Chapter 21: The Temptation of Leonora

What exactly is going on here?

Just now, Douglas had clearly stated how much battle energy was stored inside the Trident of Poseidon. Unless Douglas was a complete idiot, there’s no way he could have misremembered such an important figure.

Moreover, judging from the way Douglas produced the Trident of Poseidon, it was obvious that he had always kept it in his own possession. In other words, there was absolutely no chance that someone else had used the Trident of Poseidon without Douglas knowing.

So, what kind of spell had Zhang Wen used to make Douglas commit such a basic mistake? Almost everyone who had witnessed the scene was asking the same question.

“I didn’t use any tricks,” Zhang Wen said calmly while continuing to approach Douglas.

“Then why did the battle energy inside the Trident of Poseidon vanish? And why did it suddenly absorb my energy?” Douglas roared furiously, but he kept retreating under Zhang Wen’s relentless advance.

“Oh, that? Well, I should thank today’s arena for the match,” Zhang Wen said with a faint smile.

In fact, all of this was thanks to his extensive reading at the Almystis Academy library. Without that knowledge, he probably wouldn’t have discovered the only weakness of the Trident of Poseidon.

“The arena?” Not only Douglas, who was facing Zhang Wen, but also the audience around the hall, the bounty fighters in the rest area, and even the physical combat instructors from the Thamis Academy couldn’t help but echo the word, their gazes fixed on Zhang Wen, who had now backed Douglas to the edge of the arena.

“That’s right, the arena. As you just said, when sea-urchin stone is mixed into a weapon at a certain specific ratio, it becomes a divine weapon capable of storing energy. However, you probably don’t know that sea-urchin stone has another important characteristic—what we call ‘internal fusion.’ Underneath his mask, Zhang Wen’s lips curled slightly. “Do you know why sea-urchin stone is considered the best material for constructing arenas? It’s because when two martial arts experts fight on a sea-urchin stone arena, the residual battle energy from their attacks instantly gets evenly dispersed across the entire arena due to the ‘internal fusion’ property of the sea-urchin stone, preventing significant damage to the arena itself. No matter what kind of battle formation your Trident of Poseidon contains, as long as its material is sea-urchin stone, it cannot erase this inherent characteristic of the stone itself…”

“Oh!” By the time Zhang Wen finished speaking, a chorus of realization had already risen from the hall.

“I get it now,” Douglas also stared at Zhang Wen, murmuring to himself. “No wonder you kept provoking me to use the Divine Wrath from start to finish. Every time the Trident of Poseidon came into contact with the arena, its battle energy was unknowingly absorbed by the arena…” As he spoke, Douglas suddenly lifted his head, a smirk of triumph reappearing on his face.

“I really should thank you for telling me all this. I completely understand now. Heh! You really are pretty stupid! You told me all this before even forcing me off the arena. Although I may have lost my battle energy, how much better off are you? Besides… I’m not only armed with the Trident of Poseidon. So die!”

Douglas spoke slowly and deliberately at first, but as soon as he reached the word “besides,” he suddenly pulled out a crystal dagger about half a foot long and, with a cold laugh, lunged at Zhang Wen.

According to the traditions of the Kemer Arena, Douglas’s act of asking Zhang Wen about his defeat was practically equivalent to admitting defeat. However, no one expected him to suddenly turn on Zhang Wen after receiving the answer. Douglas’s treacherous attack almost prompted the audience to erupt in angry shouts.

However, before their curses could even leave their mouths, they suddenly heard a crisp sound of a fist hitting its target.

Then, under the stunned gazes of the audience, Douglas’s body spun sideways and flew outward. And for an instant, it seemed as if two figures of Zhang Wen had appeared on the arena!

One of them was pierced by Douglas’s dagger, while the other had fully extended his body, leaning forward and still maintaining the posture of having just thrown a punch with his right hand.

Bang! Douglas’s body flew straight out of the arena and landed on the ground outside. The Zhang Wen pierced by Douglas’s dagger also quickly vanished from the audience’s sight—it was merely an afterimage.

An unexpected yet entirely logical reversal! The hall fell silent for a moment before erupting into thunderous applause.

