闪乐

Each day, at least 200 contestants face off, with half of them being brutally eliminated.

Over a thousand talented young men, half of them eliminated in the first round.

Following this trend, the final ten contestants remaining will be the top ten of this martial arts exam and join the final battle for the title of Martial Arts Champion.

When Wang Meng arrived at the Imperial Martial Arts Arena in the west suburbs, the three additional arenas were already packed with spectators.

Excited cheers sounded from time to time, making his heart itch. Relying on his height and strength, he withstood countless disapproving glances and squeezed through an opening to enter the crowd.

In the center of the field, two contestants were deadlocked. The young man holding a spear created raging gusts with his swings, guarding himself flawlessly.

The young man with a knife continued to circle inside the arena, looking for an opportunity to strike, hoping to quickly defeat his opponent with one hit and win victory.

One on defense, one on offense, unable to break the deadlock.

The proctor raised a yellow flag and gave a verbal warning, signaling the two must not delay and must attack their opponents as soon as possible.

Seeing the incense in the censer about to burn out, the young man with a spear grew anxious. He intentionally left an opening, visibly trembling his right wrist, causing the spearhead to swerve, leaving his chest exposed.

Unaware of the ploy, the young man with the knife seized the opportunity and charged.

Quick as lightning, the young man with the spear performed a sweeping move, hitting his opponent’s right leg and sending him flying out of the arena.

“This round is over. The winner is Wu Feng.”

The proctor quickly ran to the edge of the field, checked on the young man with the knife, confirmed his elimination, and announced the result loudly.

“Great!”

Enthusiastic cheers erupted from the spectators around the arena. The audience, who had been waiting patiently for the contest’s conclusion, generously gave thunderous applause.

“I won, I won.”

Overwhelmed with emotion, the young man with the spear performed a series of somersaults in front of the crowd.

“Great!”

The onlookers, pumped with adrenaline, shouted praises once again.

“Great, great, great!”

Wang Meng too, among the spectators, raised his fists and cheered along.

Jinyu, your next opponent is Xu Xin from Xu Clan of Jinyang. He is the rising star of the new generation, with an impenetrable body trained in various martial arts. Among the younger generation under twenty, no one can rival him.”

Outside the arena, two noblemen dressed in fine clothing stood shoulder to shoulder. He Yao, the Grand Marquis, gazed at the intense combat in the arena, his sword-like eyebrows slightly furrowed and revealing a hint of seriousness.

“Courageous but witless, not worth the mention.”

Lin Jinyu eyed the two contestants in the arena, paying close attention and observing their moves and flaws with sharp accuracy.

He Yao, offering friendly advice, said, “Despite his recklessness, he relies on great strength and solid muscles. He easily defeats his opponents and shouldn’t be underestimated.”

“There’s no need for brutes in a battlefield.”

Lin Jinyu muttered, his eyes dimmed and a trace of bitterness flashed across them.

He had no right to mock others, as the mainline Lin Clan was prohibited from entering the battlefield.

“Ah…”

He Yao, perceiving his friend’s low spirits, sighed inwardly.

From childhood to adulthood, they had grown up together. How could he not understand his friend’s thoughts?

However, as royal subjects, they couldn’t disobey the Empress’s orders.

Though they felt it was unfair, they couldn’t openly defy her.

“It’s your turn soon. Go warm up.”

Lin Jinyu quickly composed himself, straightened his emotions, and smiled as he patted He Yao’s shoulder.

“Alright.”

He Yao returned the smile, drew out his sword, and turned to leave.