Chapter 525: The Grand Entrance

In the arena, the most bustling area within the Inner Academy, such a slightly bloody place would usually clash with the atmosphere of an academy. However, in the Inner Academy, these contradictions were not avoided, and it was wise for the Inner Academy to make this decision. It was because of the existence of the arena that the students who emerged from here did not merely know surface-level combat; instead, they were not daunted by brutal life-and-death battles. Due to the surrounding chaotic regions, those students lacking experience in bloody battles would likely meet a grim fate if they fell into the Black-Corner Region. The Canran Academy, which had many conflicts with the Black-Corner Region every year, knew this all too well. In the arena, with the promise of abundant “Fire Energy,” countless students struggled here every day. Although most sought pleasure and breakthroughs from combat, everyone was extremely pleased to gain additional rewards while increasing their combat experience. Every day, the arena could be described as a sea of people. The various loud roars filled the air, clearly audible even from a hundred meters away.

Today’s arena, like always, was packed with countless figures. Looking around, the dense crowd was immensely noisy, and the cacophony, like demonic music, caused some less accustomed people to feel a throbbing headache. In this vast arena, there were many platforms of considerable size, but today, nearly half of the crowd was gathered around one platform. As the two figures in the center fiercely collided, emitting surges of force, the arena was filled with enthusiastic cheers and encouragement.

“Boss, take him down!”

“Let those newbies know the might of our White Gang!”

On the stands outside the battle circle, the students with similar emblems watched the leader who was dominating the fight, laughing wildly and shouting. While yelling, some couldn’t help but mock the large group on the opposite stand with boisterous laughter.

Looking at the crowd on the opposite stand, the leading figure was a girl in green clothes. She was extremely beautiful, but what truly captivated people was her unique, serene lotus-like aura. The reason why so many spectators were attracted to this fight was partly due to the girl’s appearance and temperament. Despite the disadvantage, the girl’s face remained calm, though a hint of anxiety still lingered between her delicate eyebrows.

Behind the girl, a large group of students with the same emblem stood. After hearing the mocking laughter from the other side, their faces filled with anger. However, due to the current situation, they could only swallow their curses.

“Xuner, Wu Hao doesn’t seem to be a match for Bai Cheng. He’s too impulsive,” said a charming woman in red sleeves, with a fiery figure, as she saw the figure in the arena at a disadvantage. Her pale face couldn’t help but show a wry smile as she spoke to Xuner.

Xuner nodded slightly, her slender hands slowly clenching, her eyes fixed on the scene for a long time. “Although Wu Hao recently broke through to become a Nine-Star Great Fighter, the gap in strength is still too large… If it really won’t work, I’ll go in his place.”

“You’re going to personally intervene?” At this, Hu Jia was taken aback. Few people truly understood Xuner’s strength, as no matter the situation, the girl always appeared calm and composed, like an endless stack of cards.

“I can’t let Brother Xiao Yan see when he returns that the Pan Gate is being mocked like this.” Xuner smiled slightly, her soft voice carrying a hint of coldness. “Bai Cheng, originally I wanted to leave him for Brother Xiao Yan, but now… I’m afraid I have to deal with him first.”

Her words, as if dealing with a Six-Star Spirit Fighter like Bai Cheng required little effort, would normally draw ridicule. But seeing Xuner’s calm demeanor, Hu Jia found no room for doubt. She nodded slightly, then turned her head to focus on the battlefield below.

“Pan Gate? The force built by Xiao Yan?” In a good vantage point in the arena, several figures leaned against the railing, watching the battle below. When one heard the name, he couldn’t help but be surprised.

“Yes, the Pan Gate was initially formed by new students, but after absorbing more, many senior students have joined. Its leader is indeed Xiao Yan,” said Han Yue, her silver hair gently swaying, its brilliance somewhat blinding. She glanced at the surprised Lin Xiuyan and others.

“Heh, this guy is quite a talent. To achieve this in just half a year since entering the Inner Academy,” Lin Xiuyan chuckled. “But looking at the situation, the Pan Gate seems to be at a disadvantage. The new student’s attack, although fierce and with a rare touch of killing intent, is still far from Bai Cheng. But with his peak Great Fighter strength, forcing Bai Cheng to scramble is quite impressive!”

“Yesterday, I received news that Liu Qing’s men seemed to have contacted Bai Cheng. Originally, after Xiao Yan won the Alchemy Competition against Han Xian, Bai Cheng was wary. Things were fine for a while, but after Liu Qing’s men contacted him, he became arrogant. There’s something fishy here,” said Yan Hao, glancing at a spot in the arena with a playful look, despite his rugged exterior, his heart was much more perceptive.