It began with an opening filled with suffocating pressure and ended with a punch that powerfully released all that pressure. Although this battle might not have lasted long and its outcome wasn’t particularly brutal, the brilliance contained within was enough to leave an indelible impression on every person from Cassares.

“Shadow! Shadow! Shadow!” The audience stood up excitedly once again. They waved their arms, and the name Shadow echoed rhythmically throughout the hall, even the two spellcasters responsible for the broadcast couldn’t help but shout it aloud.

Under the volcanic atmosphere, Linoah’s beautiful eyes never left Zhang Wen for a moment, her beautiful face tinged with excitement.

Since meeting Zhang Wen, she hadn’t managed to uncover even a single one of his secrets. Instead, she had become increasingly captivated by the miracles he continually displayed. Every time she thought she had finally figured him out, he would always produce something even more astonishing, drawing her deeper into a whirlpool of curiosity. This feeling of helplessness, like sinking into a swamp, was something she had never experienced with anyone else.

Linoah watched as Zhang Wen turned around nonchalantly, bowing to the audience in all directions, then without even glancing at the fallen Douglas, he calmly left the hall.

After Zhang Wen’s figure disappeared into the rest area, Linoah finally saw the two Thamis Academy instructors who hadn’t yet fought step forward to help the unconscious Douglas back.

The expressions on the faces of these two instructors had already lost their earlier arrogance. Amidst the audience’s chorus of boos, both kept their heads down, supporting Douglas as they quickly retreated to the locker room.

Glancing at the firmly closed door behind her, Linoah smiled faintly and began walking toward the opposite side of the arena.

Back in the locker room, Zhang Wen closed the door and, without even bothering to remove his helmet, collapsed heavily onto the bench in the center. In dealing with Douglas’s final attack, the Shadow Clone Technique he had used completely drained his last bit of battle energy. If not for his iron willpower holding him up, he probably would have collapsed from exhaustion before even reaching the locker room.

He had won! Lying on the bench, Zhang Wen listened to the cheers outside the locker room that showed no sign of dying down. This was his victory, one he had earned.

Before this match ended, no one could have imagined that Zhang Wen would defeat an opponent at the peak of the eighth stage. When Douglas revealed his weapon made with sea-urchin stone, Zhang Wen had almost wanted to give up, but in the end, he had persisted. Even Zhang Wen himself couldn’t believe that he had managed to summon such courage at that moment.

Click! Just as Zhang Wen was immersed in memories of his fight with Douglas, the locker room door opened again. Zhang Wen lifted his head to glance toward the door.

“Oh? It’s you?” Upon seeing who had entered, Zhang Wen couldn’t help but smile. It wasn’t Ironmask or any of the other three who had walked in, but Linoah, who had previously been with Douglas and his group.

“What, Teacher Zhang, are you already not happy to see me?” Linoah smiled as she sat down beside Zhang Wen on the bench. As she sat, the hem of her “cheongsam” naturally parted, revealing glimpses of her slender, elegant legs.

“What do you think?” Zhang Wen sat up abruptly, fixing Linoah with a teasing smile. “Weren’t you always with the Thamis Academy people? During my match, you chose to stand with my enemies. Did you really expect to be welcomed here? Linoah, this is a fighting arena, not Almystis Academy. In the arena, anyone who stands with the enemy is the enemy!”

“I had no choice…” Linoah hadn’t expected Zhang Wen to speak so harshly. Under his piercing gaze, despite being a mature and beautiful woman, she couldn’t help but feel a bit flustered.

Since entering Almystis Academy, hadn’t every male teacher there practically treated her like a dream goddess? If she made a mistake, wouldn’t those men rush to cover for her? No one had ever confronted her so bluntly before!

“No choice?” Zhang Wen scoffed, making Linoah’s beautiful face flush with embarrassment.

However, Linoah wasn’t some inexperienced young girl. She quickly realized she had lost her composure. After a brief silence, she had already perfectly adjusted her mindset.

“Okay, okay!” Linoah crossed her legs casually, speaking in a tone of resigned exasperation like an older sister. “Going to Douglas’s territory was my mistake. I apologize. Also, I’ll tell you a piece of information I overheard from them. That should make up for it, right?”

