There are a total of 8 universes participating this time around, with a total of eighty contestants.
The contestants all had peculiar appearances, representing diverse races.
It was evident that these individuals were the cream of the crop in their respective universes.
Moreover, due to the half-month extension this time, the strength of each universe had significantly surpassed that in the original work.
Of course, there were also some surprises.
Lin Chen's gaze fell upon the people of Universe 4 and Universe 9.
Compared to the original work, it seemed that the contestants from these two universes had undergone some changes, with those from Universe 4 experiencing the most significant changes.
Many familiar faces were now missing.
All of this, naturally, was a result of the recent attempted ambush on Lin Chen by the two universes, which ended in failure and significant losses on their part.
As Lin Chen surveyed the contestants from these two universes, it seemed they had sensed his gaze. As if having seen a ghost, a palpable sense of dread washed over them.
"Heh, Universe 4 and Universe 9 seem quite weak," Beerus chimed in, approaching Lin Chen and standing beside him.
"They brought this upon themselves; I'll eliminate them both as soon as the competition begins."
Suddenly, Lin Chen's gaze sharpened.
Because at that moment, a group of individuals clad in red uniforms had appeared in the arena.
Needless to say, this was the team from Universe 11, ranked first in strength among the participating universes in the Tournament of Power.
All of the contestants from Universe 11 were members of the hero team, the "Pride Troopers."
Within this team, several contestants possessed strength nearing that of a God of Destruction, with one individual having surpassed that level long ago.
Lin Chen had crossed paths with this person once before, engaging in a prolonged battle.
He was Jiren of Universe 11.
As Lin Chen's gaze settled on Jiren, Jiren's eyes met his.
Their gazes locked in mid-air.
Immediately, an astonishing aura erupted from Universe 11's side.
Jiren's eyes blazed with fury as he stared at Lin Chen, muttering under his breath, "It's really you!"
"It seems he remembers," Lin Chen couldn't help but wryly smile. Back when he was working for Chronoa, he once had traveled to the past of his own timeline in order to complete a mission.
During the mission, he had fought Jiren, tasked with delaying him for 72 hours.
That mission had been one of the closest brushes with death for Lin Chen, as the Jiren he encountered back then had been bestowed the future strength surpassing God of Destruction by a mysterious power.
To stall him, Lin Chen had narrowly escaped death several times, relying solely on copious amounts of recovery items to endure.
It could be said that in that encounter, Lin Chen had actually lost quite thoroughly, utterly unable to contend with Jiren's might.
However, like he had done with Hit in the past, today Lin Chen aimed to reclaim the honor in the Tournament of Power that he had lost during that encounter.
Yet, as Lin Chen observed, it appeared that Jiren had also grown considerably stronger since then.
It seemed that the clashes to come would be intense.
But that was precisely what made it interesting...
Lin Chen smiled faintly.
"Hey, Lin Chen!"
Just then, Beerus suddenly patted Lin Chen on the back.
"Look over there!"
Lin Chen followed the direction indicated by Beerus.
At that moment, Champa, who should have been cheering on and encouraging the contestants from his own universe, was inexplicably wandering among the different universes, whispering to the God of Destruction of those universes.
"Is Champa scheming something?" Lin Chen pondered and called Piccolo over.
"Piccolo, can you hear what they're saying?" Namekians have exceptional hearing. Piccolo cocked his ears for a moment before replying, "It seems they're discussing something."
"Discussing something?"
"Yes, it seems those universes are planning to unite and deal with Lin Chen."
"Haha, even if they unite, what difference does it make with Lin Chen, Goku and others on our side?"
Piccolo's words didn't make Beerus particularly nervous because, in his view, even if the top fighters from across the Multiverse united, it would be difficult for them to defeat Lin Chen and his Universe 7.
However, Piccolo added, "Beerus-sama, you seem to have misunderstood. They intend to deal not with Universe 7, but with Lin Chen alone!"
"Hmm?"
"Lin Chen alone? What does that mean?"
Just when Beerus was about to ask him to clarify, a rift suddenly opened in the sky, and a small hemispherical floating platform flew out from the rift.
Sensing the peculiar atmosphere on the floating platform, everyone at the scene immediately fell silent, raising their heads to look at it.
On the floating platform, Grand Priest stood with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing at the crowd.
His pale purple eyes swept over everyone before he smiled and said, "It seems everyone is ready, and all the contestants are present. Then, let us welcome both Zeno-sama!"
"Welcome, Zeno-sama!"
The deities of the twelve universes and the contestants from the eight universes all tensed up, shouting in unison.
As their voices resounded, two unusual purple-golden thrones moved to Null Realm, landing on the floating platform.
The small Zenos swayed their small feet, sitting on the thrones, with a Zeno bodyguard on each side, both of them looking sternly at the crowd.
"Ah~~ It's finally starting!"
"So exciting! You all better give it your all in the competition! The losing universes will be erased, you know!"
"So you better fight with all your might!"
The two Zenos happily stood up from their seats, the chilling words spoken in childish voices.
"Everyone heard that, right? For the sake of your own universes, please offer up an exciting battle." Grand Priest bowed to the two Zenos respectfully, then reminded everyone present.
"Yes!"
All the deities of the twelve universes promptly responded.
Immediately after, Grand Priest prepared to announce, "Well then, the competition is about to begin. All non-participants, please proceed to the spectator stands."
"Wait!"
Suddenly, a voice rang out from below.
Grand Priest looked curiously at the person who had just spoken and asked, "Mr. Champa, do you have a question?"
"Grand Priest-sama, I have objections to this competition! The strength of Lin Chen from Universe 7 has far surpassed that of ordinary mortals, even surpassing us God of Destruction! If the competition proceeds like this, Universe 7 will definitely win! Then there's no need to carry out the Tournament of Power!" Champa shouted.
Grand Priest furrowed his brow. "Champa-sama, what is your suggestion then?"
"Grand Priest-sama, I propose that the contestant Lin Chen from Universe 7 be excluded from participating!"
"What!"
Beerus exclaimed. Only now did he understand Champa's scheme - to exclude Lin Chen from the contestants?
How could that be allowed! Lin Chen was the strongest fighter of Universe 7. If he couldn't participate, then wouldn't Universe 7 be in danger?
Chapter 472 Champa's scheme, please remove Lin Chen!
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