Heaven-Dominating Martial Emperor

Everyone knew Ye Chen possessed the strength to crush every prodigy present.

Because of Ji Yuanshan's injury, many even mistakenly believed that Ye Chen was a helper fighting on behalf of their Songyin Sword Mansion.

And at this moment, the only one who could undoubtedly turn the tables was Ye Chen.

However, Yu Xiaoran seemed to see through the disciples' thoughts and couldn't help but frown. "Don't overthink this."

"Ye Chen is just a bystander. He won't be participating in this martial arts tournament."

"This is our own affair, after all. Since we can resolve it ourselves, there's no need to rely on others for everything!"

After being chided by Yu Xiaoran, the disciples all looked abashed and fell silent.

Ye Chen, however, remained calm and composed from beginning to end, his expression as tranquil as still water. He truly didn't look like he intended to interfere, so no one dared to say anything.

"First Senior Brother, your vital energy hasn't fully recovered yet. When you go up later, don't push yourself too hard."

"If it's really too much, just back down. The Black Tiger Gang is guaranteed to take first place anyway. There's no point in fighting for second or third."

Lu Fanyan said to Ji Yuanshan.

"Don't worry, I know my limits." Ji Yuanshan nodded, his expression grim.

It was clear he was under immense pressure at this moment.

He was originally famous as a prodigy on the same level as Li Changhe and Han Qinglu. But now, a monster named Tang Huagui had suddenly appeared, towering above them all. Worse, his own injuries hadn't healed, making it impossible for him to fight at full strength.

The Realm Spirit watched this scene quietly. She suddenly parted her red lips and said to Ye Chen, "Are you planning to kill that Black Tiger Gang Elder named Chen Lie?"

"Of course." Ye Chen smiled. "This opportunity is right in front of me. I won't let him slip away again."

"Then when do you plan to make your move?" the Realm Spirit asked curiously.

"There's no need to rush and strike first. I suspect he won't be able to hold himself back for long," Ye Chen said, shaking his head.

The martial arts tournament hadn't started yet. If he were to act now, it would undoubtedly disrupt the event.

And looking at Chen Lie's fearless demeanor, it was obvious that with Song Yubing absent, the Black Tiger Gang Elder didn't take any of them seriously at all.

As time passed, more and more spectators gathered. The scene became a bustling hub of activity, with a cacophony of voices and people rubbing shoulders.

Although many cast doubtful glances toward the camps of the City Lord's Mansion and the Black Tiger Gang, they didn't dare say anything.

In Kunlun City, City Lord Nie Kun was the ultimate authority.

Not only could ordinary people not afford to provoke the Black Tiger Gang, but they also dared not defy Nie Kun.

"Alright, it's about time."

"Since everyone has arrived, I won't waste any more words. Let the martial arts tournament officially begin!"

Nie Kun stood up and scanned the entire arena. His voice was deep and powerful, reverberating through the air and even suppressing the roar of the crowd, showcasing his impressive cultivation base.

Hearing this, despite the hiccups leading up to the tournament, the crowd was still incredibly excited and looked forward to the start.

"First, we must naturally decide the first-place winner of this tournament. After all, this is directly related to the slots for the Peach Blossom Banquet, and I imagine it's what everyone is most concerned about."

Nie Kun smiled faintly and continued, "Will the four strongest prodigies representing their respective factions please step forward?"

The moment his voice fell, Tang Huagui, who was standing to the side, took a step forward. He leaped high into the air and then, like a meteorite, crashed down onto the martial arts stage with a BOOM, kicking up a heavy shockwave.

He was tall, with a provocative expression. The corners of his mouth curled up slightly into a flippant smirk as he gazed arrogantly at his surroundings.

Clearly, he was extremely conceited about his own strength.

On the other side, from the Xuanfeng Manor's camp, Han Qinglu moved as gracefully as a flitting butterfly. With a single flash, she landed lightly on the stage, her entrance a stark contrast to Tang Huagui's.

Her expression was calm. As Xuanfeng Manor's number one prodigy, she was equally proud and arrogant, but a flicker of apprehension crossed her eyes when she looked at Tang Huagui.

"Well now, miss, you'll have to go easy on me when we fight later." Tang Huagui's eyes lit up the moment he saw Han Qinglu, his gaze roaming ceaselessly over her slender figure.

Han Qinglu's brow furrowed slightly. She averted her gaze, ignoring Tang Huagui.

Tang Huagui wasn't annoyed in the least; in fact, the smirk on his face only widened. "Miss, I'll choose you as my opponent in a bit. You'd better not refuse... Don't worry, I know how to be gentle with a beautiful flower like you."

"Suit yourself," Han Qinglu uttered two cold words and said no more.

"Tang Huagui's behavior is far too flippant. He's representing his sect in this fight. Doesn't he have any regard for his sect's reputation?"

"What is there to have regard for? The Black Tiger Gang is just a band of brigands. Is there anyone in there with better conduct than Tang Huagui?"

"That's true!"

The disciples of Xuanfeng Manor all watched this scene with indignant expressions.

Han Qinglu was their most respected Senior Sister. How could they tolerate her being harassed in front of so many people?

In contrast, the members of the Black Tiger Gang roared with laughter, seeing nothing wrong with Tang Huagui's conduct.

"Changhe, remember, you must act within your capabilities."

In the Qingyue Sword Mansion's camp, seeing that Li Changhe was about to go up, Hong Zhi couldn't help but offer a reminder.

"Don't worry. Other than Tang Huagui, I don't take anyone else seriously."

Li Changhe's expression was as cold as ice as he leaped and landed on the stage.

He no longer intended to fight for first place in the tournament; he didn't have the ability.

His goal was simple: to avenge his clan brother, Li Yue!

'At the Peak of the Spirit Sea Realm, I've never feared anyone!'

The moment he was on stage, Li Changhe's gaze shot toward the Songyin Sword Mansion.

'Time for him to get up here, isn't it? The bastard who killed Li Yue!'

However, to his surprise, it was Ji Yuanshan who stood up and walked step-by-step toward the stage.

"First Senior Brother, you must protect yourself! Don't force it!"

Behind Ji Yuanshan, several of his junior brothers and sisters shouted.

"I will!" Ji Yuanshan smiled, then walked onto the martial arts stage with resolute steps.

"Why is it him?" Li Changhe was stunned, his sharp eyebrows knitting together tightly.

Hong Zhi and the others were also taken aback. Who didn't know that Ji Yuanshan hadn't fully recovered? What was Songyin Sword Mansion thinking, letting him go up on stage?

Weren't they just asking to come in last place?

"Oh? So it's not that brat getting on stage?" Chen Lie's eyes narrowed. 'Could it be the kid got scared after seeing me?'