Vie with Each Other . . .
All the young men from the other clans glared at Cha Eun Xiao as he made his way slowly toward them. Their eyes were filled with hostility. [This guy with a handsome face. What's the big deal? He's charmed both gods and mortals!]
"Don't you realize this is a battle of life and death? You may be good-looking, but what does that matter? We're not in a beauty pageant, are we?"
"In this place, having a pretty face doesn't guarantee victory, but strength does!"
Cha Eun Xiao had just arrived and felt the hostile aura swirling around him in the air.
He was perplexed.
"What's going on? I clearly don't know any of them. Why are they all directing their hostility at me? Did I offend someone?"
After a while, he finally understood the reason, which only made him even angrier.
"Am I being blamed just because I have a handsome face?"
That's why everyone wanted to take a swing at him, even you, dear readers out there, want to punch him, don't you?
It wasn't his fault for having a handsome face, but it was certainly his fault for showing off in front of everyone!
...
The next moment, Cha Nantian went to meet the leaders of the other clans as the new leader of Cha Clan. He displayed neither humility nor arrogance, but instead, projected a dignified demeanor.
His image as a leader genuinely shocked the others. [This new chief of Cha Clan is no ordinary man...]
They had assumed that Cha Clan would be significantly weakened after the massacre, but it now appeared too optimistic. The arena might not turn out to be as advantageous to them as they had hoped!
The rules for the arena had been established and couldn't be altered. Cha Nantian, as the chief of Cha Clan and the primary contributor of the rewards, reiterated the combat rules.
"As we've all agreed, each clan will contribute their Regeneration Ink Lotuses, and we will assemble all of them in one place. The clans will draw lots to determine the participants' opponents. A victory in a battle will earn one Regeneration Ink Lotus as a reward for the winning clan.
"Each clan will select one representative to draw lots, which will assign their opponents. After the first participant of a clan fails, the clan can send the second participant onto the stage without another draw.
"Any victor can continue fighting their next opponent, but it is up to their discretion to decide whether to continue, up to the point of submission or defeat. There is no limit to the number of battles.
"With eighteen clans participating, the clan chiefs will serve as judges.
"For the record, this is not a battle to the death. Do not go beyond what is necessary. We do not want anyone to die. We do not permit chasing anyone in retreat or unnecessarily killing others!"
...
Cha Nantian read the rules aloud, one by one.
The rules were clearly defined, and the young men were elated. Their faces turned red, and their eyes gleamed with anticipation. They couldn't wait for the action to begin.
The drawing of lots was conducted promptly.
Cha Clan appeared to draw the short straw as they were the first to take the stage.
It was common knowledge that going early was advantageous for those who were strong enough. It offered more opportunities to accumulate Regeneration Ink Lotuses. However, the weaker individuals would become mere cannon fodder in the early stages!
In the eyes of the other clans, including Cha Eun Xiao, who was renowned as a formidable young cultivator, none of Cha Clan's members were considered proficient in battle. Their power was deemed extremely limited, as none of them had reached the Dream Origin Stage. According to the prevailing opinion, regardless of their opponents, Cha Clan's representatives were expected to face miserable defeat.
On Cha Clan's viewing platform, Cha Nantian inquired, "Who will be our first participant?"
He genuinely held little hope that his nephews, or anyone from Cha Clan for that matter, would achieve victory. His views aligned with those of the other clans. He held only a few members of the younger generation in high regard, notably Ye Zifeng. However, these young talents were all aligned with Ye Shuxin, who had unfortunately fallen at Cha Eun Xiao's hands.
It was no surprise that Ye Shuxin's faction consisted of the most promising talents. They were naturally gifted, and Ye Shuxin had showered them with resources and support, so it was only natural they outshone their peers.
On the other hand, the young individuals aligned with the other three groups, which supported Ye Shuqing, did not receive the resources they deserved, as Ye Shuxin bore a personal animosity towards them. Consequently, they had to rely on their own efforts for cultivation and were not faring particularly well.
Before Cha Nantian could continue, Cha Liangchen stepped forward and declared, "Chief, I'd like to be the first to compete!"
This swift offer took everyone by surprise. They questioned his eagerness, wondering why he was so hasty.
Cha Clan's leaders frowned upon seeing Cha Liangchen volunteering for the initial bout. They believed he was an average cultivator at best and was not prepared to face the elite representatives from the other clans. However, Cha Liangchen was driven by his enthusiasm, and denying his request would likely dampen his spirit and that of others. So, should they allow him to proceed? This decision might cause them to lose one Regeneration Ink Lotus to an opposing clan.
All eyes turned to Cha Eun Xiao, looking for his response.
Cha Eun Xiao chuckled and said, "I suppose I should go first. If I'm defeated, Liangchen can seek revenge on my behalf."
Cha Liangchen protested, "Come on, Brother Xiao, you're joking, right? There won't be any opportunity for us if you go first. You could take on all the bouts by yourself. If, by any chance, you get defeated, that would mean our opponents are even more formidable than you. It would be hopeless for us..."
This response nearly triggered a wave of laughter from the onlookers.
They all thought, [No wonder he volunteered so quickly, knowing his own limitations...]
Cha Eun Xiao laughed, "Brother Liangchen, you flatter me. Perhaps I'll be knocked out the moment I step on the stage..."
With that, his clothing fluttered in the air, and he glided away like a wisp of cloud drifting in the sky. He ascended to the stage and courteously greeted by cupping his fists. "Cha Clan, Cha Eun Xiao, humbly awaits."
This triggered chaos. All the young men from the other clans had eyes filled with determination. Seventeen individuals simultaneously surged towards the stage, like a swarm of bees.
"Let me go!"
"No, I'm first!"
"Get out of the way!"
"This opportunity belongs to me!"
"Anyone who dares to snatch it from me will become my sworn enemy!"
Several participants began fighting one another for the chance to face Cha Eun Xiao.
Han Bingxue, who had been discreetly observing within Cha Clan, nearly burst into laughter as he watched the unfolding spectacle. [Look at them vying for the chance...]
[Hilarious...]