Nine Realms Sword Emperor
Chapter 661 - 662: The First Battle of the Arena

Chapter 661: Chapter 662: The First Battle of the Arena

A Core Disciple looked at Chu Fengmian with a hint of envy, saying,

"The adventures Chu Fengmian obtained are enough to make us all envious to death. The Ancient Dragon Emperor’s cave abode, Beimang Saint Monarch’s inheritance; these are adventures we don’t even dare to dream of, and yet Chu Fengmian has gotten them all."

These Core Disciples were all veterans of Beimang Academy, and seeing how Chu Fengmian, a newcomer, had surpassed them, they were nearly bursting with fury, wishing they could trample him to death right now so that Chu Fengmian would never have the chance to recover.

"A lad who’s gotten some opportunities is not a big deal, in front of this sovereign, he’s but an ant," spoke Ye Tianjun disdainfully from within the crowd.

In his words, there was no trace of respect for Chu Fengmian. His gaze was condescending, suggesting he looked down on everything around him with an air of supremacy.

"Xi Zhi, Wu Ying, Ning Li, the three of you, if you encounter this boy, show no mercy," commanded Ye Tianjun.

The three, Xi Zhi, Wu Ying, and Ning Li, were all Core Disciples of Beimang Academy, and each had made the top ten in the Northern Region’s Ranking.

On the Northern Region’s Ranking, the Core Faction alone occupied four spots, showing the terrifying strength of the Core Faction.

"Yes!"

The three named by Ye Tianjun responded respectfully, their eyes turning towards Chu Fengmian, filled with murderous intent.

To the Core Disciples, Ye Tianjun was an unparalleled deity, and his words were divine edicts to be followed without question.

For them to kill Chu Fengmian was to view him as a mortal enemy who had slain their fathers.

There were many more who wished to kill Chu Fengmian, not just him; almost every underdog in that generation had someone wanting to cut them down.

No one wished for another powerful being to overshadow them.

"It looks like this time, you have stolen all the limelight," said Han Yueli with a smile, standing next to Chu Fengmian.

This battle had finally made Chu Fengmian’s name reverberate throughout the Northern Region.

"This is nothing. To be worthy of being your man, I must at least grab the first rank in this martial arts tournament," Chu Fengmian said to Han Yueli with a calm smile.

Although it seemed like a joke, Han Yueli could discern the seriousness in Chu Fengmian’s words.

If Chu Fengmian was to participate in this martial arts tournament,

then there would be only one position for him, the top of the list.

No one could stand above him, towering over him.

"Arrogant fool."

"Defeating Gu Aohan doesn’t mean much. To even enter the top sixteen is already quite difficult, not to mention getting into the top ten—that’s simply impossible. To think of taking the top spot is nothing but a dream," said a few Martial Artists by Chu Fengmian’s side, not mincing their words.

Hearing these words, Chu Fengmian just laughed and said nothing more.

More talk was pointless; only strength would prove everything on the battlefield.

"Silence!"

The elder from the Sky-reaching Pavilion called out from the stage, his voice silencing the countless exchanges amongst the Martial Artists.

"The first round of the free-for-all in this martial arts tournament has concluded. We will now commence the stage battle. Martial Artists whose identity tokens light up, come up to the stage directly and determine your fate for this Guixu Sky’s quotas; let’s see who the top ten will be!"

As soon as the elder of Tongtian Pavilion finished speaking, two figures leaped onto the arena—their identity tokens already lit up.

On the platform, the battle had already begun.

Those who emerged from the chaos and stood out were hardly weak; practically all were martial artists worthy of leaving their names on the Northern Region’s formidable Hundred Defiant List.

Many times, these battles would be drawn out. Yet, there would also be instances where they ended particularly quickly.

The top twenty ranks on the Hundred Defiant List differed vastly in strength from the rest because many of those who made it to the top twenty were martial artists who had survived the life-and-death ordeals.

While the remaining eighty were mostly at the limit of the Divine Power realm.

A difference of one major realm translates to a disparity close to ten times in strength.

Thus, if one was unlucky enough to encounter a figure in the top twenty of the Hundred Defiant List, the situation was often grim.

Luck was incredibly important for the position one might secure in this martial tournament; of course, to attain a top-ten spot or even seize the top ranking, it wasn’t just about luck.

It was dependent purely on true strength.

Only by defeating all opponents could one claim the top ranking.

This first battle ended within half an hour: as soon as those two stepped down, two other martial artists jumped up to take their place.

For martial artists at Chu Fengmian’s current realm, there was no need for rest, unless spiritual power had been overtaxed.

Thus, the tournament was held continuously, day and night without breaks—a battle ended and another would immediately follow.

"Next."

After another battle concluded, the white figure beside Chu Fengmian leaped down and landed directly onto the arena.

This figure was Han Yueli.

And Han Yueli’s opponent was a small-statured martial artist from the Earthfiend Sect, ranking forty-third on the Hundred Defiant List.

"Bang!"

The moment the battle started, Han Yueli swung her hand and an endless mist of ice burst forth.

The small martial artist didn’t even manage to dodge in time and was hit by the ice mist, instantly frozen and defeated.

In a move, or even less, a mere instant, victory was determined.

Han Yueli’s strength was easily capable of breaking into the top ten. Against a mid-ranking opponent from the Hundred Defiant List, it was a breeze.

"What terrifying strength!"

"The power of the Innate Divine Body, the Xuan Han Body, is so formidable."

"It seems this lady possesses the strength to challenge the top ten in this martial tournament."

Many spectators were inwardly shocked by Han Yueli’s display of strength, which all but secured her place in the top ten.

Unless luck was extremely bad, encountering one of the top five from the Hundred Defiant List, a top ten finish was a certainty.

"The power of the Xuan Han Body has been completely unleashed."

Ye Tianjun, standing by, licked his lips as he watched Han Yueli.

"I must have this woman!"

Han Yueli’s battle ended quickly, and immediately, a new confrontation began.

Chu Fengmian sat on the ground, quietly waiting.

This first round was nearly over, and it would soon be Chu Fengmian’s turn.

After yet another battle ended, Chu Fengmian’s identity token finally lit up.