Mia’s Verdict

The Tournament Continues

The matches proceeded as planned, with Hong Ba facing Lone Wolf, Ye Xiaochi against Mo Yu, and Murong Ying taking on Fu Wude.

The enmity between the Human Clan and the Blood Wolf Clan, as well as the Elves and the Yaksha Clan, ran deep. The battles were fierce, each one more exhilarating than the last.

Lone Wolf and Hong Ba collapsed onto the arena at nearly the same time, but in the end, Lone Wolf struggled to his feet, securing a hard-earned victory.

Murong Ying, on the other hand, had an easy win over the weakest contender, Fu Wude. With a single thrust of his Breeze Blade, he pierced Fu Wude's thigh. Judging by the wound, the latter wouldn't be walking properly for months.

The most thrilling match was between Ye Xiaochi and Mo Yu. Both warriors were at the Fifth Stage of the Body Refining Realm, making it a battle between equals. It was a true clash of titans. However, as the fight progressed, Ye Xiaochi's superior foundation gradually gave him the edge. Before he could unleash his finishing move, Mo Yu made the wise decision to surrender.

With this, the tournament's two most favored contestants—the Twin Elven Prodigies—were completely eliminated.

In a surprising turn of events, only four contenders remained: Ronald, Lone Wolf, Ye Xiaochi, and Murong Ying.

To the audience's shock, two out of the four were humans. Though some attributed it to luck, the undeniable reality was that the human race was rising in power.

The matchups for the Final Four were determined by drawing lots. Ronald secretly hoped to face Murong Ying, eager to cripple the traitor, but fate had other plans—he drew Lone Wolf. Meanwhile, Murong Ying would battle Ye Xiaochi.

The results were as clear as day.

Lone Wolf had barely survived his previous match—what chance did he have against Ronald?

Murong Ying was simply no match for Ye Xiaochi's superior cultivation.

The final battle was all but set in stone.

The Night Before the Finals

That night, as Ronald finished drawing his lot, he wasted no time gathering his Hunter Squad and slipping away from the arena before the excited young ladies could swarm him.

Meanwhile, deep within an inn, Ye Xiaochi was fast asleep.

Suddenly, a shadow flickered across the room.

His eyes snapped open, instantly alert. But before he could react, a terrifying force locked him in place. He couldn't move!

A cloaked elder emerged from the darkness, standing by his bedside. He spoke in hushed tones, his voice barely above a whisper.

Then, he handed Ye Xiaochi a pill before vanishing into the night.

Outside, the moon bathed the world in its silver glow, the stars shimmering like scattered diamonds.

Standing by his window, Ronald gazed at the full moon, lost in thought.

After a long while, he looked down at his open palm, murmuring something to himself—so soft that no one could hear.

The Grand Finale Begins

The following morning, the Martial Arena was packed.

It was the last day of the tournament. The stakes were at their highest.

Every faction was watching with keen interest. The betting houses had opened at the crack of dawn, their halls filled with gamblers eager to test their luck.

At one of the best seats in the stands, Qin Ji whispered instructions to his subordinates. Once they left, he turned to the elegant Mia beside him and said:

"Lady Wang, regarding what we discussed yesterday, please keep it to yourself for now. The final decision still rests with the emperor."

But Mia wasn't listening.

She was staring at the stage, seemingly lost in thought.

"Lady Wang?" Qin Ji called again.

"Ah?" Mia snapped out of her daze, realizing her lapse in etiquette. She bowed slightly. "Rest assured, Your Highness. Mengyu would never speak carelessly."

Qin Ji chuckled. "Lady Wang, you seem to know him well. What do you think?"

Mia glanced at Qin Xue, who was sulking beside her. After a moment of silence, she spoke softly:

"Your Highness, though I am bound to him in name, we have had little contact. I do not know him well."

"Is that so…" Qin Ji mused, deep in thought.

After a pause, he said, "Lady Wang, I have heard about your past. What Li Ding did cannot be undone, and you have already aided Haotian in stripping his son of his title. The grievances between you should now be settled. While I wish to recruit this man, you can rest assured—the imperial court stands with you."

"If you have anything to say about him, speak freely."

Mia sighed, her gaze drifting to the black-armored youth in the rest area below. Her voice was wistful as she replied:

"Your Highness, ever since the palace coup, he has changed. I can no longer see through him. He appears crude and quick-tempered, but in truth, his mind is as sharp as a blade. His tactics are unmatched. With just two hundred soldiers, he turned Dongshan City into utter chaos—he is no ordinary man."

A bitter smile played on her lips.

"During the previous match, he could have kept the Scepter of Authority, yet he returned it to me. This proves that his ambitions far exceed mere earthly power. Even the Sun and Moon Kingdom may not be enough to satisfy him…"

"Hmph!" Qin Xue scoffed, baring her small canine teeth. She clearly disagreed.

"Mengyu-jie, you're giving him too much credit! He's nothing but a perverted bandit! A thief!"

Qin Ji couldn't help but laugh. He was about to respond when Qin Xue suddenly shot to her feet, glaring at him.

"Second Brother! If you dare report this to Father, I'll—I'll tell Mother all about the things you did back then!"

Qin Ji's smile froze.

He glanced at the ever-composed Mia, but deep in his eyes, a sharp gleam flickered.