Chapter 25: Celebrity Disciples
Hitman with a Badass System
Discussions were rampant, and the attention of everyone present was focused on Evan Clark, Victoria Parker, Hannah Berry, and Nyla Reid. These four disciples, each representing one of the three major sects, stood out as the most prominent contenders. If nothing out of the ordinary occurred, it was highly likely that these four would secure the top four positions.
Michael conducted a rough count of the young participants in the arena. Each of the three sects boasted nearly 200 disciples, whereas those standing at the 'Others' passage numbered fewer, with approximately 100-130 participants.
Despite Bredia being a relatively small kingdom within the Elen Continent, it still covered a vast and diverse territory, teeming with prodigies and geniuses. Within these major sects alone, there were over five thousand disciples, the majority of whom were outer circle disciples at the Foundation Stage or early Body Refining Stage. Among those participating in this event, many were here to gain experience and test their abilities and strength.
The competition featured a staggering rate of elimination, given that out of more than 700 participants, only 24 would advance to the second round.
"All participants are required to gather at the center in five minutes," a resounding female voice echoed throughout the stadium. Disciples from the major sects and youngsters from the 'Other' passage had already begun moving toward the center of the square without waiting for the full five minutes.
"Teacher, what should we do?" one of the Sunrise Sect girls quivered, glancing at Claire as the elder beside Mark let out a deep sigh.
"Riyan isn't coming, Sect Leader Claire. We should depart from this place now. At least that way, we can maintain some dignity rather than enduring ridicule from the other sects," advised Elder Miles.
Hearing this, Elder Sandra wiped away her tears and attempted a smile. "Elder Miles is right, Sect Leader Claire. There's nothing more we can do here. Let's leave this place and pack our belongings. I should distribute the remaining books and herbs to the children before we..."
Before she could complete her sentence, her voice faltered, and tears welled up in her eyes.
"You don't have to," a black-robed youth interjected, catching Elder Sandra's attention with his voice.
"What if I participate in the competition and donate my winnings to your sect?"
A stunned silence enveloped the group, and Claire appeared visibly shocked by the unexpected offer.
The elders believed he was making this offer out of genuine kindness, considering their dire circumstances.
"Young man, your words are gracious, but we can't burden you with our troubles, especially since you're an outsider," one of the elders responded.
These people appeared exceptionally kind and friendly, even among the cultivators Michael had encountered. He now understood where Riyan's kindness had originated; he had been mentored by individuals like these.
"Then I'll join your sect. Please don't take this the wrong way, but it seems like you have nothing to lose by letting me join. If I win, we'll secure the resources needed to sustain the sect."
Michael didn't beat around the bush; he straightforwardly addressed their predicament, making a compelling case. The elders were momentarily rendered speechless by his words.
"Why...why do you want to help us?" Claire inquired, her curiosity piqued.
"Because I want to. Now, please stay here and trust me to win this competition."
Before anyone could respond, he began walking toward the center, leaving them stunned.
Claire and the elders detected no deception or ill intent in his eyes, only a genuine desire to assist. This stranger's sincerity in wanting to help them, even though they had just met, touched them to a certain degree. They watched the youth as he made his way to the center.
"Well, he's right; we have nothing to lose. Given his cultivation level, he'll become a part of our sect sooner than he thinks."
As he reached the center, the war drums resounded once more.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The rhythm of the war drums quickened, causing many in the crowd to hold their breath. They were all aware that three Core Formation cultivators were about to make their entrance atop the Heaven's Gate stairway, releasing their formidable soul pressure.
Just at that moment, four figures descended like meteors from four different directions, landing on top of the stairway. As the onlookers glimpsed their faces, their mouths hung agape in astonishment.
These four individuals were unlike those from the previous year. Last year, they had been merely teachers from the three major sects. Now, the quartet atop the Stairway consisted of three young men and a woman, all in their youth.
"It's her, Celina—the youngest to reach the Body Strengthening stage and also the youngest core disciple of the Morning Star Sect!"
"Wow, aren't these the top four from the competition two years ago? Celina from Morning Star, Adam Kane from Golden Valley, Sadie Kaplan from Silver Moon, and OH MY GOD! Alex Fisher from Morning Star is here!"
"Unbelievable! It's the same Alex Fisher who secured first place two years ago!"
"He's remarkably young and truly a rare genius! Witnessing these prodigies with my own eyes has made the journey here completely worthwhile!"
"I think they will be the ones assessing the competition this year!"
"Teachers, what do we do now? Are we going to trust that stranger and wait for him?"
"I have a weird feeling about him. Let's see what he can do."
Even though his cultivation level was low, Elder Mark sensed a powerful aura around him and wanted to know whether he was right or wrong.
"Human! Let's get the f**k out of here! NOW!"
Just when he was about to join the crowd, Gaya shouted in his mind and her voice was full of panic.
"Shit."
Michael quickly understood the reason for the girl's loud exclamations as he spotted her atop the stairs. She was the same girl who had inexplicably attacked him at the waterfalls. Luckily, she hadn't noticed him in the crowded square, but he couldn't help but curse his luck.
"I can't back out now. I'm pretty sure the system would penalize me and do something drastic."
With the arrival of the four renowned disciples, the atmosphere immediately grew tense. While everyone had anticipated the arrival of the major sects' teachers, the appearance of these young celebrity cultivators had taken them by surprise.
Michael couldn't tear his gaze away from the four young figures at the top of the stairs. Their auras exuded an extraordinary and potent presence.
By now, he had grown somewhat accustomed to encountering exceptionally beautiful individuals, and Sadie Kaplan was no exception.
In contrast, Adam Kane from Golden Valley appeared relatively ordinary compared to Celina and the youth standing beside her. He was draped in a pearl-white fur coat that matched his long silver hair, which billowed in the wind. His strikingly handsome facial features resembled those of male models, giving him an air of unparalleled authority. A faint, golden light enveloped his body. In comparison, none of the other young talents seemed quite as exceptional, not even Celina.
"He must be the boyfriend of that psycho. I should be prepared to use my teleportation scroll if either of them decides to cause trouble. But then again, life wouldn't be much fun without a challenge, right?" Michael mused to himself, a sly grin forming on his lips. His blood began to heat up.
Initially, he had come to inform the Sunrise Sect about Riyan's demise, but now, as he surveyed the crowd and these prodigies, he felt the urge to demonstrate his prowess in this kingdom. After all, why should rare geniuses have all the glory?
With the system as his ally, Michael was determined to conquer this competition and amass a substantial amount of badass points. The mere thought of these points ignited his fighting spirit, sending adrenaline coursing through his veins.
At the top of the stairway, Alex Fisher and Celina assumed the central positions, exuding the air of leaders in this group. Alex casually raised his hand, instantly halting the pounding war drums.
"I won't waste time explaining the rules for this round. As usual, we're only interested in the top 24. I'll announce the prizes for the winners later," he declared with a regal air, radiating an aura of authority.