Chapter 1183: Answer the Challenge! Abyss Arena!

"He dares challenge the imperial family's dignity? Is Xu Jingming insane?"

"In my opinion, the Ninth Prince is still too lenient; such a person should be arrested outright, no need to give him a chance to fight on the arena."

"After all, he's a disciple of the Immortal God; we should still show him some face."

"......"

In the virtual universe, above the Noah Sanctuary Square, the golden challenge letter hung like a blazing sun.

Below the letter, a crimson countdown number continuously flickered.

The moment this challenge letter appeared, the entire sanctuary erupted in heated discussion.

Most people sided with the Ninth Prince; only a few supported Xu Jingming.

The reason was simple.

Among the ten million members of the Noah Sanctuary.

The vast majority came from families with minor influence, naturally leaning toward the imperial clan.

Those like Xu Jingming and Ye Lan, prodigies from native planets, were the minority.

Of course, there was another reason.

That was envy!

Why should a native get the Immortal God's gaze, and not them?

Ultimately, it was their sense of superiority that made them naturally look down on natives from remote planets.

Now that Xu Jingming was in trouble, they were all too happy to kick him while he was down.

If Xu Jingming had come from a universe-level powerhouse clan, this envy would have been far less.

On the eastern open seating area of the square, several members of the imperial family, each wearing a golden sun badge on their chest, gathered together.

At their head was Koen, his face still bearing faint bruises, yet his expression was wildly excited.

"My lords, with the Ninth Prince himself stepping forward, Xu Jingming is certain to lose!"

Koen raised his cup, deliberately raising his voice, "When the time comes, I'll make him kneel on the sanctuary square and apologize to every member of the imperial family!"

"The Prince of Koen speaks truly!"

A red-haired girl flattered in agreement, "These native prodigies, with a bit of talent, become arrogant and insolent—they deserve a good lesson!"

Around them, several imperial members raised their cups in agreement, though one glanced at the countdown beneath the challenge letter and chuckled:

"Xu Jingming probably won't accept the Ninth Prince's challenge."

"Then let the guard corps take care of him."

Koen grinned, setting down his cup: "But the most likely outcome is that Lord Luwen will intervene and settle this matter."

Xu Jingming isn't a fool—he won't ignore his own backing.

He can see this; Xu Jingming must see it too.

"Ah, so this whole thing will just be dropped?" Several imperial members frowned.

"It won't be dropped.

He caused such a huge mess right after being taken as a disciple.

Even if Lord Luwen intervenes to calm things, Xu Jingming's standing in his eyes will plummet drastically.

Moreover, Lord Luwen will owe the Ninth Prince a favor because of this.

To earn the Ninth Prince a favor from the Immortal God, a little beating is worth it."

Koen had already seen through this clearly.

Compared to Xu Jingming, aligning with the Ninth Prince mattered far more.

"Hah! No wonder you're the one—no matter what choice Xu Jingming makes, we win!"

At these words, the other imperial members clapped and cheered.

But at that moment, the challenge letter suspended in midair suddenly blazed with brilliant light.

The countdown below froze.

14 days 15 hours 53 minutes (Accepted)

The instant the words "Accepted" appeared, a deafening roar erupted across the sanctuary square!

"Xu Jingming actually accepted? Does he really think he's a Level One prodigy?"

"He hasn't even formed a Law Manifestation—fighting now will only end in crushing defeat."

"Still, accepting the challenge shows some courage."

"......"

People chattered, preparing to watch the spectacle in fifteen days.

"He actually accepted?"

Koen, seated on the open terrace, blinked, then shook his head:

"When he was taken as a disciple, the commotion was so great.

Now the Immortal God won't even show her face—clearly, Xu Jingming's talent is nothing special."

"Hah! Prince Koen is right—Xu Jingming is nothing after all!"

The surrounding imperial members all laughed in agreement.

Those who associate with Koen are no better themselves.

Naturally, they were delighted to see Xu Jingming humiliated.

Xu Jingming had no idea his acceptance would spark so much gossip.

At this moment, he stood before a majestic black tower!

Abyss Arena!

This massive tower was entirely constructed of dark metal, its surface flowing with blood-red energy patterns that pulsed like veins.

The tower pierced straight into the clouds, its peak vanishing into churning crimson thunderclouds, where countless streams of data flickered, displaying real-time battle information.

At the tower's base lay a circular plaza over ten thousand kilometers in diameter, its ground engraved with dense, ancient runes.

On the plaza, figures flickered as warriors from across the universe were teleported in continuously.

These individuals either glowed with sharp intensity or radiated lethal aura.

Even within the virtual universe, the powerful presence emanating from their bodies could be felt.

Outside the tower, countless holographic projections flickered.

Xu Jingming glanced casually at one and saw two warriors battling atop a white dwarf star.

The shockwaves of their fight tore cracks across the entire starry sky, while countless spectators in the surrounding seats cheered, urging on their favored combatants.

Below the projection, golden text scrolled: 【Abyss King Promotion Match! Who Will Ascend to Kingship?】

"The Abyss Arena! Here, the brightest prodigies of all humanity across the universe converge!"

On his shoulder, the sprite Eva wore an expression of excitement.

"Now this is interesting."

Xu Jingming, eyes filled with anticipation, flew out of the plaza.

As he stepped into the Abyss Arena, a voice suddenly exploded in his ears:

"Welcome to the ultimate proving ground of blood and glory!

Here, you shall face endless prodigies from the ten thousand advanced civilizations of humanity across the universe!

Here, you shall experience the ultimate combat!

Here, you shall attain boundless glory!

Fight! Kill! This is the supreme hall for honing battle skills!

The voice was majestic beyond measure; merely hearing it sent Xu Jingming's battle spirit surging!

"Choose a name for your journey in the Abyss Arena—this name shall accompany you on your endless path!"

"Bloodslayer."

"Bloodslayer! Welcome to the Abyss Arena! Would you like to hide your appearance?"

"Hide my appearance?"

Xu Jingming was still puzzled.

After careful thought, he realized some might indeed prefer not to be recognized within the Abyss Arena.

After a brief pause, he spoke: "Hide it."

Undoubtedly, within the Abyss Arena, he would reveal all his cards in battle.

He deeply understood the importance of his hidden strengths.

He could not let people from his real life deduce his true strength by observing his battles here.

"Excellent! During battles in the Abyss Arena, your appearance will remain obscured."

The Abyss Arena is divided into Ranked Mode and Casual Mode.

Ranked Mode consists of eight tiers.

They are: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Master, Grandmaster, and... Abyss King!

Would you like to begin your Ranked Classification Match now?"

"Eight tiers? Interesting."

Xu Jingming grew even more eager and nodded directly: "Begin."