At this moment, Xiao Yufan remained completely unaware that the Ancient Martial Arts Tournament had already begun in full swing. Master Situ had not forcibly awakened him, because for everyone, the revelation and awakening was an extraordinary opportunity.
Even if he missed the Ancient Martial Arts Tournament, Master Situ still did not want Xiao Yufan to miss this chance. Besides, considering Xiao Yufan’s personality, how could he possibly really miss such an event?
As time passed slowly, the competitors emerging in the arena became increasingly formidable. From the middle stage of Qi Condensation, to the peak of Qi Condensation, and finally, some martial artists on the verge of the Post-Heaven realm could no longer restrain themselves and chose to step forward.
“Hiding Palace Family, Gong Hao!”
Gong Hao had been watching from below, growing increasingly impatient. Yet gradually, his heart filled with alarm—he realized his own strength truly lacked anything worth boasting about…
“Gong Hao, damn it, I’ve been waiting for you! I hope you don’t get knocked down too quickly, otherwise how can I crush you properly? But seriously, the Palace family still acts so shamelessly—others have already fought five matches, yet you only come up now!”
In a corner, Hong Zhong saw Gong Hao’s figure and his eyes immediately sharpened. This arrogant fellow had the deepest grudge with him, so naturally, he couldn’t allow this guy to strut around proudly!
“Half-step Post-Heaven realm? Do you even deserve to fight someone who’s already survived five matches? What a disgrace to the Hiding Palace family! If you want to show off, why didn’t you come up at the beginning?”
Gong Hao’s appearance immediately stirred widespread discontent. The fighter currently on stage had endured five opponents at the peak of Qi Condensation, naturally earning the respect of many. Yet this guy wanted to use him to establish his dominance.
Angry voices filled the air. Gong Hao’s face darkened slightly, but he quickly adjusted his emotions. After all, success justifies everything—what difference did it make if he used this person to elevate himself? Moreover, he intended to suppress even more people beneath his glory.
“This good-for-nothing, always scheming and taking shortcuts! His Half-step Post-Heaven realm hasn’t even stabilized—what does he have to brag about!”
Gong Luotian slowly opened his previously closed eyes, glancing at Gong Hao, his lips twitching slightly. This fellow had truly disgraced the Hiding Palace family. As he thought, his gaze subtly shifted to several other directions where a few young men resided—ones he himself deeply respected.
A wave of astonished exclamations rose from the crowd. No one had expected Gong Hao to attack first. Although his inner energy was somewhat unstable and not yet fully consolidated, his Half-step Post-Heaven realm strength was terrifying!
With the momentum of sweeping away a thousand soldiers, Gong Hao gave his opponent no room for maneuver. Having already accepted the criticism, he had to win—and win impressively. Otherwise, how could he intimidate others?
Although many looked down upon Gong Hao’s behavior, they couldn’t deny his immense strength. Within just a few exchanges, his opponent already showed signs of fatigue.
But Gong Hao’s relentless assault ignited his opponent’s fury. Both fighters’ auras surged simultaneously, causing those nearby on the stands with cultivation below the Qi Condensation stage to feel a chilling wind and instinctively step back.
“Even at my peak, you couldn’t defeat me—let alone now, when you definitely can’t!”
Suddenly sensing pressure, Gong Hao was startled. He had assumed his opponent was already at his limit, so how could he still unleash such formidable strength? Yet even so, it still wouldn’t make him retreat…
“What a shameless bastard! Talks a better game than a singer!”
“Yeah, if this young man from the Hidden Yin family hadn’t already been weakened, he might not have ended up in such a predicament. This Palace family fellow sure knows how to boast!”
Hearing the voices rise again from below, Gong Hao nearly exploded. In his eyes, there was no such thing as morality—only power mattered. As long as he remained strong enough, he could stand above others.
In an instant, Gong Hao unleashed all his anger upon his opponent. A surge of powerful inner energy erupted forth. The opponent, standing closest, felt his chest tighten with a surge of blood, and a thin line of crimson trickled from the corner of his mouth.
“I lose!”
The young man furrowed his brow, his voice filled with bitterness. The Ancient Martial Arts Tournament’s rules didn’t strip someone of their top ten qualification simply by losing. Rankings were determined by points. Having already defeated five opponents before falling, he had proven his strength.
However, just as he retracted his aura, he suddenly felt a chill at his back. Looking up, he met Gong Hao’s cold, sinister gaze. Even after his surrender, this man still intended to strike!
Many spectators also noticed the unfolding situation, once again astounded by Gong Hao’s sheer audacity. His actions always managed to disgust everyone!
But Gong Hao was no fool. He had no intention of allowing this opponent to seek revenge in the future. Naturally, he intended to cripple him first. He would never allow a tiger to return to the mountains only to grow stronger later…
“Palace family’s junior, how dare you strike again!”
From below the stands, an elder of the Hidden Yin family rose to his feet, roaring in fury. Although his cultivation had reached the pinnacle of the先天 (先天) realm, he was still unable to save the young man from such a great distance.
Right now, he could only hope that his shout might have some effect. But soon, the Hidden Yin elder realized Gong Hao didn’t even spare him a glance.
Gritting his teeth, the young man from the Hidden Yin family had no choice but to endure Gong Hao’s attack head-on. Since he had already withdrawn his aura, resisting now could only result in serious injury.
“He already surrendered! You still want to kill him? What a damn dog!”
A furious voice suddenly echoed across the arena. Before Gong Hao stood a figure—Hong Zhong, who had been closely watching the situation. Seeing Hong Zhong step forward, Gong Hao’s brows furrowed slightly.
At the same time, Situ Xuan and Gong Luotian slowly raised their heads, their expressions shifting to surprise upon seeing Hong Zhong. How had this fellow’s strength increased so significantly?
“Hong Zhong, it seems you haven’t learned your lesson from last time!”
Seeing Hong Zhong’s figure, a cold smirk curled Gong Hao’s lips. Back then, Hong Zhong had caused him the most trouble, so naturally, he held a deep grudge against him. Facing each other again, he made no effort to hide his emotions…
“If it weren’t for your backup last time, I’d have crushed you like a dog. And clearly, I still can!”
Hong Zhong nodded toward another person. The latter slightly bowed and then stepped down, casting a resentful glare at Gong Hao before leaving.
Hong Zhong’s voice then rang out—”I’ll crush you like a dog!” After his retreat and cultivation, Hong Zhong had become even more arrogant than before…
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