Chapter 189: Are You Already a Done Deal?

After everything settled.

In Hong Shen's small courtyard, a pot of tea had just been brewed.

When Li Xueru's mind shifted, the hot tea automatically poured into a cup.

Just as the tea was ready, footsteps sounded.

Hong Jishi and Lin Zhenzi strode in.

Li Xueru asked softly, "Is the matter resolved?"

Hong Jishi hummed, and without caring whether the tea was scalding, poured it straight into his mouth.

"Damn it, I didn't expect Black Fire to intervene, and we couldn't keep the Succubus and the Blaze."

Lin Zhenzi was also in a bad mood: "If it weren't for Black Fire, that Blaze wouldn't even think of escaping."

Li Xueru felt puzzled: "The old man didn't act?"

Hong Jishi said in a low voice: "The old man acted too early; once he did, the Succubus was frightened, he sacrificed his life to open a passage between the Abyss and humanity, drawing Black Fire's aid."

Li Xueru understood: "What a pity."

Hong Jishi sighed: "Indeed a pity. If it weren't in Hangcheng, I'd definitely make him pay with blood."

In Hangcheng, these Divine-level Professionals cannot go all out.

If they unleashed their full strength, the whole City would likely be destroyed.

It could even affect other Cities.

Therefore, Hong Jishi and Lin Zhenzi dared not act recklessly.

Li Xueru said: "Let them flee. They won't dare act rashly again next time; we'll have another chance to storm the Abyss together."

Hong Jishi said in a low tone: "At least this time we got something; Dou Sansi's fellow finally exposed himself."

Lin Zhenzi added: "Even Dou Sansi was controlled by them; we must be careful—who knows if there are other puppets? The Succubus's power is indeed fearsome."

Dou Sansi has already surpassed

Level 80, and is one of the Shenlong Empire's senators, a high‑ranking figure.

Even he was manipulated; it's even harder to guarantee safety for others.

Li Xueru said: "I'll investigate this thoroughly; the Empire needs a massive internal purge."

The three discussed matters affecting the whole Empire in Hong Shen's small courtyard.

Jiang Chen arrived at the gate of the high‑level competition arena's base.

Inside the base, lights shone brightly, and many High-level Professionals were discussing combat experiences.

They were discussing the previous battles among themselves.

Jiang Chen saw Jiang Ruo standing at the doorway from afar.

Jiang Ruo also saw him and waved.

"Sister, why are you waiting for me here?" Jiang Chen felt puzzled.

Jiang Ruo giggled: "I guessed you'd come. Hey, this little sister is really pretty—are you my junior sister?"

Lin Caier'er blushed shyly, unable to speak.

Jiang Ruo cooed: "Looks like I guessed right. Little sister, don't worry; my younger brother may not talk much, but he's a decent person."

Lin Caier'er nodded: "Mm, I know."

"You know? Have you already… become a done‑deal?"

Swish, Lin Caier'er felt like digging a hole to disappear; she didn't mean it that way.

Who would have thought that the taciturn Jiang Chen would have a sister like this.

She even thought Jiang Ruo was also a man of few words.

It's completely opposite extremes.

"Sister…" Jiang Chen frantically signaled her to stop talking.

Jiang Ruo returned the signal, understanding.

"Sister, are you joining tomorrow's Challenge Competition?" Jiang Chen changed the subject.

Jiang Ruo shook her head: "I'm not joining; I was about to tell you, sister, I'm leaving."

Jiang Chen was slightly stunned,

then immediately grasped Jiang Ruo's meaning: "Another new mission?"

"It's not really a new mission; it's just grinding a dungeon, leveling up," Jiang Ruo said lightly.

From her words, it's clear her teacher sets a high level requirement.

It seems he's constantly urging Jiang Ruo to speed up her leveling.

Hong Jishi also trains himself, but not with such pressure.

Jiang Chen asked: "Sister, what level are you at now?"

Jiang Ruo giggled: "Almost 45. Little brother, you also need to step up, don't let sister pull ahead—that'd be too embarrassing."

"At least you're the National Top Scholar, hey, still a Three-Star Second Lieutenant."

"No matter how strong the profession itself, level is what matters most; you'll understand this when you reach Third Transcendence."

"Anyway, trust what sister says: you must grind levels without slacking."

"Of course, talking about girlfriends is also important. Little sister, what's your name? My little brother is a bit clueless and can't even introduce people."

Lin Caier'er, still blushing, said: "Sister, I'm called Lin Caier'er."

"Lin Caier'er, a fine name. If that guy dares to bully you later, tell me and I'll teach him a lesson."

"Don't worry, that guy has been beaten by me since childhood; he never dares to fight back."

By the coast, the waves crashed loudly.

The Light Screen has already disappeared.

This time, the Low-level Arena and the High-level Arena were opened up and merged into one.

Today is the day of the Challenge Competition.

The Challenge Competition is also the final event of each Professional Competition.

It is not an official competition item, yet it is more attractive than the first two contests.

Especially this year's Professional Competition has some peculiarities,

Due to the influence of the Cult of Demon Worship, the Solo Competition has changed its format

The audience could not watch the Solo Competition, so their attention naturally shifted to the Challenge Competition.

The Challenge Competition differs from the previous contests.

It belongs to on-the-spot registration and on-the-spot matches.

No open tryouts are required; every professional has a chance.

Jiang Chen looked at the specific rules of the Challenge Competition and recalled what Hong Jishi had said.

He must take part in the Challenge Competition, and the higher his score, the better.

Now that he sees the rules clearly, he finally understands why Hong Jishi made that demand.

The prize is excellent.

For professionals below Level 40, a successful first-round challenge rewards a sparkling Beginner Skill Scroll.

A successful second-round challenge rewards a sparkling Intermediate Skill Scroll.

A successful third-round challenge rewards a bottle of Intermediate Miracle Potion.

A successful fourth-round challenge rewards two sparkling Intermediate Skill Scrolls.

Fifth Round...

The reward is extremely, extremely good, far surpassing those of the Team Competition and the Solo Competition.

Of course, the difficulty is also extremely, extremely high.

Even in the first round, one must face an opponent five levels higher than oneself.

For example, Jiang Chen is currently Level 27, so his first-round opponent would be a Level 32 professional.

As for the opponent's class, it will be randomly chosen among Knight, Mage, and Archer.

The second round exceeds one's own level by 10, and the third round by 15.

If Jiang Chen reaches the third round, he will have to face a Level 42 opponent.

It is a high-level professional who has completed the Second Transcendence.

Historically, those who have completed the second round are already very few.

Those who have completed the third round have only occurred a handful of times.

As for those who have completed the fourth round, none have ever appeared.

The three-round challenge is the limit; it has not been broken for centuries

Some professionals who are extremely confident in themselves are already eager to try.

A Knight was the first to register and stepped onto the arena.

He is a professional from Eagle Nation.

His information appeared on the Light Screen above the arena.

"Xiusi, Sword Shield Knight, Level: 34."

The next second, the defender who would face him also appeared on the arena.

Also a Sword Shield Knight, a Level‑39 Sword Shield Knight.

Jiang Chen sensed the opponent's aura and murmured, "Soldier."

He had already sensed a different breath from the opponent.