“Go ahead,” Zhang Wen shrugged indifferently, not bothering to dwell on her tone. In fact, if a woman as sexy, mature, and intellectually appealing as Linoah spoke to him like a teenage girl, he’d probably end up with goosebumps all over.

“The one who fought you before Douglas, Kapono, he’s actually not a mentor from Thamis Academy, but…” Linoah began to speak with a slightly serious expression.

“He’s from the Fira Planet Arena,” Zhang Wen interrupted, finishing her sentence before she could finish.

“How did you know?” Linoah’s face showed a mixture of genuine and feigned surprise.

“Of course I know. When he fought me, there were many habitual moves he used that couldn’t possibly be learned in a proper academy. His fighting style was also vastly different from those few from Thamis Academy. Besides, without encouragement from the Fira Planet Arena, would those arrogant physical combat instructors from Thamis Academy actually come to the arena?” Zhang Wen shook his head at Linoah with a smile. “Should I say you’re underestimating me or that your apology lacks sincerity?”

“Then I guess I can’t help it,” Linoah shrugged gracefully, fixing Zhang Wen with a smile as she countered, “Then tell me, what do you think I should do to make it sincere enough for you?”

“That’s up to you,” Zhang Wen said, his eyes shamelessly lingering on Linoah’s beautiful face just inches away.

“Alright…” Linoah gazed at him for a long time before letting out a soft sigh. Then, to Zhang Wen’s surprise, she slowly leaned in and gently kissed him on the lips.

“This is my first kiss. Is this apology sincere enough?” Linoah stood up, half-jokingly and half-sincerely, saying, “Teacher Zhang wouldn’t make me get down on all fours here and spank me, would he?”

Although Linoah’s tone didn’t carry much flirtation, this woman seemed to possess an innate charm. After a moment of shock, Zhang Wen’s gaze shifted to Linoah’s shapely backside. In his mind, he couldn’t help but imagine a scene where Linoah was kneeling on the floor, her long, slender legs half-hidden, her round and perky butt raised high, her beautiful face showing a mix of grievance and reluctance, waiting to receive punishment.

If Linoah were really willing to pose like that, wouldn’t it be enough to drive any man crazy? As these thoughts crossed his mind, Zhang Wen didn’t even hear what Linoah said next. By the time he snapped back to reality, Linoah was already walking toward the locker room door.

What on earth is going on?

Just now, Douglas clearly mentioned how much combat energy was stored in the Trident of Poseidon. Unless Douglas is an absolute idiot, he couldn’t possibly have misremembered such crucial data.

Moreover, judging from the way Douglas took out the Trident of Poseidon, it’s certain that he has always been the one personally safeguarding it. This means there’s no way someone else could have used it without Douglas knowing.

So, what kind of spell did Zhang Wen use to make Douglas commit such a basic mistake? Almost everyone who witnessed the scene, apart from Douglas, is asking the same question.

“I didn’t use any trick,” Zhang Wen said calmly as he continued walking toward Douglas.

“Then how could the combat energy in the Trident of Poseidon be depleted?! And why did it inexplicably absorb my combat energy?” Douglas roared, but under Zhang Wen’s relentless advance, he kept retreating.

“Oh, that? Well, we have to thank the arena we’re competing on today,” Zhang Wen said lightly, a faint smile playing on his lips.

In fact, all of this was thanks to the extensive reading he had done in the Almisius Academy library. Without that, he probably wouldn’t have discovered the one flaw in the Trident of Poseidon.

“The arena?” Not only Douglas, who was facing Zhang Wen, but also the spectators around the hall, the bounty fighters in the rest area, and even the martial arts instructors from Themis Academy couldn’t help but murmur those two words, their eyes fixed on Zhang Wen, who had already forced Douglas to the edge of the arena.

