts. This faint release of blood energy was far more formidable than their own.

"What's this old man up to?" Kuang Lang frowned slightly, then his gaze fell on Yang Tian and the others. He had heard of their feud, but wasn't the old man overreacting?

"How is this possible? Ninth Level of Blood Refining!" When he saw Lin Yuan, Kuang Lang's heart leaped violently, filled with shock. For Lin Yuan to break through to the Ninth Level of Blood Refining at his age, he must have obtained a great opportunity.

"Slap... slap..."

Yang Tian stepped forward, his mocking gaze falling on Wang Xing's almost dazed face. Then he turned his eyes to the presiding officer on the high platform, cupped his hands, and said, "Reporting to the official, I represent the Dragon Star Martial Hall to compete!"

The presiding officer's expression had soured from being interrupted earlier, but seeing Lin Yuan's released blood energy, he dared not make things too difficult. He nodded and said, "Today, a total of fifty-six martial halls are participating. The competition for those under twenty now begins."

Boom! Boom!

The war drums sounded. As the presiding officer called out names, the tournament officially began!

Yang Tian and the others found a place to sit. Lin Yuan looked at Yang Tian's calm face, a surge of pride rising in his own. From Green Stone Town to Mad Cloud City was a full hundred li.

Along the way, Yang Tian's running speed not only didn't lag behind but was effortless. Lin Yuan knew in his heart that Yang Tian's cultivation had surpassed his own.

In just over a year, reaching such a realm—Lin Yuan felt immensely proud.

Sensing a venomous gaze, Yang Tian glanced at the viewing platform. Seeing Wang Long's livid face, they exchanged a ferocious smile, their undisguised killing intent blooming in the air.

"He must die, he must die!" Wang Long roared inwardly. Under Yang Tian's smile, he felt an endless crisis. Having cultivated for only a year, Yang Tian had killed Wang Feng; Wang Long felt his scalp tingle.

Several li away, the eyes of three men all converged on Yang Tian.

"This kid is no simpleton. His blood energy is not only dense but his cultivation is even stronger than the one beside him," the man in white said, nodding appreciatively.

"Indeed. For someone to emerge in such a small place is already impressive. Blood Refining emphasizes foundation, not speed or slowness," another agreed.

"By the way, I heard the Second Prince sneaked out. Has he returned yet?" the man in white asked.

"Alas, I hadn't heard when I left. What a pity..." Regret appeared on his face as the other man shook his head slightly.

The sun blazed like fire, nearing noon. The scorching heat was unbearable. Yang Tian shook his body helplessly, his listless eyes sweeping over the figures locked in combat on the stage. To him, their exchanges were like children playing house.

"Bang!" Hua Die struck down with her palm, a jade-green blade of energy instantly surging toward her opponent. Then her lithe figure swayed repeatedly, and in the wind, her form-fitting clothes accentuated her curvaceous figure, making it all the more alluring.

"Tsk, tsk, perfect." The earlier burly man kept his fiery gaze fixed on one spot, swallowing hard several times.

"What a talent." The big man's very subtle movements did not escape Yang Tian's eyes. The corner of Yang Tian's mouth twitched, and he rolled his eyes.

"Get down!" Fire Butterfly suddenly cried out. A jade foot kicked down from the air, fierce energy bursting forth, the air crackling repeatedly. Her opponent was sent flying off the stage.

"Seventeenth match, Hua Die wins. Next: number thirty-five versus number thirty-six!"

"My turn." Cracking his neck, Yang Tian slowly stood up.

"Xiao Tian, be careful," Lin Yuan said, patting Yang Tian's arm.

"Don't worry, foster father." Nodding, Yang Tian walked toward the arena.

Watching Yang Tian's retreating figure, Lin Yuan clenched his fists, then his gaze shifted to Wang Long. Having lived with Yang Tian since childhood, he knew the latter's temperament well—today would surely stir up a storm.

Swish! Swish!

Just as Yang Tian stepped onto the arena, a sound of breaking air rang out. A young man in yellow leaped onto the stage with flashy footwork. When his eyes fell on Yang Tian, a disdainful smirk curled at the corner of his mouth.

"Kid, you haven't even mastered your footwork, yet you dare come to the tournament? I'll give you a chance to beg for mercy—get off now."

"Idiot." Looking at the yellow-clad youth's arrogant demeanor, Yang Tian rolled his eyes and spat out two words.

"You..." The yellow-clad youth was enraged, his gloomy eyes fixed on Yang Tian. Then he walked forward with his hands behind his back, exuding an air of superiority.

"Ha!" Suddenly, the yellow-clad youth stomped his foot, like a gust of wind, his figure dashing forward.

"Uh..." The rapid shift left the crowd below the stage dumbfounded.

The fist drew closer, the fierce wind spreading. Those below the stage, seeing Yang Tian standing as if stupefied, couldn't help but close their eyes, as if a bloody scene was about to unfold.

"Die!" The yellow-clad youth grinned viciously, his fist hurtling toward Yang Tian's head.

"Thud!"

Yang Tian stepped forward, the stage trembling. At the same time, the blood energy within him surged like several wild horses galloping. Under this released force, the yellow-clad youth's body was instantly sent flying, crashing heavily off the stage.

"Hiss..." Another rapid shift. The crowd below stared at the yellow-clad youth coughing up blood, a trace of horror creeping onto their faces.

First Order, Seventh Level—defeated in one move!

"Heh heh." Scratching his head, Lin Yuan smiled.

"Who is this person?" Hua Die furrowed her delicate brows, staring at Yang Tian's slightly youthful face. He was younger than her, yet his strength was on par with hers, and his control was even more perfect.

"Miss, he's from the Dragon Star Martial Hall. It's said they have a great grudge against the Star Martial Hall," a maid beside her whispered.

"Then there's going to be a good show." Blinking, Hua Die's gaze fell on Wang Xing's face. Compared to his usual calm demeanor, it was now extremely ugly, the veins on his forehead throbbing.

The presiding officer also swallowed hard, looking at the yellow-clad youth lying on the ground sobbing. He was momentarily stunned, then cast a surprised glance at Yang Tian and said, "Eighteenth match, Dragon Star Martial Hall wins. Next..."