Chapter 456 - 261: The Human Race Falls Behind, Exchanging Remains
At the same time, they truly realized that those stepping onto the arena were all warriors of the Human Race, because they were advancing for the Human Race at the risk of losing their Spirit Beasts.
The crushing defeat at the Level 40 arena severely dampened the morale of the Human Race.
But no one expected that this was just the beginning.
The Beastmaster for the Level 50 arena seemed to have witnessed the tragic scene of the Level 40 arena, fought nervously, and upon seeing even a slight disadvantage, immediately conceded defeat.
For this, the Human Race sighed collectively, but there was nothing they could do.
They could see that this Beastmaster just wanted to give it a try; if he could achieve something, he would, and if not, he prioritized survival.
They couldn’t blame him, but everyone saw that if he had fought with determination, there was a chance to win.
However, a Spirit Beast that has grown to over Level 50 is extremely difficult to cultivate.
"It seems that the saying that the higher the level, the more afraid of death, is true," someone remarked.
This sentiment was also accurate, as the upcoming battles in the Level 60 and Level 70 arenas, which everyone expected to be duels of masters, turned out to be mere skirmishes.
Not to mention the Spirit Beasts on the Human Race’s side, even the Demon Beasts on the Demon Race’s side seemed unwilling to fight fiercely.
In the end, on the Level 60 battlefield, the Human Race claimed victory, while the Demon Race took the win on the Level 70 battlefield.
Thus, the first day of the tournament ended, with the Demon Race crushing the Human Race with a score of 5:2.
...
"Hahaha." The Undying Phoenix, upon seeing the match end, also revealed a bright smile. It said to Yin Shi beside him, "Don’t forget our bet."
"The Yin Family has always been honest, even in dealing with Alien Races."
Yin Shi’s expression was somewhat gloomy because today’s results were indeed beyond his expectations.
The Level 10 arena in Newbie Village isn’t much to talk about because it is conjectured to be the most heavily replaced arena. The reason is simple: the Spirit Beasts in this arena do not have many trump cards, as they only have two Skills.
After the first day of the tournament, the crowd returned to Celestial Realm City to rest, as did Lin Chen and his companions.
However, as night fell, a powerful Demon Race figure called out:
"The Human Race has ruled this land for so long, is this all the talent you have?"
This remark infuriated people.
"It’s only the first day! Why rush?"
"Indeed."
"The real show is yet to come."
"Anyone unaware would think they already won."
Despite the heated discussions, the crowd felt uneasy, because the first day showed that the Demon Race was aggressively advancing, while the Human Race’s momentum seemed indeed low.
Lin Chen also heard these comments but he didn’t dwell on them. At this moment, he learned that Wu Chen wanted to join the battle, and was discussing the attack methods and strategies of the Blade Armor Mantis Demon with him.
Unexpectedly, they suddenly sensed a powerful demonic power, immediately standing up.
By then, the Great Elder had already appeared ahead of them, loudly saying, "This is Spirit Academy territory, has the Dragon Scorpion King come to the wrong place?"
"Dragon Scorpion King...."
Both Lin Chen and Wu Chen were shocked. Upon going outside, they indeed saw the Dragon Scorpion King standing there.
The Great Elder stood in front of them, with the Dragon Scorpion King smiling and saying, "Great Elder, no need to overthink. I came today to make a deal with you."
The Great Elder frowned, clearly not wanting to communicate with the Dragon Scorpion King.
Because the Dragon Scorpion Race and the Spirit Academy have enormous grudges. Back when the two races waged war, the Spirit Academy suffered attacks from the Dragon Scorpion Race, resulting in countless casualties.
"The old grudges are over; I want to exchange bones with the Spirit Academy, I wonder if the Great Elder would be willing," said the Dragon Scorpion King.
The Great Elder chuckled upon hearing this and said, "The old war took place in the Spirit Academy, and most of the bones remain here."
"Does your excellency not remember the twelve prodigies of the Spirit Academy from that day?"
Hearing this, the Great Elder trembled all over.
The so-called twelve prodigies of the Spirit Academy were the twelve most talented individuals of that era, who led the Spirit Academy students into battle. In the end, none returned, and their remains were never found.
Little did he know, they were indeed captured by the Dragon Scorpion Race.
The Great Elder knew very well the methods the Dragon Scorpion Race used on captives, as they were adept at using poison, so those captured would surely prefer death over life.