“Xiao Yan and Liu Qing have a conflict?” Lin Xiuyan asked in surprise.

“Not exactly, Xiao Yan has a grudge with Liu Fei. You know how petty that woman can be,” Yan Hao said, seemingly disdainful of Liu Fei.

“Ha, this should be interesting. Xiao Yan isn’t one to back down, even if he’s just a Great Fighter. I, too, feel a sense of caution when facing him. It seems he hides his strength well,” Lin Xiuyan chuckled, leaning on the railing. His gaze drifted to where Yan Hao had been looking, spotting a faint figure in the shadows. The faint but powerful aura made them recognize the figure.

Yan Hao smiled, his expression showing a hint of anticipation for a direct confrontation. Beside him, Han Yue frowned slightly, then sighed, turning her gaze back to the intense battle below.

*Bang!*

In the arena, two figures, one in red and one in white, zipped past like lightning, colliding with a resounding crash. Instantly, two massive forces erupted, causing the hard floor to crack under the impact.

*Clang!*

A crisp sound of metal clashed, sparks flying as the blood-colored heavy sword and the deep yellow spear met. A visible surge of force rippled out, slamming into both figures.

*Thud, thud!*

The low sounds signified the figures retreating, but the white figure regained his footing after only two steps, muttering softly, his shoulder shaking off the force. In comparison, the red figure was much more disheveled, retreating seven or eight steps, and a trace of blood trickled from his mouth, his breathing uneven, indicating internal injuries.

“Great job, Boss!” The White Gang cheered as the red figure retreated, bloodied, and more mocking jeers were hurled at the opposing Pan Gate, infuriating them.

“Arrogant brat, a Nine-Star Great Fighter daring to challenge me, how presumptuous,” Bai Cheng sneered, twirling his deep yellow spear. “To a true powerhouse, your Pan Gate is just a clown. Earning Fire Energy is meaningless. Without strength, you’re just a fat sheep to others.”

*Spat.* Wu Hao spat out the blood, his face darkening, eyes glowing with a blood-red light as he stared at Bai Cheng, like a bloodthirsty beast. Even Bai Cheng felt a chill under that gaze.

Eyes flashing, Wu Hao made a decision, wiping the blood from his lips and slowly smearing it on his blood-colored heavy sword. The blade took on a dark red hue, and his face gradually turned a strange purplish red.

Seeing Wu Hao’s strange actions, Bai Cheng frowned, his spear quivering, pointing at Wu Hao. Just as Wu Hao was about to reveal his final card, a graceful figure in green flashed into the arena, placing a perfect hand on his shoulder, calming the wild power inside him.

“Let me handle this,” Xuner’s soft voice made Wu Hao pause. He shook his head, saying, “I can take him!”

Xuner glanced at Bai Cheng, then looked at the stubborn Wu Hao, who conceded under her calm gaze. He sighed, saying, “Be careful.”

“What? No one in the Pan Gate? Sending a girl to fight? Where’s Xiao Yan? Why is he absent at this critical moment? Is he scared?” Bai Cheng mocked, seeing Xuner enter.

“Dealing with you doesn’t require Brother Xiao Yan,” Xuner said, her composure surprising many on the stands, adding to their admiration. However, as they marveled at her poise, some resentment towards the absent Xiao Yan grew.

“Are the people of the Pan Gate all so arrogant? This year’s freshmen are the worst in recent years,” Bai Cheng growled, angered by the beautiful girl’s taunt.

Xuner didn’t deign to respond, her hand glowing with golden light, its powerful energy drawing gasps from the crowd.

Seeing the golden light, Bai Cheng’s face showed surprise, then a cold laugh, his spear swirling with dense, deep yellow spirit energy.

The arena lit up with golden and deep yellow light, and the two figures moved simultaneously, meeting in the center. Just as the collision was about to occur, a faint rumble echoed in the arena.

At that moment, a black shadow appeared between the two, arms like lightning, pressing on their shoulders. Gently pushing Xuner back to the edge of the arena, the other hand exploded with force, sending Bai Cheng reeling.

The appearance and retreat of the black shadow happened in an instant, leaving most people blinking in confusion before staring at the two retreating figures.

“Arrogance comes with a price. If Leader Bai Cheng finds it unbearable, Xiao Yan will play with you. Fighting a girl is beneath you,” a cool voice suddenly rang out, drawing all eyes to a black-robed figure who had appeared in the arena, their faces full of shock.

The black shadow solidified, revealing a clear, smiling face. Beneath the smile, everyone could sense a chilling intent.

“Heh, the real show is about to begin,” Lin Xiuyan’s eyes lit up, his gaze drifting to the hidden figure in the shadows, who seemed to straighten, his aura becoming slightly more imposing.