When the shadowsteel whip was swung, it crackled with power and delivered precise strikes that were impossible for anyone to dodge.Despite the strength of Number 33's opponent, he was forced to retreat and unable to close the distance.In mere minutes, the opponent endured a relentless barrage of lashes. His body was marked with bloody welts.He gritted his teeth and persevered for another two minutes before being knocked off the battle ring by Number 33's whip.The sight sparked cheers at the betting tables as many people jumped up excitedly."Haha… I won! Number 33 is the winner!""Heh… Awesome! I finally picked the right horse!""Damn it! If I'd known, I would've gone all in. This measly payout is hardly satisfying!"Number 33's win had the whole crowd cheering and celebrating. Most of the gamblers were thrilled by their newfound winnings.But for some, there was a pang of regret for playing it too safe. When they held the celestial stones in hand, that regret only intensi
After the third round of matches wrapped up, the fourth round began.At that moment, Abigail was surrounded by an ever-growing crowd. Even the martial artists watching from afar couldn't resist joining in.Some came for the thrill, while others couldn't help but feel a pang of envy.With many martial artists raking in the celestial stones, word spread like wildfire. Soon, a steady stream of new faces was eager to participate in the betting pool.Abigail's first box of celestial stones had been completely doled out as winnings. This prompted her to bring out her second and third boxes.The nearby martial artists couldn't hide their excitement as they gazed upon the boxes full of celestial stones.Human desires knew no bounds; even those who had already accumulated a decent haul of celestial stones craved more.These treasures that offered a direct path to enhancing their cultivation were simply irresistible."Sir, have you figured out who to bet on yet? Who's your pick this roun
Number 24 folded his arms and sized up Number 95 with scorn and disbelief.He couldn't help but scoff at the sight of the skinny, hobbling kid stepping into the ring. He felt that Number 95 had underestimated the challenge ahead."Although you're tall and muscular, it doesn't mean you can beat me," Number 95 stated flatly."I can't beat you?" Number 24 chuckled.He taunted, "Kid, do you even know what you're saying? With your twig-like frame, I could squash you with one hand!""Really? Why don't you give it a try?" Number 95 remained unfazed as he stared at Number 24 without flinching.Despite his smaller stature, he emitted a strong presence."Fine. It seems like you won't get it until I school you!" Number 24 sneered as he drew his long blade out of its sheath.Meanwhile, Number 95 remained unfazed as he casually leaned on his crutches."What are you waiting for? Draw your weapon!" Number 24 pointed his blade at him aggressively."I don't need a weapon to deal with you," Nu
"You… You used poison?" Number 24 clenched his teeth. His face burned with fury and disbelief.He tried to push himself up, but he felt weak. Even wiggling his fingers felt like a Herculean task."In the battle ring, fair play reigns supreme," Number 95 said calmly. "Even resorting to tactics like poison or hidden weapons is deemed acceptable within the rules."He added, "Moreover, I wasn't out for blood. I just want to incapacitate you momentarily. If my aim had been lethal, you'd be dead already.""Why you—" Number 24 was left speechless. Although he was reluctant to admit defeat, he begrudgingly accepted it.The rules didn't forbid the use of poison, and his opponent's frontal assault couldn't be deemed an ambush.His failure to defend himself boiled down to his own lack of strength."This round winner is contestant number 95!" With Number 24 incapacitated, the referee swiftly announced the match's outcome.Soon, the venue erupted in applause."Haha… We did it again! Anothe
"Get those bets in, quick! Trust me, put your bet on Number 13, Brandon Swift!""Hey guys, it's time to hit the jackpot! Don't miss this golden opportunity!""Hey, does anyone have treasures to spare? I'll pay you back with interest once I win those celestial stones!"The gamblers clamored. They jostled forward and were eager to place their bets. Anything valuable was thrown into the betting table without a second thought.Soon, the atmosphere crackled with excitement.This round was like hitting the jackpot for the gamblers, so doubling down was a no-brainer."Hey, make some room! We're here first, so let us get our bets in!"As the crowd of gamblers grew denser, chaos broke out.Miles and Ruby were momentarily taken aback and surrounded by eager gamblers. The duo had to push through the crowd to get to the betting table.After all, opportunities like this only came once. Plus, with only a few minutes remaining until the start of the fifth round, they couldn't afford to miss
Carter smirked while looking at the spear thrust toward him. With a swift motion, he faced the attack head-on with his sword.Their weapons collided and created a shockwave of energy.The waves rippled outward like a tide, and it caused their robes to flutter and their hair to stand on end.Both combatants stood firm. They were locked in a tense standoff as neither was willing to back down.Brandon gripped his spear with both hands as he channeled his true energy while he tried to overpower Carter with his strength. But no matter how hard Brandon pushed, Carter held his ground.The spear clashed with the sword, and the two were locked in a fierce struggle.The air crackled with bursts of energy as their weapons strained against each other."Hmm?" Brandon's brow furrowed with surprise.As one of the top ten talents of the Celestial Alliance, he should have easily dominated his opponent in Group C. However, he hadn't anticipated this relatively unknown figure to match him so even
Everyone was stunned as they watched Brandon suddenly collapse to the ground. Their eyes widened in disbelief, and their mouths hung agape.Nobody had anticipated Brandon, a renowned talent of the Celestial Alliance's top ten, to be defeated by an unknown opponent.With his reputation, he should have been dominating Group C. They couldn't understand how he could be defeated so quickly.The spectators began questioning Brandon's ability and wondered if Carter was stronger than him."It's over! We're screwed!""Dammit! What's Brandon doing? How can he lose to a nobody? What a useless bastard!""The top ten talents of the Celestial Alliance? Bullshit!""Fuck you, Brandon! You've really messed me up this time!""Shit! I've lost all my celestial stones!"After a moment of silence, the venue erupted into a chorus of sorrowful cries and frustrated curses.Brandon's defeat dealt a heavy blow to the gamblers who had placed their bets earlier. They faced devastating losses, not just fo
Crystal frowned as she met Miles's intense gaze. "Miles, you should call it quits. If you continue to gamble, it'll only lead you deeper into trouble."Gamblers often found themselves trapped in a cycle of addiction, and they were never content with their winnings.Their insatiable desire for more drove them to risk everything. Hence, it often led them to stray from the right path.At that moment, he appeared to be showing signs of addiction. If left unchecked, it could lead to disaster."Just one more bet, Crystal. I promise. If I win this time, I'll quit for good," Miles pleaded earnestly."Yes, I'm with him. I've even wagered my sword. I need to win it back," Ruby chimed in.Their hopeful eyes bore into Crystal's."Have you considered the consequences if you lose?" she countered."It won't happen, I swear. I'll be cautious this time and only bet when I'm confident. I won't lose again," Miles assured."Yeah, we were led astray before. If we had trusted our instincts, we'd be