Asura Emperor Venerable
Chapter 471: Special Treatment for the Defiant

Chapter 471: Chapter 471: Special Treatment for the Defiant

Oh?

This really stumped Shi Hao. Although Yuan Chengmie was erudite, most of his knowledge concerned the South Wood Continent and mainly revolved around herbs and runes. Shengong Mountain... was it from the Western Rock Continent?

"Three Flowers Spear." At that moment, someone blurted out the answer eagerly.

"Correct." Zhao Minglei revealed a smile as he flicked a piece of Bitter Heart Tea into the hands of the speaker.

Now, this was the kind of tea ceremony he had been looking forward to.

"The second question." He continued.

Shi Hao had no choice but to remain silent since he was genuinely unfamiliar with the history of the Western Rock Continent, and even the Great Sacrificial Heaven didn’t deem it necessary for Yuan Chengmie to explore it; thus, he could only watch everyone else perform.

Fortunately, he had boldly gathered a hundred pieces of Bitter Heart Tea in the first round, meaning he was assuredly the person who had gained the most, even if he were to leave now.

The second round was just another hundred leaves of tea, no hurry, there was still a third round.

Although he comforted himself in this way, Shi Hao still felt a pang of pain in his heart, thinking that all the Bitter Heart Tea should have been his!

The competition for this second round proceeded much slower and took half a day before all hundred leaves had their new owners.

Zhao Minglei didn’t immediately start the third round but instead allowed everyone to rest a while.

The ones who got the tea leaves all had smiles on their faces, while those who didn’t were rubbing their hands together, gearing up for the third round’s competition.

Everyone had some food and another round of tea before Zhao Minglei announced the rules for the third round’s competition.

"We are all martial artists; naturally, we cannot shy away from testing our strength." Zhao Minglei smiled, "This third round of competition will be decided through martial abilities."

"The remaining tea leaves will be divided into ten parts, the largest share going to the first place, reducing subsequently, and the top ten competitors will be decided through combat. The first place will receive the most tea leaves, and the tenth place the least. For those after the tenth place, I can only apologize."

"Everyone draw lots; we will be divided into ten groups, and only the first place in each group will advance to the ranking match."

The crowd nodded in agreement; being a martial artist, how could one be worthy of the name without fighting?

After the drawing of lots, Shi Hao ended up with the number seven.

Soon, people who drew the same number gathered together; they were each other’s opponents, and only one among them could acquire the Bitter Heart Tea, the rest would only play supporting roles.

First up was the group who drew number one.

They moved to the practice field and all the members of the first group entered, but the battle didn’t commence immediately.

No matter how strong you were, if you were to face forty martial artists of the same realm at once, you would most likely be the one to be beaten up.

Therefore, not only did it require strength but strategy as well; recklessly charging in would clearly result in immediate elimination.

But nonetheless, after some initial probing, the battle finally began.

After nearly two hours of competition, the sole victor was finally determined.

The winner was not the strongest among the forty-plus competitors but was cunning enough and good at forming alliances. He always preserved his strength and when only a few competitors were left, nearly exhausted from fighting each other, he then exerted his power and emerged victorious.

As for Self-Observation, a few days without sleep didn’t affect them, so the second battle started right away.

This time, one fierce competitor stood out, wielding a long staff, sweeping through the masses, fearless and easily stood out.

This guy was Meng Luo.

Before the third group’s match even started, the crowd was cheering.

Because this time, Zhang Zixuan was there.

The match began, and this woman made her move directly, not needing anyone to yield to her.

She was very strong, wielding her sword that flashed like silver light, she also won effortlessly.

The fourth group, the fifth group, the sixth group—except for the first group, the subsequent five groups all had formidable competitors who, with absolute strength, overwhelmed others and won easily.

Finally, it was Shi Hao’s turn.

He entered the arena, extremely low-key.

"Hey, once the fight starts, let’s join forces to take down Lao Xing first," someone immediately said to Shi Hao, pointing at a man standing proudly in the arena.

Seeing Shi Hao’s somewhat bewildered expression, that person hastily added, "Lao Xing was ranked ninety-eight in the last Talent List. Although he was pushed off the list this time, being a former listee isn’t simple, right?"

Shi Hao neither agreed nor disagreed, merely smiling.

Taking Shi Hao’s smile as consent, the person quickly went to persuade others.

Even if they took care of Lao Xing, it didn’t necessarily mean he would stand out. But if they didn’t take down the opponent, there was no chance he could win.

For that glimmer of hope, he naturally needed to make an effort.

"Begin."

"Kill!" Many people charged at Lao Xing simultaneously.

Lao Xing couldn’t help but sneer, "A bunch of buffoons. Do you think numbers alone can overwhelm me?"

He exerted his power, boom, his body radiated with elemental light, as if he had transformed into a divine being.

Bang, bang, bang, he plunged into the crowd, like a lion charging into a flock of sheep, unstoppable.

Indeed, that was the case, everyone was flung away, the disparity in strength immense.

After a round of crushing, only five people remained in the arena.

Lao Xing looked around at the remaining four, brimming with dominance. Although his highest ranking was only ninety-eight on the Talent List, years of hard cultivation had brought him to the Eight Aspects!

With overwhelming strength and far superior talent, he naturally became formidable.

"Will you leave on your own, or shall I knock you down and have you carried out?" he said indifferently, full of cockiness.

One person gritted his teeth and stepped out of the martial arts arena, effectively giving up.

Lao Xing clicked his tongue twice, "Surprisingly, three people still remain."

"Lao Xing, others may fear you, but I, Ji Peng, do not," a young man said calmly.

Hearing this name, Lao Xing’s eyes slightly narrowed, "Ji Peng from the Flying Wolf Sect?"

"Correct." Ji Peng crossed his arms, equally arrogant.

Lao Xing nodded slightly, this person had only recently risen, but was very prominent and was said to potentially enter the Talent List of Self-Observation next year, a formidable rival indeed.

Bad luck in drawing lots, having such a strong opponent.

"I am Yi Xingcai," the third young man also spoke up, revealing a confident smile.

"Yi Xingcai!" Lao Xing and Ji Peng exclaimed simultaneously, their expressions drastically changing.

Lao Xing stared at this person, his expression complex.

Because this was the very person who had replaced him at the ninety-eight spot on the Talent List, truly an enemy meeting was extra resentful.

However, given that the opponent had made it onto the Talent List, his martial arts talent was naturally outstanding, not to be underestimated.

At that moment, all three turned their gaze towards Shi Hao.

This last person, could he also be a renowned figure?

Shi Hao smiled, "I’m Shi Hao, and my specialty is dealing with all who refuse to comply."

Shi Hao?

Never heard of him!

However, the audacity is impressive, daring to claim he specializes in dealing with noncompliance—where does this confidence come from?

"Heh, I really am not convinced," Lao Xing strode toward Shi Hao. Ji Peng and Yi Xingcai were formidable rivals, so he decided to deal with Shi Hao first, to prevent him from profiting as the opportunist.

Bang!

Suddenly, a figure shot out, falling directly outside the arena.