Chapter 40: Rumor

Orochimaru's words made Qimu Chao laugh; the man before him was truly interesting—cunning and full of twisted humor.

It's not that the information he gave was false,

but he even concealed some rather crucial information.

such as why he came to this island, what he intends to do here, and what kind of rites the island's shadow‑side Festival will hold, the division between the light side and the shadow side………

In some cases, withholding information could lead to very serious consequences.

But considering that Shui Men's teacher Jiraiya seems to be close friends with him, and he knows Shui Men's strength well, he probably thinks that even if some information is hidden, it won't matter to Shui Men; at the very least, Shui Men can withdraw from this mission unscathed.

Even if Shui Men fails, Qimu Chao has his back; even if Orochimaru didn't reveal everything, it doesn't matter— with the power of Magnetic Field Rotation he now wields, a Jonin is no match for him.

As for Kage‑rank strongmen, although he hasn't fought them, Qimu Chao doesn't think he would lose.

After all, Magnetic Field Power against chakra is a Dimensional Reduction Strike.

Not to mention whether one can even encounter Kage‑rank strongmen here is another question.

Even the strongest ninja village, Konoha, according to Qimu Chao, only has his father, the Legendary Sannin, and the Third Hokage who can reach Kage‑level.

Perhaps the root leader Tuan Cang his father once mentioned is also one, but even counting Tuan Cang and some unknowns, the number of Kage‑rank strongmen would not exceed ten.

If we extrapolate from Konoha Village's Kage‑rank strongmen, the entire Ninja World would have no more than fifty such individuals.

So on this small island, it's unlikely to encounter Kage‑rank strongmen so easily.

It's unclear whether Shui Men noticed the hidden parts in Orochimaru's words, but given his wisdom, he probably did.

Because he knows Orochimaru's nature and is confident in his own side, he didn't ask?

Under Orochimaru's lead, Qimu Chao and Shui Men entered a circular building at the very center of the Underground City.

At first glance, the structure resembled a Roman arena, and once inside, the sight further confirmed Qimu Chao's suspicion.

The atmosphere here, undetectable outside, lets humanity's savage desires reach their utmost release.

It is the bloodiest, most primitive combat style: two fighters in the arena's center may not use any Ninjutsu, only Body Technique and Ninja Tools; if they run out of tools or become exhausted, they resort to clawing with nails and biting with teeth.

Chains of similar seals encircle their necks and wrists, the seals faintly glowing, apparently suppressing chakra and having some other effect.

The arena's perimeter was packed with all kinds of spectators; men, women, and children alike roared and vented every emotion in frenzy over this primitive brawl.

From Qimu Chao's perspective, the sand‑filled arena floor was stained with dried blood, broken nails, shattered teeth, torn skin fragments and waste, meaning that incontinence during fights was probably commonplace here.

"The Festival on the shadow side of Yucha Island takes place in this arena; normally the combatants are traded slaves. Arenas like this number in the dozens across the Ninja World, including within Fire Country, and most of the Black Market's human‑trafficking ends up here, offering the most barbaric battles for others' amusement."

Orochimaru glanced at the two and smiled.

Neither Qimu Chao nor Shui Men commented on the situation; Qimu Chao is a time‑traveler, while Shui Men has been a ninja for years—he isn't fully aware of the Ninja World's dark side but knows a bit.

"Most of those who fight in these arenas are ninjas and samurai."

Orochimaru, pleased with their reactions, continued: "But you needn't worry; they're ninjas from small nations and minor ninja villages. Even ninjas from the Five Great Villages, let alone Black Market traffickers, wouldn't dare provoke them, even a mere Genin."

"After all, a ninja represents the honor of his ninja village."

With that said, the arena battle reached a conclusion.

One larger combatant brutally bit the opponent's throat with his mouth; as blood dripped, the victim lost any chance to rise and could only lie on the ground, panting "hoho".

The creature kept chewing, its face smeared with blood plasma; it turned to the audience, eyes blood‑shot, and lunged toward the stands like a demon.

The spectators, who had just cheered his victory, instantly panicked and fled as if their legs might sprout anew.

The organizers, accustomed to such scenes, performed a Seal Formation, brightening the chain seals on the fighter, inflicting immense pain and causing him to collapse and writhe on the ground.

The fighter, lying on the ground, struggled to extend his hand, which pointed directly toward where Qimu Chao and the two others stood.

Shui Men frowned, about to speak, but Orochimaru placed a hand on his shoulder and continued: "One week from now, on a Moonlit Night, the shadow‑side Festival will be held here; the people of Yucha Island will select the most fanatical warriors to slaughter each other, inevitably choosing a true thousand‑person slayer."

"Then the warrior who becomes the thousand‑person slayer will, under the moon's witness, go to the light‑side Festival to receive a blessing; it is said those blessed gain an Immortal Body."

"An Immortal Body?"

Hearing that, Qimu Chao finally showed some interest: "Is it truly an Immortal Body? Mr. Orochimaru, why have I never heard any such rumors before?"

"Legends are just legends; no one knows what an Immortal Body truly is, because this island's shadow‑side Festival hasn't produced a thousand‑person slayer in a hundred years, and it lacks the crucial yin‑yang combination step."

Orochimaru gladly explained to Qimu Chao: "However, I've heard that in Chuan Zhi Guo, someone has devised a simpler ceremony and even founded a sect around it."

"The reason I came to this island is to witness its dual festivals; perhaps this year a thousand‑person slayer will indeed appear."