“That’s right, the arena. As you just mentioned, when sea urchin stone is mixed into a weapon in a specific ratio, it becomes a divine weapon capable of storing combat energy. But you probably didn’t know that sea urchin stone has another important characteristic—what we call ‘internal fusion.’” Zhang Wen’s lips curled slightly under his mask. “Do you know why sea urchin stone is considered the best material for making arenas? It’s because when two martial arts masters fight on a sea urchin stone arena, the residual combat energy they unleash is instantly evenly dispersed across the entire arena due to its ‘internal fusion,’ preventing significant damage. No matter what kind of energy array your Trident of Poseidon has, as long as it’s made of sea urchin stone, it can’t escape this inherent property of the material…”

“Oh!” By the time Zhang Wen finished speaking, the hall was filled with sounds of sudden realization.

“I see,” Douglas muttered, staring at Zhang Wen. “No wonder you kept provoking me to use the Trident’s power. Every time the Trident touched the arena, its combat energy was unknowingly absorbed by the arena…” At this point, Douglas suddenly looked up, a smug sneer reappearing on his face.

“I really have to thank you for telling me all this. I completely understand now. Heh! You’re really quite foolish. You haven’t even forced me off the arena yet, and you’ve already revealed everything. But even though I’ve lost my combat energy, how much better off are you? Besides… I have more than just the Trident of Poseidon. So, die!”

Douglas spoke slowly at first, but as soon as he said “besides,” he swiftly drew a half-foot-long crystal dagger from his body and lunged at Zhang Wen with a cold laugh.

According to the traditions of the Kemel Arena, Douglas’s earlier question to Zhang Wen about his defeat was almost equivalent to admitting defeat. But no one expected him to suddenly retaliate after getting his answer! Douglas’s sneak attack almost made the spectators who witnessed it want to shout in outrage.

However, before their curses could leave their mouths, they suddenly heard the crisp sound of a fist hitting its target.

Then, under the stunned gazes of the audience, Douglas’s body spun horizontally and flew out of the arena. At that moment, it seemed as if there were two Zhang Wens on the arena!

One of them had been pierced by Douglas’s dagger, while the other had fully extended his body, leaning forward, still in the posture of having just thrown a punch.

Thud! Douglas’s body landed outside the arena. The Zhang Wen who had been pierced by Douglas quickly disappeared from the spectators’ view—it was just an afterimage.

An unexpected yet entirely logical reversal! The four-story hall fell silent for a moment before erupting into thunderous applause.

Starting under almost suffocating pressure and ending with a single, cathartic punch that released all that tension—this battle might not have been long, nor particularly brutal, but the brilliance it contained was enough to leave every Kasalesian unforgettable.

“The Hermit! The Hermit! The Hermit!” The audience once again rose to their feet in excitement. They waved their arms, chanting the Hermit’s name rhythmically throughout the hall. Even the two broadcasting psychics couldn’t help but shout along.

Amid the volcanic atmosphere, Linoa’s beautiful eyes remained fixed on Zhang Wen, her fair cheeks tinged with an involuntary flush of excitement.

From the moment she met Zhang Wen, not only had she failed to uncover any of his secrets, but she had become increasingly captivated by the endless miracles he displayed. Every time she thought she had him figured out, he would always reveal something even more astonishing, drawing her deeper into curiosity. This feeling of helplessness, like sinking into quicksand, was something Linoa had never experienced with anyone else.

Linoa watched as Zhang Wen nonchalantly turned around, bowed to the audience, and then, without even glancing at Douglas, who had fallen out of the arena, calmly left the hall.

Only after Zhang Wen disappeared into the rest area did Linoa see the two Themis Academy instructors, who hadn’t yet competed, help the unconscious Douglas back.

The faces of those two instructors no longer bore their previous arrogance. Amid the jeers of the surrounding audience, they hung their heads in frustration and quickly slipped back into the dressing room with Douglas.

Glancing at the door that had been forcefully shut behind them, Linoa smiled faintly and walked toward the opposite side of the arena.

Back in the dressing room, Zhang Wen closed the door and, without even bothering to remove his helmet, collapsed heavily onto the bench in the center of the room. The Shadow Body Technique he had used to deal with Douglas’s final attack had completely drained the last of his combat energy. If he hadn’t been holding on by sheer willpower, he might have collapsed before even reaching the dressing room.