"Alright."
The Great Elder uttered just one word, and then dismissed the guest.
Lin Chen and Wu Chen then stepped forward to find out what was going on.
After learning about it, they both took a deep breath.
This was indeed a blood feud.
Lin Chen curiously said, "It’s one thing for the Undying Phoenix, but why is the Dragon Scorpion Race also demanding the bones of deceased Demon Beasts?"
"It’s a long story," the Great Elder said, looking at them. "Although it’s not top secret, for the sake of national stability, this matter can be told to you, but it’s best not to spread it."
Lin Chen and Wu Chen nodded.
"After the Beast Tide four years ago, the Dubhe Pavilion secretly established a task force to investigate the reasons behind the Beast Tide," the Great Elder said.
"The final investigation revealed that a supreme Demon King had emerged in the Demon Race, defeating the ten great Demon Kings of the Demon Race."
"The real reason behind the Beast Tide was this supreme Demon King’s orders."
Lin Chen, hearing this, remarked, "It seems this Demon King has grand ambitions. From starting the Beast Tide to establishing restricted areas on the ground to now demanding the bones, are they trying to establish a cultural heritage like the Human Race?"
The Great Elder nodded and said, "Yin Shi has also talked to me, and we share the same thinking."
"However, there is no urgency right now. Yin Shi has already sent people to investigate. If this is the only goal, that’s fine; we just fear they might have other purposes."
Wu Chen chuckled, "These Demon Beasts have been dead for so long, their bones are probably all but weathered away. They shouldn’t have any other motives."
"Hopefully."
The Great Elder said, "If the exchange of the martyr’s bones can go smoothly, it is what we want to see as well."
....
Three days later, the tournament continued.
These three days were excruciatingly difficult for the Human Race because the Demon Race was extremely arrogant, repeatedly making bold claims.
Some temporary arena masters even boasted that they would achieve five consecutive victories and win the final arena.
Among them was the Blade Armor Mantis Demon.
The first battle was once again the Level 10 arena fight, and the Newbie Village’s battle ended very quickly, taking less than two rounds.
The Human Race’s Spirit Beast couldn’t compete with the opponent, losing in one move.
The audience fell silent once more.
Starting the day with a loss was not a good sign.
Next came the Level 20 battlefield, which was an evenly matched fight; the Human Race’s Spirit Beast fought to the last bit of Beast Power but still lost in the end.
This loss cast a shadow over the hearts of the Human Race.
Arriving at the Level 30 stage, a familiar face stepped up—Fang You took action.
His Nine Tribulation Beasts were Level 39 and immediately put pressure on the opponent.
The opposing Demon Beast was no novice either, facing the Nine Tribulation Beasts with ferocity, but in the end, the Nine Tribulation Beasts still won the match with a crushing force.
"The Spirit Academy indeed."
"Yes, truly deserving of the National Academy."
"Even in the past Beast Fighting Conference, this class was outstanding."
Recognizing Fang You, spirits rose instantly.
When it was the turn of the Level 40 arena, Wu Chen followed the plan and entered directly.
The Spirit Beast Wu Chen sent into battle was the Level 49 Three-headed Dog.
In the days leading up to the fight, the two had studied the Blade Armor Mantis Demon’s attack methods, concluding that it primarily used a jumping attack style, making it difficult to predict its landing position due to its jumping speed being extremely swift.
Therefore, Lin Chen suggested to Wu Chen to employ a strategy of lying in wait.
Right from the start, the Three-headed Dog appeared weak at Wu Chen’s signal, and bided its time, waiting for the Blade Armor Mantis to make its move. When it did and was caught off guard, the Three-headed Dog struck back instantly, sending its opponent tumbling to the ground.
Wu Chen was ruthless, having the Three-headed Dog directly dismantle the opponent’s two blades to avenge the previous Human Race defeat.
Cheers erupted across the arena when the Three-headed Dog secured victory.
Wu Chen also breathed a sigh of relief, as the victory was indeed beautifully won.
Currently, the victory tally was 3 to 4, with the Human Race still trailing by one match.
From the results, it can be considered acceptable.
However, losing at the 20th, 50th, and 70th levels, the Human Race was still a match behind.
From the results so far, it was somewhat acceptable.
Yet from now on, at Level 20, 50, and 70, people must start being cautious.