Chapter 210

The grandeur of Wudicheng is truly extraordinary.

After hearing the account, Chen Mu felt a slight tremor in his heart.

Too bad…

One knows one's own limitations best.

Chen Mu has some talent, and some insight.

But he is not a true genius.

He cannot compare with Ye Jiuzhong, Ma Jiantong, or Cao Shaozu.

Not even Xue Xue Ranran can be matched by him.

He's a cheat player!

Joining Wudicheng and training step by step, he would soon expose his inadequacies.

Because Wudicheng has limited deaths.

The previous wave of body looting was merely the aftermath of the "Dragon-Tiger Storm Gathering," when external forces multiplied and clashes left behind corpses.

Such opportunities come once every ten years.

What kind of genius makes no progress in ten years?

…

Thoughts flashed through his mind, but Chen Mu's expression remained unchanged; he stood and bowed deeply to Zhao Guangji, "Thank you, Manager Zhao, and thank you, City Lord, for your great kindness. To be held in such esteem, Chen Mu is truly honored."

Zhao Guangji's smile widened, believing the matter was nearly settled.

Yet, the words Chen Mu spoke next caused his smile to freeze.

"But…"

Chen Mu's face showed regret, yet his tone was firm: "But as a Patrol Inspector of the Zhenwu Bureau, I carry my duties. I am deeply trusted by my bureau and have no intention of switching sects. Your city's generous offer… I fear I must decline."

Zhao Guangji's smile faded; his brow furrowed slightly, yet he still clung to hope: "Patrol Inspector Chen, no need to decide hastily—the finals are still far off. Take a few days to consider carefully…"

"Thank you, Manager Zhao."

Chen Mu thanked him again, then smiled wryly: "You've treated me with sincerity—how could I deceive you? My decision is final. I apologize for making you come all this way."

"… "

Zhao Guangji fell silent.

After a long while, he sighed helplessly: "If that's your choice, I cannot force you. Though Patrol Inspector Chen will not join, Wudicheng will always welcome you!"

"That is Chen Mu's honor." Chen Mu bowed again.

"Ah~"

Zhao Guangji sighed once more, then bowed to Chen Mu and turned to leave.

Chen Mu saw him off to the door downstairs.

Only after watching Zhao Guangji disappear into the distance did he turn back into the room.

No sooner had he sat down than the half-closed door creaked open a crack; Huang Yuanhe's round, plump head poked in, grinning slyly as he whispered, "Brother Chen, was that just a Wudicheng manager? Did he come to poach you? Did you… accept?"

"Aren't you out having fun?" Chen Mu replied with a counter-question.

"Heh, I just happened to spot Manager Zhao." Huang Yuanhe squeezed into the room, shut the door, leaned close to Chen Mu, and grinned mischievously: "Forget me—tell me about you. Did you decide to switch to Wudicheng?"

"No."

Chen Mu shook his head: "Wudicheng is excellent, but it's not right for me."

"Huh?"

Huang Yuanhe scratched his head, puzzled: "Is the Zhenwu Bureau better than Wudicheng? I remember the competition there is fierce—whether you're a Bureau Guard or a Patrol Inspector, everyone's desperate. Wudicheng is so comfortable!"

"If it's so comfortable, why don't you join?" Chen Mu chuckled.

At this, Huang Yuanhe slapped his knee, rolled his eyes: "I want to join—but they have to want me first!"

"Make it into the top ten in the finals, and Wudicheng will definitely recruit you," Chen Mu smiled.

"Nah, forget it."

Huang Yuanhe picked up a teacup, poured himself a drink, downed it in one gulp, and exhaled: "Just making it to the finals is enough for me. Coming to Wudicheng was mostly to broaden my horizons and meet all these prodigies—like you, Brother Chen. If you ever go to Shanyin Prefecture, be sure to contact me—I'll treat you as a proper host!"

"No problem."

Chen Mu replied readily.

Shanyin Prefecture lies south of Hanbei Dao.

Beyond the Tianhan Ruins lies Hannan Dao.

In straight-line distance, it's not all that far.

…

…

The three days of rest passed in the blink of an eye.

On this day, the vast central square of Wudicheng buzzed with noise, the atmosphere reaching its peak.

Ten raised platforms, each over a zhang tall and built of hard Qinggang stone, formed a circular arrangement; around each platform rose transparent energy shields—defensive arrays designed to prevent combat ripples from harming spectators and to ensure no external interference with the battles.

The hundred contestants who had successfully advanced from the elimination rounds gathered before the platforms.

Chen Mu, Huang Yuanhe, Xue Xue Ranran, Ye Jiuzhong, Ma Jiantong, Cao Shaozu, Bo Shanjin…

All familiar and unfamiliar faces were present, each radiating sharp, potent energy, eyes keen and alert.

On the high dais, the tournament organizer scanned the crowd below, his voice booming like a bell as he announced the final match rules.

"This final round will be conducted in a platform challenge format! Rules as follows—"

"First, every contestant must serve as a platform defender at least once!"

"Second, every contestant must initiate at least three challenges against others!"

"Third, in combat, life and death are permitted! However, surrender is allowed—if one party surrenders, the other must immediately cease attack!"

"Fourth, whether intentional or accidental, if an opponent is killed on the arena, the corresponding points will be deducted!"

"Fifth, only the convention-provided standard weapons are permitted in combat; personal spiritual weapons, special concealed weapons, and external items with overwhelming destructive power are forbidden!"

"Sixth, each match is limited to the duration of one incense stick. If no victor is decided by the time it ends, the judge shall determine superiority based on performance, or declare a draw!"

With the rules announced, the crowd fell silent for an instant, then erupted into even louder clamor.

These rules encouraged aggressive challenges while emphasizing defensive endurance, and somewhat restrained lethality—but the four words "life and death are permitted" still spread a faint scent of blood through the air.

"Hahaha... Since no one steps forward, I, Ye Jiuchong, shall throw out a brick to attract jade!"

A bold laugh rang out; Ye Jiuchong's massive figure suddenly shot upward, radiating a wild, unrestrained aura as he landed firmly on the nearest Arena One.

In his hand he held a standard steel spear provided by the convention—though lacking the divine qualities of his own Thunder Spear, it still matched his mighty aura, remaining formidable and awe-inspiring.

He scanned the crowd below, his voice like distant thunder.

"Tianlei Sect, Ye Jiuchong! I have set up this fighting platform here—which of you friends will come and test me?"

With someone leading, the atmosphere instantly ignited.

"I'll go!"

"Count me in!"

Immediately, sharp whistling sounds followed in rapid succession.

Figures—some confident, others eager to seize the initiative—leapt onto the other nine arenas.

Bo Bo Shanjin climbed onto Arena Three.

Ma Jiantong appeared silently on Arena Five.

Cao Shaozu snorted coldly and leapt onto Arena Seven.

Xue Xue Ranran drew a deep breath, her delicate figure landing on Arena Nine.

In but a moment, all ten arenas were claimed.

On the high platform, the judges, seeing this, wasted no time and announced loudly.

"The finals of this 'Long Hufengyun Gathering' are now begun!"