He won! Lying on the bench, Zhang Wen listened to the unending cheers outside the dressing room and clenched his fists tightly. This victory was his, and it was well-deserved.

Before this match, no one would have dared to imagine that Zhang Wen could defeat an opponent who had reached the peak of the eighth tier. The moment Douglas pulled out the sea urchin stone weapon, Zhang Wen almost wanted to retreat, but in the end, he held his ground. Even Zhang Wen himself couldn’t believe he had mustered such courage at the time.

Click! Just as Zhang Wen was still immersed in the memories of his battle with Douglas, the dressing room door was pushed open again. Zhang Wen looked up toward the door.

“Oh? It’s you?” Upon seeing who it was, Zhang Wen couldn’t help but smile. It wasn’t any of the three—Iron Face, Old Drunkard, or the other—but Linoa, who had been with Douglas and the others earlier.

“What, Teacher Zhang, are you already unwelcoming of me?” Linoa smiled as she sat down on the bench beside Zhang Wen. As she sat, the hem of her “cheongsam” naturally parted, revealing a pair of slender, elegant calves.

“What do you think?” Zhang Wen sat up, a teasing smile on his face as he stared at Linoa. “Weren’t you always with the Themis Academy people? You chose to stand with my enemies during my match, and you still expect to be welcome here? Linoa, this is the arena, not Almisius Academy. In the arena, those who stand with the enemy are the enemy!”

“I had no choice…” Linoa hadn’t expected Zhang Wen to be so harsh. Under his intense gaze, even a mature beauty like her couldn’t help but feel a bit flustered.

Since Linoa joined Almisius Academy, the male teachers there had treated her like a goddess in their dreams. If she made a mistake, those men would rush to cover for her—no one had ever confronted her so bluntly before!

“No choice?” Zhang Wen scoffed, making Linoa’s cheeks flush with embarrassment.

However, Linoa wasn’t some inexperienced girl. She quickly realized she had lost her composure. After a moment of silence, she perfectly adjusted her demeanor.

“Alright, alright!” Linoa crossed her right leg, speaking in a tone of a resigned older sister. “Going to Douglas’s side was my mistake. I apologize. Also, I’ll tell you something I heard from them. Will that suffice?”

“Go ahead,” Zhang Wen nodded indifferently, not minding Linoa’s tone. In fact, if a woman as sexy, mature, and intellectually beautiful as Linoa spoke to him like a teenage girl, he’d probably feel goosebumps all over.

“The one who fought you before Douglas, Capono, wasn’t actually a Themis Academy instructor, but…” Linoa began, speaking more seriously.

“He’s from the Phila Planet Arena, right?” Zhang Wen cut her off, finishing her sentence.

“How did you know?” Linoa’s face was a mix of genuine and feigned surprise.

“Of course I know. When he fought me, many of his habitual moves weren’t things you’d learn in a traditional academy. His fighting style was completely different from the Themis Academy guys. Besides, without someone from the Phila Planet Arena egging them on, why would those arrogant Themis Academy martial arts teachers come to the arena?” Zhang Wen shook his head at Linoa with a smile. “Using this kind of information as an apology—should I say you’re underestimating me, or that you’re not sincere?”

“Then I’m out of ideas,” Linoa shrugged gracefully, then stared at Zhang Wen and asked with a smile, “So, what do you think I should do to show sincerity?”

“That’s up to you,” Zhang Wen said, his gaze shamelessly lingering on Linoa’s beautiful face, which was now so close.

“Alright…” After staring at Zhang Wen for a long time, Linoa suddenly sighed softly. Then, she slowly leaned in and gently kissed the corner of Zhang Wen’s lips.

“That’s my first kiss. Is that sincere enough?” Linoa stood up, half-joking, half-melancholy. “Teacher Zhang, you’re not going to make me lie down here and let you spank me, are you?”

Although Linoa’s tone wasn’t particularly flirtatious, this woman seemed to have a natural ability to bewitch. Zhang Wen was momentarily stunned, and his gaze shifted to Linoa’s perky backside. In his mind, he couldn’t help but imagine Linoa lying on the floor, her long, jade-like legs half-exposed, her round, firm buttocks raised high, her beautiful face tinged with a mix of melancholy and grievance, waiting to be punished.

