Chapter 224.
Curiously, there seemed to be some excitement among the audience, perhaps due to the surprise of an underdog team challenging Purple Star Academy. For fans eagerly awaiting to watch another performance of Jiu Yikai, brought joy despite knowing the expected outcome.
On the ring, even the referees appeared slightly disinterested, lacking enthusiasm for a match against such a weak academy. While challenges from other Elemental Academies might pique their interest, facing such a feeble opponent seemed hardly worth Jiu Yikai's time. Wang Feng observed the members of Underworld Academy—five men and two women, all of average appearance and physique, blending easily into a crowd.
With the captain wielding the Horned Worm martial soul, the game commenced.
The referee's voice sounded lazily as he spoke, then he retreated to the high platform aside. Meanwhile, five of the seven members from Underworld Academy activated their martial souls and rushed towards Wang Feng, while the two auxiliary system soul masters behind them assumed imposing stances.
Wang Feng found himself even more perplexed by their actions. What could these seven individuals hope to achieve by charging towards him? Did they truly believe they could take him head-on?
Leading the charge was their captain, whose three soul rings lit up in succession. He transformed into a horned worm, as a sharp horn protruded from his head, emanating a milky white light. The remaining four members attacked simultaneously.
However, Wang Feng was left unimpressed. He found their strength lacking and couldn't comprehend their decision to engage in close quarter combat. The combined might of these five opponents was negligible, and Wang Feng believed that even Dai Mubai alone could handle and defeat them easily.
As they approached, Wang Feng's frown deepened, his eyes flashing with contemplation. With a casual motion, he sent the captain flying with a slap and swiftly dispatched the other four attackers in a similar manner.
In mere moments, all five opponents lay defeated on the ground, leaving only the two auxiliary system female soul masters standing at a distance. They uttered the –words, "We admit defeat," prompting another curious glint in Wang Feng's eyes.
This battle felt off from the start, and Wang Feng sensed that something was amiss. The opponents, hailing from a lower-tier academy with mediocre soul power, launched a lackluster attack.
Suddenly, Wang Feng's pupils contracted as a realization dawned on him, sending a chill down his spine.
Just as the referee was preparing to declare victory, a piercing scream erupted from the mouths of the two female soul masters in the distance, "Dead... he's dead!"
The audience fell into an eerie silence, and a wave of unease swept through the spectators. Even the referee was taken aback and hastened over to investigate.
Upon reaching the fallen captain, the referee's expression turned grave. The captain lay motionless on the ground, his eyes lifeless, a handprint visible on his chest.
The gravity of the situation sank in as the referee confirmed the absence of vital signs. The spectators were stunned, realizing the –severity of the incident. In the rules of the competition, causing harm to opponents to the extent of death warranted immediate disqualification.
As countless pairs of eyes turned towards him, Wang Feng's expression twitched slightly. Despite his precise control of power, the force behind his slap should have been insufficient to cause any lethal harm. However, under the scrutinizing gazes of the spectators, appearances could be deceiving.
Wang Feng couldn't fathom that such underhanded tactics were at play against him. He had a strong suspicion that the orchestrator behind this sinister scheme was none other than the Soul Hall, particularly the Platinum Bishop, Salas.
The motive was clear, Wang Feng's refusal to align himself with any faction, including the Soul Hall, likely drew their ire. Moreover, his mysterious identity and reluctance to engage in any form of communication made him a prime target for their nefarious designs.
As Wang Feng moved to approach the fallen opponent, the referee intervened, halting his advance.
"Of course, Purple Star Academy lacks backing... Being targeted like this, he must have incurred the wrath of some faction," Oscar whispered discreetly. "We need to tread carefully from now on. If we find ourselves in such a situation... as the Grandmaster warned us, competitions breed a multitude of tactics, and assassinations and under handed tactics like this are among the most insidious."
"I wonder if Jiu Yikai will be disqualified from the competition," pondered the group in silence.
The formidable reputation of Jiu Yikai had left an indelible mark on the minds of all participating teams. If such a formidable adversary were to be disqualified, it would be cause for celebration for many participating team but also a pity.
In the VIP section, Emperor Xue Ye wore a somber expression.
"This behavior from Jiu Yikai seems out of behaviour," he remarked.
Bishop Salas rose from his seat, shaking his head. "Your Majesty, as a member of the organizing committee, I have the authority to conduct an investigation first. If the allegations prove true, then we shall proceed according to the regulations."
