Myth Beyond Heaven

2245  The Competition (1)

Xiao Hu swept his gaze over Huang Zheng and Huang Ba, his eyes immediately widening in shock. Although he didn't know Huang Zheng, he was extremely familiar with Huang Ba. This was a heavenly genius from the Southern Region.

"Who are they, Brother Yun?" Xiao Hu asked curiously. He had no impression of Huang Zheng or Huang Ba.

"This is Brother Xiao. Without him, I wouldn't have had the chance to come here," Yun Lintian said.

Xiao Hu cupped his fists and said, "Xiao Hu from the Flying Tiger Sect. It's a pleasure to meet you, Young Master Huang."

"Flying Tiger Sect?" Huang Ba frowned slightly. "I seem to have heard it somewhere. Anyway, thank you for your suggestion. Otherwise, I wouldn't have had the chance to meet Brother Yun." n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Xiao Hu immediately understood. Huang Ba must have boarded the black market's ship with Yun Lintian, and they had probably gotten to know each other there.

"How's your preparation?" Yun Lintian asked.

"I'm ready," Xiao Hu replied with a confident smile. "What about you, Brother Yun?"

"I'll be a spectator this time," Yun Lintian responded. "Come on, Brother Xiao. You can do it."

Xiao Hu was puzzled. He had thought Yun Lintian would participate in the competition. Why did he give up now?

However, he had no intention of asking. "See you later, Brother Yun." He cupped his fists and walked away with his people.

"Don't worry, Brother Yun. I'll hold back if I meet him later," Huang Ba patted his chest.

Yun Lintian laughed slightly and followed Huang Zheng towards the viewing area.

As they settled into their seats, the Colosseum began to fill with a sea of faces, each one representing a different faction, a different background, and a different dream.

"It's so lively here," Yun Lintian said, looking at the bustling scene with a smile. No matter how indifferent he was to the competition, he couldn't help but be affected by the exciting atmosphere. He was looking forward to seeing the battles between young cultivators.

"You've come at the right time. This year's competition is on a much bigger scale than in previous years," Huang Zheng said, taking a mouthful of wine. Normally, he wouldn't come to watch children fight, but this year was special. He wanted to see what kind of conspiracy the Holy Lands had in store.

A few hours passed. More and more people arrived, filling the Colosseum completely. Those who couldn't get in could only watch from the outside, but fortunately, there was a live broadcast throughout the entire city.

At this moment, a hush fell over the crowd as a booming voice echoed through the arena. "Welcome, cultivators of the Divine Realm, to the Grand Competition of the Holy Lands!"

The voice belonged to an elder from the Holy Lands, his words amplified by powerful enchantments that resonated throughout the Colosseum.

"As you all know, this year's competition is unique. For the first time in history, there will be no limit on the number of winners. This is an opportunity for all of you to prove your worth and earn a place among the elite."

The elder paused, his voice ringing with authority. "The rules are simple. You will be divided into groups and face a series of challenges designed to test your strength, your skills, and your intelligence. Those who emerge victorious will be granted the privilege of entering the Holy Lands."

A wave of excitement rippled through the crowd. The prospect of unlimited winners had ignited a fire in the hearts of every cultivator present.

The elder continued. "The first challenge will be a test of strength. You will be transported to a simulated battlefield, where you will face a horde of demonic beasts. Your task is to survive for as long as possible and slay as many beasts as you can. The top performers in this challenge will advance to the next round."

A shimmering portal appeared in the center of the arena, its swirling energy radiating a faint aura of danger.

"Now, step into the portal and prove your worth!" the elder's voice boomed.

One by one, the cultivators rose from their seats and made their way towards the portal. Yun Lintian watched as they disappeared into the swirling vortex, his eyes filled with curiosity.

"I'm off," Huang Ba said, getting up from his seat and jumping towards the arena before disappearing into the portal.

Yun Lintian turned to Huang Zheng and asked, "There's no strength or age assessment?"

"It will be done inside that realm. The enemy's level will be adjusted based on the participants," Huang Zheng explained.

"I see," Yun Lintian nodded slightly. This was indeed very convenient.

He turned to the arena and saw familiar figures walk into the portals. They were Gu Bingning, Long Jingxia, and Xiao Hu.

Within moments of stepping through the portal, the sprawling Colosseum vanished, replaced by a vast, desolate plain. The sun beat down mercilessly, casting long shadows that danced with the swirling dust devils.

A heavy silence hung in the air, broken only by the distant cries of unseen beasts.

Huang Ba found himself standing alongside hundreds of other cultivators, each one a paragon of strength and talent similar to him.

Boom!

A sudden tremor shook the ground, and a guttural roar echoed through the air. From the depths of the earth, demonic beasts of all shapes and sizes erupted, their eyes blazing with a feral hunger.

Huang Ba grinned, a thrill of excitement coursing through his veins. He drew his giant axe, its blade gleaming in the harsh sunlight. "Finally, some action!" he roared, charging towards the oncoming horde.

He moved with the speed and agility of a panther, his axes flashing like bolts of lightning. He cleaved through the demonic beasts with ease, his laughter echoing across the battlefield.

"Hahaha! Is this all you got?" he taunted, his voice dripping with arrogance.

Meanwhile, Gu Bingning found herself facing a pack of ravenous wolf-like beasts. Their fur bristled with icy spikes, their breath steaming in the cold air. She drew her twin swords, their blades humming with a chilling energy.

With a graceful flourish, she unleashed a flurry of sword strikes, her movements as swift and precise as a winter storm. The icy blades sliced through the air, leaving trails of frost in their wake.

The wolf-like beasts howled in pain as they fell before her, their bodies freezing solid upon contact with her swords.

"Dance of the Frozen Lotus!" she cried, her voice echoing through the icy winds.