If Linoa were to actually pose like that, it would probably drive any man wild! Zhang Wen thought to himself, not even hearing what Linoa said next. By the time he snapped out of it, Linoa was already walking out of the dressing room.

This woman is truly dangerous! Watching Linoa’s graceful figure leave the dressing room, Zhang Wen let out an almost imperceptible bitter smile. Just imagining such a scene had nearly made him lose control, and the remnants of his Spring Water Technique energy were frantically surging within him.

Whoosh! Not long after Linoa left the dressing room, the door was forcefully pushed open again. Before Zhang Wen could figure out what was happening, Xiu Luo and Old Drunkard walked in, followed by a large crowd.

Caught off guard, Zhang Wen quickly put his mask back on while Xiu Luo and the others blocked the crowd. Then, several bounty fighters, their faces flushed with excitement, rushed in and lifted him up.

Bang! Not long after Linoah had just walked out of the locker room, the door was forcefully pushed open again. Before Zhang Wen could figure out what was happening, he saw Xie Luo and the old drunkard walk in first. Following them were crowds of people.

Still confused, Zhang Wen quickly took advantage of the moment Xie Luo and the others blocked the crowd to put his mask back on. Then, several excited bounty fighters rushed in, their faces flushed with excitement, and immediately lifted him up.

“Oh!” With a loud cheer from the crowd, the bounty fighters threw Zhang Wen high into the air. After tossing him a few more times, they carried Zhang Wen out of the locker room like a king.

“What’s going on?” Helplessly riding atop a few excited bounty fighters, Zhang Wen shouted toward Tie Mian and the others following behind.

“The last two from the other side have given up their challenge. Brother Yinzhe, you’ve won!” Before Tie Mian could speak, the bounty fighters supporting Zhang Wen had already shouted the news.

Zhang Wen looked toward the blue rest area and indeed found no trace of Douglas and his group. His heart, which had been heavy with concern, suddenly felt light. To be honest, even if the other two teachers from Themis Academy had no will to fight, Zhang Wen couldn’t confidently say he would definitely win in his current state. Scaring them off in disgrace was naturally the best outcome for him!

The excited crowd carried Zhang Wen around the fourth floor hall before setting him down at the locker room door and dispersing.

“Where’s Tie Mian?” After adjusting his clothes, Zhang Wen walked up to Xie Luo and the old drunkard, who were watching him with grins, and asked.

“He’s gone to arrange training for your students,” the old drunkard patted Zhang Wen’s shoulder. “With Tie Mian helping, you can rest assured.”

“Of course,” Zhang Wen nodded with a smile, then walked back into the locker room. A few minutes later, having changed from his “Hermit” attire into casual clothes, Zhang Wen stepped out from a private room directly opposite the rest area.

The bounty fighters and spectators at the Kaimoer Arena were long accustomed to the Hermit’s elusive style—always appearing like a dragon’s head glimpsed briefly. After a brief celebration, no one was particularly surprised or concerned when the Hermit suddenly vanished from the locker room. No one noticed Zhang Wen emerging from a private room far removed from the locker room. Only the old drunkard and Xie Luo were watching him from afar through the crowd. Zhang Wen smiled and nodded at them before turning to leave.

As soon as he returned to the first-floor hall, Zhang Wen spotted Tie Mian. However, this time Tie Mian wasn’t standing openly among the crowd like before. Instead, he had quietly appeared in the deepest part of the first-floor hall—the referee’s room.

Among the many arenas in the Empire, Kaimoer Arena was always known for fairness and impartiality. Even with Tie Mian’s current reputation and status, it would be impossible to get the referees to openly cheat. However, arranging specific opponents for a few “apprentice fighters”… even the most rigid referee wouldn’t fuss over such a small matter.

After signaling to Zhang Wen through the crowd, Tie Mian disappeared from the first-floor hall again. Zhang Wen didn’t go over to greet him but simply smiled and began searching the crowd for his three students.

