Chapter 246: Arena Challenge

As the words of the middle-aged host of the Qingzhou Grand Competition dissipated in the air above the square,

The ground suddenly began to tremble violently.

In the center of the square, eight coiling dragon pillars burst out of the ground.

The pillars were carved with lifelike giant dragons.

The dragon scales glittered with a strange light in the sunlight, as if they would burst forth any second.

The dragon heads were raised high, as if roaring toward the horizon.

Atop the pillars, two illusory arenas slowly appeared.

Faintly visible, they emanated a mysterious and imposing aura.

Beneath the illusory arenas, countless treasure swords shot up into the sky, the sound of myriad swords ringing in unison echoing through the heavens.

These treasure swords varied in form; some blades were etched with ancient runes, some edges glowed with a chilling blue light.

They hovered in the air, forming a magnificent sword formation.

And these two arenas are the dueling platforms for this Qingzhou Grand Competition.

Their appearance instantly released a sacred and noble aura.

Like an invisible pressure, it shook the hearts of everyone present.

The entire venue fell into a brief silence.

Immediately afterward, a heated commotion broke out.

To be able to step onto this arena is not only a symbol of strength, but also an opportunity to change one's fate.

For the countless cultivators present, this is an excellent opportunity to alter their life's path and step onto the road of the strong.

The sect masters and elders of the various participating sects had eyes shining with anticipation.

They turned to look at their disciples beside them and said earnestly: 'Before you lies your glorious arena, your chance to defy heaven and change your fate, and also the opportunity for your sect to fame across the world; you must strive forward.'

Such words rose and fell in various corners of the square.

The disciples on site clenched their fists, their blood boiling, their eyes filled with desire and fighting spirit.

They responded in a thunderous voice: 'We will obey, disciples will not disappoint everyone's expectations!'

Their voices gathered together, like rolling thunder rushing to the heavens, as if to convey their determination and belief to heaven and earth.

The host, looking at the crowd's enthusiastic appearance, nodded satisfactorily and said loudly: 'What is behind me, you all surely know better than anyone.'

'If so, I won't say more; let me briefly introduce the rules of this Qingzhou Grand Competition.'

According to the decision of the Middle State Five Great Sects, this Grand Competition no longer uses the previous year's lot-drawing duel format, but adopts the arena challenge format for combat.

As soon as these words were spoken, the square fell into sudden silence.

In previous years, the Grand Competition always determined opponents by lot.

This method was fair, but relatively traditional.

Yet this year's arena challenge format was unprecedented, and everyone's hearts were filled with doubt.

At that moment, a venerable sect elder stepped forward, furrowed his brow, and asked: 'Host, does this arena challenge possess fairness?'

His words resonated with everyone, and they all nodded in agreement.

Yes, the disciples participating in the Grand Competition are roughly equal in strength; if it were an arena challenge, who could possibly endure multiple matches?

Moreover, considering the disciples' internal energy consumption and treasure consumption, the challenger who goes first would surely be at a disadvantage, while the one who goes later would have an advantage.

I think the arena challenge is inferior to lot-drawing duels.

The crowd chattered back and forth, and the atmosphere on site became heated.

The elders of the Qingyun Sect also began discussing among themselves.

They furrowed their brows and spoke up: 'Yes, these disciples have similar talents; who dares to guarantee they can fight all the way to the end?'

This arena challenge is a tremendous test of the disciples' physical strength, endurance, and strategy.

Facing the crowd's doubts and discussions.

The host of the Qingzhou Grand Competition said unhurriedly: 'This combat method is naturally decided by the Middle State Five Great Sects; it will certainly not be changed.'

Furthermore, the Five Great Sects have issued an order: any disciple who places in the top ten, regardless of which of the Five Great Sects they go to, will receive personal cultivation from the sect masters of the Five Sects.

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire venue erupted in an uproar.

What it means to receive personal cultivation from the masters of the Five Great Sects is clear to everyone present.

That is, one can obtain top-tier cultivation techniques, which contain the ultimate truths of heaven and earth; mastering them allows one to traverse the heavens and the earth.

One can possess rare resources, whether heavenly materials and earthly treasures or ancient secret treasures, and use them at will.

Furthermore, one can receive guidance straight onto the path of the strong, avoiding countless detours.

Such temptation is enough to drive any cultivator mad.

Everyone's eyes burned with fervent desire, their hearts eager to try; they all wanted to hold onto the arena until the end and obtain this supreme opportunity.

Seeing this, the host of the Qingzhou Grand Competition continued: 'Regarding your concerns about fairness.'

Rankings are naturally determined by the number of bouts held and the win rate.

Even if one does not hold the arena to the end, as long as they win enough matches, they can obtain a ranking.

After hearing this, the crowd pondered for a moment and then nodded in approval.

This ranking method tests the cultivators' strength while also taking strategy into account; it is indeed a fair and reasonable way of combat.

The members of the Qingyun Sect also nodded in agreement.

They began to calculate in their minds the countermeasures for their own disciples under this system.

As the crowd accepted this challenge format,

The host of the Qingzhou Grand Competition raised his arms and shouted: 'Alright, no more nonsense, the arena is set, the Grand Competition begins!'

Everyone's gazes turned in unison toward the two arenas.

However, for a moment no one dared to act rashly.

After all, the one who steps onto the stage first must endure the endless stream of challenges that follow.

Each battle consumes a great deal of stamina and magical treasures.

A slight mistake will render all prior effort wasted—not only will one's own work be in vain, but one may also become a stepping stone for others.

At this moment.

In the Azure Cloud Sect's camp, the Grand Elder looked at Li Yilan and Ye Xiaozhi and said gently, "Li lass, Ye lass, you need not rush; you can watch for a while before going up."

"This duel is an arena battle; it's not too late to first gauge your opponent's strengths and then strike."

Li Yilan and Ye Xiaozhi, however, shook their heads without hesitation.