With over a thousand participants qualified, Xuefeng and Tianshi were successful in blending in the crowd and avoiding any drama before they even entered the Arena. It would be a bother to argue with a fry like a shorty Bai once again.
After passing through the security check and entering the lobby, Ming appeared next to them once again. Her face was covered behind a hood, making her look like another mysterious participant.
‘It seems like Tianshi and you fight at the same time,’ Ming commented as they gazed at the giant board in front of them.
It had all the thousand and twenty-four names of participants listed down. The first round of battles was already predetermined and they were assigned to one of the many stages. Once someone lost, they were out of the tournament. Although it was harsh, it was at least fair. Everyone had the chance to win the tournament. Just be the strongest.
‘We will be fighting on one of the ten main stages as the Seeded Participants, ugh…’ Xuefeng grunted, seeing their names painted with gold. Only a hundred and twenty-eight seeded Participants who were predicted to advance to the finals had it.
‘Don’t worry, it’s a good thing,’ Ming assured, trying to change his mind. ‘We are no longer hiding your strength. The more people see your power, the more they will fear you. Once you intimidate them from the start, you will have a mental edge over them. You also won’t need to face each other before the finals.’
‘Yeah… It’s fine, I guess…’ Xuefeng sighed, causing Tianshi to squeeze his hand.
‘My love, I will be fine. I will prove I can stand by your side as an equal,’ Tianshi promised, showing a sweet and confident smile. ‘I’m also a Seeded Participant so even the management thinks I can pass the Elimination Round. Don’t worry about me.’
‘I know you will, but that’s not a problem,’ Xuefeng replied, rubbing her cheek. ‘I just don’t want others to see how beautiful you are. Hundreds of thousands of people will see you on the main stage. I just want to keep you all to myself. I am really selfish.’
‘You are not. I find you really cute,’ Tianshi muttered, leaning over to kiss him as a reward. ‘Even if everyone sees me, they will know I’m yours. I will always be your wife but at the same time, I want to be myself, Xiao Tianshi and prove I’m strong enough. Please, let me do it.’
His possessive and protective nature activated in him but seeing the light in Tianshi’s eyes, he couldn’t keep her sheltered by his side forever. Tianshi was the only one of his wife who almost never left him, compared to others who were not alone, gaining life experience by themselves.
‘Of course, you can. I will support you in everything you want to do,’ Xuefeng agreed as he pulled her closer by the waist and thought of an idea.
Despite being surrounded by hundreds of youths passing through the lobby to reach the arena, he reached out to Tianshi’s hood and took off, surprising her. Just a moment ago he was trying to hide her appearance but now he suddenly revealed her to everyone.
A couple of youths couldn’t help but slow their walk when they noticed her but Xuefeng didn’t mind it, holding onto her neck and kissed her deeply in front of everyone. Tianshi was taken aback but still followed his lead.
‘Now everyone will know you are mine. Now go and make me proud. Kick their asses and meet me in finals,’ Xuefeng cheered, hugging her supportively. With how strong she returned his hug, he knew she will try her hardest to do just that.
“Excuse me, are you perhaps Liu Xuefeng, participant battling at the tenth stage?”
Just as they separated, they were approached by the Arena Staff member who seemed to be in a bit of a hurry.
“Yes. Can I help you?” Xuefeng replied politely, causing the woman to become overjoyed.
“Thank Heavens, I finally found Sir. Please, follow me to the Arena. Your entrance is in five minutes,” the Staff explained in relief but Xuefeng widened his eyes in confusion.
“Entrance? What entrance?”
“Eh? Sir, you weren’t informed? Sir is one of the top ten Seeded Participants. You are opening the whole Tournament with your battle on the main stages. You will also be introduced by our commentator as you enter the Arena. Only the top ten Seeds deserves such treatment. Please, follow me,” the Staff hurried, almost grabbing onto his hand as she gestured to follow her.
“Can my wives come with us?” Xuefeng questioned on instinct, not wanting to separate but the Staff lady shook her head.
“I’m sorry but the top ten entrance is special. All others are required to enter from the main entrance.”
Ugh…
Xuefeng didn’t like that at all, but it was to be expected. Who asked him to destroy the measuring Wall at the Qualification Test. He basically asked for it. The strange thing is that even after destroying it, he was only on the tenth spot, indicating there were nine people stronger than him.
‘Don’t worry, I will go with Tianshi and protect her if anything happens. I don’t think anyone here can be faster than me,’ Ming assured. ‘She is also strong enough to reach the finals without problems. I am sure of it.’
“Go, go, we will go alone,” Tianshi hurried him as well, pushing on his back. “We will watch your entrance, so make sure you look good.”
“Alright, alright, I’m going. Take care you two,” Xuefeng called back with a wave only to remind in his mind. ‘Be careful as you fight. I will watch you as well.’
‘Yes! I will win for sure!’ Tianshi called back excitedly, their line of sight breaking as he disappeared behind the corner.
“Where are we going exactly?” Xuefeng wondered as he was led in the tunnel leading up towards the Arena. It seemed like some kind of ramp, with multiple people waiting for him there.
“Lu Fang! Lu Fang! Lu Fang!”
He heard loud cheering from the arena, but he couldn’t see anything yet as Arena Staff stopped him before the exit.
“Please hold still,” the Staff lady ordered and multiple hands reached out to him at the same time.
One lady handled his hair, the other began applying some powder onto his face while another brushed his clothes, getting rid of any specs of dust. He felt like some kind of celebrity, being groomed before the show started.
“Once the commentator calls out Sir’s name, please go out on the ramp. You can wave at the fans or just smile as the commentator introduces you to the public. Once he is done, Sir can fly over and land on the main stage in the middle of the Arena,” the Staff lady explained further. “Some even did some tricks in the air to entertain the public but you are not required to do it.”
“We are ready!” the others called out, pushing their hands away from Xuefeng at the same time.
He was still confused by the sudden development but he didn’t have time to think about it as the commentator began speaking once again.
“And nooooow, for our final introduction, the last from the top ten seeds…”
He paused, letting the crowd calm down from cheering Lu Fang’s name and the Staff ladies panicked, pushing Xuefeng forward.
“Sir, go, go! It’s your time!”
Xuefeng could only sigh and walk forward, playing their game for the greater good. He was asked by Ming to be high profile, to intimidate and gain a mental edge on them. How could he reject her?
‘Hehe, that’s the best I am at…’
He walked forward towards the ramp as the commentator introduced.
“Please welcome to the arena, the handsome angel from heavens… the newest disciple of the strongest Cultivator in the Heaven Realm and the grandson-in-law of the Trade Union President… The one… the only… LIU XUEFENG!”