Although the first-floor hall was vast, for Zhang Wen, whose senses were highly attuned, finding three people among dozens of small arenas shouldn’t have been difficult. It only took a little time before Zhang Wen spotted Zack and Cloud near the fifteenth and twenty-fourth arenas, respectively. However, to his surprise, he couldn’t find Amelis no matter where he looked throughout the entire hall.

The first-floor hall of Kaimoer Arena was always a place where all sorts gathered. It wasn’t unheard of for lucky contestants to face only second or third-stage opponents and obtain the right to challenge on the second floor within one or two hours.

Could she really be that lucky, already earning a chance to challenge an honor fighter so quickly? Wondering to himself, Zhang Wen turned his attention back to watching Cloud and Zack compete.

Zhang Wen could immediately tell that the opponents facing Zack and Cloud were likely around the fourth stage in martial arts. Normally, opponents of this level wouldn’t stand a chance against Zack and Cloud, who were at the peak of the fifth stage. However, under Zhang Wen’s strict orders to use only the Spring Water Technique, both Zack and Cloud were clearly restricted.

The two fourth-stage fighters obviously hadn’t expected that their terrifying fifth-stage opponents were nothing more than soft targets. Overjoyed, they became increasingly bold, chasing Zack and Cloud all over the place and leaving them in a pitiful, disheveled state.

Two fourth-stage fighters chasing fifth-stage fighters around and slashing wildly—such a scene was rare even in Kaimoer Arena. Therefore, both Zack and Cloud’s arenas had gathered quite a few spectators watching with amusement. Every time Zack and Cloud dodged an attack, the crowd below erupted into deafening boos. Even the pretty female staff members beside the arenas couldn’t help but point and whisper about them.

Fortunately, this was just the first-floor hall, where no money was at stake. If such matches occurred in honor fighter or higher-level competitions, the entire hall would probably be filled with furious accusations of “fixed matches.”

However, Zhang Wen wasn’t at all angry about Zack and Cloud’s poor performance. He had experienced this phase himself and knew how much training was required to accumulate combat experience. Even the most extraordinary genius couldn’t instantly become an unbeatable master when first learning martial arts.

To be honest, both Zack and Cloud had shown satisfactory potential and effort. From their movements, Zhang Wen could see that after an afternoon of continuous matches, their familiarity with the Spring Water Technique had improved significantly. At the beginning, when facing third-stage opponents, they could only rely on overwhelming battle energy to overwhelm their opponents. Now, although they were still at a disadvantage, they could already hold their own against fourth-stage fighters using techniques.

The outcomes of both matches further proved their progress. In the end, both Zack and Cloud executed nearly identical moves—they finally seized an opportunity after a series of desperate struggles, predicting their opponents’ moves in advance. When the two fourth-stage fighters’ crystal energy swords were blocked, they suddenly realized their opponents had transformed from gentle deer into monstrous beasts from the Calypto star system!

Under an overwhelming and terrifying offensive like a flood, the two fourth-stage fighters could barely block two or three attacks before being mercilessly knocked off the arena.

The spectators around the two arenas clearly hadn’t expected such a complete reversal. After the two fourth-stage fighters were knocked off the stage, everyone wore expressions of stunned disbelief. However, Zack and Cloud calmly stepped off the arena, handing their number tags to the equally astonished female staff. It was obvious they had experienced this kind of situation before.

It seems they should be fine from now on; all that’s left is time, Zhang Wen thought, nodding slightly. However, his peripheral vision suddenly caught sight of Amelis, whom he had been searching for.

Amelis appeared exactly where Zhang Wen had expected—near the stairs of the first-floor hall. When Zhang Wen saw her, the girl looked as if she had just finished exercising, slightly out of breath. Sweat glistened on her forehead, and a healthy flush colored her cheeks. Yet, aside from that, there was no sign of battle on her. Her long hair was still neatly tied back, her delicate face unmarked, and even her dress remained intact.

After returning to the first-floor hall, Amelis didn’t engage in any further matches and hurriedly left the arena.

Hmm? Zhang Wen glanced at Amelis’s retreating figure in surprise. Then, checking the time, he also walked out of the arena hall.