Emperor Xue Ye cast a meaningful glance at Bishop Salas before nodding slightly in agreement.
"Salas's actions are rather despicable," Gu Rong commented through a discreet transmission.
"It might not be directly orchestrated by Salas himself, it could be the work of his subordinates. He wouldn't directly involve himself in such matters to avoid responisbility," reasoned another.
Ning Fengzhi shook his head, "But this method is truly despicable."
At that moment, Ning Fengzhi rose to address Emperor Xue Ye, "Your Majesty, allow me to share the burden of this matter. I am also a member of the organizing committee!"
"Yes, Bishop Salas, my Heaven Dou Empire is also one of the contest's organizers. Let Sect Master Ning accompany you," Xue Ye responded casually.
Upon hearing this, Bishop Salas furrowed as his brows slightly but nodded in agreement without uttering a word.
Clearly, Emperor Xue Ye also harbored suspicions and was unwilling to let him investigate this matter alone.
Regardless of what was said, Jiu Yikai hailed from the Heaven Dou Empire, not the Soul Hall.
Soon, Salas and Ning Fengzhi, as members of the competition organizing committee, accompanied by the Templars from the Soul Hall, proceeded towards the rest area where the Purple Star Academy was situated.
"Did someone provoke you?"
In the lounge, Dean Fei Lun observed Jiu Yikai's appearance and remarked in a solemn tone, "That individual must have chosen to end his own life. Your strike wouldn't have been fatal to your opponent!"
Wang Feng retorted coldly in his mind.
Wang Feng understood that with the prominence of his identity as Jiu Yikai, someone would inevitably target him.
However, he didn't anticipate such underhanded tactics. Clearly, in this scenario, one could interpret it however they pleased.
At that moment, a man suddenly appeared at the door, wearing a mask.
"I have something to discuss. Would you mind stepping out for a moment?" he said casually.
"Who are you?" Dean Fei Lun frowned, scrutinizing the man.
The man approached Dean Fei Lun and presented a token. Seeing it, Dean Fei Lun's eyes narrowed slightly, and he promptly left with several team members.–
With only two people remaining in the lounge, the masked man spoke, "Jiu Yikai... You've caused a death in the game, which means immediate disqualification. Despite the Purple Star Academy's influence, they can't shield you. You might face interrogation by the organizing committee. Later, the Templars led by Bishop Salas will also show up."
Killing someone in a major tournament wasn't unheard of, and being questioned afterward was standard procedure.
"Aren't you going to say anything?" The masked man's voice was clear, as if seeking a response.
After a pause, Wang Feng replied slowly, "Who are you, and why does this concern you?"
Hearing Wang Feng's voice, the masked man chuckled before asking abruptly, "I can help you out of this, but do you need to answer a question for me?"
"What question?" Wang Feng inquired, slightly curious.
Turning around to face Wang Feng, the masked man asked, "What's your relationship with Feng Yuxiu? And are there others?"
The masked man's flat tone betrayed a hint of emotion.
For a long while, Wang Feng remained silent.
"What's wrong with him?" Wang Feng's voice was devoid of emotion.
The masked man stiffened at the question. "Seems like you're indeed connected to him."
A peculiar gleam appeared in the masked man's eyes. "In that case..."
With those words, the masked man tossed something towards Wang Feng.
Wang Feng caught it, examining the token closely.
It was unique, featuring a seraph pattern on one side and six other symbols on the other.
Wang Feng's heart stirred. More than seven years ago, there was a similar token, but obviously not of such high caliber.
"When Bishop Salas arrives, give him this," the masked man instructed. "He won't dare to trouble you. And don't mention who gave it to you..."
"You bear a striking resemblance to Feng Yuxiu, with similar expressions, but your fighting styles are entirely different. There must be a unique connection between you two. Feng Yuxiu saved my life twice. I'll reclaim the token later," the masked man said slowly.
After conveying this, the masked man turned and departed. As he reached the door, he suddenly inquired, "Do you know where Feng Yuxiu is now?"
"He mentioned that if someone seeks him out, they'll meet by chance," Wang Feng responded.
Upon hearing this, the masked man fell silent for a few seconds before leaving the lounge.
"Qian Renxue, this girl..." Wang Feng murmured, fingering (E/N: Yesh, you heard it right..) the token.
"This token..."
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